5 Things To Bring on a Hike

Outdoor activities are a fun way to spend time in the hot summer weather. Whether you enjoy swimming, hiking, or even simply sitting outside and enjoying the sun, there is some kind of outdoor activity for everyone. However, the outdoors are not always easygoing and forgiving. Being exposed to the elements can present some challenges that you need to overcome to remain safe, so here are five items to pack for your next outdoor hike.

1. Sunblock

The one consistency that every outdoor activity contains is the sun. People love feeling the sun's warm rays on their skin, but even though that feels great, it is dangerous to take in too much sun without taking precautions. You most likely know that you should be wearing sunscreen when you spend a substantial amount of time in the sun, but most people are not as vigilant as they should be when it comes to wearing sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen regularly can cut your risk of contracting skin cancer in half, and it can also prevent you from getting unsightly and painful sunburns.

2. Skin Care Products

If you discover that you have been sunburned despite your precautions, you should also be prepared to treat it. Aloe vera is one natural and effective way to treat mild sunburns, and there are other products that will treat sunburns available at many types of stores. If you are prone to developing unsightly dark spots on your skin after being in the sun, Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher reviews claim that the product is great for diminishing or completely eliminating unwanted skin spots from the sun quickly and easily.

3. Food and Water

When you are out in the sun for extended periods of time, you are at an increased risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and other ailments that stem from excessive exposure to heat. Keeping yourself fed and hydrated is one step you can take in keeping yourself healthy. When you are in the wilderness, far from any civilization, there are few opportunities to buy food, so plan ahead by bringing more water than you think you will need and light healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These will be more effective than fat and sugar-filled snacks since they provide more essential nutrients.

4. Basic First-Aid Supplies

Injuries are unforeseen but inevitable when you spend a lot of time outside. Mother Nature is unforgiving. Even basic first-aid equipment can save you from a huge hassle. Bandages and hydrogen peroxide are good for cleaning and protecting open cuts. They take up very little room in a backpack, and they can help prevent an open wound from becoming infected if something unsanitary where to find its way in. A complete first-aid kit will contain more supplies, but bandages are a necessity for any outdoor activity in the case of an unfortunate accident.

5. Portable Phone Charger

We are constantly connected to the rest of the world through our cell phones, and that can be a literal lifesaver if you find yourself in a particularly dangerous situation. In an emergency, a cell phone allows you to call for help and could be the difference between life and death. However, if your phone has a dead battery, it becomes useless, and you will be unable to call for help. Portable phone chargers are cheap, and they can give your phone the little extra charge it might need to get you out of a sticky situation.

Outdoor excursions can be fun and invigorating for anyone, and they are a great way to get active and stay healthy. However, that does not mean that you can disregard the dangers that come along with them. As long as you stay prepared by packing your bag with all the necessities that could help you in the event of an unforeseeable disaster, you can have a fun and safe time on your beautiful and scenic hike through nature.