As you gain more confidence on the trails, upgrading your gear may become necessary. Your belongings reflect both your comfort level and ability to handle emergency situations; we all know about the ten essentials list recommended for hiking adventures; here is our additional list of 10 gear upgrades designed to make you more capable on the trail.
At a minimum, when hiking it is essential to bring water, food and shelter. Furthermore, having some sort of navigation system such as topographical maps or compasses will assist with planning your route and staying safe on the trail.
If you plan to be on the trail for an extended period, it is advisable to carry some form of emergency shelter with you, such as a lightweight tarp, bivy sack or even just an emergency space blanket that packs away quickly and weighs minimal.
Provide yourself with an emergency communication device like the Garmin inReach Mini to send check-in texts should you become lost on the trail and notify loved ones that you are safe.
