A hectic week, rushing from A to B throughout the sleepless city you’re living in followed by the need to just distress for a moment. Thats when I suggest taking a time out for at least a day by going into the woods.
Our lives seem to be forced into a way too fast pace these days but the moment you step into a forest, simply by being surrounded by trees and the smell of pinewood, you will have the sensation of pressing the pause button on your life. Walking through nature will finally give you that feeling of being grounded and of being in present again.
There is something calming about going for a hike and I believe we all need to add more hiking days into our busy lives. That’s why I will share some of my personal hiking essentials for your days in the woods.
1. Comfortable and waterproof hiking shoes
There is nothing more annoying than uncomfortable shoes when you’re about to spend a whole day on foot. Invest in some high quality and comfy hiking boots. Depending on the paths and lengths of your trip, you can choose between hiking boots (mid- to high-cut) which are perfect for a short backpacking trip with light weight, backpacking boots (high cut with stiffer midsoles), which offer great support for long hiking trips with heavy loads and hiking shoes (low-cut and flexible) for those one day hiking trips with ultra light loads. The ones I’m wearing are hiking shoes from the sustainable company Lowa
2. The right socks
People might be asking: What are the “right” socks? Well this is, believe it or not, a very important part of planning your hiking trip. Tip number one: Don’t go for 100% cotton! 100% cotton socks make your feet go sweaty and they get soaked very easily. I like wearing the Silvertech Socks from the sustainable brand Organic Basics. They are made from 85% organic cotton but have a SilverTech yarn running through them. They are designed to actively fight bacterias, kill odor and keep you fresh. Check out the Silvertech line and use the code: SELIOBC3 for 10% off
3. Activewear
When it comes to the rest of your clothing for hiking, the same rule applies as it does for socks: Don’t go for 100% cotton! You want something that breathes but can still keep you warm by not getting wet. The Silvertech shirt I am wearing in the pictures is treated with polygiene, for active oder control, and is designed by one of the best textile manufactures in Europe to last longer than ever before. The activewear collection is not only great for hiking and workouts, but also for the environment, since the material of this shirt is made from recycled Nylon which takes 90% less water to make compared to conventional nylon. What better way to go hiking then by also supporting the environment.
4. Reusable water bottle
Naturally you can’t go hiking without bringing something to rehydrate. I highly recommend a stainless steel water bottle that is designed to keep your cool water cold or hot water warm. You will truly start to appreciate these bottles when after a few hours of sweaty hiking you find out that you actually still have some ice cold water in store.
5. Snacks
Before any full day hiking trips (and preferably every day), you should start your day with a substantial breakfast. After a long day of exercise you will probably end it with a rich dinner as well but nevertheless don’t forget to bring some snacks! You never know when you might need a little boost of energy, so bring some healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, sandwiches or even granola bars.
6. Sunprotection
This heavily depends on the weather of course, but for those sunny days you will be very thankful if you didn’t forget to bring a cap, sunglasses and/or (especially in summer) some sunscreen lotion.
7. Rainjacket
Speaking of the sun, you should of course also consider the occasional shower of rain and how to be prepared for it. I suggest bringing an easily foldable and easily accessible and quite long rain jacket rather than an umbrella. When those showers catch up with you (or you with them) its important to stay as dry as possible to prevent any uncomfortable results from wet clothes.
8. Navigation System/Map
Since you don’t want to get lost, it is obviously important to bring a map or download one to your phone. Keep in mind – you might not have any reception in the woods, so this map should be available offline as well. Depending on how far off the grid you go, bringing a real map and a compass is always a good idea, your phone usually gives up on you at the most inconvenient times.
9. Emergency kit
You never know what can happen and it’s best to be prepared for even the smallest accidents. Think about bringing band-aids or even a small medical kit, but also essentials like tissues. For the real off grid hikes bring an extra satellite phone and let some people know where you are going.
10. Lightweight and waterproof backpack
To store all your essentials for your day trip, I recommend bringing a lightweight backpack which is also waterproof. You could also invest in a jacket with multiple pockets, if you prefer, but keep in mind that backpacks were not invented without a reason.
(11. Flashlight)
This is just an extra point since we live in the 21st century and we all have one on our phones, but just make sure to bring one if you decide to turn off your phone for some detoxing.
Enjoy your hikes and make sure to keep the woods clean!
Get 10% off at Organic Basics with the code: “SELIOBC3” (valid until the 20th October 2019)
