Are you planning on hiking in Palmer, Alaska? When hiking in the great outdoors, knowing what gear to bring can make the difference between a fun weekend and an emergency adventure. This is part 1 in our 2 part series on Gear You Need When Hiking in Palmer, Alaska.
Here’s a checklist for what to bring on your next hiking trip.
List of Gear You Need When Hiking in Palmer
Backpack
A backpack is an essential piece of equipment when hiking. It is the one piece of gear you will use on every hike. The right bag can make a difference from day hikes to weekend trips. When shopping for a pack, pay attention to fit, capacity and materials.
Waterproof Pack Cover
The waterproof pack cover will protect your gear from the elements if you get caught in a rainstorm or fall into a creek. The cover should be large enough to fit over your bag and have a drawcord so it stays tight around the bag.
Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
In general, you only need to carry 1-2 liters of water at any given time. If you use a hydration bladder, make sure it’s full before packing it. It’s near impossible to fit a full bladder in a fully loaded pack.
Tent or Wind Shelter
This one seems pretty obvious—but there are different styles of tents that are better suited for different purposes. If you’re going on a solo trip, you’ll likely want a single-person tent to avoid wasting too much space in your backpack. If it’s just you and your hiking partner, then look for something lightweight and roomy enough.
Bear-Resistant Food Container (BRFC)
While there are plenty of other animals that you may encounter on your hike, bears are the most dangerous in this area. Keeping your food away from them is crucial, so a BRFC is necessary to keep yourself and the bears safe.
Most trails will note which type of food storage is required. If it’s a requirement that you use bear-proof containers on your hike, find a durable one that can stand up to the elements. They’re compact and lightweight and easy to carry with you while hiking.
Stove, Fuel, and Cookset
You will want to bring your camp stove, fuel, and cookset. Anytime you are cooking on a hike, make sure you do so at least 100 feet away from where anyone sleeps, and never leave a stove unattended.
Eating Bowl, Utensil, and a Mug
A basic eating bowl and utensil are essential for preparing meals on the trail. It’s also always nice to have an insulated mug for those hot drinks after dinner!
This is the end of part 1. Please tune in next week for part 2!
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