Are you interested in going on a fun filled hiking adventure?  If you are, you are definitely not alone. In the United States, a large number of individuals enjoy hiking, often whenever they get the chance to do so.

Although there is a good chance that you may have gone hiking before, there is also a chance that this hiking adventure may be your first one.  If that is the case, you may be wondering what you should bring along with you.  If you are, you will want to continue reading on, as some common hiking gear pieces and hiking supplies are outlined below for your convenience.

Before examining some of the common pieces of hiking gear that you should bring with you on your hiking adventure, as well as other hiking supplies, it is important that you take the length of your adventure into consideration.  If you are planning on camping overnight on a hiking trail or in a hiking park, you will need to have some additional supplies, like a camping tent, sleeping bag, and so forth.  The above mentioned items can serve as a great starting point for you, but you may also want to think about creating your own hiking adventure checklist.

When it comes to hiking gear, one of the most important pieces of gear that you will come across are hiking boots or hiking shoes.  Many individuals do not know that they should actually go hiking in boots or shoes that are designed for hiking.  Unfortunately, many individuals set out on a hike in traditional sneakers or even sandals.  Hiking shoes are not only comfortable, as they are designed for hiking trail terrain, but they can also be used as a safety tool. With strong support for your feet and your ankles, hiking shoes and boots can help reduce your risk of injury in the event of a slip or a small fall.

A hiking stick is another piece of hiking gear that you may want to think about buying or brining along with you.  Hiking sticks can be purchased from sport stores, but hiking sticks can also be found by scavenging through your backyard.  Hiking sticks are not only nice because they look neat, but they can also help you keep your balance.  Also, in the event that you fall or have a hiking accident, your hiking stick can be used to bang against rocks or something else to help get the attention of rescue workers or passerby’s.

As for the clothing that you will want to wear on your next hiking adventure, it will depend where you are going hiking, for how long, and what the weather will be like. You are advised to thoroughly examine the weather forecast before leaving for your hiking trip.  Even if the weather is expected to be nice, you may still want to bring a few warm clothes with you, as you should also be prepared for the unexpected.  An extra change of clothes is also advised.  If you are concerned with space, you may want to think about look into buying some of those space saving bags, which are perfect for hiking.

You will also want to make sure that you bring a selection of food, snacks, and drinks with you on your next hiking adventure. As for drinks, you will find that water is the best.  As for the snacks, you will want to make sure that you bring snacks that are easy to eat, like small bags of trail mix, pretzels, or other easy to eat and transport snacks.  If you will be hiking and camping at the same time, you want to make sure that you bring more than just snacks; you will also want to bring real food.  You may want to think about making yourself a few sandwiches, as well as bringing along a few pieces of fruit.

Additional items that you will want to bring along with you on your next hiking adventure include a map of the hiking park or hiking trail in question, a compass, a cell phone, and a first aid kit.  Of course, these items, in most cases, are optional, but they are items may make your next hiking adventure enjoyable, as well as safe.