Did you make a New Year’s resolution to engage in more outdoor activities in 2023? This is your sign to get started!
Outdoor activities involving nature are not just good for your physical health but also improve your mental well-being. Hiking, in particular, can be a great new hobby to pick up this year for many reasons. Firstly, it allows you to experience an adventure in the woods you will never forget. Secondly, it can keep you fit and healthy. Hiking can strengthen your muscles, improve your coordination, and enhance your heart health.
If you’re new to hiking, here is a guide to the best hiking gear of 2023 to help you have a memorable hike!
Sturdy Hiking Shoes or Boots
A hike can’t be successful without proper footwear protection. You should always invest in appropriate footwear for every outdoor activity you do, as they all have different requirements.
For hiking, try to find sturdy shoes or boots specifically made for withstanding rough grounds. They should ideally be waterproof. If you’re hiking in the winter, then look for insulated shoes. You can read some hiking and camping boot reviews online to get a better insight.
Here are some high-quality hiking shoes for men that you should check out:
- Ultra Raptor II by La Sportiva
- Moab Ventilator by Merrell
- Quest 4 by Salomon
Spacious Hiking Backpack
Hiking with a backpack full of useful supplies is a no-brainer. You need a versatile backpack that has enough compartments to hold all of your necessary supplies. Online backpacking reviews will show you that the best mountaineering backpacks have straps for holding foldable sleeping bags. It’s important to invest in one such backpack so that you don’t have to carry your sleeping bag separately.
Here are some affordable hiking backpack options you should explore:
- Mutant 38 by Osprey
- Alpha FL 45 Backpack by Arc’teryx
- Ascensionist 35 by Patagonia
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
The worst thing you could do to yourself is go hiking in inappropriate clothing. When you are already halfway through your hike and start feeling cold, there will be nothing you can do about it if you don’t carry weather-appropriate clothing. So, take your time to research the qualities your hiking clothes should have based on weather and location.
Here are some qualities to look for in the winter:
- Insulation
- Synthetic or down fill
- Fleece linings
- Waterproofness
In the summer, you should look for:
- Soft-shell jackets
- Sun-protective shirts
Trekking Poles
Almost every beginner hiker slips or falls at some point during their hike. Minor slips are usually harmless, but major falls can give you horrible injuries if you are not careful. This is why investing in sturdy trekking poles is essential for all hikers.
You can find some of the best trekking poles on Amazon at reasonable prices. Here are some innovative trekking poles that can make your hike safe and simple:
Sufficient Food & Hydration Supplies
You should never go backpacking without enough food and water to sustain you throughout your adventure. You might not want to invest in camp stoves or grills at the beginning of your hiking journey but remember to carry ready-to-eat meals regardless. You can bring energy foods like protein and granola bars for snacking during breaks. For overnight camping meals, you can keep some vacuum-sealed meal packs that can be cooked within ten minutes. Compact canister stoves can also go a long way if you have the right cookware to use.
Tools for Accurate Navigation
The woods are dense and hard to navigate, which is why hundreds of hikers end up getting lost during their hikes and go missing. Even if you are hiking with a group, it’s still easy to look track of your surroundings. To avoid this potentially life-threatening occurrence, make sure to carry navigation tools with you. These tools can include:
- Headlamps for the nighttime
- GPS, compass, and/or maps for better navigation
- Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) for an easier rescue
- Optic scopes for improved visibility
Safety Gear & First-Aid Kit
Let’s face it; hiking can be a dangerous activity if you are not careful. There are many risks involved in hiking that can lead to serious injuries. In fact, thousands of hikers get injured in the American wilderness every year. Getting emergency help in the woods can be a hassle, too. This is why packing a first-aid kit is essential for hikers. Make sure you carry trauma kits and specifically-designed hiking medical kits when you venture off into the woods. Being able to address minor injuries right away can protect you from long-term discomfort and pain. Packing a repair kit for damaged equipment can also go a long way.
Secure Sleeping Setups
If you’re planning on having a multiple-day hike, you need to prepare for the overnight supplies you will need. Find the best budget backpacking sleeping bags that can protect you from the wilderness. High-quality sleeping bags not only protect you from insects but also minimize the harsh effects of cold winds, rough terrains, and direct sunlight on you. You can also get sleeping pads for extra ground protection and insulation. Don’t forget to invest in a secure camping tent! You can find the best tents for campers on Amazon, too.
Explore the following options for the best camping sleeping bags you can buy online:
Happy hiking!
Shop the Best Hiking Gear of 2023 Online!
If you’re wondering whether you can buy all the best hiking gear for men you need in one place, we have great news!
Our website Back Country Gear is making outdoor adventures more accessible for everyone. You can find a wide range of outdoor gear reviews on our site, including links to high-quality products for best backpacking gear, hiking, climbing, traveling, and skiing. You can explore our rankings to find sturdy and premium backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, trekking poles, and much more!
