After being cooped up at home for weeks, everyone’s going to be excited about getting out again.

Hiking is an excellent way to get some air. It’s a full-body exercise that can boost your immunity and help fight illnesses.

Before you head off to the trail, make sure you pack the essentials so you have everything you need to make your hike pleasant and return home safely.

We’ve devised a hiking checklist to help you out:

A Map and Compass

Even if you’re hiking on a familiar trail, keep a map and compass with you just in case things go awry (bad weather, you get lost, etc.). Don’t make the mistake of relying on your phone; they run out of battery easily, and you may not get service in the outdoors.

Just having a map and compass in your backpack isn’t enough; you need to be able to use it. If this is the first time you’re going on a hike, spend some time learning how to read a map and use a compass. You don’t want to be stuck in the woods when you realize you don’t know how to use a map.

The Basics—Food, Sunscreen, and Insect Repellant

Carrying food with you is essential no matter how long or short your hike it. Whenever you go walk into the outdoors, you have to be prepared for the worst, and stocking high-energy food is a must.

Don’t undermine the importance of sunscreen and insect repellant. The rays of the scorching sun on your bare skin can do a lot of damage—sunburn is no joke! So slather that sunscreen on generously on all exposed parts of your body to protect yourself.

Other than the harsh sun rays, insects can also do a number on your if you’re not careful. Outdoor areas are packed with critters; don’t take your chances and keep insect repellant on you.

Water Supply

Depending on how fast you’re going, you can get hot very easily during a hike. We suggest you drink half a bottle of water every hour. If you’re going on a short day hike, keep a couple of water bottles on you.

For longer hikes, you’ll require water purification tablets or a water filtration system.

First Aid Kits

Even if you’re going on a short hike, it helps to carry a small first aid kit with basics like butterfly bandages, medical table, antibacterial wipes, a tube of antibiotic medication, bandages, safety pins and a tweezer.

Pack all the above in a specialized backpack that was designed for hiking.

Light Hiking Gear manufactures and sells lightweight backpacks for types of hikes. Our collection consists of scientifically-designed daypacks, StrongLites, and UltraLites that reduce pressure on your shoulder, neck, and joints, so you can have an enjoyable hiking experience.

Check out our selection online and place your order.