"Spending time outdoors and staying active are two forms of self-care. Combine them and you have the ultimate wellness experience: hiking. If you're exploring the trails for the first time in a long time, it's worth investing in some essentials. Here We've rounded up our favorites."
"Comfort is essential. Designed specifically for the female foot, Columbia boots offer the right level of support for long hikes. Their deep tread provides enough grip to prevent you from slipping on dusty or wet trails. Plus, they are made of materials recycled materials and a rock plate that protects the hiker from sharp and uneven stones."
"The first step to success in any outdoor activity: apply sunscreen. For hikes, choose one that is water and sweat resistant for the best protection. We like this 100% mineral sunscreen SPF 50 from Babaria because "It meets these requirements, and is also formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients that hydrate your skin. You'll want to carry it with you and reapply it during longer walks."
"Equipped with bandages, moleskin, hydrocortisone cream and more, the kit should bring the basics together in a compact case. Enjoy nature knowing that a blister or scrape can be treated on the go."
"A pocket utility knife is an indispensable tool that offers you additional functionality when setting out on a new trail. Possible uses: opening food packages and cutting bandages from your first aid kit, if necessary. This model is small and lightweight."
"We've all done the awkward dance of shaking and wiping when the need arises. An eco-friendly, convenient alternative: a recyclable microfiber wipe to clean yourself. Look for an antimicrobial, odor-resistant, stain-proof, and extremely absorbent cloth. .Just carry it in your backpack and don't forget to pick it up and recycle it after use."
"Trail mix is good to have on hand for short walks, so you have a bar to snack on if you need a quick fix. This bar includes nuts, chocolate, etc., and offers the perfect balance of salty and sweet."
"You've got all your gear ready. Now you just need a place to keep it organized and easy to access. The Ferrino sling backpack is equipped with all the right pockets and compartments. The EVA foam shoulder straps and back panel, along with Additional compression straps provide extra comfort so you don't feel overloaded, even if you're carrying a larger reusable water bottle."
"Never go out without a trail guide, there are free ones that include all the best hikes to explore near you. If possible, have it downloaded because it shows your location on the trails even when you've lost your cell phone signal."
