What To Bring When Hiking Az

When you decide on hiking AZ (Arizona) there are several important items that need to be on your person. You can’t hike safely no matter how short or long the hike without these basics.

But first decide what your trail will be when hiking AZ. It’s a pretty big state with many awesome trails. The wise move would be to select a trail that matches your current hiking abilities. Once you’ve decided on a trail it’s what to take with you when hiking AZ that comes next.

Appropriate Clothing
Wear what’s comfortable, breathable, and weather appropriate when hiking AZ. Light clothing for warm, sunny weather and extra clothing to put on when it gets chilly. When you’re hiking AZ for a longer period like a 3-day hike or a weeklong one, a key to deciding what extra to bring is asking yourself what type of clothes will help you survive the worst conditions.

Wear shoes that are a comfortable fit with matching comfy socks. Hiking AZ means encountering extreme weather at different times. You may need extra underwear, a hat and a jacket or vest.

Eye and Skin Protection
Sunglasses are a must. The wraparound type is recommended since it prevents sunlight from entering through the corners and keeps out strong winds and dust.. Darker lenses are necessary if you’ll be trekking over ice; which means you’re hiking AZ during the cold season.

Your sunscreen should be at least SPF15 up to SPF30 and should block all UVA and UVB rays. Most important is to slather every exposed part of your body with generous amounts.

Maps, compass, GPS, etc.
One of the most important things to have with you when hiking AZ is a topographical map. A topo map shows you water sources which is quite handy if you get lost. You’ll also need your trusty compass or a very reliable GPS gadget. But between the two, go for the compass. It’s lightweight and you don’t need batteries for it.

Light
Flashlights are good. But headlamps are better and strongly recommended especially when hiking AZ on really rough, lush terrain. Headlamps don’t need your hands; they’re light, compact and have really long battery life, specifically those running on LEDs. But of course, don’t forget extra batteries.

Fire and heat
In case of an emergency where your lights give out and the air gets really cold, you need to be able to quickly start a fire. Store reliable matches in a waterproof case or bag. Avoid the common matchbooks; they won’t survive the trip. Lighters are cool but matches are great back-ups.

Take some firestarter with you when you’re hiking AZ. This could be dry tinder stored in a plastic bag or candles. Firestarters ignite easily and give off heat longer. As the name suggests, it’s definitely welcome when starting a fire.

Water
You might forget the trail food when hiking AZ on a day hike but never forget the water. Be it an ultra short hike or a weekender kind of hike, you need water. One water bottle is the minimum but it is wise to carry a bladder-type water carrier.

Food
Dried fruits, nuts, power bars and energy bars are excellent trail food when you’re hiking AZ. A frozen meal that’s ready to heat is also good. Bringing a day’s worth of extra food is a wise move.

First-Aid Kit
Naturally, hiking AZ means you’ll be roughing it, holding on to tree trunks and branches, stumbling a bit. There’ll probably be a couple of blisters or cuts. Your first-aid kit should contain the basics of blister ointment or cream, disinfectant, bandages, gauze pads, pain medication, and insect repellent.

Tools
Well, actually your basic Swiss army knife or multipurpose knife will be fine for hiking AZ. It should have a foldable blade or two, a couple screwdrivers, can opener, and small foldout scissors. Hang a whistle on your neck or store one in your first-aid kit. It’s useful when you need to call for help.

Shelter
Last but not least, an emergency roof over your head should you get lost and stranded in for the night. An ultralight tarp is ideal or if nothing else, a really large garbage bag. Hiking AZ is an adventure and adventure sometimes means encountering the unexpected. It pays to be prepared.

Supremely important though is knowing what to do with the stuff you take with you and how to tackle a trail. So learn all you can about hiking AZ.