You have probably heard the word hiking used before, but what does it mean to you? For some people, hiking might conjure up images of walking through lush forests or even mountains. Others might imagine the quiet and solitary activity of a walk in nature.
When someone says they love hiking, they could be talking about any activity that gets them out there. In this article, I will be preparing you for a beautiful and rewarding hike in Israel.
Israel’s climate
If you plan to go hiking in Israel, it’s good to know what the weather will be like. I can tell you that it’ll be hot in the summer, cold and rainy in the winter, and windy during the entire year. The first time backpacking at a well-known national park in Israel will be an eye-opener.
You may think of planning your hike in Israel in August expecting some nice hiking weather; instead, you’ll face temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit)! Do your research on local climate patterns. However, keep in mind that even if you do your research, things can still change from year to year, so carry a lightweight raincoat or poncho.
Test your gear
It is essential to have the right tactical gear while planning a hike. Many people plan their first hiking trip through the Jordan River Canyon. If you have similar ambitions, it is advisable to get the right tools for your hiking trail.
You can get your gear from a reputable source as it will be an essential aid for your trail. You can get these from local service providers and check the Israel defense store while evaluating options.
Once you have the gear, the next step is to test them somewhere and get acquainted. You can either test these at a nearby range where you are staying or travel to reach such a spot.
Food and water
Your body’s water needs are no different during a hike in Israel than at home. You’ll need to replenish what you lose in sweating and breathing, even if it’s not as much as you’d think. But since the source of this water is the same as it was back home, all it takes is a little prep work to make sure you’re not risking your health by drinking straight from the tap or a stagnant stream along your route.
Prepare your first aid kit
Having a detailed first aid kit on hand can make a difference if you get injured on your trip. Here are some things to consider when you’re preparing:
- Make sure to pack bandages, painkillers, and disinfectants. It will cover the most basic ailments. You should also bring any medications you’re currently taking or are recommended for your health by a doctor.
- Put your first aid kit in a water-resistant bag. You don’t want it to get ruined if you face rain or accidentally submerge it underwater!
When you hike in Israel, having a GPS is critical for safety. You’ll want to make sure that the one you choose has an emergency beacon so that if you get into trouble, you can use your device to call for help. It is especially vital if the hike is far from the nearest town or if there are wild animals in the area (which there will be).
In addition to making sure you have a reliable way to send out an SOS signal, it’s also necessary that whatever GPS device you bring with you on your trip is compatible with your phone.
A handheld GPS designed to work by itself doesn’t have much purpose if it doesn’t allow you to use it as part of a larger information ecosystem. By downloading maps onto your phone beforehand, you’ll be able to access them even when away from civilization. You won’t need an internet connection for your GPS unit to work for basic navigation needs like finding trails or points of interest nearby.
Binoculars
Binoculars use a simple optical trick to enlarge and clarify your view. By combining two lenses and magnifying the image, you can make it look like you’re seeing something from a distance, even if it is 10 feet away from where you are. That’s an easy way to understand how binoculars work. But what about how to choose binoculars? What factors should you consider when buying one for yourself? You should find out about these in detail while shortlisting one.
Wear a good pair of hiking boots
Hiking boots are shoes that are perfect for trekking through the wilderness. Unlike walking shoes or running shoes, hiking boots should be durable, waterproof, and provide ankle protection when taking on steep trails and slippery surfaces. The boots you choose for your hike in Israel should have ankle support to also prevent or reduce the risk of ankle sprains or injuries when you’re walking over rough terrain.
- Hiking boots should be lightweight yet sturdy, so they don’t weigh you down but still keep your feet protected from hazards like sharp objects, snakes, and other potential dangers while on a hike.
- A good grip is another important aspect of hiking boots because you’ll need to maintain control while traversing slippery surfaces and irregular landforms on a trail.
Layer your clothing for flexibility
Layer your clothing for flexibility. Even if you’re hiking in a warm climate, layering your clothes can be helpful. If you’re hiking in Israel, it’s essential to layer up as the temperatures may change drastically throughout the day and even in just a few hours.
The first layer is called the base layer and has thermals or undergarments. These will keep you dry and warm inside so that you do not get soaked with sweat during your hike. Some people prefer to wear tights instead of regular underwear for extra warmth.
Hiking socks are advisable to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters from forming. They should be of wool or synthetic materials that wick away moisture from the skin to the outer layer of the sock, keeping feet more comfortable and dry.
Conclusion
Yes, summer is getting over and it’s almost fall. But in Israel, it means we’re getting ready for spring: the perfect season to do some hiking! If you’re planning a hike, there are several things you’ll want to remember to bring.
To help you out with this list, here’s what I got on my last trip: a long sleeve shirt, a t-shirt or tank top, a raincoat (if it would rain), shorts, a jacket, sunscreen (cause it’s hot), food and water.
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe. Creator of unique free travel guides and local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
Other articles to help you prepare for your hike in Israel
Hiking trip essentials for stress-free travel
Travel checklist for your hiking backpack
Nayo Almighty review – a smart travel backpack