My Favorite Hot Weather Hiking Essentials

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #InspiredHydration #CollectiveBias

How has the weather been in your area lately?  Here in New Jersey, it’s been a little strange.  Even though we’re halfway through May, we’ve had some really cool days and a lot of rain in-between. But this week, we’re looking forward to some sunny 80 and 90 degree days.  You won’t be able to get us inside!  “Us,” being me, my husband, and our dog!  

Even if we’re just hanging out on our deck or in the garden, we love being outside!  We especially love playing ball in the park and heading into the woods on a local hiking trail.  One day last week, it was a really beautiful morning. It wasn’t too cool and the sun was shining, so I decided to pack up Hunter and head to the park.  

Before we got to the park, I ran into Target to grab a pack of smartwater®. We never know how long we’ll be walking around or playing when it’s nice out, so it’s always good to be prepared.  It’s so important to stay hydrated when you’re getting active outdoors (especially when it’s hot outside).  

We always make sure that we have a few bottles of water on us before we go for a long walk or a hike in the woods. Usually, we each take a bottle for ourselves and another one for our dog.  Since we’re heading into hotter weather, I wanted to share some of my favorite hot weather hiking essentials today. 

I have a sling backpack that I take on our walking excursions.  It’s comfortable to carry and holds all of our basic essentials.  I like to keep my backpack light – especially if we’re spending a long day in the park or hiking steep trails. Thankfully, most of the items that I bring with me are lightweight or wearable.

Here are 10 hiking essentials I always take with me on hikes/walks when it’s hot outside:

• Backpack 
• Breathable hiking boots
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Dog leash
• Pet travel bowl
• Tennis ball for playing fetch
• Charged cell phone (not only for emergencies, but for the map, weather, camera, and compass apps, too!)
• Bottles of smartwater

Besides what you carry, you want to know your locations.  We usually go walking on the same trails or visit the same parks.  We’re pretty used to the terrain.  But here are a few things you should think about before you make your first trek:

• Don’t be too ambitious if you’re just getting used to hiking.  Walk on flatter trails and then work your way up to steeper ones.  
• Don’t go too far deep into the woods either unless you’re familiar with the territory.
• At the park, make sure to share the path with bikers and runners, pick up after your dog, and adhere to all other park rules.  
• And always – always – make sure you’re carrying basic essentials, like water, with you on long hikes and hot days.

Drinking smartwater is hydration you can feel, which makes it perfect for long days in the park or when you’re out on a hiking trail.  You can find 6 packs of 1 liter smartwater bottles in the beverage aisle of Target.  Also, look for a special Spring Display featuring smartwater in store.

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How do you stay hydrated when you’re on-the-go?