Hiking gear varies depending on the type of trek, with essential items including breathable clothing, water filtration systems, backpacks, and appropriate clothing. Breathable clothing is crucial to regulate body temperature, while water filters purify natural water sources. Backpacks must be sturdy and waterproof, with internal frames for support and hydration bladder systems.
The type of hiking gear you bring on your trip will depend on the type of trek you are doing. The equipment needed for a bike trek, for example, will be different from the equipment needed for a backpacking trek or a guided trek. Most people think of trekking poles when they think of hiking gear, and while this is certainly a very common gear choice, it’s by no means the most important. Some vital pieces of hiking gear include sleeping bags, backpacks, water filtration systems, cooking equipment, maps or global positioning systems (GPS), and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Breathable clothing is perhaps the most important hiking gear you’ll need for any type of trek. People sweat while walking or cycling, and if the weather gets colder, that sweat can cause your body temperature to drop. Breathable clothing keeps sweat and other moisture away from the skin, keeping it dry and allowing the body to regulate its temperature more easily. Such garments are made from synthetic materials and tend to be more expensive than other materials such as cotton, but the investment will prove well worth it under adverse conditions.
Water filter systems allow a trekker to purify water for drinking. Natural water sources can be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially giardia, an organism that can infect the intestines. Water filter systems allow a trekker to pump water directly from natural water sources into water bottles after the water has passed through several filters intended to kill most bacteria. It is an indispensable piece of hiking gear, as regular and filtered water sources are rarely available to people who hike.
Backpacks or other containers are vital pieces of hiking gear for anyone. Bike hikers will use specially designed panniers that mount to racks attached to the bikes, while backpackers will carry the pack on their backs. In both cases, the packages must be made of sturdy water resistant or waterproof materials to protect the contents of the package. Many packs are made from ripstop nylon which helps prevent tearing in adverse conditions. Backpackers should choose backpacks that fit their body properly, and backpacks should feature internal frames made of lightweight aluminum or plastic that help support the weight of the backpack during transportation. Many backpacks also feature hydration bladder systems; the bladders are filled with water and connected to a pipe that can be used to dispense drinking water.
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