A stint in the wilderness will do the body and mind so much good. It is often the perfect remedy to life’s troubles. Be it months, weeks, or even a night, the body will discharge stress, depression, and even anxiety. It can be the perfect recreation myriad for travelers looking to pass some time. A couple of decisions are to be made before hiking, such as choosing an ideal trail, appropriate date, and the correct gear for the course. Every successful hike you will ever have comes down to proper preparations; finding the right gear is the first step in achieving so.
- Factors to help you make the perfect Overnight checklist
The items you choose to pack are a pre-condition to certain overhead aspects. These set the tempo for what things and metrics to follow as you plan the overnight stay in the wild.
- Weather
Check the weather listings to see what to stockpile in anticipation. If rains are predicted, then rain pants, raincoats, and appropriate footwear become a consideration for packing. However, if you load the rain genre without ascertaining rain for your trip, you risk carrying dead weight.
- Course (Landscape, location, and length)
The course is a severe pre-determinant of what to pack for the hike. Some courses are pretty smooth and short that even the primary hiking shoes are all that is necessary. On the other hand, every item is tailored to the course in question; the amount of food, water, and clothing that you must pack for a hike is highly dependent on its duration.
- The 10 Essentials
According to the American Hiking Society, there are ten essentials for every hiker to pack. However, the list doesn’t translate to ten items but rather ten factors: food, water, navigation, fire, first aid, sun protection, insulation, shelter, lighting, and tools. A proper day checklist will have these in consideration. Every single factor must be accounted for while packing for a hike.
- Overnight backpacking essentials to consider
You must prepare to spend the night in the wild, which means packing goods to help you through.
- Sleeping bag
A good sleep routine must be a top priority for hikers. Find yourself a sleeping bag that will provide insulation, comfort and isn’t too heavy to carry. Oaskys helped me crack the code not last year, comes with a compression bag and detachable straps if you need to cut down on the weight.
- Tent
A tent is a must-have for an overnight hike. Outdoor protection should help you sleep better and provides a little privacy, especially when you aren’t alone on the walk. However, it would help if you considered weight when choosing an appropriate camping tent. Some tents are pretty heavy and will become a heavy burden on the road. If you don’t mind small quarters then, check out Go Time Gear for the best deals.
- Hiking backpack
A backpack is a top priority for all hikers looking for a spell away in the wild. It is an avoidable essential, which only means that you get the best quality. A good backpack can be used over and over again. Some come with water bladders to help you keep hydrated while on the hike. I have been using one from Mountaintop, the ultimate comfort on the road. The adjustable hip belt loosens backload on my shoulders and has a compartment for my sleeping bag.
- Headlamp
The headlamp is perfect gear because you don’t require your hands as you find your way dead in the night. I bought one from Foxelli, and my camping experience at night hasn’t been the same. Waterproof and long battery life has made my night camping a true success.
- Poncho
If you aren’t so sure of the weather, then packing a poncho won’t hurt. Get one big enough to cover the backpack as well. The Terra Hiker, for example, is very compact and lightweight.
- Bug repellent
I get agitated by bugs and mosquitos dead in the night on a hike. That is one of the items I never compromise on when I have a planned trek, especially in the summer when temperatures are accommodating. There are some small, lightweight bug sprays at Cutter that might do the job.
- Lighter/matches
Unexpected rain can dampen the hiking experience at night. You will want a fire to keep warm and also to help prepare a meal. Your fire source must be water-resistant and reliable when most needed. Consider the waterproof Coghlan matches for reliability.
- GPS
When you can no longer use daylight to give you a sense of direction, perhaps GPS could become a resort. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar, a GPS-oriented smartwatch, might be a solution to your predicament.
- First Aid Kit
The chances are greater that you will need a first aid kit when you go hiking at night. With no daylight to help carve out a better path, there is a high likelihood of injuring oneself. So although it may be a sprain, cut, or even snake bite, always pack a fully stocked first aid kit when going for an overnight hike.
- Safety Kit
A safety kit often has things you can turn to when the journey gets a little harsh. For example, when you go overnight hiking in wildlife habitat, you can’t compromise. So it has items like whistles, bear spray, pocket knife, and duct tape. The duct tape can help repair broken hiking equipment.
- The rest of the ten essentials
These include water, food, and appropriate clothing. These are a must-have on every hiking trip, day or night, and long or short. They come last on the list but never on yours because they are the spine of any successful hike. Food replenishes energy after a long walk and how much food you decide to bring is dependent on the duration of your stay. Water keeps your body hydrated. It is advisable to take half a liter for every mile. Finally, clothing like a head sock, buff, and jacket will help to keep you warm when temperatures drop in the night.
