Hiking Gear Must-Have: Satellite Communicator or Locator Beacon

One of the most crucial pieces of hiking gear is a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon (PLB). In areas with no cell service, these devices connect you to satellites so you can send out messages, or in emergencies, activate an SOS alert. Mike highlighted the Zoleo satellite communicator, which pairs with your phone to let you stay connected even in the most remote backcountry.

While a PLB is more limited, functioning only as an SOS signal and it doesn’t require ongoing subscription fees. A communicator like Zoleo, on the other hand, may cost about $20 per month for a basic plan. Both options provide peace of mind, and either can be a literal lifesaver when venturing far from civilization.

Gear Essential: Portable Water Filter

Even if you think you’ve packed enough water, things can change quickly in the wilderness. That’s why a portable water filter is one of the smartest additions to your hiking gear. Unlike larger filtration systems that can be bulky, compact filters, like the Platypus model Mike recommends, are lightweight, simple to use, and small enough to forget they’re even in your bag.

In an emergency, you can scoop up water from a creek or river, attach the filter, and safely drink. For an item that takes up so little space, it offers huge benefits in terms of safety and peace of mind.

Reliable Headlamp: Hiking Gear You Shouldn’t Skip

The third must-have item is a dependable headlamp. While rechargeable models are environmentally friendly, they can leave you stranded if you forget to recharge before a trip. That’s why Mike suggests carrying a hybrid headlamp that works with both rechargeable packs and replaceable AAA batteries.

Being able to swap batteries on the trail ensures you’re never stuck in the dark. A reliable light source should live in your pack at all times, even for short day hikes—you never know when plans will change or emergencies will arise.

Safety Starts in Your Pack

Every outdoor adventure comes with unknowns, but carrying the right hiking gear can make all the difference. A satellite communicator or PLB, a portable water filter, and a hybrid headlamp are three compact, lightweight, and potentially life-saving tools worth keeping in your pack year-round.

As Mike emphasizes, it’s not about the length or difficulty of your hike, things happen. Having the right gear ensures you’re ready when they do.

To ensure you’ve got all the essentials and room to carry them, check out this quick guide on choosing the right backpack size for your adventures.

The post Hiking Gear That Can Save Your Life appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Seek Qualified Instruction and then Practice, Practice, Practice!

I will do my best to give you a basic overview for navigating the backcountry. There is only so much that can be transferred in a blog post. If you are serious about becoming your own best resource out there, then it is important to get real-world practice with an expert.

I recommend bribing one of your friends or family-members who have demonstrable navigation skills. You can sign up for a formal navigation class through a local outfitter or agency. Once you are comfortable with the principles of navigation, practice what you've learned in low-risk settings.

Ultimately, there's no substitute for just getting out in the woods with a hiking map and compass in hand, and connecting the dots. A good hiking app can help make the planning phase easier but you should be familiar with backcountry navigation.

Always Carry a Paper Hiking Map and Compass

Now, when I say “always,” I'm referring to hikes that take you miles from civilization. Hikes into national forests, canyons, mountain passes, etc. If you are simply sticking to a well-marked out-and-back or looped trail in a national/state park, then you'll most-likely be fine with just the day hiking essentials for beginner hikers.

If you get a little mixed up, or want to check the remaining distance, your smartphone will bail you out. 

With all of that said, for any kind of advanced treks in which markers can be missed, trails can split, so having a high-quality map is a must. You will find National Geographic or U.S. Geological Survey hiking maps at places such as outdoor shops, ranger stations, national park visitor centers, or online.

Just be absolutely certain that the hiking map in your hand covers the region you'll be hiking through. Sometimes this will mean carrying multiple maps. For instance, I posted some videos recently from the Wind River Range in Wyoming. But the National Geographic map is split into a North and a South version. The trail I took stayed entirely within the North section. 

Magnetic Declination

Because True North and Magnetic North are slightly off kilter, it will be necessary to calibrate your compass accordingly. When you open up your map, there should be a little section that you can place your compass on, and then rotate the dial to account for this angular difference. For example, I needed to twist my dial 10-degrees East because of the magnetic declination in the Wind River Range (North).

After making this adjustment, I was then able to use my compass and map normally, and know that it was aligned to True North. Though the gap may seem small, it makes a significant difference over large distances. 

For a visual representation of how to calibrate for declination, and then physically orient yourself for cross-country navigation (or in the event that you get lost), skip ahead to this section of the video below. 

How to Use a Hiking App on Your Phone

It's official, using a smartphone in the backcountry is now common practice. I myself rely on my phone most of the time, but it's important to recognize its limitations. Both cell service and batteries can evaporate deep in the wilderness (and phones themselves can get lost or broken) and so this can't be your only method of navigation – a physical map should reside in your pack. But with that said, let's look into the advantages of a smartphone. 

For a while, I was using the CalTopo app. Though I was pleased with what it offered, and do still recommend it to certain people, I just found its layout to be quite technical. Nowadays, I prefer to use the onX backcountry app. This platform blends easy-to-use, intuitive information with some of those technical specs.

OnX Backcountry Hiking App

For most people, features such as exact trail profiles will far surpass what a paper map can indicate. For instance, onX lays out the elevation changes in a clear, two-dimensional graph. This delivers a more accurate sense of what the hike will entail in terms of intensity, but also general reference points. If the profile says that the trail rises 3,000 feet in 2 miles but the next half an hour is all flat hiking, then you know you missed a turn somewhere. 

OnX also provides trail descriptions, photos, and trip reports from other users. All of these components help me to plan my trips, as well as execute them. I even learn about awesome alternative routes in the same area by scanning around on the map. Often the same handful of popular trails make it into the guidebooks and blogs, but other well-blazed and satisfying hikes go widely unnoticed. 

What I find to be the most useful about the onX app is that you can download the maps in advance and then keep your phone on airplane mode while hiking in order to preserve its battery life. Even while offline, the app is still communicating with GPS and gives you very accurate, up-to-date information about your location. I can generally get 3 to 4 days on a single charge if I mostly keep my phone offline. 

There are other great trail apps out there, such as AllTrails, Gaia, and Strava, but onX is the one that I have used the most, and can therefore personally recommend. 

Don't Solely Rely on Someone Else 

Even if you're with an experienced hiker who is confident in their navigation skills and has a map/compass/app, I think it's a good idea to be hands-on in the process. Everybody makes mistakes and two heads are better than one. It's fine to let someone else take the reins, but still bring your own tools, know how to use them, and check them periodically.

This doesn't need to be done with a treasonous tone. Quite the opposite, actually. If you're hiking with someone who knows their way around the backcountry, then ask them to show you how they are navigating. By the end of the trip you will have seriously leveled up as an explorer. 

I hope you all found this introduction to navigation helpful. You may want to follow this up with some formal, in-person instruction, but at the very least, you now have a sense of some previously unknown dynamics and variables.

The backcountry is a great place to find yourself, but not if you get physically lost in the process! So empower yourself with more knowledge, and get your hands on some paper maps in conjunction with those fancy apps. Have fun out there and stay the course!

For more instructional aids, gear reviews, and epic adventures, head on over to BackpackingTV. 

Navigation Apps: onX backcountry, CalTopo app, AllTrails, Gaia, Strava
Clothing: Otero Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Jacket – Men’s

The post Hiking App vs Hiking Map: How to Navigate in the Backcountry appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Moving your body over natural terrain, sucking in some fresh air, soaking up that Vitamin D, and maybe even mingling with wildlife (from a safe distance, of course) is a surefire way to boost both endurance and joy. If you are looking to get into this pastime, or learn more about how to better approach it, then follow along with these essentials of day hiking. 

Day Hiking Essential #1: Yourself!

Regardless of your fitness level, a willing spirit, curiosity, and an open mind will serve as an excellent foundation for your hiking career. And if you lack in any of these areas, go for it anyway! Hiking is definitely one of those activities where you can fake it 'till you make it. While I will point out some helpful gear in a moment, generally speaking, the barrier for entry when it comes to day hiking is incredibly low compared to many other sports.

For many simple routes, you don't need much more than a bottle of water. As you progress, you can build up a tried-and-true pack, incorporate certain safety measures, and take on more advanced trails. Or not! There is always the option to settle into a comfortable groove and just enjoy the great outdoors. 

Day Hiking Essential #2: A Day Hiking Pack

Finding the right backpack can be a fun little quest, and when you snag something you're excited about, it will make you want to get out and hike even more. The Mystery Ranch Coulee 20 is my glass slipper. Mystery Ranch has been a sponsor of BackpackingTV for many years, and I am always blown away by the quality of their packs.

For those of you who don't know, the number that follows the name of the backpack typically represents the volume capacity. So, in the case of my Coulee 20, it can hold 20 liters worth of goods. In my opinion, this is the perfect size for standard day hikes. Anything less and you might have to leave behind snacks and layers that could really come in handy. Anything more than about 30L and you might find that the bag sloshes around needlessly. 

We did a day pack review, check it out: Bridger 35L Day Pack Review.

Day Hiking Essential #3: Hiking Shoes

If you find yourself regularly logging more than a couple of miles, then a comfortable/durable pair of hiking shoes will be a huge asset. If the trail is short and level, then you can probably get away with whatever casual shoes you have at home. But longer distances, especially over undulating and uneven terrain, might cause your minimally-protected feet to blister, or you might end up getting injured.

I personally don't think you need to invest in some heavy-duty tank of a boot in order to be a responsible day hiker. I have always gotten by just fine with a lower cut, running-style shoe, as long as it has decent grip, and maybe some reinforcements around the toes. This approach will keep your costs down, and honestly, unless the conditions are particularly gnarly or wet, lightweight shoes feel better and take less time to break in. 

Day Hiking Essential #4: A Good Pair of Socks 

Just like how a peanut butter sandwich needs a little jam, no pair of hiking shoes can perform to its full potential without a good pair of socks. I can't emphasize enough that cotton socks are a no-no. Hiking-specific socks will usually be made from wool, synthetic fibers, or a mix of both. Cotton retains moisture which inevitably leads to blisters.

Plus, performance socks will hug your foot better, and often have extra padding. This is an area where you should expect to spend more, but socks are still a relatively small purchase in the grand scheme. A few good pairs will last you for a while, and ensure a better experience on the trail. 

Day Hiking Essential #5: Water

The amount of water that needs to be packed varies depending on the conditions, intensity, and duration of the hike. Under very few circumstances should you ever have less than 1L/person. Buying a disposable 250ml water bottle at the gas station on the way out to the trailhead is not enough (and it's also not ideal for the nature-loving theme of hiking).

Along with my trustee Nalgene bottle, I also like to carry some form of water treatment method with me so that I can reload on the trail. Personally, I've had a lot of success with the GRAYL GeoPress. However, if you're hiking in an arid environment, then you may simply have to carry more fluids. 

If you want to learn more about affordable water treatment options, check out $100 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers. 

Day Hiking Essential #6: Nutrition

Unlike water, you can go for a decent stretch without food. However, smart nutrition on the trail will boost your performance, aid in recovery, and if you ever do get lost or in trouble, you will be glad that you packed redundant snacks. I like to bring things such as Clif Bars (or other nutrient-dense supplements of that sort), trail mix (it's right there in the name, so you can't go wrong!), dried fruit (I personally love apricots and mangos), and anything else that provides you with good sources of carbohydrates (i.e. your most immediate source of energy), and electrolytes (i.e. sodium, potassium, and magnesium).

Once I actually fell into a bout of hyponatremia while on an unexpectedly-long day hike because I only had water with me, which diluted my sodium levels to a dangerous degree. Overhydration is a weirdly common problem in endurance sports, but can be easily thwarted by consuming some salty snacks on the fly. 

Day Hiking Essential #7: Jackets for Wind and Rain

Even when I'm hiking in the desert, I always carry a good rain jacket with me (which right now comes courtesy of Cotopaxi). Regardless of what the weather report says, in the wild, and especially if moving to a higher elevation, conditions can change rapidly. Having something to throw on in case of heavy winds or precipitation (in whatever form it may take) is key for staying comfortable until it passes, or until you can return to the safety of the trailhead. 

On that same note, I also like to carry a nice packable puffy jacket. Especially in the summer, people adopt a false sense of confidence. But this is when issues can arise. Sure, you were sweating up a storm in just a t-shirt while on the move, but now that you've twisted an ankle or lost your way, perhaps in conjunction with the setting sun or shift in the weather, your body would love something to preserve that precious warmth. 

Day Hiking Essential #8: A Head Lamp

If you leave for a short hike at a reasonable hour, then packing a headlamp might seem silly. But part of responsible hiking involves planning for the unexpected. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just has to be fully charged, or have new batteries in it. You can even find ones for around $15, and even the clunkiest of options still stow away in any old pocket of your backpack.

This will not only come in handy if something goes wrong, but it also opens up the wonderful world of sunset lookout hikes. Washing the day down on a backcountry perch is truly a special moment. And afterwards, your headlamp will make that 2-mile return journey a straightforward affair. 

Day Hiking Essential #9: Sun Protection

While storing up Vitamin D is a great benefit for hikers, you don't want to overdo it in the blazing sun. So remember to pack some sweat-resistant sunscreen, a pair of polarized sunglasses (my current faves are from Wiley X), a hat with a brim, and even a light long sleeve for added protection. It may seem counter intuitive, but layering up when the sun simply won't quit can really make a difference. And then, if the temperature drops, it will once again come in handy. 

Day Hiking Essentials #10: First Aid Kit

Pick one of these up at your local outdoor dealer or pharmacy and just keep it in your pack in case you need to treat minor wounds. Most often, you'll reach for it because of blisters (so remember to restock those band-aids on occasion). 

Day Hiking Essential #11: Navigation

While many novice to intermediate trails are easy enough to follow, being able to navigate your surroundings is important. Currently, the most common way to do this is with your smartphone. There are lots of good apps, such as onX, Gaia, CalTopo, AllTrails, that will do the trick for most day hikes. However, phones can die (especially if you're taking lots of pictures/videos), and so it's wise to have a good old-fashioned map and compass with you as well – especially if you're heading into remote areas. With that said, if you're just going for a simple out-and-back stroll in a popular state or national park, then there probably isn't any need to overthink the outing. 

Bonus Item #1: A Pocket Knife

There are certain items that I wouldn't consider “essential,” but I still include them in my regular arsenal. A pocket knife, for instance, might be good to have for opening packages, trimming derelict pieces of gear, or even just whittling a stick just for the hell of it. 

Bonus Item #2: A Space Blanket

Some die-hard survivalists (is that an oxymoron?) will insist that every day hiking pack include a space blanket (i.e. that emergency sheet that looks like aluminum foil and reflects your body heat). Personally, I don't feel as strongly about including this, but I wanted to mention it so that you can make a call based on your own experience and comfort level. 

Bonus Item #3: A Camera

Sometimes it's nice to unplug and connect with nature, while other times snagging those high-quality shots to share with friends, family, and social media followers is a satisfying way to go. Photography is one of my many side hustles, and so I'm often happy to lug the extra weight, and take the extra time to snap pictures. But I still recommend leaving the camera at home once in a while in order to roam free and easy across the trails.  

Based on my professional experience, those are the things that I consider essential (or otherwise helpful) for the majority of standard day hikes. I hope that you feel inspired to throw together a pragmatic pack that will take you to new heights (literally). Once again, one of the appeals of day hiking is that the equipment list and preparation doesn't need to be as intense as full-on backpacking. Just check off some of the basics, start small, and build up from there. Have fun out there!

For more tips, gear suggestions, and bucket-list trails, check out BackpackingTV. 

Backpacks: Mystery Ranch Coolee 20 Day Pack
Jackets: Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket, Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Fleece and Layers: Cotopaxi Otero Half-zip Pullover
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Day Hiking Essentials for Beginner Hikers appeared first on Hazeadventure.