I want to share with the readers of Young Pilipinas that I love hiking in the mountains. It gives me peace and tranquility outside of Metro Manila. Now that the pandemic is slowly ending, more people are doing outdoor activities. If you plan to hike a mountain, you must have certain things on your trek. These things can be overlooked, especially by first-time hikers. Having them prepared will help sure you will enjoy your hike.

Small hiking bag

Some people think that you should have a large hiking bag when you go on hikes. Though that is true in some cases, if you only go on a day hike, you do not need a large bag with many things. There is always the possibility of rain and exhaustion during your trek, and a large bag can be a problem for you. If you are only going on a day hike, it is more optimal to have a 10 or 20-litre backpack and bring only things that will help sustain you on your trek.

A large water bottle

When on hikes, it is vital to stay hydrated. I once went on a very hot trek. I ended up drinking all my water and was dehydrated during my descent. This is something I don’t want Young Pilipinas viewers to experience. So instead of buying a small water bottle, try keeping a large bottle to have more water during the whole hike. Some people would survive with a liter of water, but some would prefer more depending on how they sweat.

Trail snacks

When you hike, aside from the hydration you will need from water, you need something to eat as you climb. Eating food will help sustain your energy when ascending. It doesn’t need to be a feast, as trail snacks are often small foods like nuts, candies, and dried fruits. Trail snacks can be anything; I prefer to bring a bag of trail mix of dried cranberries and about 2-3 bananas.

Ziplock bag

Ziplock bags can be a multitool when you do a hike. It can be used as a waste bag for your garbage, put your trail snacks in there for convenience, and help protect your electronics when it rains. Keeping a reasonable amount can be a lifesaver when you are up in the mountains. Ensure you keep the bags sealed when not used but easy to access in an emergency.

Flashlight

A pro tip to first-time hikers who read Young Pilipinas should know is that certain hiking groups would go on mountain hikes as early as 3 or 4 in the morning. This is because they want to see the sunrise when they reach the summit. Knowing where you are going is essential, so it is wise to have a small flashlight with you. That way, you don’t end up tripping or stepping on something you don’t want. It will be better if you can find a headlamp to free your hand from holding a flashlight.