Your First Overnight Hike: Tips For Choosing The Right Gear
Backpacking, or overnight hiking, is a great way to get active and spend time in nature. But no matter how acquainted with nature you are, you need the right equipment in order to have a safe and enjoyable time on the trail. Here are some tips to help you shop for and choose the right gear.
1. Look for dri-fit base layers.
You will want to dress in layers when you are out on the trail. This way, you can easily add a layer when you become chilly or subtract a layer when you become too warm. Temperatures will fluctuate throughout the day and night, of course. For your base layers, be sure to pick items made from a dri-fit material. This material will breathe and wick moisture away from your body, so you don't catch a chill after you sweat. There is a saying among hikers that "cotton kills." This is because cotton absorbs moisture and traps it against your body. Modern dri-fit materials do not behave this way, so not only are they more comfortable, but they're also safer.
2. Buy hiking shoes a half size larger than normal.
When you are out on the trail for multiple days, your feet will swell. In order to prevent your shoes from becoming too tight and causing sores, you should buy your hiking shoes a half size larger than you normally would. They should not be loose when you try them on in the store, but they should feel like they have a little extra space.
3. Choose wool or dri-fit socks.
The socks you wear will play a huge role in determining the condition of your feet when you're all through. With wool or dri-fit socks, moisture will wick away from your feet, making you less likely to get blisters. Stay away from cotton gym socks. Unless it is really freezing outside, medium-weight socks are often the best choice since they offer protection without taking up too much space inside your shoes.
4. Wear long pants.
Even if it will be warm outside throughout your whole hike, you are better off wearing long pants rather than shorts. Pants protect you from scratchy weeds, ticks, poison ivy, and UV rays. Look for ones made with lightweight, windproof material. As long as the material is thin, you won't get too warm. If the weather is cold, you can wear a pair of dri-fit tights under your hiking pants for extra warmth.
For more information, contact a company that offers custom dri-fit apparel.
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