Hiking in Ontario can be a great way to explore nature while enjoying the benefits of exercise at the same time. Whether you are attracted to hiking because you find it relaxing, value the social aspect, or crave the adrenaline rush of adventure, there is something in taking a nature hike for everyone.
As a beginner hitting up any of the best hiking trails in Ontario, it can feel intimidating to know where to start, but the most important rule to remember is to be prepared! Packing the proper equipment on your nature hike prevents you from getting in trouble if things go wrong.
To set you up for a successful hike on The Franklin Club’s trails, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 essentials you should pack:
1. Plenty of Water
No matter the weather, hot or cold, water is your best friend! Hiking can be a strenuous activity that gets your heart rate up and your body sweating. It’s important to replenish your fluids to keep you hydrated throughout your time on the trail. As a best practice, carrying it in a water bottle or hydration pack will keep it cool and easily accessible throughout your journey.
The rule of thumb to figure out how much water to bring is to pack around one litre of water for every two hours of hiking. However, it’s crucial to consider other variables, such as the temperature, how much you sweat and the level of physical exertion the specific trail will demand. Since these factors can make a difference, we recommend packing more rather than less.
2. Snacks
Beyond water, packing some nutrition is crucial to maintaining energy throughout a hike. Being on your feet all day can be physically demanding, so it’s important to keep your body fueled by eating snacks that contain healthy carbohydrates and fat such as trail mix, jerky, or fruit. In particular, energy bars make for a simple and portable treat.
Depending on how long you plan to be hiking, you may require something more calorically dense, like sandwiches, pasta salads, or wraps, to sustain yourself. On the off-chance that your hike runs longer than expected, we suggest packing a bit extra so that you are never without food.
3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Accessories
No matter what time of the year you’ve planned to go hiking, it’s crucial that you dress accordingly. When choosing your clothes, comfort and safety are the two main factors to keep in mind. This means wearing outfits that are protective of the elements and allow you to move for long periods.
Depending on the season, bringing a waterproof windbreaker or fleece jacket will keep you warm. To keep your feet cozy and secure, investing in a good pair of hiking socks and sturdy boots will make all the difference. It’s also ideal to have gloves, a hat and a spare pair of socks in your bag, as extremities are the first parts of the body to be affected by the cold.
Another thing to consider is unexpected weather changes because while it may be sunny one minute, it could be rainy the next. Your hike can become a nightmare if caught in a downpour or snowfall without the right gear. We recommend dressing in layers, allowing you to add or remove clothes depending on your needs.
4. Multi-tool
You never know when a multi-tool may come in handy when out in nature. As the name suggests, a multi-tool can be used for an array of situations, making this portable unit so powerful. Despite its compact size, it holds many commonly needed tools, such as pliers, can openers, knives, tweezers, and scissors. If you are in an emergency or simply need to repair gear, this gadget has you covered.
5. Sun Protection
Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies or cold weather – avoiding the sun’s harmful UV rays is necessary all year long. Your skin is still exposed even if you are hiking in the forest shade. That’s why different forms of sun protection are vital in making up any good hiking packing list.
High SPF, water-resistant sunscreen is a lifesaver when the sun is at its strongest. Applying this regularly, along with SPF-infused lip balm, will save you from nasty sunburns. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and clothing made with UV-protective fabric also provide a barrier between your skin and sun exposure.
6. Navigation Tools
No one wants to get lost on the trail when hiking. That’s why making sure you have some form of navigation to guide you back the way you came is so crucial. While you may typically rely on your phone for GPS, there is no guarantee your signal or battery life will last throughout your hike. A paper map and compass are the two fundamental tools you need to guide you from point A to point B. Just make sure you brush up on how to use them before you go!
7. Fire Source
Being able to start a fire in the case of an emergency is a life-saving skill. Fire doubles as a heat source to keep you warm and a smoke signal for others to find you. BIC lighters are a tried and true favourite to start a fire easily. Bring two, with one as a backup. Pair that with highly-flammable objects such as cotton balls, lint, or dried orange peels for a fast DIY flame solution.
8. Lighting
Getting caught hiking after dark with no light source to navigate can happen more easily than you think. All it takes is stopping to admire the view of the best hiking trails in Ontario for a little too long, and the next thing you know, the sun is setting. Bringing a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries to keep them going will solve that problem.
9. Safety Kit
Safety first! No one wants or expects things to go wrong when on a hike, but it’s always wise to prepare for the worst. You can pack your own or find prepackaged kits with bandaids, gauze, topical ointment, aloe vera gel, latex gloves, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen and more. These items can help you deal with anything from a small bug bite to a serious medical emergency.
10. Communication Device
While you likely already will carry a cell phone on your hike, phone reception isn’t always the most reliable, especially off the beaten path. That’s why it’s good to have another way to contact others if you need to call for help. Carrying a whistle is an affordable and effective way to alert others to where you are. If you frequently hike, purchasing some form of satellite communication, such as a walkie-talkie, is another excellent option.
Enjoy The Franklin Club’s Other Amenities, Such as Beautiful Hiking Trails
Did you know that The Franklin Club has over 200 scenic acres of property to be explored?
With the best hiking trails in Ontario, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a breathtaking hike with friends or family. Using this list as your guide, pack your bag and join us along the Purcell Trail or South 70 for stunning views of wildlife and nature. In the winter, the fun doesn’t stop, as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing become available.
Contact The Franklin Club today to learn more about our hiking trails and to book your next countryside exploration.
