Is hiking on your to-do list? Are you looking to take it a notch higher? Hiking is a gratifying experience if you love nature and enjoy a good workout. But as exhilarating as it is, you need to be well prepared since hiking is fun but is dangerous. 

So, as you plan to have fun, also plan to survive if the hike goes wrong by investing in a survival kit. From losing the trail, encountering wild animals, change in weather to running out of water, your trek can quickly turn messy. 

One of the best ways of planning for a hike is by picking a survival gear subscription box. It allows you to find the Best Survival box in 2022, saving you the hassle. 

But if you insist on assembling your survival kit, here are important tips to pick the best hiking survival kit.

Five Tips To Help You Choose The Best Hiking Survival Kit

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1. Know the hike you Are taking

There are many types of hikes; day hikes, summit hikes that involve hiking to mountain peaks, and lastly, long-distance (hiking for weeks). They all come with specific challenges and requirements. Choose a kit relevant to the hiking activity you are just about to undertake.

Appropriate dress code, which includes the type of shoes you use, is different for the different hiking activities. When you are going up the mountains, taking a simple walk, or going for weeks, The contents of your survival kit will differ. Choose accordingly with that in mind.

2. Assess Your Fitness Level

Your health state influences what should go into your survival kit. While it’s not advisable to go on a hike when not in a good mental or physical state, having a pre-existing condition shouldn’t stop you from enjoying walks. So, if you have heart conditions, diabetes, asthma, back or knee problems, be sure to have enough medication in your kit. 

3. Determine The Must-Have Items

An ideal survival kit should have extra food and water and essential items navigation, safety, and warmth. All hikers are also prone to injuries like blisters, sprains, cuts, dehydration, sunburns, bug bites, and hypothermia, so having remedies in your kit will help. 

Here are some of the essential items:

• Flashlight and a charger to see your trail at night.
• First aid kit with the right items to treat injuries as you seek help. That includes surgical gloves, bandages, OTC pain medicines, etc.
• Easy to fold, sharp knife for cutting, or opening boxes and food cans.
• Compass for navigation in case your smartphone goes off.
• Whistle to raise the alarm or ask for help from your location.
• Lighter or waterproof matches to start fire or cook.
• A blanket or warm clothes.
• Water purification tablets.
• Sleeping bags.
• Toilet paper and body wipes.
• Duct tape.
  

4. Buy From Reputable Companies 

A reliable hiking survival kit can be a life-saver; that’s why you want to stick to reputable brands where quality is guaranteed. You want a good quality survival kit, one that won’t fail you when everything else does. 

Buying online is a convenient option. However, there are many substandard products; hence you need to do your due diligence to ensure you end up with quality products. Start by finding out the buyer’s reputation by checking online reviews. Alternatively, look for trusted brands in your locality.

While the costs may vary from one seller to another, be careful not to compromise quality. Premium products are a good investment and offer value for your money in the long run while enhancing your safety. 

5. Consider Your Comfort

You must consider your comfort as you hike. The survival kit should carry all the essential accessories, but it should be compact, durable, and, most importantly, easy to carry. All your energy should be well utilized and reserved for the hike.

Extra Caution You Can Take As You Plan To Go On A Hike

• Hike in groups or with a partner.
• Carry along hiking poles for support.
• Carry enough food and water.
• Buy a good-quality and comfortable backpack.
• Wear hiking boots tested before the hike to avoid discomforts like blistering.
• Move at a manageable pace and take breaks regularly.
• Fill your snacks with salt and carbs. The salts replenish your electrolytes, and the carbs give you the energy you need.
• Drink plenty of water during the hike.
• Aim to finish the hike before sundown.  

Conclusion

If you want to cut weight or simply keep fit, hiking is the best way to achieve these as you spend quality time in nature. But as exciting and enjoyable it is, hiking can turn risky when calamity strikes. So, you need to be prepared to handle any unforeseen challenges. 

Invest in a good survival kit that won’t fail. It should include all important items to help you survive if a hike turns out ugly, as you need to survive until rescue. So, choose your survival kit wisely by taking into account these crucial tips. 

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