Are you eager to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the big city? Because I know I am. Life in the city can get overwhelming and nerve-wracking so escapism in the form of the great outdoors is the perfect remedy. What’s there not to like anyway? You’re away from all the noise, traffic and people and you can finally enjoy some time alone to get your bearings. Nothing beats the smell of fresh air and the feeling of sun rays grazing your skin. There’s no better way to recharge your batteries and be back at full speed.
With that said, you need to have the right equipment before setting off on your adventure in the wilderness. Regardless of whether or not you’ve done this before, you still need to stack up on all the supplies. You might already have a general idea of what you’ll need but we’re here to make sure that you’re not forgetting anything. Better to be safe than sorry, right? Make sure you pay a visit to the nearest outdoor shop to get everything you need before going on your trip.
Wear Weather-Appropriate Clothes
I can’t stress this enough – dress for the occasion. You know you can’t wear a dress or heels on uneven terrain so you need to stick to what’s appropriate.
Waterproof Jacket
Regardless of how hot you think it might be, you should take a jacket just in case. Nights can get chilly, winds can run wild and rain can start pouring out of nowhere. This means that you’ll need something to cover up. When shopping for a jacket, consider what you’ll be wearing underneath so that you know which size to get.
Shirts
Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking around, you’ll probably end up sweating buckets after a while. This is why wearing lightweight and moisture-wicking shirts is crucial. They’re breathable and don’t trap sweat inside, which means you won’t start to feel uncomfortable after a while. Plus, they’ll keep you warm during colder weather conditions if necessary. Any type of outdoor store should have a variety of shirt designs and models at their disposal so there’s no shortage of options.
Pants
Make sure the pants you choose aren’t too tight or restrictive so that you can move around easily. We’d recommend getting long pants instead of shorts because you might come across all kinds of herbs and bushes throughout your trip and you wouldn’t want to scrape your legs. Word of advice – you can match your pants to your jacket for a more cohesive look.
Keep Your Feet Happy With Footwear
Both hiking boots and hiking shoes are acceptable options. The choice of footwear greatly depends on the length and type of your trip as well as the kind of terrain you intend to cross. Take your time when trying out different shoes at the store because it’s absolutely essential to get the right size and fit so that you don’t feel any discomfort. A useful suggestion is to try out shoes at the end of the day because that’s when your feet are a bit swollen from all the daily activities. Trying them on in the morning might give you a false sense of how they feel.
Cosy Up In a Tent
This one goes without saying but if you’re planning on spending more than a day in the great outdoors, you’ll need a tent to sleep in. Nowadays, most modern tents have a fairly easy assembly process, with the instructions clearly stating what you’re supposed to do. Moreover, there’s a wide range of tent sizes available so you shouldn’t find it too hard to get one that’s right for you. And lastly, remember to take sleeping bags and blankets to keep warm during the night.
Keep an Eye Out For Outdoor Accessories
We did go through the essentials but there are a few other items that might come in handy when you’re out and about in nature.
Backpack
I feel like this one doesn’t need a lengthy explanation. You need a place where you can carry all your essentials right? Then you definitely need a backpack. And no, hiking backpacks are different from the regular ones you see every day because they have more pockets and storage space. So you can’t go with that old backpack you used to take to the gym.
Lighting
It can get pretty dark out there so you’ll need some sort of light source to illuminate your path. Many people seem to prefer LED lights for camping because they offer quite a bit of light and have a decent lifespan. In situations where a fire isn’t appropriate, LED lights of any kind, including torches and lanterns, should be enough to get you out of the dark.
Knives
Knives can have multiple uses. Whether you use them to slice and dice food and snacks or to cut ropes and plants, pocket knives can be of great help. They’re compact and durable so you can easily store them in your pocket or backpack without taking up too much space.
Safety Gear
And last but not least, you’ll need a first aid kit and a few medical supplies in case of emergency. After all, you’ll be in a remote area where medical professionals might not be able to reach you in time so you need to be prepared for just about anything.
Well, that rounds up our list of outdoor supplies. Hopefully, we were able to answer the question, What outdoor gear do you need? So what are you waiting for? Hop into an outdoor shop and get everything you need.