Essential Equipment for Hiking the Forests of the Northeast!!

If you’re a hiker who just purchased one of the houses for sale in CT, you’re in luck as you’ll have easy access to multiple scenic forests throughout the country’s northeast region, including right in this state. There are 1.8 million acres of forest in Connecticut, with trails here providing everything from panoramic mountain vistas to meandering rivers and a few impressive waterfalls.  

The question is, what essential equipment will you need if you plan to do lots of hiking in the forest?

A Good Pair of Hiking Boots

There is no other single piece of gear that will have a greater impact than your choice of footwear. Invest in a quality pair of hiking boots. Lightweight shoes are generally low-top, and many come with waterproof liners that offer excellent weather protection, while mid-weight styles are the most traditional type of hiking boots, providing a tough exterior and good ankle support. Heavyweight hiking boots are usually stiff, waterproof and have very supportive soles that make them a good choice for hiking over extremely rough terrain, or in the winter.

Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Your base layer clothing is important because if you choose the right material it can help to manage moisture and keep a layer of warm air near your body. Wicking fabrics like ultra-fine merino wool and polyester are ideal. You may want to invest in quick-drying pants and/or shorts as well as a light, long-sleeve shirt to protect from bugs and the sun. Raingear, a fleece jacket, etc., are also usually a good idea to have on hand as well, especially in places where the weather tends to be unpredictable.

GPS

If you stick to areas where you know you’ll have good cell phone service, like local trails that are so well-populated and marked that real navigation gear isn’t a necessity, you can use your phone for navigation. Otherwise, if you’re planning to go into remote backwoods areas, having basic navigation equipment and knowing how to use it is a must. That means in addition to a trail map app, you’ll need a magnetic compass and an up-to-date waterproof map.

First-Aid Kit

No matter how long, short, easy or difficult the hike, having a first-aid kit is essential. While you can get by with a simple kit that includes items like bandages, antiseptic and ibuprofen for a short trek, longer, more challenging hikes, require a comprehensive kit that also includes supplies to tie a splint, sterile gloves and other items that that are important for stabilizing you or your hiking partner(s) in an emergency situation until you’re able to get further help.

Food and Water

Bring along about two liters of water per person for a day hike, adjusting the amount depending on length, intensity and weather conditions. You’ll also need some fuel to keep you going, whether it’s a picnic with sandwiches and the like, or snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, jerky and energy bars.