Overnight hikes are fantastic adventures that can be enjoyed by anyone who’s in decent shape. If you’re planning an overnight hiking trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared and have the appropriate knowledge about what to expect from your adventure. Here are some tips on how to prepare as an overnight hiker so that you have the best experience possible.
How to Properly Prepare as an Overnight Hiker
Have the Right Gear
One of the most important things to do before embarking on a overnight hike is to prepare with the proper gear. This means making sure you have the right footwear, clothes, and food, and that your backpack is comfortable and well-organized. You’ll also want to pack enough water or other hydration source such as a CamelBak so you don’t get dehydrated, and make sure you have a map of the area.
Know Your Route
The first step in preparing for an overnight hike is knowing the route. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, research the trails and find a map. The map will show you the distances of each leg of the trail and point out any steep inclines, which can be tricky to navigate at night. It’s also important to know where you are starting from, what time you’ll begin hiking, where your destination is and how long it will take to get there.
Bring Enough Food and Water
Bringing plenty of food and water for the duration of your hike is crucial. The food you bring should provide more calories per ounce than what you currently eat, so that you can pack less weight. Some good options are nuts, jerky, energy bars, or high-calorie trail mix. You should also bring a water filter or other means of purifying any natural water sources you come across while hiking.
Pack Light
Being an overnight hiker means that you need to pack only the most essential items for your trip. One of the best ways to do this is by using a backpack that is made for hikers, like the Deuter Men’s Casual Daypack, Black-Graphite, one Size. This bag has enough room for a one-night trip with plenty of pockets and compartments for smaller items. Start by packing clothes in the bottom of your bag, followed by a water bladder or bottle.
Dress for the Weather
The first thing you should do is dress for the weather. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of conditions and emergencies. Pack clothes in layers so that you can take off or add clothes if necessary. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good traction for trails and rugged terrain. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm with SPF.
Be Prepared for Emergency Situations
Prepare for the worst. While it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a dangerous situation on the trail, it’s best to be prepared. Pack a first-aid kit, including antiseptic wipes and bandages. If you’re hiking during the summer months, pack bug repellent and sunscreen. If you’re camping overnight, bring a lighter or matches with you in case your campfire goes out.
Leave No Trace
It’s important for all hikers and backpackers to practice Leave No Trace principles, including those who are hiking overnight. There are a number of things that you can do in order to minimize the impact that you have on the outdoors.
- Use a lightweight stove and fuel canisters instead of a campfire so that you don’t leave behind any ash or charcoal and don’t have any smoke blowing into other people’s campsites.
- Keep your food within arm’s reach at all times and always keep it in sealed bags.
- Make sure that if you bring a dog with you on the trail, it is always leashed.
- Always pack out everything from your campsite when you’re leaving – even trash! That includes your tent stakes, which should be buried or returned to the place they came from (if they were placed there by someone else).
Finally, remember that no matter what time you hike or how many miles you go each day, it’s important not to over-exert yourself. If you start feeling sick during your hike (especially if you’re dizzy), slow down and rest until the symptoms go away.
