Get Prepared for Hiking this Spring
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By PAGE Editor
Hiking is an outdoor activity which means that it's not easy to do at any time of the year. But, it's a great way to get closer to nature, be more active, and importantly, improve your mental wellbeing. However, the overall hiking experience will depend on the time of year, which season you're out in, and whether you're actually prepared with the right gear.
Spring Hiking: Unique Challenges and Considerations
As a transitional season from winter to summer, spring weather is often the most unpredictable. Spring weather conditions often change rapidly, which can cause additional challenges out on a hike. Paths and trails can become muddy, temperatures can shift suddenly, and the weather is unpredictable. Because of this, choosing the right gear is essential on a spring hike. And, good planning, preparation, and awareness of the trails is a must.
Essential Gear for Spring Hiking
There are many essential items for a spring hike. To keep the experience a fun one, while also ensuring you're staying safe. For instance, due to the changeable weather from warm to rain, it's essential that you have waterproof clothing. This should include waterproof hiking boots, specifically to counter muddy trails or unexpected puddles or water-filled areas. This also goes for jackets, which can be essential in keeping you protected when an unexpected shower occurs. With this in mind, waterproof backpacks or covers can help you keep your items dry through muddy trail conditions, just like gaiters can keep your legs dry.
While a lot of people focus on wet weather, staying comfortable when it’s warmer is essential too. Moisture-wicking tops are a must to keep away sweat. But so is layering with warmer layers for better temperature regulation.
As paths can be muddy or slippery, important hiking gear should always include trekking poles. Depending on the terrain, these can really help you keep your balance, getting you through more tricky sections of a hike. Microspikes on your hiking shoes are also good options to consider. Always consider the trail conditions and the weather, before you start buying all this equipment, as not all of it might be necessary.
Where to Buy Hiking Gear & Saving Money on Quality Products
As with a lot of outdoor gear and sportswear, getting good quality hiking gear can be expensive. Luckily, it's a popular pastime and readily accessible both online and in physical stores. This means it's easy to actually check out an item of clothing or a piece of equipment before purchasing it. There is also a wide array of top brands that offer great gear. Columbia, for example, offers a wide range of hiking clothing and gear, all of good quality without being too expensive. Better still, the offical online store often has various Columbia promo codes and offers in place, further dropping the cost of the items you can buy. Mixing and matching checking out items in a physical store, with purchasing them later online, means you'll get a great discount while knowing that the item is exactly what you need. Smart shopping like this helps you make the most of your hiking budget.
Best Practices for a Safe and Enjoyable Spring Hike
Before you begin purchasing the different items and gear needed for your hike, always consider the weather forecast. If you don't have the right gear for wet weather, don't go out for a hike. You should also do solid research regarding the trail conditions. You might find that some trails are almost impassable after the winter, which means no manner of equipment or gear is going to help you get through. Be aware of potential hazards such as wildlife, slippery surfaces, or broken river banks. This might change the layout of familiar trails, or mean you can't follow a specific trail to the end.
Finally, you should always be a responsible hiker. This means respecting any trail rules or guidelines, carrying plenty of water, taking important energy snacks, and cleaning up after you by following the Leave No Trace principle.
If you're properly prepared, hiking can be great fun. Enjoy nature's beauty to the max by being organized and ready for anything the trail and the weather can throw at you. Explore new trails while staying safe with the right hiking gear and equipment.
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