Hiking Information – 10 Things to Pack for a Hiking Trip or Mountain Vacation
Before the tips, a quip:
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” ~ John Muir
Isn’t that a beautiful quotation? Mountain hiking is about more than beautiful views and challenging your body. A hike can bring a new sense of peace, inspiration, and accomplishment to your life. Okay, enough waxing poetic — pictured is an assortment of collapsible aluminum hiking poles, which are easy to carry, store, and use. And, below are ten things to pack when you’re going on a hiking vacation…
Hiking Information – 10 Things to Pack for a Hiking Trip or Mountain Vacation
1. Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses: Higher altitudes can produce severe sunburns, even with cloud cover and temperatures in the 50s. Sunscreen, balm, and sunglasses are some of the most important things to pack when you’re going hiking.
2. Moisturizer: Higher altitudes, especially in the western United States and Canada, bring very dry air. Bring along a favorite moisturizer and use it liberally. Bonus: protecting your skin will keep you feeling and looking young!
3. Layers of clothes: Temperatures can drop 40-50 degrees from day to night at higher elevations. Even during the day, weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes. Bring a sweater, jacket, and clothes made of wicking materials. Be prepared to take layers on and off to stay comfortable and dry.
4. Rain jacket: Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in many mountain areas. When I was on vacation in Costa Rica, I had to buy an expensive rain jacket at a tourist shop. That holiday was different than packing for a vacation in the mountains – read Packing Tips for an All-Inclusive Vacation!
5. Water bottle: When you’re active and at altitude, it’s easy to become dehydrated and not know it. Fill your bottle with water on your way to the hills – in the car, train, bus, or plane – and keep drinking throughout your trip. Plenty of water also helps to prevent headaches often associated with visits to high altitude.
6. Toys, books, and games: If you’re traveling with the family, be sure to bring something to entertain the kids. Don’t forget books or games for the adults. Even the most energetic may have some “quiet” time. For an opposite perspective, read Women Traveling Alone – Fighting Homesickness.
7. Swimsuits: For you and the kids, because most lodging properties have hot tubs and indoor/outdoor pools. Some even have lakes and ponds to swim in! Other swimming gear, such as goggles or noseplugs, are also good things to pack for a hiking trip or mountain vacation.
8. Good walking shoes: You’ll want to be comfortable walking around town, the hotel, and to restaurants. Going hiking? Bring sturdy boots, and make sure to break them in at home to avoid a trip full of blisters. Ladies, leave the heels at home when you’re packing for a hiking trip. Unless you’re attending a formal event, they will be out of place and unnecessary for a mountain vacation.
9. Thin socks: Hikers often make the mistake of wearing thick socks. In reality, thinner socks made of a wicking material will keep your toes and feet dry and comfortable. This isn’t only an important thing to pack for a hiking vacation – it works if you’re traveling to Africa, too!
10. Groceries: Whether you’re driving or flying, try to keep some healthy snacks on hand (nuts, raisons, seeds, protein bars). Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can put extra energy into active days, especially at higher altitudes in the mountains.
Do you have any questions or thoughts on this hiking information? Please comment below…
For a full summary of packing tips, read 55 Practical Travel Tips for Women.
Source: Neil Hastings, of the Mountain Lodge at Telluride in Telluride, Colorado – an eclectic blend of rustic elegance and western charm.
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Comment by Gini Grey on 1 July 2009:
Loved the quote Laurie – Ok, this may seem obvious but as it wasn’t mentioned I’m going to put it here – bring along a mini first aid kit incase you slip and fall on the hike and need a bandade or in case you get stung by a bee and need some ointment etc.
Comment by Laurie PK on 1 July 2009:
Gini, great to see you here on Quips & Tips! I love how friends pop up when you least expect them
Yes, a first aid kit is essential when you’re packing for a hiking trip or mountain vacation — I’m surprised it wasn’t on here. I also like to bring extra tissues or toilet paper (scratchy leaves aren’t the most pleasant to wipe with!), and a GPS might come in handy, too.