hiker on a peak

Pack For Adventure | 8 Things To Take On Your Hiking Trip

on . Posted in Blog, Hiking

A hiking trip can involve incredible adventure.

Beautiful sights, the thrill of conquering a peak, or traversing bottomland are just a few of the many escapades that await.

But, while imagining your final destination can captivate the imagination… you first need to prepare for the trip!

hiking family

And while you want to be sure you have everything you need, you also don’t want to take so much that you feel like your backpack is fighting you every step of the way!

So, whether you’re taking an ambitious hike or a more leisurely stroll, let’s cover 8 things to take on your hiking adventure!

First, Assess The Trip

The first thing that needs to be assessed when deciding what to take hiking is the level of the hike’s toughness as well as its duration.

For example, a 10-mile walk may sound like a fun adventure, but if you usually take short, relaxed strolls, it’s advisable to take an easy trail.

Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the climate and the weather conditions of your target hiking destination. Will you be walking through a hot, barren wasteland, or a shady area such as a forest?

hiking plan

The choice of what backpack to take is also important insofar as comfort is concerned because it affects how the body load is distributed and how it causes tension.

The other aspect of preparation is goals and objectives, which should be achievable. Though you may envision climbing high mountains, starting with some easier mountains is wise for gaining experience and confidence.

Essential Items for Every Hike

1. Navigational Items

Navigational items should be staples you take with you hiking, even if you are traversing a familiar area.

compass and map

Now, before you downplay the use of paper maps, keep in mind that a smartphone with GPS is certainly handy, but also unreliable, particularly in places with poor network or low battery charge. Therefore, a paper map and a simple compass should always be carried along in your pack.

On the other hand, if you take a GPS device with you, be sure to familiarize yourself with it’s usage, as it could certainly come in handy if you are to get lost or if you find yourself in a survival situation.

2. Mini Whiteboard

A mini whiteboard may not be an object that people think of when they make a list of what to take hiking, but it can actually come in very handy. For one, it can also be used to leave messages in an emergency. It can also be beneficial when one of the members in the hiking group has a weak voice or is unable to speak loudly enough due to weather conditions.

Miniature white boards can also have a more functional purposes, such as mapping or writing directions about the trail, or to making a list of things to do.

Some hikers like to take notes, and while some hikers bring along a journal, others prefer a mini whiteboard because it’s portable, reusable, and easily accessible. It’s a smart accessory for any hiker to be well-organized and safe on the trail.



3. Hiking Sticks

Hiking sticks (also known as trekking poles) can be helpful, especially when the ground is hard, steep, wet, and muddy.

They relieve pressure on your knees, increase your steadiness, and enable you to regulate your speed, which is especially important when going downhill.

hikers with poles

4. Clothing and Footwear

It’s essential to wear appropriate clothing for the climate and the ground conditions. Earing multiple layers of clothing can help you regulate body temperature as needed. In the same way, moisture-wicking fabrics help keep sweat and moisture away from the skin, making it easier to evaporate.

When going for a hike during the day, long sleeved, light colored clothes can help with sun protection and anti-mosquito clothing helps keep those pesky bugs at bay.


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hiking boots on feet

Be sure you wear them beforehand to break them in, to prevent painful blisters while on the trail.



5. Sun Protection

hiking sun

You need to be sure to take a sunblock with a high SPF number, SPF lip balm, and UV-blocking sunglasses in your checklist. A hat or cap with a wide brim also protects the face and the back of the neck from the sun. Be sure to reapply sunscreen frequently if you are sweating or in wet conditions.

6. Headlamp

If you’re planning a day hike, you might not think of taking a headlamp. However, it’s small, compact, and could be the only apparatus that helps you get home in one piece.

It’s good to be aware that in forests and valleys, it can get darker sooner than in open areas. Also, if a you end up staying on the trail too late, hiking out becomes much more dangerous, as you may not be able to adequately see the trail or obstacles on the way.

So, a good waterproof headlamp allows the hands to remain free and yet keep the trail adequately illuminated. It’s also advisable to carry spare batteries before you embark on the trip.



7. First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit should be part of every hiker’s gear. It should at least contain adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, gauze, and tweezers.

There may be other items you will want to add, like medications, allergic reaction treatments, or insect sting kits.

8. Food

Were you wondering if we were ever going to get to food?

Depending on the length and difficulty of your hike, you will need the appropriate amount of calories. In general, good hiking foods will be shelf-stable, lightweight and be packed with nutrients.

And remember, convenience is key. So, be sure to pack nutritious and convenient food that is either ready-to-eat or quick to prepare.

It’s also helpful to take foods that require minimal to no cooking.



Now, Go Get On The Trail!

The secret to a successful hiking trip is to be well equipped, but not too encumbered with gear and equipment. The eight items we have covered are the basics to ensure that you have a safe and fun experience.

Here’s to fun and safe adventures!

night vision city

Eyes In The Dark | What Are Night Vision Binoculars and How Do They Work?

So, you need to see when it’s dark…

Well, other than turning on a light or waiting for daylight, what can you do?

As a matter of fact, there actually is technology that allows us to see at night… it’s called night vision and it’s used by various optical devices, including night vision binoculars.

How Do Night Vision Binoculars Work?

So, you might be wondering… how exactly does night vision work?

night vision city

Night vision devices can be divided into two categories:

  • Active, which needs additional lighting – even in the form of residual external lighting;
  • Passive, i.e. those that use only infrared.

High-quality night vision binoculars are similar to standard binoculars, except that darkness is not an obstacle, as it is with standard binos.

Night Vision Devices to Choose From

Night vision binoculars are not the only equipment that allows you to see in the dark. You can also choose a night vision monocular, through which you can observe the surroundings with one eye. It works well both indoors and outdoors. It is handy and can be used to view distant targets, previously equipped with adapters or connected to a telescope.

Night vision goggles are worn on the head, so you can use your hands for something else, like carrying a backpack and a shotgun. Night vision goggles require a power source and are very good in shooting sports or during military training.

pile of hogs with night vision rifle and scope on top

Trail cameras used by hunters are typically equipped with infrared lights to capture photos and videos of wild animals during their nocturnal activities.

There are also hunting scopes that utilize night vison, for those who hunt for predators at night.



Night Vision Binoculars Features

Night vision binoculars can be divided into categories based on the night vision technologies that they utilize, which determine the binocular’s parameters.

Analog and Digital Night Vision Binoculars

Analog night vision devices/binoculars were the first iteration, and they certainly had their share of flaws. However, the second and third generation of products provide contrasting and realistic-looking images. One benefit of analog binoculars is that they are not susceptible to reflections caused by water, so you can use them in all weather conditions.

Digital night vision is a newer category of night vision devices that converts the image into an electrical signal and then displays it on a screen in front of your eyes. Digital binoculars also use this technology, and each model can have a different refresh rate. Digital night vision binoculars are one of the most popular, because they offers good quality and functionality while maintaining an affordable price.

night vision deer

Just like regular binoculars, each pair of night vision binoculars provides image magnification, with a wide array of ranges. Digital night vision binoculars allow you to digitally change the magnification. However, at higher magnifications, the image begins to look blurry. Analog night vision binoculars, however, only allow for a constant magnification rate.



What Are Night Vision Binoculars Used for?

The first night vision equipment was created for the needs of uniformed services, and more specifically, the military.

night vision binoculars military use

What to Consider When Picking Night Vision Binoculars

Choosing night vision binoculars is not so different from choosing regular binoculars. Pay attention to the durability of its construction, water resistance, weight, and magnification capabilities that fit the activity you will be participating in. In addition, it is a good idea to check the image quality capabilities as well as the range and battery battery life.

Binoculars with a digital cameras can be an added bonus, as they can be useful in recording your observations.

Vision… Day or Night

At the end of the day (pun intended), night vision binoculars are extremely practical devices that allow you to see at night and in low-light conditions. Thanks to advanced technology, such as ambient light amplification or infrared illuminators, they have a wide range of uses, including hunting, tourism, property protection and military/police services.

When choosing, be sure to consider whether the key features like image quality, viewing range, and durability fit the type of activity you’ll be needing them for.

Night vision binoculars can be an extremely valuable tool in the field, offering reliability and versatility, regardless of the conditions.

Tidewe silentrace hunting jacket system review

TideWe Jacket Review | The SilenTrace System

We had been hearing a lot about the SilenTrace Hunting Jacket System from TideWe and we wanted to check it out for ourselves to see what it was like…

TideWe SilenTrace Hunting Jacket System Features

Tidwe logo on silentrace jacket

The Heated Core

tidewe silentrace heated core
Tidewe silentrace battery pack in pocket
Tidwe silentrace jacket heat button


Extra Base Layer

Tidwe silentrace base layer

Elbows

Tidewe silentrace reinforced elbows

Zippers

Tidewe silentrace jacket front zipper pocket

Hood And Neck Gaiter

Tidewe silentrace jacket with hood and neck gaiter


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Should You Buy The SilenTrace Hunting Jacket System?

The fleece fabric makes the SilenTrace live up to its name… it’s silent! With plenty of pockets, as well as a removable hood and then the heated core, it’s a solid option for those looking for warmth and silence in the hunting woods!

Tidwe silentrace jacket with neck gaiter