7 Hiking Pack Essentials
Head Lamp
When the sun starts to set or fog starts to roll in, it’s time to bust out your headlamp to help increase visibility. Walking around when visibility is low is not only dangerous but also a sure way to get lost. A headlamp makes it easier for you to find trail markers, spot uneven terrain and identify landmarks to help you navigate to where you need to go. It also helps others find you.
Water
Make sure you and your dog stay hydrated on your hikes. Drinking water will help you keep cool, avoid dehydration, and help prevent heatstroke on hotter days. Bring a water bottle for yourself and one for your dog. Consider packing a collapsible bowl to make it easier for your pup to lap up water. The volume of water you will need depends on a few factors including the weather, temperature, difficulty of the trail, the distance you are hiking, and the amount of time you expect to be outdoors. For longer trips, consider bringing along a water bladder in addition to your water bottles.
First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit in your pack in case you or your dog gets cuts and scrapes while out on your hike. Make sure you kit includes hydrogen peroxide or another disinfectant and cotton pads to clean wounds as well as bandages and gauze to patch up cuts. A pair of scissors comes in handy if you need to cut the bandages down to size. They are also useful in the event you need to cut some fur off of your dog to properly clean and dress a wound. Throw in a small bottle of Benedryl in case you or your dog ends up with a allergic reaction to something on the trail. Do a quick inventory check before you head out and replenish items that you are low on.
Food
It’s important to fuel up on your hikes. Dry or dehydrated foods like trail mix and dried mangos take up very little room in your bag and pack a lot of nutrients that you need to sustain the energy to complete your hike. Here are my favourite foods to bring:
Trail Mix
Dried Mangos
Clif Bars
Treats for Dogs
Just like you, your dog also needs to fuel up during hikes. Pack some dried treats in a zip lock bag and throw them in your pack. My dog loves little doggie biscuits, beef jerky, and dental sticks. Make sure not to leave any of the treats behind. While they are safe for your dog to consume, they may be dangerous for wildlife.
Emergency/Health Supplies
Hiking during COVID-19 means bringing along a few extra items. Make sure to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer and face masks in your pack. Many parks require face coverings to access facilities including restrooms. In addition to these, make sure you a prepared for emergency situations. Some items you may want to bring along include:
Waterproof matches
Chapstick and sunscreen
Whistle - Use this to ward off wild animals or to call for help.
Navigation Tools
Your phone will probably not work in the woods. That is why it is important to hike with a map that shows the trails as well as the surrounding areas. If physical maps are unavailable, consider taking a photo of the trail maps at the trailhead before embarking on your journey. You can also use apps like AllTrails that make your cell phone into a GPS.
