Canyon Trail Ride Tips: THE LESS YOU CARRY, THE MORE ENJOYABLE THE HIKE

It is true what they say: the more weighed down you are by a heavy pack, the more you will feel the weight of every passing kilometre. Whether you plan to cross-country quickly, or whether you want to linger over the land – the wilderness is wilder if you are heavy on your feet.

We have provided some top tips for trail rides through canyons in the past but none is as important as the need to travel light. Light doesn’t mean unequipped though. So while we do believe that the less you carry the more you enjoy the hike, we also believe that there are a few basics everyone should have in their hiking pack.

What should you take on one of our deluxe Canyon trail rides? What should you carry to stay light on your feet while still travelling safe? We took a closer look, to try and find out…

What to Pack to Travel Light on Canyon Trails?

So what should you have in your pack? Let’s find out!

First Aid Supplies

First of all, many big brands give good advice on what to take on a Canyon Trail Ride, hike, or other activity. We like this guide from Trespass regarding how to travel for a day hike. Obviously they name enough food and water to get through the day, but their first-aid supplies are a good example. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and an emergency blanket are excellent first aid supplies. We would add anti-septic cream and a needle and thread to that list, just in case. i

Changes of Clothes

Obviously you will need sleeping gear and a tent if you plan on staying over, what we would suggest though is that a change of warm clothing is a necessary item. If you fall in a river you don’t want to spend the rest of the outing soaked. Likewise, if you are going to stay a few days fresh clothes are a must.

Supplies

Food and water are heavy items. Make sure you take enough calories to cover your expenditure for a few days. If you plan on catching and killing your own food then make sure you are skilled enough to do so, or you may starve!

Of course, if you are on one of our tailored Canyon rides we will take care of the horse’s feed – but if you are travelling by horseback alone then food and water for the animal should always be a consideration. We would suggest that you plan your route to take in stops at fresh water sources along the way.

Map and Fire Equipment

If you are planning on navigating yourself then you will need a map and a compass, at the very least. We would always recommend that you also tell someone where you are going, when you are going, and when you expect to be back. Checking-in is a good idea wherever possible. IF you are going out of mobile phone or internet range then we suggest you get yourself a sky phone. Calls are not cheap but in an emergency they may just save your life. As an aside, remember to take fire making tools when travelling canyon trails.