subject: How To Pack Your Hiking Rucksack [print this page] How To Pack Your Hiking Rucksack How To Pack Your Hiking Rucksack
With a handful of public holidays to look forward to in the next month or two, many South Africans are putting in additional leave from work and browsing around for special deals on accommodation, flights and other vacation packages. It's indeed a beautiful time of the year and the perfect weather conditions for hiking in the Drakensberg.
You don't have to be a wilderness expert to go hiking in the Drakensberg, or any other location for that matter, but if you're a novice to this fantastic outdoor activity, the following few ideas and suggestions might make your first hiking trip even more remarkable!
One of the most important items on you hiking list is a decent backpack. Invest in a backpack with a waist belt to be able to carry the backpack's weight on your hips and not on your back. Believe me, even the lightest backpack can feel very heavy after a long walk and an aching back in addition might turn your hiking experience into a headache. A rucksack shouldn't be over tightened but you must be able to keep it firm and close to your body with correct support.
When packing your backpack you have to take into account that the most heavy goods should be close to your back near the core pack. Typically your sleeping bag would go in first, followed by the food supplies for the hiking trip. An out of balance backpack is almost as hazardous as an unbalanced trailer and you will end up having to struggle with the rucksack the complete route to keep if from throwing you off balance.
Don't pack drenched items in your backpack, especially for long periods. Shake the water off your tent before packing it away.
The 2nd item on the list is your clothing. Natural cotton will not dry quickly and holds moisture close to the skin and is therefore not ideally suited hiking material. Invest in hiking shorts that are water repellent and will dry quickly. Lykra shorts are also a great option and will protect against thigh chafing on more delicate skin. Your clothing should be kept in a waterproof bag in your backpack - putting on wet clothes on a hike is not something to look forward to!
It is not required to take 15 sets of clothing on a hike, but if you have limited clothing for your trip try to wash the garments as often as you can. Soiled clothing is generally warmer as the accumulated oils decrease the loft and heat is conducted away from the body. In the hot months, a broad rimmed hat is non-negotiable. Sun glasses and suntan lotion should be used in conjunction with the hat to avoid an excruciating sunburn on your delicate face area.
If you are planning on hiking in the Drakensberg in the winter months, you can eat food with a lot of fat content before going to rest - this will keep you warm during the night.
Hiking is a very enjoyable exercise. Take the needed steps and have a memorable time with nature!
