Summers are the best time for hiking. Not only can you explore the beauty of Mother Nature in full bloom, but there isn’t a snowstorm or blizzard stopping you.

If you’re planning the ultimate adventure, summer is the best time to do it. But going on a solo hiking trip isn’t a walk in the park (pun intended!)

Luckily, we know how to make your summer hiking trip an unforgettable experience!

Here are the essentials you need and what you should do:

Better Safe than Sorry

Hiking is great but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with risks. And it goes without saying; safety should be on top of your list. As insipid and tedious as it sounds, it can help make your trip even more fun.

Here are a few precautionary measures you can take:

Inform a Loved One of Your Intended Itinerary

Make sure a loved one knows all the routes you intend to take on your trip. This is because there’s no guarantee that you’ll have cell phone reception for the majority of your trip.

Of course, this depends on where you’re going. If you plan to hike in remote areas of national parks, there aren’t any chances of finding signals.

One thing you can do is invest in a portable satellite communicator that will send your exact location to loved ones.

Bring a Compass

It doesn’t matter if you know the routes like the back of your hand. It’s very easy to lose sight of where you’re going. Bringing a compass will help significantly. Make sure to wear a watch as well. It’ll help you keep track of time.

Invest in a Good Backpack

You need to invest in a good backpack that’s lightweight and won’t slow you down. This is especially true if you’re planning to hike up a mountain. A heavy backpack can be dangerous.

Browse through our backpack size guide to ensure you have the right backpack. Also make sure to carry a water bottle with you at all times so you’re hydrated throughout the day.

(Bonus Read: Make Your Hiking Trip Easy With These Must-Follow Hacks!)

Making the Most of Your Adventure

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the adventure!

Set Up Camp

It’s okay to set up camp after the first few miles, especially if you’re tired! You need to get plenty of rest to ensure your hiking trip is successful. We recommend looking up campsites before you start your journey so you know which routes to take if you’re feeling tired and worn-out.

Make Mealtime Fun

There’s plenty you can do to make camp meals fun. Remember that you need to avoid oily and greasy foods so you don’t end up feeling tired and heavy.

We recommend hummus, salami, goat cheese, fruits, and plenty of leafy greens. You can also purchase travel-sized condiments like sriracha sauce and ketchup.

For breakfast, you can add Nutella to instant oatmeal or go with a simple PB&J sandwich.

It’s recommended that you add an extra 500 to 1,000 calories to your diet while hiking. You’ll be burning a lot of energy and will need to be careful.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Last but not least, make sure you don’t forget to have fun. Take pictures of the beautiful mountains and terrains to remember your trip. Explore the beauty of Mother Nature. Create audio recordings of your hiking trip. There’s plenty you can do!

About Light Hiking Gear

When it comes to making hiking trips stress-free, you can count on us!

We offer exceptional lightweight backpacks that are not only comfortable but affordable as well. Feel free to browse through our collection of affordable StrongLites, UltraLites, and Daypacks, to find the right backpack for yourself.

We also offer free shipping for customers based in the U.S!