Plan your next hike, hustle free!
By Waithera Mbuthia
Good hiking is good food for the soul. You get to stretch those muscles, breathe some fresh air and enjoy the scenery. However, a good hike is preceded by good planning or you will wish you never left your house. It is therefore essential to know what to put in your hiking bag before you set foot.
We spoke to Robert of outdoors.ke, who gave us some amazing tips that will not only prepare you for your day out but also give assurance of a safe and comfortable hike. Read on.
Outdoorer.ke is a company that was started four years ago with the sole aim of helping more people enjoy the outdoors. The team is dedicated to offering affordable and accommodative hiking and camping services. The charges are dependent on the location and duration of the hike or camp. They have scheduled hikes, some fortnightly and others annual. They also offer customized events, tailoring them to meet your needs.
According to Robert, what goes in your hike bag depends on the location of your hike, and also the time you’ll spend on the hike. For a day hike, you will need basics, like water, rain gear, snacks, band aids and any emergency meds. Having the right gear in terms of clothing and hiking boots is also key in the making of a successful hike. Walking on rocky or rough terrain in unsuitable gear is not only uncomfortable but poses health risks such as bruises and falls.
For an overnight hike and camp, you will need to pack your supplies which include food, warm clothes for the night, and sleeping gear. This is in addition to all the things you pack for a day and vital safety equipment.
Below, we have listed the items Robert pointed out as essential for your next hike. Better still, we have added the prices to make your preparation hustle-free.
Mountain Equipment And Gear checklist
1. 1 or 2 Thermal tops --for keeping warm, especially at night (From Ksh. 800)
2. 1 or 2 Thermal bottoms-- for keeping warm, especially at night (From Ksh. 800)
3. At least 4 T-shirts. Preferably, polyester material. Avoid cotton.
4. 2 or 3 pairs of trousers (quick dry and light)
5. 1 or 2 Fleece jackets-- for keeping warm while hiking (From Ksh. 1,500)
6. 2 pairs of Fleece pants - for keeping warm while hiking (From Ksh. 1,800)
7. 1 or 2 Rain/windjackets -- waterproof and protects you from wind and rain while hiking (From Ksh. 1,800)
8. 1 or 2 Puff Jackets --for keeping warm at night (From Ksh. 2,500)
9. 1 or 2 pairs of waterproof gloves (From Ksh. 900/pair)
10. 1 or 2 pairs of woolen gloves -- for keeping warm at night
11. 1 Balaclava (monkey hat) -- for protection against wind and frostbite
12. 4-6 pairs of thin socks -- for hiking
13. 4-6 pairs of thick socks(synthetic or wool) -- for keeping warm at night and during summit day
14. A pair of water-proof hiking boots -- go for one size higher to accommodate thick and thin socks(From Ksh. 3,500)
15. Sandals or slippers -- to allow your feet to rest after a long day
16. Sleeping bag (For sale from Ksh 1,900; for hire at Ksh. 250/day)
17. Water bottle (At least2 liters) or Water Bladder (From Ksh. 1,650)
18. Hiker’s bag (This contains your gear and is carried for you by the porter) – (For sale from Ksh4,500; for hire at Ksh. 400/day)
19. Day pack (your bag having all requirements you will need during the day) From Ksh. 2,500
20. Torch (Head torch preferable but not mandatory. Carry spare batteries. LED torches are better than bulb torches.) (From Ksh 900)
21. Toiletries (include wet wipes since bathing is difficult at very low temperatures)
22. Towel (Small size)
23. Energy sweets and snacks --nuts, lunch bars, biscuits and other high-energy snacks
24. Painkillers, small bandages, cotton wool for personal first aid
25. Poncho (optional if you have a raincoat) -- for protection against rain
26. 1 Baseball cap (optional) -- for protection against sunburn
27. 1 pair of Sunglasses(optional but recommended) -- for protection against snow glare during summit day
28. Sunscreen (optional but highly recommended for fair-skinned people)
29. Bandanas or neck gaiters(optional) -- for shielding your neck against wind, sun and frostbite
30. Hiking shorts (optional)
31. Rain trousers (optional if you have a full-length raincoat)
32. Hiking pole/ walking stick (Optional) From Ksh. 1,300
Luckily, most of these items are available in their online shop at www.outdoor.co.ke or in-store Imenti house, 2nd Floor, Zodiac Stalls Z58, Cabral Street, Nairobi CBD.T o learn more about OutdoorerKe and hiking, check them out at https://outdoorer.ke/
