$100 to spend wisely on hiking equipment

Before you decide to leave on your trip, you will need to carefully study the map and decide which route you are going to take.

If you are traveling into the wilderness, a list of items which are considered essential should be put together. The ability to improvise is always useful, and it is a useful exercise to practice needed skills before you leave.

The most important thing to own in a survival situation are things that you cannot lose or leave behind. These things are experience, knowledge, and skills. While having all the right gear is great, nothing can serve you better than these three personal skills.

However, here are a few items that will cost you under a hundred dollars and could make all the difference in a tight spot.

However, here are a few items that will cost you under a hundred dollars and could make all the difference in a tight spot.

Knife

Things you should consider as being definite items to pack, after your compass and map, are a decent knife, a good choice for value is the Bear Grylls Gerber Sheath Knife. This is a double-edged knife, one side is serrated and the other straight. It is sold with a light sheath.

Firestarter

A simple, straightforward fire starter is the Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0. It is an easy to hold Ferrocerium rod which sends out hot sparks towards your tinder. This is available for under $10.

Tarpaulin

A useful item to pack is a tarpaulin. This can be used as an improvised emergency shelter or a ground sheet as well as being useful to cover backpacks and any other gear to protect them from the elements.

Space blanket

Space blankets are a very lightweight “space age” cover which keeps you warm by reflecting and retaining body heat. These were first invented for use in the NASA space program.

They are waterproof and are good wind breakers. The silver and orange colors also lend visibility when this is needed. Expect to pay between four and ten dollars.

Water

You would not survive long anywhere without water, and when you are away from taps, you need to think carefully about where you will get it.

You do, of course, need to make sure it’s clean as any questionable water could really ruin your hike. Potable Aqua Germicidal tablets can purify and disinfect most water you find in about 35 minutes.

First aid

First aid skills in the outdoors are vital, but you will also need a few items to help you administer aid. There are several pre-packed kits available for various situations. There is one called Adventure First Aid 1.0 kit which though very basic, is what you would need on a day hike or a regular camp. This costs only $12.

Whistle

Another small item that may be a lifesaver is a Windstorm safety whistle. It really is loud and can be heard from about half a mile away. It could be useful to help rescuers locate you in an emergency. Hopefully, you will have an uneventful and enjoyable hike, but it is always advisable to be prepared. A whistle really doesn’t cost much but can be a life saver.

Hopefully, the tips above will help you to have an amazing and adventurous hiking trip. Just remember to prepare well, be safe, and enjoy the time in the wilderness.

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