Essential Hiking Equipment For Your Next Hike

Heading out for a day hike is a healthy way to exercise and explore nature. To determine what pieces of hiking equipment in Toronto, ON, you should purchase and take with you, think about how far you plan to hike, how remote the location is, and the weather forecast. In general, the longer and more remote the hike, the more inclement the weather, and the more clothing, gear, food, and water you're going to want.

Here are the essential pieces of hiking equipment that should be on your checklist:

• Hiking Backpack
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing (moisture-wicking, layers)
• Hiking Boots or Shoes
• Food and Water
• Navigation Tools (map and compass)
• First-Aid Kit
• Knife or Multi-Tool

Backpacks, Clothing, & Sustenance

A backpack is the primary piece of hiking equipment for day hiking. For short, simple hikes, one that holds 11–20 liters of gear is about right. Something bigger will be needed for treks where more equipment is required.

Make sure to check the forecast and dress for the conditions. Be prepared for changing weather or being delayed on an unplanned night out. Pack extra clothes in your hiking equipment beyond the bare minimum. It's also essential to think about how much protection your clothing provides against the sun's ultraviolet rays. For footwear, determine what to wear based on the terrain. For gentle hikes on smooth trails, hiking shoes or trail runners are sufficient.

Finally, don't forget to pack high-energy snacks like energy bars, jerky, and nuts that you can eat easily on the trail. For water, carry about two liters per person for the day and adjust the amount needed depending on the hike's intensity, the weather, your age, and your body type.