Hiking gear is often associated with clothing and mandatory items you will carry. There is an often overlooked section of the side accessories that most women do not prioritize.
Did you know that these ‘secondary’ accessories are also crucial for your hygiene and safety to carry on a hike?
Here we have a list featuring hiking gear for women with all the extra add-ons you need to increase safety.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is perhaps the most essential item on the list. Since you are planning to walk for hours under direct sunlight, it’s better to coat the uncovered part of your skin with sunscreen for protection. It reduces the signs of aging and the risk of broken blood vessels.
You can walk around under the sun without worrying about any skin damage. Sunscreens are available in different Sun Protection Factors, so you can pick something based on the intensity of heat. For instance, SPF 20 is suitable for winter hikes under the mild sun. However, if you want to get out in scorching heat, opt for sunscreen with SPF above 50.
Sunscreens to Buy
Here are some sunscreen options that you might be interested in buying.
CeraVe is a substantial option for people with too harsh sunscreen. It is loaded with minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, ensuring safe and comfortable use for people with all skin types. Hyaluronic acid in the formula makes this sunscreen a hydrating agent to keep your skin fresh. Despite the gentle formula, it has an SPF of 50, which gives you maximum protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
A lot of women complain about their sunscreen being too greasy. If you are one of them, your search is over with Neutrogena. Recommended by dermatologists, this sunscreen is available in SPF 70 and 85+, so you can pick one based on the weather. It is PABA-free and non-comedogenic, ensuring healthy skin without any signs of irritation and damage.
Australian Gold has come up with a mild sunscreen of SPF 15 that comes with a bronzer to give your skin that slight tan. It has water-resistant properties, ensuring the sunscreen won’t melt or come off even when you are sweating. It is available in a spray form, so you can easily apply it. There are different options — child-friendly, ones with fragrance, or ones with just a bronzer.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit might seem like a burden to some people as it’s an extra item you carry. Also, who knows if you even need one? However, there is always a risk, and we cannot rule out the unforeseen possibility of one getting injured.
Fortunately, there are travel size options out there with yeh basic materials you need to counter a concern. When choosing a first aid kit for hiking, ensure that it contains the necessary things. You can add bandages, painkillers, alcoholic spirits, scissors, daily medication, dressing, and gloves.
First Aid Kits to Buy
We have picked a couple of useful first aid kits that come in a travel size, allowing easy, uninterrupted, and unburdened hiking trips.
The Protect Life Store first aid kit is created to travel in mind. It is safe for both adults and kids, providing a complete experience. This kit is available in three sizes, ensuring you have one based on convenience. You can easily refill it after every trip. The bag is easy to carry and can adjust effortlessly in the hiking bag without causing any inconvenience.
This one is a super small first aid kit convenient for those who do not like to take a lot of bags on their hiking trip. This first aid kit can counter any minor injuries with the help of antiseptics, wipes, and bandages. The metallic box body ensures that everything is safely kept without any damage.
This extensive first aid kit has almost everything you need to battle those unexpected injuries. This first aid kit can handle everything from cuts and scrapes to minor bruising. It features a hard cover to keep the contents inside protected.
Snacks
A lot of people consider the hydration aspect of going on hikes. Unfortunately, we miss out on keeping a couple of healthy snacks. Being on an expedition where you are burning so many calories, it is essential to keep your body fueled with healthy edibles.
They will help you feel full and maintain your body temperature and blood sugar. Alongside this, having healthy snacks for the trip energizes your body, motivating you to complete the track. People out on longer journeys can keep their cooking material, but if your trip is short, consider keeping some quick snacking options.
Snacks to Buy
Ladies, when you head out to pick a snack for hiking, it will leave you somewhat confused — there are so many options.
As their name suggests, these snacks are for those who love climbing and exploring heights. It is a plant-based formula, making it suitable for people under various dietary restrictions. You can find them in plenty of flavors.
Noka smoothies are loaded with superfoods, making them a great choice for hikers. It contains plenty of fiber, keeping your digestive health regulated on hikes. The gluten-free formula ensures that it does not risk your health or make you feel bloated. Plus, the plant-based protein makes it a suitable option for vegans. You can buy a crate with either six or twelve pieces.
Honey is an insane form of carbohydrates, and the Honey Stinger waffle is an absolute showstopper regarding nutrition. Regardless of the sport, this one will give you the endurance and stamina to tackle challenges. If you don’t like honey’s strong and sweet flavor, there are other options like vanilla, chocolate, and maple. The soft and chewy texture makes this snack a perfect fit for tired hikers looking for a quick and rewarding bite.
Power Up presents users with a delicious pack of trail mix. Whether you are looking for keto-friendly or protein-packed, they have you covered. It is an organic blend of necessary snack options to give you energy and help you hustle through those trails effortlessly.
Menstrual Hygiene Products
Women who want to complete their hiking gear should not neglect the importance of menstrual hygiene products. Even if your period is not due, it is essential to pack a couple of pads, tampons, and tissues. You can also pack an extra pair of undergarments for added comfort.
Menstrual Hygiene Products to Buy
Here are some really useful products you can carry on a hike.
Women on long hikes should replace their pads or tampons with menstrual discs. It is a leak-resistant item that can withstand heavier and light flow. These discs are disposable and can be discarded away easily. It does not contain any harmful and toxic materials that might lead to infections in the longer run.
Always is regarded as one of the top names in the menstrual hygiene industry. These pads are available in different sizes and styles, so you can control the flow easily. Women on shorter hikes and on-trail bathroom facilities can take pads without issue. It absorbs body fluids for long hours and keeps you dry and comfy. Cotton pads are a good option if breathability is a concerning factor for you.
Saalt menstrual cups are suitable for longer hikes. It is a reusable and recyclable product that lasts long hours and can tolerate instant heavy flow. You can easily store it in the pouch that comes with the cup. They are available in different sizes to match your body type.
Period panties by Bambody are a great option to wear on your hiking trip. It is made from soft, breathable material that matches your body type and shape. It is available in a diverse size range from XX-Small to 6XL. Because of their comfortable and convenient fit, they also act as body shapers.
Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers help you stay clean and reduce the risk of catching any dangerous pathogens while you hike. It is normal to touch different things while you are on the go. A hand sanitizer containing alcohol will remove microorganisms and prevent new ones from growing for a couple of hours. Choose the right product, and your hands will feel softer.
Hand Sanitizers to Buy
Grab the following hand sanitizers:
Bath and Body Works comes in several different fragrances and flavor profiles — you will find it hard to resist smelling your hands after applying this. It has substantial alcoholic content to remove any germs. It is a small bottle that fits perfectly in your bag without causing any inconvenience.
Purell is one of the most popular hand sanitization brands out there. It boasts a clean and refreshing scent that does not suffocate you or be overbearing. It comes with a handle so you can attach the sanitizer with a zipper for easy carrying. It contains 70% alcohol content, so you can eliminate harmful toxins. This sanitizer’s formula makes your hands feel soft and smooth, unlike other harsh hand sanitizers.
The Everyone Store hand sanitizer is a spray that comes in a delicate travel size so you can carry it around without feeling any extra burden. It has a refreshing and soothing coconut and lemon scent that might become your favorite. It does not contain any dangerous or harmful toxic materials that can damage your skin.
Personal Belongings
Last but not least, taking your personal belongings with you is essential. Your personal items include your identity card or passport if you lose your way or have an emergency.
Another thing to carry with you is cash and cards. You might need to purchase something that requires a particular medium of payment. Plus, some trails come with little shacks and shops where you might want to purchase something.
Final Thoughts
There are different hiking accessories that you need to carry around for a safe and secure trip. Take care of your personal hygiene by carrying menstrual products and hand sanitizers.
You need to take a small first aid kit with you in an emergency. Don’t forget to pack snacks to keep yourself energized. Lastly, we strongly recommend keeping any form of ID, cash, and cards.