Three "must haves" on a hike besides water.

We all know some of the "rule of thumb" for hiking, running, biking, or when doing any outdoor activity that might make you build up a sweat, drink plenty of water. It is the number one essential to not only keep us hydrated but also energized to keep going. But, what many of us don't realize that water alone might not be enough. It's a must, but is it enough? It depends. If you're out hiking and the temperature begins to rise, and in doing so, your body starts to get warmer and therefore starts to perspire more too. You then begin to lose more water than you can maintain when only gulping down water to stay hydrated. When we perspire, not only are we losing water, but electrolytes that are essential to keeping our body hydrated and energized too. So, it's important to have an extra hydrant to help supplement, such as a liquid hydration to help replenish those electrolytes we might be loosing. Therefore, don't forget to drop a packet or two of an extra hydrant to add to your water. It can help save your life.

The next thing might seem a bit elementary. I mean, if you think about it, who doesn't remember sitting in their kindergarten class and listening to their teacher teach you about the different types of seasons and appropriate attire to wear for each one. But, believe it or not, I've read about people actually going on hikes and getting into trouble for not dressing according to the weather or not being prepared for the sometimes unpredictable ways of nature. I've read of hikers experiencing hypothermia due to not having the right amount of shield for their body to stay warm and at a safe enough body temperature to hikers arriving at the ER with third degree sunburns due to hot temps and poor proper UV shield attire. So, rule of thumb, always dress in layers, you can always remove as you go and if you live in a more hot climate environment such as Texas, well, layers with the right amount of UV rays protection is also a must. You might not experience hypothermia, but you might very well get a really bad sunburn that is not only painful but can be dangerous too.

The third "must have" is a portable charger...especially if you are going on a solo hike and will be gone for awhile. I know this might sound a bit over dramatic, but hear me out. Although we have these amazing trail apps at our fingertips and can't imagine getting lost. It happens, more than we'd expect. There isn't anything worse than finding yourself lost on a trail running low on water and having a dead phone. I know it's a heavy device to carry in your bag and might seem a little on the luxury side, but if you are solo hiking and aren't familiar with the trail, you might reconsider.

What do you consider an hiking essential?