Multi-day hikes are more challenging than a single-day trip, and the right gear is vital. It can make the difference between an awesome trip and a disastrous one. For starters, pack a good quality backpack that fits your needs and is comfortable. Then, pick out a set of hiking shoes appropriate for your terrain and weight.
Weather can be a huge factor in any multi-day hike. During your trip, you must be prepared for any potential issues, from temperatures to rain and winds. The best way to get a handle on the current weather is to use a good weather app before you set out on your trek. Then, you can plan based on your expectations and avoid bringing unnecessary gear.
A good weather app will provide helpful information, like sunrise and sunset times, current conditions, wind speed, and humidity. It will also tell you how much rain is forecasted and whether there are any hazardous weather warnings.
As with any hike, the gear you pack will vary depending on the terrain and conditions of your hike. For example, hiking through a desert will require different clothing than a hike in the mountains.
Regardless of the nature of your trip, it’s important to remember that a multi-day hike can be challenging. This is why it’s essential to pack the proper equipment you can rely on for your safety.
Water, food, shelter, and safety equipment are the most important gear for a multi-day hike. These items will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience! Hiking can take a lot of energy, so you must pack enough food to keep you fueled. Plan to eat every two hours during your hike and eat a snack when you start feeling hungry.
Protein-rich foods help to replenish muscle proteins and refuel your glycogen stores. They also supply amino acids that help you recover from exercise more quickly. Lightweight foods like instant noodles, rice, couscous and soup mixes make easy-to-make backpacking meals. You can also find shelf-stable boxed versions of your favorite comfort foods.
Water is one of the most important aspects of any multi-day hike. How much you bring depends on your personal hydration needs, weather conditions, and if there are fixtures or natural sources along the way.
Roughly a half liter (2 cups) of water per hour is the recommended minimum for adults and children hiking during normal conditions. This figure can be increased by up to 150-200 ml per hour hiking in hot or humid weather.
Treating any collected water with a filter or purification tablets is also a good idea. If not, consider carrying a reusable high-density polyethylene bottle to save weight and keep your water cool.
When backpacking, you need a shelter to keep out the elements and protect your body from rain, wind, and insects. Depending on your hiking style, you may use a tent (the most common shelter), a tarp system, or even a hammock.
You can also carry a bivvy, like a small heat-trapping sleeping bag that rolls up smaller than your fist. This is a great emergency shelter for nighttime hikes when temperatures can drop dramatically, and you’ll need to sleep outside.
You can also pack a bothy shelter, similar to a bivvy but a little larger. These are great for a lunch break or to regroup with a group of hikers in bad weather. They are a bit more expensive than a bivvy, but they are worth it.