It is a well-known dilemma that hikers and mountaineers have to struggle with before every new tour. Because the question is, what do I need to take with me? Do I really need it? Have I forgotten something important? If hikers pack too many unnecessary things in their hiking backpack, it will only get heavy and the hike will be all the more strenuous. But it's just as unpleasant when it becomes apparent during the hike that something important has been forgotten. Cycorld lists the five things that every hiker should have with them on every hike.

1. Clothing for a sudden change in weather

If the hike goes to higher altitudes, the weather in the mountains can change very quickly and it can be fatal if hikers do not have the right equipment with them. So the most beautiful sunshine can suddenly turn into rain, hail or even snow and then really no one wants to stand in shorts and T-shirt on the mountain. Therefore, always pack a rain jacket, long pants and a warm top. Appropriate functional clothing is not heavy and can be folded small in the backpack and every hiker is glad to have it with him in case of a sudden change of weather.

2. A small first aid kit

Whether it's a banged up knee, a cut or a blister on your foot. It can always happen that hikers get injured in the mountains and that's when it's advisable to have a small emergency first aid kit with you. This should include, plasters, blister plasters, bandages, disinfectant and scissors to treat small wounds yourself. Those who are prone to headaches should also always have a painkiller with them. Likewise, it is advisable to carry a pain gel for aching calves and an ointment for insect bites. Hikers who need to take vital medications should also carry them with them at all times.

3. A cell phone

Before starting a hike, every hiker should check that they have packed a cell phone in their backpack and that it is fully charged. And certainly not to take great selfies with it to make friends jealous, but to be able to call for help in an emergency. After all, there can always be an emergency and then the cell phone can be vital to notify the mountain rescue. In addition, the cell phone's GPS helps when hikers get lost.

4. sufficient food

Is an apple enough for the day's hike to the summit because you've had a hearty breakfast? Probably not, because especially at high altitudes the organism burns even more calories during physical exertion and hikers get hungry again faster. That's why it's important to pack a good snack, fruit and, above all, enough water in your hiking backpack to make up for the loss of fluids during exercise. During regular breaks for a small snack, you can admire the beautiful view or study the hiking route.

5. plastic bag

In order to continue to preserve the beautiful nature of the mountains, it is important that hikers protect the sensitive ecosystem and neither take anything from there, nor leave anything there. This applies especially to food waste, packaging, plastic bottles, etc. If there is no trash can in sight, do not simply throw the waste into nature, but instead collect it in a plastic bag in your backpack and dispose of it in a trash can at the next opportunity. This way, nature will be preserved for other hikers for a long time to come.

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