The next time someone tells you to take a hike, you ought to.  There is nothing like taking a little trip through the wilderness every now and then.  Hiking is one of the most fun activities I can think of, especially on a day when the weather is nice.  You’re out there with nature, the wonderful smell of trees, the relaxing sound of chirping birds, maybe a few friends, and hopefully the right gear.  This last piece is essential.  Taking the right gear along with you is critical in ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.

Let’s talk about backpacks.  There are a few very important things to look for when shopping for a hiking backpack:

• Hydration system: carrying water in a hydration system is much lighter than carrying water bottles or containers.
• Hiking backpack harness: a hiking backpack harness helps to comfortably adjust to heavier loads.
• Waterproof: perhaps this is not a must, but you never know when you can suddenly get overtaken by some rainfall or, through an odd series of events, you have to retrieve your backpack from a lake.  Remember, a soaked backpack is a heavier backpack.

The Osprey Packs Talon 11 Backpack is a light backpack that uses the latest technology to make a very comfortable hiking backpack harness.  You can feel very confident you’ve chosen the right hiking backpack if you go out armed with it.

Once you get a little practice by going on day hikes, you may find yourself wanting to go more extreme.  Before you know it, you may be needing a SMC Rainier Signature Ice Axe, a super lightweight axe that will help you navigate in steep, snowy conditions.  SMC has gone to great lengths to make sure this axe will fit a hiker’s grip comfortably and is easy to balance and swing.

So, check your weather report for the next clear day and take a hike!  Just don’t forget to take the essentials as well.