Awesome Hiking Hacks

While there are no shortcuts to safe hiking, there are tons of clever and comfortable moves to make. Traveling smart is the name of the game. I am sure we will have more later but enjoy these for now.

Pack Biodegradable Tape: getting lost happens. Make sure you always find your way back to camp with biodegradable tape to mark out your route as you go.

Save Space: before heading pout, wrap duct tape around your water bottle. Duct tape can be extremely useful during a hike but instead of that bulky roll, wrap some around your water bottle, hiking poles/stick, or lighter. Many hikers carry Crazy Glue for gear repairs.

Treat Blisters: thankfully you have some duct tape on you. This tried and trusted essential is great for treating blisters. At the first sign of blisters, apply some duct tape to the area for a little extra padding

and protection. Duct tape can also rip out any tick cling-ons.

Waterproof Backpack: there’s nothing worse than a leaky bag. For an extra layer of protection, line your backpack with a shopping bag or use a dry bag slotted inside.

DIY Fire Starter: cotton balls covered in Vaseline are just the trick and are space savers. Lint from your clothes dryer is one I learned from old timers.

Long-Stemmed Spork: two instruments in one makes sense at all time, make sure to choose a long-stemmed spork, it’s ideal for reaching into deep pouches (or stealing from your neighbour's plate).

DIY Hiking Pole: hiking pole can make a big difference and I am a huge proponent of them over ski poles or telescoping. On flat terrain, it provides support for legs and joints. On rougher terrain, it really helps stabilize. You can make your own using a broom handle or wood harvested from outside (I do both!).

Bug Be Gone: if you run out of mosquito repellent, look out for an elderberry bush. Crushing the leaves and rubbing them on your body or placing them inside your clothing helps.

Layer It: good layering is key to comfortable hikes. Know your base layers from your shell layers and experiment on different hikes.

Double-Up: two pairs of socks significantly reduce blisters.

Mini First-Aid Kit: old prescription pill bottles, mint tins, etc. make for a great space-saving compartment. Pack them with a few essentials such as plasters, bandages and antiseptic cream. Some hikers use them or Tic Tac containers to hold spices for meal preparation.

Wipe-Out: toilet paper is essential, but it can be bulky. Take out the cardboard roll and pack it flat. Or pack wet wipes.

Spares: at the end of a long hike, when you’re cold, wet and tired, there’s no better reward than some clean, dry clothes. Keep spares in the car.

Packet Power: collect and bring miniature packets of honey from coffee houses and hotel breakfasts. Then slurp them down for a natural, energy-filled treat if you hit a sudden low.

Snow Cones: snowy terrain allows you to add Crystal Light or preferably powdered Gatorade for snow cones. Simply create a snowball, sprinkle some powder on top, and enjoy.

Transfer Chow: taking a bag of chips? Empty it out of the air-filled original packaging and transfer to a smaller baggie. Keeps it fresh and tight, man. BTW, corn ships such as Fritos, Doritos and corn tortilla chips burn slow and steady and can be used to start fires.

Binder Clips: get yourself and these out of the office. Binder clips can hang items to dry and keeps food away from ants and other varmints. They close off ripped tents and clothes. Clips are great carabiners too.