If you are interested in hiking, rock, or outdoor climbing, there are a few things that you need and that are essential for these activities. What you bring depends on exactly the activity you will be taking part in, so keep that in mind. If your day or trip involves multiple physical activities or sports, prepare for them accordingly. These are the basics that will cover most of your needs, and although you can gear up with other things and carry plenty of items, these are the pieces of gear you should never be without.
Ropes, Harnesses, And General Climbing Kit Gear
For any climbing sport or activity, your ropes and harnesses are going to be essential. You want to purchase and bring along with you quality gear. Rope, carabiners, and harnesses should all be items that you never skip on strength and quality. Pay as much as you can afford, as you do not want to cheap out on these items. Consider thicker rope as thinner ones will tend to wear out faster. Length is also important to think about, as your climbing routes will need to factor this in. Additionally, as these items will be the foundation of your climbing rigs and you should always have some extras in your pack for different situations. You never know when certain gear will break or fail, but additionally, some situations will call on the need for extra support. It is best to carry more than you think you need rather than risk finding yourself in a situation where you are in need of it. For beginners or those that don’t climb often, consider kits that provide all your essentials, plus more. Even if you don’t suspect you will be doing a lot of wall and rock climbing, this is good gear to have as a safety precaution during any intense hiking trips to help with a wide variety of situations.
Hydration Gear
Depending on where you are climbing and how intense your activity is, you will need a sufficient amount of water in order to replenish your fluids and keep you hydrated. For climbing situations, look for a bottle of Iron Flask that will provide you strong durability, as well as the ability to connect a carabiner to ensure that you are able to attach it to your pack and not drop it. The last thing you want in the middle of the climb is to drop your source of water and hydration. You’ll want something that is easy to maneuver and not too bulky to handle either. For long hikes, you should be carrying large bottles with you and not need to worry about maneuvering around, but mostly the capacity of your water to ensure you have enough to drink. Another feature other than durability to consider is thermal capabilities to keep drinks hot or cold, depending on the temperature and environment you are hiking or climbing. For hands-free alternatives, a hydration pouch provides you the capability to consume your water on the run without having to occupy your hands and allow them to handle other things. Consider what you are going to be doing on your expedition or activity and how much water you will need in order to find the right hydration gear.
A Backpack
In order to carry all your gear, you need to ensure that you have enough space in your backpack. Granted, you do not want to overburden yourself, carrying a backpack that is too large and cumbersome, and packing it too heavy. This would cause you a great deal of discomfort and increase your fatigue. You need to consider the duration of your climb, and all the gear and supplies you need. If you are only spending the day hiking and are not going somewhere too intense, but with premade and easily accessible trails, you do not need a large pack. You simply need something that will carry the food and water you need, as well as perhaps some clothing to accommodate any weather changes. For longer or more intense trips, you will likely want to travel with a larger pack, even considering holding things like a tarp or tent in addition to all your gear. This will help you in choosing the right backpack that is both lightweight and durable, to help you survive your trek.
Shoes
Essential to any outdoor physical activity, you have to choose the right footwear for your needs. Shoes play a critical role in climbing and hiking. You have to determine the type of environment and conditions you will be trekking through. If you are hiking and climbing during winter seasons and snowy conditions, consider getting thermal shoes or boots that also provide a substantial amount of grip. If you are hiking in the warmer months, look for footwear that will still provide enough grip for slippery or wet conditions, but are also breathable. This is important as you may be spending a lot of time on your feet, causing them to heat up and sweat. Footwear with poor airflow will lead your feet to sweat more and cause discomfort. If you are strictly rock or wall climbing for the majority of your trip, you should look into much lighter footwear that is durable, breathable, and flexible. This ensures that you have the grips and footing you need. When choosing the right shoes or boots, make sure to try them on and wear them prior to your excursion, as you want to allow enough time to break them in as you will be on your feet quite a lot.
When climbing or hiking, you will want to be as lightweight as possible. This prevents energy expenditure from having to carry more than you need, but you want to ensure that you cover the essentials when packing and preparing for your activities, excursions, and expeditions. Take the time to plan and organize to ensure that you pack efficiently. Be prepared for whatever situations or circumstances you might find yourself in so you don’t have to worry about anything except the climb ahead.
