Summer is that time of the year when most people love to be outdoors. Hiking and camping are two fun activities best suited for summer weather, both bring you closer to nature where the ambiance all around is filled with the tweeting of birds, the screech of owls, and the chirp of crickets. Hiking and camping are two of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of nature. However, there are certain precautions that should be taken before hiking or camping.

Best Products For Hiking and Camping All On Sale

CAMPING CHECKLIST / CAMPING TIPS

Look up and plan out the location, date, and forecast of the area you wish to explore.
Once you have decided on the when and where, tell someone where you will be going before you leave and don’t change your plans unless letting them know first.
Now it’s time to decide what you’ll be carrying, how much to carry and what not to carry. Here are some helpful hiking and camping tips:
If you’re going on a hike; the foremost priority should be given to your footwear, comfortable boots are essential to make your hiking trip a success. Your choice of footwear should depend on the location, weather, and traction. Pack a couple pair of hiking socks along with your boots to avoid getting any nasty blisters.

Choose a sturdy and spacious backpack depending on the number of days you plan to hike and/or camp, it should contain the necessary gear such as undergarments (take synthetic ones if you are planning to hike and camp during winter, otherwise go for cotton underwear), rainwear (depending on the weather), toiletries, food, water (or water purification tablets), and other essential articles.

If camping is part of your hiking trip pack a good quality tent. Your choice of tent should be based on the size and material not the color or style. Also make sure your tent has a rain fly and a “tent diaper” (a tarp functions just as well) which is laid on the ground under your tent to keep it dry if it rains.

Gear that might/should fall under “other essential articles” for hiking and camping are: a signal mirror, compass, water bottles, emergency kit (including a first aid kit), extra batteries, sunglasses, sunscreen, sweaters, duct tape, light ropes, a lighter and a few all-purpose zip lock bags.

Whether you decide on camping or hiking you need to plan out what food you’ll be taking with you.
Granola/breakfast bars make a good breakfast, meat products (if packed) should be consumed on the first day otherwise they would most likely spoil. Canned foods make for an easy meal and are very durable.
When choosing your food be sure to check the expiration date, carrying an extra supply of food is always a good idea when hiking long distances.
If you plan to cook using a campfire, don’t forget to include a knife, spoons, plate, bottle opener, kettle, frying pan, a couple unbreakable mugs.

And remember friends; hiking and camping can be amazingly fun activities as long as you take the above information into consideration and keep yourself thoroughly prepared.

Happy trails! Written by Matt Cromar

Best Products For Hiking and Camping All On Sale NOW at REI