Best Hiking Backpack

The Speedo Large Teamster is our pick for the best hiking backpack, which has a water resistant bottom, contains 35 liters of capacity and has 4 outer pockets with 1 inner pockets. It has many colors to choose from and has a laptop sleeve.

Our step-up pick is the SwissGear Travel 1900 and it has padded shoulders for comfort, many pockets for your items and has a TSA approved design for fitting laptops and adhering to airport security in a breeze.

The budget pick is the Venture Pal Lightweight and this bag has a quality outer shell that is water and tear resistant. With many colors to choose from, it is supported by a durable metal zipper.

Hiking Backpack

A Little Background

Hiking is often an activity at the beach, in a park, in the forest or even near the open highway if you are traveling for miles in your car and it’s dark out. Camping and hiking go hand in hand and if you need to pack a lot then you need a lot of supplies to help you out.

One of the key benefits of camping and hiking is relaxation from your busy life. If you have been stressed a lot then camping and hiking is a great outlet for your anxiety. Camping and hiking also helps you realize how beautiful life is from the outdoor view. It also helps families and friends bond with each other even more. Hiking is also a good form of exercise.

Carrying a bag while you’re out in the wilderness is always an essential thing. Camping in the wilderness can be tough so you need to be prepared with the necessary tools and equipment. Whether it’s hiking, camping or general outdoor trekking, having a durable bag is important because it will get you into places and will not damage your belongings or lose them.

How We Picked

When you are choosing the best hiking backpack, you need to consider these criteria first:

Volume of the bag: most of these packs can have as much as 20 liters of volume on the average. The amount of volume in a hiking bag can depend on how many items you need to pack in one go.

Ease of carrying and comfort: generally, it pays to have a more comfortable design for your bag. You need to consider those bags that have padded shoulders so that even when you carry them for hours and hours of hiking, you won’t feel very painful in your shoulders or back. It also pays to invest in a bag that has a padding at the back for comfort all the way.

Materials used: there are many materials that can be used for hiking bags, such as nylon and polyester. If you have a bag that can withstand rain then your electronic items won’t easily get wet and get scratched throughout the trip.

Number of pockets and compartments: Having more compartments and pockets help you to organize your gear better. For those who need to carry a lot of different items that need to be separated, such as electronics, they need to be segregated into compartments.

Purpose: you can choose from different bag purposes, such as dog packs, daypacks, for backpacking or child carrier packs. Some are also specially designed for carrying a laptop. For hiking, you may need a dog pack if you have a canine friend, and you may need a child carrier if you have younger kids. For laptops, they should be TSA friendly as a bag for traveling convenience.

Who will use it: consider who will use the bag, such as children, teens, adults or seniors.

Weight of the bag: the weight of the bag when it is empty should also be considered. It should be lightweight but not too flimsy in material so that when the going gets tough, the bag will not give away.

Hydration pockets: consider a bag that comes with hydration pockets, which can be helpful if you are packing for a very long trip or hiking. It is usually located on the sides of the bag.

Insulation pockets or compartments: the insulation pockets are ideal for those items such as food that you need to keep warm or cool depending on how you want them.

Free items: there can also be free items, such as carabineers, lanyards and the like. There can also be free pouches that can come with the bag.

Our Pick

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As our top pick, the Speedo Large Teamster contains 35 liters in its volume and has a wide range of colors to choose from. It has four exterior pockets and one inner pocket and an additional bag inside. It even has a laptop sleeve and an outer shell that is durable and tear resistant. the dirt bag is also convenient to use.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

While not a deal breaker, the only concern with the Speedo Large Teamster is the fact that it might not fit certain shoes in the shoe compartment, but this is a case-to-case basis.

Step-up Pick

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The SwissGear Travel 1900 is our step-up pick, which has a polyester outer shell and measures 18 x 13 inches with a TSA approved design for laptops. The polyester has a 1,200-denier quality and it has multiple pockets for you to use.

Budget Pick

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The Venture Pal Lightweight is our budget pick, which can also be a daypack and is great for general traveling light. It has many colors to choose from and uses SBS metal zippers for extra durability. Its water resistant material makes it ideal for the trail.

Best Hiking Backpack with a Rain Cover

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The Mountaintop 40 Liter has many colors to choose from and can fit a 17-inch laptop. It has a hip belt for comfort as well as a rain cover for protecting it against the elements. You can also use this bag for camping and it is backed by a 90 day limited warranty.

Best Hiking Backpack for Unisex

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The NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable is a great bag for both men and women and contains up to 35 liters of capacity inside. It can also be used for camping and is great for ultralight packing. Made of quality nylon fabric, it can hold any water bottle up to 40 ounces and a 13-inch laptop as well.

Best Hiking Backpack that is Foldable

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The Mubasel Gear Backpack is also a unisex bag but can be folded so you can pack it when you’re not using it along the way. The nylon doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable and it’s still tear resistant and water resistant.

Best Hiking Backpack for Ultralight Packing

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At 40 liters of capacity, the G4Free Large 40L is also a good daypack for hiking. It has 2 bottle holders, a strap and a spandex pouch as well. Its nylon material is tear and water resistant and it’s large enough even for a hammock and sleeping materials.

Best Hiking Backpack that is Water Resistant

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The Sunhiker Cycling Hiking is also a good hiking day pack to consider with a bottle holder. It is resistant to water and tearing and can also be used for cycling and athletic purposes. It is highly breathable and weighs light at only 12 ounces. Its mesh shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry around.

Best Hiking Backpack for Teens

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The Hikpro 20L Ultra is great for teens and the big kids. At 6 ounces of total weight, it has an ample space inside and is made with metal zippers. There are 2 mesh pockets on the side for hydration bottles plus three compartments that are zippered.

Best Hiking Backpack with Hydration Pockets

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The TETON Sports Oasis comes with hydration pockets and comes with a rain cover as well. Ideal for both men and women, it has an athletic cut design and holds up to 18 liters. There are also tapered straps to make it comfortable to carry around.

The Competition

There were others that did not make it to our list because they were not very durable when it comes down to the material and were not very spacious when it comes down to its volume. The zippers were also not very easy to zip and there were not enough pockets in the bag.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of hiking?

A: Hiking has many benefits for your well-being, such as the following:

It helps improve your balance. By having a good sense of balance, you can minimize the likelihood of tripping or falling from rocks or from steep areas. This is an important skill that you can enhance when you are hiking, starting from flat areas to steeper rocks and formations.

You can get an improved mood. If anything, hiking outdoors is a good outlet to get your frown upside down. If you have been bummed or down lately, you can go out for a walk or for a hike by yourself or with a group or someone you care about. Going on a trip outdoors is a great way to get all of the negative vibes away.

It helps strengthen your bones. Since you are using your body to move and your legs to walk around, your bone mass can also increase, resulting in less likelihood of osteoporosis and arthritis when you get older. This is important for people who are reaching their 40s.

You also get core muscle strength. Those who are looking for a good workout and want to do it outdoors away from the gym can do so with hiking. Much like jogging or walking outdoors, hiking also help enhance your core muscles so you can get fit in no time.

Blood pressure and blood sugar levels can be well maintained. If you or someone you know has some form of diabetes or hypertension then hiking is a great way to help them keep their levels maintained. It is a good therapy to help them keep a good blood pressure and a balanced sugar level in order to stay healthy as much as possible.

You get to appreciate nature and life even more. Because hiking involves nature sceneries and looking at wildlife, it will be like camping such that you get to see more of nature’s beauty. If you have been bored with the city life then you can find hiking as a great and relaxing activity.

It helps you drive away stress, anxiety and depression. Hiking not only lifts your mood but can also help those who are going through tough times. By taking time to appreciate nature around you, people who have been suffering from depression can help them lighten up a bit.

For strength building, it’s good for your leg muscles. Since you are walking for miles or kilometers throughout the entire trip, you are also exercising your leg muscles, which can be a great way to help build strength.

You’re less likely to get a heart disease. People who often hike can have better cardiovascular health, and they will get some protection from heart related illnesses because their blood is circulating the right way and they don’t get tired easily.

It helps fight obesity. If you have children or someone who needs to lose weight or help control their weight, hiking is a less stressful activity to help them cut off some fat and carbs away. If they can’t go for a jog or some other strenuous activity then surely, going on a sightseeing trip while hiking is the best.

Q: What factors can affect the number of calories you can burn while hiking?

A: Hiking can burn some calories, and that number is determined by the following factors:

Your weight can play a role on how much calories you can burn. You can be burning from 400 to 550 calories per hour depending on your body weight. This is why you should not compare the calories you burned to other people, because different people have different body compositions and weights – naturally, heavier people need to burn more calories in the long run.

How intense your hiking activity can be can affect how much you burn. An additional 190 calories later can be burned if you work at a high intensity for your hiking session. If you can’t do high intensity hiking yet, take it slow until you’re fit enough to do so.

The style of the terrain also plays an important role. If you really want to burn more calories then consider an inclined plane to climb on to add to the intensity. Flat terrain is ideal for beginners, however.

Whatever your are carrying can also help add more burned calories up to 200 per hour depending on how much you carry. If you carry a lighter load, you might add some 50 to 100 more calories to your total burned calories an hour for the day.

Q: As a beginner, how do I prepare for hiking?

A: If you are new to hiking, you can consider the following beginner tips:

Get someone to hike alongside you, or hike with other people. Hiking solo can be dangerous if you are a beginner, so it is best recommended for you to have someone to tag along, such as a friend, a special someone, a family member or anyone else.

Consider where you will hike and make sure you don’t get lost. You can get a map on paper or on your phone and survey the area first before you go on a hike there. Know what can be found in the area, how long the trail will be, what’s the weather like on your chosen day, and many other factors.

Make sure you have quality and reliable hiking gear. It pays to have quality hiking gear, such as a backpack, an extra change of clothes and well-prepared items. You need to be in full layers if you want to hike on really cold mountains and elevated areas where the wind levels can be high. Your shoes should be not slippery and have good traction for outdoor use.

When in doubt, simply ask people. You can ask other hikers as well as other people nearby. Oftentimes, trekkers and hikers are also around you so you can ask for certain directions and any other concerns. You can also check with the local authorities in the park or hike site if there are rules that needed to be followed in the area, or if there are things you should or should not bring with you.

Always practice good hiking etiquette and be respectful towards others. Remember to give way to others just as you want them to give way to you. Remember the horse-hiker-biker rule (see below) and practice courtesy towards other hikers and people you pass by.

Stay clean and leave no trace wherever you go.

Q: How do I stay safe while hiking on the trail?

A: When hiking on the trail, there are some safety tips that you can do before, during and after, such as the following:

Ensure that you have all of the hiking essentials with you. Bring staples such as food, drinks, first aid kits, extra changes of clothes, utility items and many other important things (see below). It pays to be prepared for the worst by bringing important items with you.

Make sure you know enough about the terrain of where you’ll hike on. Consider the elevation levels, the distance of the terrain, the potential obstacles, the flora and fauna and so on. You should also bring a map with you in case you get lost or don’t know much about the area yet.

Gearing up with the right clothing can help make you feel more comfortable later on. Consider moisture wicking towels and clothing so that you don’t get sick afterwards. Make sure that your clothes are also easier to dry when you accidentally get them wet or end up having to run in the rain.

Consider leaving a note or telling someone where you are going in case something bad happens. Leaving a note to someone is important because you don’t know what will happen to you on the trail. Let them know when you left, when you are expected to arrive and your itinerary.

Make sure to take enough breaks while on the trail. Because hiking can be tiring, it should be noted that resting is part of the journey, especially if you have kids or people who get tired too easily. Consider having quick breaks for lunch or snack or getting hydrated enough.

Bring enough food and drinks. It also helps to bring water purifiers if you’re going to faraway places. Stocking up on food in your backpack can help you stay on track and can help energize you if you feel tired and really hungry. Pack more than you think you’ll need because there won’t be convenience stores in the wilderness.

Watch for weather changes. It pays to look at the weather forecast and to watch the clouds. If you think that it’s going to rain soon, head home or to the campsite fast before it rains to avoid getting sick.

As much as possible, keep your eyes on the trail and don’t wander off to avoid getting lost. Trails are made for you to go from one place to another and for you to never lose your way. Sometimes, you do need to get off the trail to give way to mountain goats and other animals, as well as when you need to pee in some situations.

Watch for any dangerous animals that can potentially attack you. For safety reasons, don’t use flash photography or feed them so that they won’t get stressed.  Don’t chase them around and keep your children and pets in order so they won’t disturb the animals.

Make sure you stay together with your group or partner. Consider your group mates or partner first and keep the group close if you are not on familiar territory. It is easy for anyone to get lost so it pays to have teamwork and sticking close together in any place.

Q: What do I need to bring in a hiking trip?

A: There are many essentials that you can bring to a hiking trip, but here are the most important ones:

For navigating your way out of the hiking area, here are tools that can help you:

Item

Purpose

Map

A map can help you navigate through the trail. If your phone has a map then you can use that but it’s still ideal to bring a physical map to avoid losing your battery life.

Compass

The compass is your friend in case you really don’t know where to go or don’t know which is north, south, east or west..

For keeping your path lit, here are some options and staples that you can bring:

Item

Purpose

Flashlight

It can help illuminate the darkest areas.

Headlamp

You can use this if you prefer hands-free hiking.

Extra batteries

For when you need to provide additional power to your lighting and gadgets, and if you are going to hike for days.

For added protection against the sun, you can consider the following to bring with you:

Item

Purpose

Sunglasses

It can help protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Sunscreen

It can help protect your skin from UV rays.

Lip balm (SPF rated)

Chapped lips can also occur during hot weather, so it pays to have a lip balm ready.

For utilities and safety, you should have the following:

Item

Purpose

Lighter or matches

These can help you start a fire. Make sure you keep them in a waterproof container.

First aid kit

Always have first aid kit supplies like OTC medicine, alcohol, band aids and the like, in case something bad happens.

Multi-tool

A multi-tool or a Swiss Knife is a great thing to pack in your hiking trip so that you can have different tools in just one item.

Knife

With that said, a knife is still important because large bushes can be in the way if you hike in the forest. Knives can also be for self-defense. Check with your local authorities if knives are allowed in the hike park or area.

For when you need to camp out for the night, you need the following:

Item

Purpose

Tent

This one will be for shelter purposes.

Sleeping materials

For you to sleep soundly in the tent.

Bug spray

For keeping the mosquitoes and the like away.

For your clothing and footwear needs, you may pack the following

Item

Purpose/Qualities

Extra t-shirt

This one must be moisture wicking.

Socks

This can help protect your feet from bad weather.

Pants or shorts

These must be quick drying

Sun and rain hat

For keeping your head protected.

Insulating hat

For the rainy and snowy days.

Insulating jacket

Great for the snowy days.

Bandana

Can be great during hot days.

Rain clothing

Ideal for the rainy days or season.

Boots

Ideal for getting over muddy areas.

Extra shoes

In case your shoes wear out.

Extra sandals

In case your feet needs some breathability.

For hygiene purposes, you may want to bring the following:

Item

Purpose/Quality

Toilet paper or tissue

For hygiene purposes and for cleaning.

Garbage bag

For keeping your trash.

Hand sanitizer or alcohol

For disinfecting when your hands get dirty.

Feminine hygiene products

For women on their periods.

Lots of towels

For when you get really sweaty or wet. Make sure they are easy to carry around.

For your electronics, you may need the following for your hiking:

Item

Purpose

Mobile phone with a waterproof case

To protect your phone from getting wet, especially if it’s not waterproof.

Waterproof camera

For taking pictures without worrying about the weather conditions.

Smart watch

For getting in touch with your phone and internet accounts, or for fitness tracking.

GPS device

For tracking where you are.

Specialty communication devices

Things such as two-way radios and satellite messengers are great accessories to have.

Other miscellaneous items you can bring with you on your hiking trip are the following:

Item

Purpose

Food utensils

For eating and drinking properly, or for food prep.

Journal

For taking down notes during your hiking trip.

Binoculars

For sightseeing animals and other things.

Whistle

For emergency purposes.

Itinerary notes

Leave one to a trusted friend and keep one under your car seat or in your campsite. This is helpful so that if ever the worst happens and you can’t make it back, someone can potentially rescue you or know where you went.

Q: What are topographic maps and what do they do?

A: A topographic map is a kind of map that shows the elevation of a place as well as other specifics that a normal map wouldn’t show you. Contour lines are shown in a topographic map to help you determine the elevation of the area that you are in.

Topographic maps can be found online in PDF format and can either be viewed on your device or printed out.

Q: How do I choose where to hike?

A: To know where you would like to hike, you need to consider the following factors:

How difficult is it to hike there? – In choosing a hiking location, you should consider your strength and your level of skill. Beginners who are new to hiking may get tired too easily when climbing on steep areas while those who are expert at hiking may find flat areas too easy. Here’s a chart to consider your level:

Easy

Moderate

Hard

His trail has almost no elevation gain so it is great for beginners to start with. It has a well-maintained surface.

This one is ideal for intermediate hikers who want to have some obstacles in the way, a little bit of elevation gain and other things.

For those who are experts and want to take on a tough challenge, they may want to cross steeper areas with rocks and the like on the way.

What is the rating of the place? – You should know how the hiking location has been rated by the authorities. There is a scale called the Yosemite Decimal System, which classifies hiking locations into different classes, such as the following:

Class Level

Description

Class 1

Great for beginners, this one has fewer obstacles and is similar to a flat plain. It is not much of a challenge but is a good starter.

Class 2

This one is slightly difficult and some can have off-trail areas. It requires some balance for the hiker in general.

Class 3

This one requires moderate climbing and can be ideal for more advanced hikers. They have really steep areas but they are doable even without ropes.

Class 4

You need to have ropes to climb and hike these areas, since they are very steep.

Class 5

This class is only taken on by expert hikers and climbers who can perform technical climbing.

How far is the hike area from where you are? – You should know the distance of the hiking area before you go there to avoid being surprised. Choose an area that is okay for your stamina and for your companions as well.

What is the elevation gain and steepness in the area? – Consider if it is too steep for you or for other people to climb or hike. Beginners should start with flatter areas while those who are looking for some challenge may go for slightly steeper terrain.

How fit are you to go for a hike? – Consider your fitness level and if you don’t get tired too easily. If you bring kids along, make sure they are okay for the said hike trip.

What interesting scenery can be seen in the area? – Consider going on a hike trip on an interesting place, such as near historical ruins, majestic natural wonders and places of interest in your country or area.

Q: Which is better: solo hiking or group/partner hiking?

A: That depends on your preferences but solo versus group/partner hiking do have their own pros and cons, such as the following:

Criteria

Solo Hiking

Group or Partner Hiking

Safety

Solo hiking poses a threat if you are not careful during the trip.

Group or partner hiking is a safe way for everyone to stay together.

Schedule

You can hike at your own pace without worrying about anyone.

Group hiking involves group decisions, like it or not.

Camping out

Solo hiking is good for the fact that you won’t be disturbed by anyone – except bears, probably.

You’re probably safe against bear attacks, but not against loud snoring.

Q: What is hiking etiquette and how do I practice this?

A: There are several rules to follow in general when it comes down to hiking etiquette, such as:

Give way to others in a specific order. On any trail, you should always prioritize horses and animals and then hikers go next, followed by bikers, if any.

·         When someone is going uphill, give way to them.

·         Observe the “keep right” policy.

·         Practice the “leave no trace” etiquette every single time.

·         Make sure your use of gadgets don’t interfere with other people.

·         Proper greeting towards people wouldn’t hurt a bit.

Q: What are the seven “leave no trace” principles?

A: In hiking, camping, trekking, trailing, trail blazing and many other outdoor activities involve getting in touch with nature. As such, you need to consider the “leave no trace” principles, which is the following:

1.       Plan ahead and prepare.

a.       Prepare for the worst weather that can happen.

b.      Practice repackaging food items.

c.       Know the rules.

d.      Schedule your trip.

e.      Split large groups into small units.

f.        Have an emergency kit.

2.       Travel and camp on durable surfaces.

a.       Set a camp away from streams and lakes, at least 200 feet away.

b.      Use campsites and trails that are already existing

c.       Keep away from vegetation areas

d.      Make campsites as minimal as possible depending on the rules

e.      Walk in a single line as much as possible.

3.       Dispose of waste properly.

a.       When you wash clothes or dishes, do it 200 feet away from streams to avoid contaminating the water.

b.      Use catholes when you want to dispose of waste properly.

c.       If you can pack out your trash, pack it using a garbage bag.

4.       Minimize campfire impacts.

a.       If the site has pre-built fire pans, fire rings and the like, use them.

b.      Make sure you completely put out fires before leaving. A good tip is to spread out the ashes when cooled down.

c.       The campfire should be of minimal size to avoid causing potential forest fires.

5.       Leave what you find.

a.       You can take pictures, but don’t touch the objects.

b.      Most parks have certain natural objects that you can’t take with you at home.

6.       Respect wildlife.

a.       Don’t feed the animals.

b.      Keep trash away so they don’t affect the animals.

c.       Don’t approach animals or they may get scared (and potentially attack you).

d.      If you have pets with you, keep them away from wildlife.

e.      Don’t approach animals if they’re mating or during sensitive times.

7.       Be considerate of other visitors.

a.       Manage your children and pet(s).

b.      Don’t be too loud when you talk or use music.

c.       Respect other people in every way.

d.      When you need to take a break, do so away from the trail.

Q: Is it okay to take my dog to hiking?

A: If you do want to hike with your dog, you need to consider the following:

·         What is your dog’s fitness level?

·         Is your dog well-behaved in social situations?

·         Are there any health concerns with your dog?

·         Do you have a large or small dog breed?

·         How old is your dog?

·         What’s the weather like, and how will it affect your dog?

Q: How do I simplify hiking with the kids?

A: Hiking with your kids can be quite hectic, but there are some tips you can do to simplify the experience and make things hassle-free during hiking:

Prepare lots of foods:

·         Prepare a trail mix. Whether it’s something from the store or something you made on your own, it pays to have a trail mix so your child doesn’t get bored or hungry easily.

·         Ensure your child gets enough hydration.

·         Added snacks also help children feel less bored – but ensure they’re healthy snacks that are easy to prepare and don’t easily spoil.

Ensure entertainment with your child:

·         To make things more fun, you can go for a scavenger hunt.

·         Go to places that you know your kid will enjoy, such as waterfalls, lakes and other awesome sceneries.

·         For single children families, make them less lonely by bringing along a friend or classmate.

·         Having a book (e.g. a big book) about nature or about where you’re going can help entertain them.

·         Always bring a map with you. Using a map with your child and teaching them how to read it can help them learn their navigation skills, which can be used in the future.

·         If you have 2 to 3 kids, designate roles for them.

·         If your children like to talk often, talk to them about anything while on the road! This can help them get distracted if they’re tired or hungry, and the next stop is far away.

·         Never lose track of time when you hike.

Make it convenient for you and your child:

·         Go to the hiking site as early as possible to avoid hectic people traffic.

·         Don’t bring too much that you can’t handle your child.

·         In the same way, don’t compromise on cloth layers, especially on cold weather.

·         Make sure you and your kids get ample amounts of breaks.

·         Keep your children safe from dangerous items such as poisonous plants, wild animals and the like.

·         Never forget your first aid kit, should anything bad happens.

·         Wet wipes are also a staple to bring if you have kids.

·         For those who decide to trek with their babies, consider a baby carrier that is comfortable and durable at the same time.

·         Don’t go for long hikes – consider the energy levels of your child.

·         You should know when to go back home or to camp, if you see your children absolutely tired.

Q: What animals out there could potentially be a threat while hiking?

A: You should watch for certain animals in the wild while hiking, such as:

·         Mountain goats (in steep areas)

·         Bears (in forests)

·         Snakes (in forests)

Q: How do I stay safe against mountain goats when hiking?

A: If you hike in the mountains then there’s a likely chance you will pass by mountain goats. These animals can be dangerous if you go around them and distract them. Some fatalities have been listed due to these mountain goats. Because of this threat, you should consider the following safety tips:

Don’t feed the mountain goats because they can potentially chase you around.

Don’t chase the goats or else they may strike or attack you because they feel threatened.

A good distance to keep between you and the goats is at least 50 yards.

Like with other predator animals, don’t panic when a mountain goat approaches you. Instead, move slowly as much as possible.

You can try to throw rocks, wave cloths or yell if the mountain goat seems persistent at chasing you.

People who need to urinate should do so away from the goats, and away from the trail. This is so you don’t leave minerals and salt, which can put off the goats.

Q: What is a good starting level for the amount of time of hiking?

A: If you are new to hiking, you can hike for about 8 hours and then rest if you feel tired. Not everyone can hike for longer than that and it takes some practice and guts for you to move from place to place with enough energy.

Q: Why should I bring extra shoes?

A: Bringing an additional pair of shoes can help whisk the bad odors away and will help your feet relax. There’s nothing more comfortable than a new pair of shoes and it will also keep your feet away from potential injuries brought about by prolonged wearing of shoes.

Q: What could go wrong if I don’t stay on the trail?

A: If you don’t stay on the trail while you are hiking, you can potentially:

·         Get lost in the hike

·         Get chased by a wild animal

·         Fall from a high place, if you’re in an elevated place

Q: Can I bring liquor on the trail?

A: Check with your local authorities, but at the very most, liquor such as beer, wine and other drinks are mostly permitted with hiking areas, as long as you drink responsibly. You also need to consider storing them properly with you on the trail.

Q: Should I cut or tie my hair for hiking?

A: While it is easier to manage short hair for hiking, you can just tie it up if you don’t like cutting it. There are many ways to manage your hair if it gets in the way of your hiking trip. For girls, there are many solutions on how to fix your hair while on the trail.

Q: What does “packing light” mean?

A: Packing light means bringing only the things that you need, not a gallon jar or anything! It certainly means that you should only take items at a minimal and only bring the stuff that actually matter. It doesn’t hurt to bring extras, but make sure they don’t get in the way.

Wrapping It Up

Overall, the Speedo Large Teamster is our pick for the best hiking backpack due to its 4-pocket design, has a laptop sleeve, has a durable design and a roomy interior of 35 liters.