One of the travel trends that has emerged since the pandemic among Black millennials is hiking. More and more, people are getting outdoors and moving their bodies while taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery that hiking trails offer.
There are over 400 national park sites in the U.S., making it easy to find a location to hike in your area.
If you’re new to hiking or an avid hiker, here are 5 essentials you should always have on deck.
A Portable Charger
When hiking for hours, it’s easy for your phone to go dead. Make sure you always have a portable charger with you to avoid completely losing connection with the outside world, especially if you’re relying on your phone’s GPS capabilities.
Layers Of Clothing
Although we’re in the middle of summer, temperatures can change while hiking when going through different altitudes. It’s essential to pack layers such as a rain jacket or light hoodie so you’ll never get caught slipping.
Bottle Of Water
Staying hydrated is extremely vital, especially when hiking. If you don’t drink enough water, you can become dehydrated and even get a heat stroke. As you hike, it’s important to drink at least one quart of water per hour.
A Travel-Sized First-Aid Kit And Whistle
You never know what could happen while on a trail so you should always be prepared by having a travel-sized first-aid kit. The kit is light enough to fit in your backpack and will have necessities such as antiseptic cream and bandaids.
Having a whistle is great in case you’re trapped and need help or feel threatened.
Waterproof Bag
Sometimes weather forecasts aren’t accurate and you may get caught in the rain. To avoid your belongings getting ruined, it’s essential to invest in a waterproof bag or bag cover.