{"id":6820,"date":"2024-03-07T02:12:27","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T15:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=6820"},"modified":"2024-03-07T02:23:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T15:53:21","slug":"my-top-10-hiking-hacks-for-making-trail-life-easy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/my-top-10-hiking-hacks-for-making-trail-life-easy\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Hacks for an Easier Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning a trip along the trails? There are so many factors to consider \u2013 and if you\u2019re not prepared, you can end up in a real pickle when plans start to veer off-track (pun intended).<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, there are many tips and tricks you can implement to promise a successful hiking trip. Read on for my top ten pointers to kick-start your next outdoor expedition.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Read on for my top ten pointers to kick-start your next outdoor expedition. Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Bags, Bags, Bags<\/h2>\n

You need bags. You need more bags<\/a> than you think. A garbage bag<\/a>. A dirty laundry bag<\/a>. A wet-stuff bag<\/a>. A dry-stuff bag. A bag-to-keep-the-spare-bags-in bag.<\/p>\n

Plastic garbage bags weigh absolutely nothing, but become the handiest items you’ll ever need on the track. Pack at least three or four, and you’ll thank me later.<\/p>\n

2. Pack Right<\/h2>\n

I’ll keep this simple because I could write a whole article <\/a>on this.<\/p>\n

Put your heavy, least commonly used items down the bottom of your rucksack. This could include your sleeping bag, tent, mat, some food or fuel, and spares.<\/p>\n

Stick your water and hiking food<\/a> in the middle, so you can easily hydrate and eat on the track without having to dig.<\/p>\n

Finally, pack your essential items at the top: a map and compass<\/a>, an extra layer\/outer shell of clothing, first aid kit<\/a>, camera, and maybe some snacks.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

The more bags, the better! Photo: Exped<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If you take your time packing your bag properly, so you can access everything easily on the trail. Photo: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

3. Light it Up<\/h2>\n

One more thing for the top of your rucksack: your\u00a0head torch<\/a>. Trust me, the times you need this item are the times you don’t want to be rummaging around blindly for it. It’ll be dark. So put it in a spot you know you can easily find it by feel.<\/p>\n

I always put my head torch in the top lid compartment of my rucksack<\/a>, where I know I can find it with minimal fuss in a dark, cramped tent.<\/p>\n

4. Easy-Use Hydration System<\/h2>\n

Instead of carrying more than one water bottle or container, kit out your rucksack with an easy-to-use reservoir<\/a>. That way, you can have easy access to your water supply without having to reach around your pack.<\/p>\n

\"UsingWhen the sky gets dark, you’ll want to be able to get to your headtorch easily. Photo: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

\"AKit out your rucksack with an easy-to-use reservoir. Image: Exped<\/em><\/p>\n

5. Sharing is Caring<\/h2>\n

The smart hiker knows they might forget something, which hopefully your hiking buddy will have. You are going to need bargaining power to get this coveted item off them, without being reminded of it for the remainder of the trip!<\/p>\n

Pack something you know your buddy is going to need or like, but you have no interest in whatsoever. Snacks or drinks are the obvious commodities here.<\/p>\n

6. Skin Deep<\/h2>\n

Try wearing a pair of old skins, at least on your legs.<\/p>\n

Here’s why: they provide your legs with low-friction and lightweight scratch-resistance from low-level shrubs. As any cyclist will tell you, they also breathe exceptionally well but allow your legs a little insulation against cold conditions (at least long enough for you to fetch your pants from your rucksack).<\/p>\n

Another advantage is the exceptional flexibility they grant you. When you’re climbing and rock-hopping, you can sometimes be restricted by conventional clothing.<\/p>\n

\"Setting<\/p>\n

Your buddy will probably have something you need and vice versa. Photo: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

7. First Aid<\/h2>\n

Most good first aid kits<\/a> cover the basics of wound dressing: sterile swabs, saline water, and various bandage options. Keep this maintained every trip, but add in the following over-the-counter medications:<\/p>\n