Tag: hiking

10 Essential Gadgets to Have Along on Your Hiking Vacation

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Going on a hiking vacation whether alone or in the company of your best friends can be an exhilarating experience. Following long trails carrying only a few bare essentials with only you to depend on feels like an eye-opening trip for some people. I know of a friend who took a hiking break when she needed the solitude to make some major decisions in her life. And, I agree. Being alone helps you put your life in perspective. And, there is always the added positive of the sense of adventure, stunning locales, and meeting new people.

Check online and you’ll probably find a whole bunch of websites helping you list and put together all the gear you’ll need for your hiking vacation. I have for you a list of 10 essential gadgets that I feel every girl should have along. Go ahead and take a look. And, add all the others you feel you absolutely must have.

No. 1 – Solar Charger

Carrying gadgets is a great thing but they’re good only as long as they have the power to keep going. No doubt you’ll carry batteries but there are only so many you can have along. For this reason, you need chargers. I would suggest that you carry a portable solar charger. You’ll be surprised at the amount of power it can give you. For instance, expose the charger to one hour of sunshine and you can extract two hours of talk time from your mobile phone. You can also use it to power tablets, iPhones, satellite phones, cameras, and even, a small medical fridge for any medication you need to have along for your hiking vacation.

No. 2 – Smartphones and Tablets

When you’re spending long hours on the road, you need to remain connected with loved ones back home. Of course, you wouldn’t want to carry expensive devices along so the next option is to carry refurbished gadgets that work very well but are economical. In case you do lose a device or it gets damaged on your hiking vacation, it won’t be a major loss. Look for used tablets and other devices at reduced prices and you’re good to go. Remember, you can download a bunch of apps that can prove to be very handy on your travels such as GPS tracking that helps you plan the best routes to take along with all the information you may need about your destination. And, let’s not forget taking loads of pictures of your hiking vacation for sharing with people back home.

No. 3 – Global Data SIM

When choosing your smartphone, make sure that it is unlocked. Invest in a Global Data SIM that you can use at rates ranging from $4 for 50MB of data to $12 for 500MB of data per day. You can use the data at unlimited speeds however take care to restrict usage to below limits. For instance, if you choose the Keepgo’s global data service, you can also get AT&T SIM cards.

No. 4 – USB Port

In case you stop for the night at a motel or hotel during your hiking vacation, having this device along can help you charge your electronics within a short time. Plug multiple gadgets at once to any wall socket and charge them quickly. It makes sense to have one of these along if you’ve been traveling on cloudy days and your solar charger isn’t working as expected.

No. 5 – Handheld GPS Device

I’ve been advised to have one of these gadgets along. That’s because the GPS in smartphones is dependent on an internet connection. In the event that you’re passing through locations that don’t have very good internet connectivity, you might have trouble finding your way. Not only do these gadgets provide you with detailed topography, but they also act as compasses.

No. 6 – SD Ultra 64GB MicroSDXC Card

SD cards are very handy when you need extra memory. They cost just $40 and you can fit them in basic cameras, professional cameras or even, Android smartphones when you want to save lots of pictures and perhaps, video footage of your experiences.

No. 7 – Portable Pocket Wi-Fi Routers

When on your hiking vacation, you might find that the hotel internet service isn’t all that effective. Having a portable Ethernet is a handy gadget to have along so you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you are. For instance, the TP-Link model may set you back by just $30 and is about the size of a laptop power adapter which makes it compact and easy to carry. An added positive is that it has a USB port so you can use it to charge other electronics.

No 8 – Water Purification Solutions

One of the basic essentials for your hiking vacation is undoubtedly some solution that helps you get clean drinking water. When you’re on the road, you need adequate amounts of water to remain hydrated and carrying it along just isn’t practical. You could pack in water purification tablets or try one of the UV purifiers like the Steripen that is compact and affordable.

No. 9 – SPOT Gen3

This little gadget is an absolute must-have on your hiking vacation. In case of an emergency, you only have to hit the button and it will send an SOS signal along with your GPS location to the IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Centre). The SPOT Gen3 works even in areas where there is no mobile coverage. You can also use this device to send a preset text message or email with your location to 10 contacts you’ve chosen. It’s useful for touching base with loved ones at regular intervals.

No. 10 – SPOT Global Satellite Phone

Opt for the SPOT Global Satellite Phone if you intend to travel to destinations that may not have internet or mobile connectivity. Getting this device can set you back by $500 and services cost $25 per month for 10 minutes of talk time. However, the more expensive plans give you more calling time and data usage.

I personally think that these are 10 basic gadgets that every girl must have on her hiking vacation. That’s of course, in addition to the backpacks, camping gear, and all other gear you’ll need. If you can think of any more to add to this list, go ahead and add them in comments. I’m sure many hiking enthusiasts will welcome your thoughts. Happy hiking!

Prepping Your Body for That Dream Hiking Trip

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So, what is it about hiking trips that so many people set out each spring with backpacks and hiking boots? Ask some of the over 44 million Americans who went hiking in the spring of 2016, and they will give you different reasons. Some of them enjoy the outdoors with the feel of the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair. Others love the opportunity to lay down the stress of their everyday lives and spend time alone with only their thoughts for company. And, then, there are the nature lovers who like to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. Of course, hiking trips are great for your health too.

Begin Preparing Your Body Well Before the Trip

Whatever may be your reasons (or, well, excuses) for planning a hiking trip this spring, know that the essential element you must have in top working order is your body. You’ll need to begin conditioning your muscles at least a month before you plan to leave. This factor is especially important if you’ve spent most of the past months indoors indulging in almost no physical activity. Once you have your hiking holiday planned, begin preparing your body accordingly.

Check with Your Doctor for a Clean Bill of Health

Meet with your doctor and talk to her about your plans. She’ll probably run a few tests to assess your cardiovascular health. Hiking lays a lot of stress on your heart and lungs, so she’ll want to ascertain if you’re strong enough to bear the rigor and strain. She might advise you to take up aerobic exercises like jogging, climbing stairs, brisk walking, and running. Of course, you can always use the treadmill, stationary bike, or stair machine to begin preparing for your hiking trip indoors while the weather’s still cold.

Build Your Strength, Stamina, and Endurance Levels

When planning for your hiking trip, make it a point to go on a long walk every single day. A good tip is to buy the hiking boots in advance and train your feet to walk in them. Begin with short-distance walks and build up to longer ones gradually. You’ll find that as your legs become stronger and muscles get toned, walking becomes easier and easier. Covering longer distances each day will seem like a breeze. Don’t rush yourself but let your body set the pace. It’s okay to push yourself just a little, but don’t overdo it.

Plan for the Terrain You Want to Navigate

Having worked out the destination for your hiking trip, train your body to deal with it. Will you be walking on even terrain or are you going to be going uphill and downhill? For instance, if you’re planning to hike in the Swiss Alps, you’ll need to walk on inclines to prepare your upper and lower leg muscles, and also, the gluteal tissues in your buttocks. Most important, since you’ll be carrying a heavy backpack, you need to strengthen your back. Also, plan in advance if you’re going to be walking on paved roads or in the woods on uneven terrain.

Assess the Weight of the Gear You’ll be Carrying

Having conditioned your body for the long walks of your hiking trip, you need to prepare for the weight you’ll carry also. Buy your backpack and assess the weight of the gear you’ll have along. You could also exercise under a professional trainer who can guide you on how to handle the shifting center of gravity when you walk on inclines with a heavy backpack. Load up the stuff you intend to carry and try walking with it. You can make adjustments so that the backpack sits securely and you’re comfortable bearing the weight.

Fuel Your Body with the Right Kind of Foods to Build Stamina

While you train for your hiking trip, you’ll be raising the levels of activity you undergo in a day. To build up muscle mass, you’ll need to eat the right types of food. Your body tends to use carbs and proteins to rebuild the stressed muscles when you rest after a long walk. So, eat more of those. You’re also going to need more of fat so your body can burn it when you exert. Check with a nutrition expert who can guide you on the right foods that are high in carbs and fats and can give you the energy you need. If you intend to introduce any new foods into your diet for the hike, now would be a good time to begin. Condition your digestive system to tolerate these foods, so it doesn’t react to surprises.

Prepare Your Hair and Skin for the Road

Your hair and skin will endure some amount of damage since you’re exposing them to the elements of the sun and wind. Get your hair trimmed and remove all the split ends. Consider having it cut short, so it accumulates less dust, grime, and sweat on the road. Of course, you’ll need to use bandanas and caps for minimum exposure to the sun and dirt.

If your skin is prone to acne, all that sun exposure is going to cause it to break out. You could also notice more of wrinkles and fine lines. Before leaving for your hiking trip, go for deep cleansing treatments, so your pores remain unclogged for the duration of your tour. You could also consider getting dermabrasion facials to clean off all the dead cells.

Maintaining hygiene is another essential. In place of carrying epilators or hair removing creams, think along the lines of a more permanent solution. And, the best solution is to get laser treatments. According to the experts at BHRC, one of the leading aesthetic centers for laser hair removal in Los Angeles, lasers remove the hair at the roots so it cannot grow back. Once the treatment is complete, you can have hair-free skin all through your hiking trip without the need for unnecessary baggage.

Enjoy Every Moment of Your Hiking Trip

Once you prepare and condition your body for your hiking trip, you can only look forward to beautiful environs, the warmth of the sun, the excitement of exploring new places, meeting new people, and a whole lot of memorable experiences. The better prepared you are, the more rewarding will be every moment of your tour.