It doesn't matter if you're thinking of a hiking adventure for only a few hours or a few days, you must always plan your next hike. So why is it important to plan your hike and how can you go about it?
Many hiking plans usually turn into a mini vacation so you should always have a plan in place. If you're thinking of overnight camping in a national park, it is a must that you make a reservation in advance. These parks are usually full during the summer months so a reservation will free you from any surprises when you get there. With an reservation, you'll also be able to have enough time to research their different hiking trails and familiarize yourself with them. Those who don't take the time to plan usually take the first hiking trail they come across. They may still enjoy themselves but wouldn't it be better to know beforehand where you are going and what you are going to find when you get there?
Also, when checking parks try to look for one that is as close to your location as possible. You should find a number within a reasonable driving distance from your home. Familiarize yourself with the park in general and their hiking trails and services they provide. Hiking would be more enjoyable when you know or have a better idea of the territory than going into unfamiliar terrain. Different trails also have different difficulty levels. Be sure to go for something that is within your and your companions' experience and fitness level.
You've now planned your destination, it now time to plan your hiking gear. You would need hiking boots, hiking clothing, and hiking backpacks. If you expect high temperature during your hike, an internal frame backpack would be a good choice for the pack. It is designed to keep the pack away from your back and keep you more comfortable. Aside from the above hiking gears, you may want to have a checklist you can go back to. A checklist will be a great help to make sure you don't forget anything important. Read more here: kilimanjaro hike
One more advantage of planning is you could also plan your itinerary. Give a copy of your itinerary to a family member or a friend you trust. This small thing could be very helpful in case of emergencies. Keep reading: best time to climb kilimanjaro.
By taking the time to plan your trip, you'll be more prepared and likely to enjoy your selves.
Learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking_equipment#Carrying_methods_and_capacity