Organize a Hiking Trip with Friends

4 Parts:

Planning for the Trip

Gear to Bring: The Essentials

Questions and Answers

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So you've decided to go on a hiking trip with your friends? When planning such a trip, you must do some very careful preparation before the actual hike. Hiking trips with friends can be fun, and with the right planning and preparations, you'll be on your way for a great hiking experience!

Depending on whether you're going on an overnight backpacking excursion or just a day trip, it's important that you consider the people going with you, and what there level of experience is. Are they beginners or veteran hikers? These are some points that you should consider when planning a hiking trip:

1. 1
   Choose Your Destination Trail

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   When planning your trip with your friends, choose a trail based on the type of climbers that are in your group. Research hiking destinations that would best fit your group of hikers; guidebooks and the internet can provide you with great resources when considering a certain trail you plan on taking.

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2. 2
   Before starting with multiple-day hikes, especially if you're mostly beginners

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   Try to take overnight hiking trips rather than opting for hikes of longer duration.

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3. 3
   Let people know where you are

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   Notify the Local Hiking Organization/Committee. One of the basic and most important factors to consider during hiking trips is your safety. Before going out on your hiking trail, make sure to enlist the people who will be coming on a particular hiking trip to a local hiking organization or to a concerned government agency. Carefully enlist your plans to give them an idea as to where you will be going, include the following:  

   1. Hiking Trail. Route, stopovers, destinations.
   2. Hikers' Names. List all the hikers in your group, and include emergency contacts for everyone.
   3. Expected day of return. This is so concerned agencies will be able to track you down and organize a rescue operation in the event you aren't able to return back on the expected date.

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4. 4
   Gear

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   What to Bring. Since you know the people coming with you on the hiking trip, delegate certain things that need to be brought to distribute the carrying load and ensure that everyone gets to have all the things that they will need for the hiking trip. Make sure that everyone is prepared with all the things they need to bring before starting the actual hike, so you can avoid the hassles of forgotten materials and equipment or even first aid kits when you designate certain people to bring the needed materials. For a complete list of important things needed to take on a hiking trip check the next section.

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5. 5
   Physical Exercise

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   When you're preparing for a hiking trip with your friends, make sure that you take up proper physical training before the actual hike. Hiking requires a lot of physical exertion, so make sure that you give yourself plenty of time for you to physically prepare. Take up some stretching exercises and practice walking for a longer time can easily adjust to the exercise. It will help you to move freely and more comfortably and you'll be able to reduce risks of having injuries.

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1. 1
   Clothing

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   One important technique that is essential during hiking trips is the concept of layering. This concept can be conveniently applied even during cold or hot temperatures. For cold weather, avoid cotton types of fabric in clothing for it is a poor insulator when wet. Therefore, when the cotton becomes wet, you will feel a whole lot colder as compared to when wearing other types of fabric. Synthetic or wool materials are perfect for such conditions.

   

    

   1. Hats, Gloves.
   2. T-shirt, Long-sleeves.
   3. Lightweight Pants and Shorts. Convertible hiking pants are also convenient.
   4. Socks and Sock Liners. Choose the ones that have been custom made for the purpose of hiking to prevent any blisters along the way.
   5. Underwear.
   6. Boots or Hiking Shoes. Opt for the shoes that you are most comfortable in. It is preferable that you use the shoes regularly at least one to two weeks before the actual hike to familiarize yourself with the fit of the shoes and break them in. This way you'll be able to save yourself from the tragedy of blisters caused by ill-fitting shoes and new shoes.
   7. Waterproof Raincoats or Jackets. Depending on the type of environment and the place you will be hiking, prepare for the worst-case environments. Whether it rains, shines or freezes up, be prepared for changes in the weather.

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2. 2
   Sleeping Bag

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   Choose a sleeping bag based on the environment in which you plan to hike. Some sleeping bags have insulation features that will make them incompatible with warm weather. Opt for the type of sleeping bag that works well in different temperatures, to help keep you warm in the night, so you can get a good night's rest.

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3. 3
   Tent.

   

   Consider the location where you plan on hiking, as the tent is one of the most important items that should be brought on any overnight hiking trip

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   Bring an extra tarp for added protection.

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4. 4
   First-Aid Kits

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   Medicine kits are essential for every hiking trip. Make sure to bring emergency first aid kits for treating bruises, cuts, bites, sprains and illnesses. Make sure to bring the appropriate medications for allergies, and anti-poisoning medicines.

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5. 5
   Backpack

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   This is every traveler/hiker's best friend; opt for the one that can allow you to bring as much gear in as little space possible. Make sure to choose a pack sturdy enough to hold all the essentials during the travel time. It must not be too bulky, but instead, it must be efficient, with many compartments to allow you to carry all the things you'll need. Choose a backpack that will allow you to carry most of the weight on your hips. A variety of styles are available on the market, and it is best to get sound advice with well-informed outdoor gear retailers or experienced hikers to find the best partner for the hiking trip.

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6. 6
   Water and Water Container.

   

   Hiking can be a laborious task, so water is essential to help keep the body hydrated

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   A liter of water is essential to help sustain you along the trip. If you're planning to drink natural water, then make sure to bring materials that will help purify the water content.

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7. 7
   Food, Utensils, and Cooking Materials

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   Bring foods that are easy to carry, consume, and dispose of. Look for lightweight foods like rice, noodles, dried beans, etc. Try to avoid the cans, bottled goods, and big packaging materials, it'll only cause a lot of bulk on the checklist of stuff to bring and it can cause concerns regarding the trash. Make sure that the food you bring contains high carbohydrates and energy giving nutrients to help sustain you during the long hiking trip. Cooking materials are also essential in case you run out of food supplies, it gives you the option to forage for foods and cook it into a special meal. Never forget the basic cooking materials and utensils, like spoons and forks, bowls, spoons and a pot grip. For the most part, hikers usually make use of lightweight and portable stoves powered by white gas or butane. These are the ones that are usually easy to bring and lightweight.

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8. 8
   Miscellaneous Materials

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   Other important materials to bring:

   

    

   1. Fire-Starters/Matches.
   2. Whistles. These can be used as for making signal purposes.
   3. Map and Compass.
   4. Plastic and Toilet Paper.
   5. Biodegradable Toiletries. Camping soaps and toothpaste.
   6. Trash bags.
   7. Flashlight with extra batteries.
   8. Duct Tape and Rope.
   9. Multi-purpose knife.

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9. 9
   Cellphone

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   Sadly, even in the midst of beautiful nature, people might be checking their phones to see what they've missed on social media. Make sure you have one phone that's turned off all the time, and has excellent coverage - in case of emergencies. Also, make sure you all enable your GPS.

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How to organize a trekking tour into the wilderness?

Organize a trekking tour into the wilderness

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Are there any specific departments to be in charge of hiking sports in America?

I mean any department is to be in charge of organizing hiking sports in America and overseas, training etc. Thanks.

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