Alper Aydın 
Hiking is a rewarding experience, but only if you are prepared about what you should bring and how you should dress. As long as you’ve got the correct attire and the right supplies, you’ll have the time of your life. Check out the list of essentials for a hike and an in-depth guide on what to wear during the Alaskan Adventure. Let’s do this!
1. Navigation Tools
A topo map and a dependable compass are the two most critical navigational tools you’ll need on any backcountry trip. They’re reliable, light, and long-lasting, and you’ll never have to worry about them running out of batteries. They can save you from being disoriented or assist you in regaining your bearings, but they are useless if you do not know how to utilize them. Just ensure you know how to use them before your Alaskan Adventure trip. Remember to also keep your maps in a transparent, waterproof map pouch to keep them dry and safe.
2. Sun Protection
Even if the weather appears gloomy, sun protection is essential for every backcountry journey. Every hiking excursion should include sunscreen, ideally polarized sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and protective clothing. To avoid severe illnesses like sunburn, bleeding split lips, and snow blindness, adequate appreciation for the sun’s power is essential.
3. Illumination
A good headlamp is essential for every hiking expedition, even if you don’t intend to stay out until the sunsets. Remember, an extended trek might rapidly turn into a hazardous situation if you become disoriented in the dark. Having a headlamp on hand will come in handy if you ever find yourself in the woods at dusk, without a map or compass. Also, before setting out on your journey, be sure to check the batteries in your light.
4. First Aid Kit
Always pack a full first aid kit if you’re venturing into the wild. Most hikers opt for a pre-packaged first aid kit when it comes to minor ailments. The first aid equipment you carry on the route might grow and shrink as you acquire trail experience.
5. Know How to Build Fire
The ability to construct a fire in inclement weather is a life-saving wilderness skill. It’s best if you pack two little Bic lighters, a few stormproof matches, and firestarter cubes to make starting a fire as simple as possible. Only use fire starters when necessary, although they make starting a fire in rainy weather significantly simpler.
However, little lighters perform just as well as small fire flints for emergency lighting. Homemade fire starters are an option for adventurous hikers, but we prefer the ease and convenience of store-bought ones.
6. Food
Ensure you have enough calories in your diet to last the entire day of hiking and don’t skimp on nutrition. While hiking, you can eat energy bars and sandwiches with firm meats. It’s also a good idea to pack some extra calories in case you’re hiking for an extended period.
7. Water
Staying hydrated on the trail is crucial to the healthy functioning of your body’s vital systems. Hiking is a strenuous activity that requires a lot of physical exertion, which is why it’s essential to stay hydrated. Bring enough water to last the whole trek, or use a portable water filter, and plan your route so that you can stop whenever you need to replenish your water supply.
4 litres of water per person is best for a 24-hour supply. Water is essential but bear in mind that it’s one of the heavier items you’ll have to carry along the way. As a result, it’s best to avoid carrying a lot of additional water.
8. Emergency Shelter
If you’re embarking on a multi-day hiking Alaskan Adventure trip, you’ll need to carry a shelter. Even on day hikes, it’s a good idea to pack an emergency shelter in case you wind up having to spend the night outside. If you ever find yourself in a dire situation, an emergency blanket or bivy might save your life.
9. Hiking Attire
Your hiking vacation will be a complete and utter disappointment unless you have the proper gear. Make sure you are prepared for your hike by selecting the appropriate attire from the list below.
10. Underwear
It’s critical to understand that the layer closest to the body may make a significant impact on your hiking journey. Make sure to wear polyester, nylon, and merino wool since they assist in wicking away moisture from the body and avoid discomfort.
11. Shirt
When hiking in the winter or spring, you’ll need a base layer to keep you warm and dry. In the summer, you’ll want something with long sleeves and UPF protection to keep you cool and dry. This layer should be made of merino wool or synthetic materials.
12. Bottoms/Pants
Wearing clothes that are easy to move in and quick to dry is essential for this type of outdoor activity, regardless of your preferred clothing type. Environmental risks heavily influence the length and thickness of bottoms. For instance, a trek through thick grass may necessitate long pants to keep unwelcome visitors from sticking themselves to your limbs.
13. Jackets
You’ll need a different sort of jacket depending on the time of year and the weather you’re hiking in. It’s a good idea to go for a jacket that’s lightweight, packable, and wind and water-resistant. This makes it possible to wear the jacket in any weather that may arise throughout your Alaskan Adventure.
14. Shoes
Hiking shoes are a matter of personal choice, weather circumstances, and the type of path you’re on. For example, snowshoeing necessitates waterproof, robust footwear, although you can usually get away with sneakers or sandals for a short summer trek.
Depending on the terrain’s level, you may only need a pair of shoes if you’re going hiking. However, when you gain height and the terrain becomes rougher, you may want to switch to a pair of hiking boots with ankle protection.
15. Hats
A hat is necessary for any season. It protects your head from the cold in the winter, the sun in the summer, and the rain. You can’t go trekking without these!
Bottom Line
Going for an Alaskan Adventure by hiking the trails is one of the best ways to gain lots of health benefits and get away from the stresses of daily life. Once you’ve decided on a route, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll need to keep warm, dry, safe and comfortable. This guide has everything you need, from what to wear to what you need to carry with you on your hiking trip to maximize your time in the great outdoors.
