Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Since the weather is incredibly warm, we want to help you get out there and take advantage of all that the Lowcountry has to offer! We offer guided tours of the beautiful Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard, ferry, boat, and private charter. We also have hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, and camping. Anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. In our last post, we discussed everything you need to know about paddleboarding. Today, we’ll be talking about everything you need to bring along with you on a day trip, whether you’re going off on your own or coming with us on one of our guided eco-tours! We encourage people to get out and explore the outdoors, no matter the time of year, but we want you to be prepared so that you can make the most out of your adventure. If you’re interested in learning more, stick around! Let’s get started. 

Hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding… There’s so many fun outdoor activities to partake in. However, it is extremely important that you explore safely! No matter what excursion you choose to participate in, you need to be prepared for anything. After all, the outdoors can be unpredictable at times. So, we’ve compiled this list of essentials to bring with you on your day trips!

Outdoors Essentials

Hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding are all wonderful ways to explore the beautiful outdoors, while also staying active! There are so many choices, from venturing high into the mountains or simply staying on a trail close to home, exploring blackwater creeks, or kayaking down a Lowcountry river. No matter what you choose, you want to make sure you are prepared for the weather and elements, as well as any other unpredictability that may head your way. Here are the essentials you don’t want to miss.

1. Appropriate clothing and accessories

Before you venture out on your trip, you’ll want to check– and double check– the weather forecast for the area you will be exploring. Then, you’ll want to dress accordingly. Be prepared for changing weather or an unplanned night out by bringing extra clothing. For hiking in neutral or warm weather, you’ll probably want to wear a simple t-shirt and pants or shorts. Moisture wicking clothing is best, since you’ll be actively moving and may get sweaty. However, take into consideration how much protection this clothing will give you from the sun. Will your arms be exposed? You may want to consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt. (This can also help protect you from bug bites on your arms.) You may also consider dressing in layers. For example, putting a long-sleeved shirt over a short-sleeved shirt, so you can take off the long-sleeved shirt if necessary. If you expect it to be chilly at all, you will want to bring along a lightweight jacket– One that can be easily placed into a bag or backpack. If you plan on hiking up mountains, remember that the weather will get cooler as you go up, so be sure to keep that in mind while choosing clothing. For pants, you want to be able to move as freely as possible. For this reason, most hikers avoid denim pants. Instead, choose pants made of a lightweight material. 

When kayaking or paddleboarding, you’ll want to opt for a drysuit or wetsuit. A drysuit provides environmental protection by way of thermal insulation and exclusion of water. This will help keep you dry, and prevent hypothermia when the water is too cold. A wetsuit provides thermal protection when wet, helping you retain body heat. Typically, kayakers will wear waterproof layers, such as a jacket and pants, over thermal clothing in the colder months. When paddleboarding, you may choose to wear a swimsuit in warmer temperatures. Some people choose to wear a combination of a swimsuit, board shorts, and a short or long sleeved shirt. 

Arguably one of the most important pieces of clothing are going to be your shoes. Most people opt for a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots or shoes. The shoes you wear should provide you with support and traction on both dry and wet surfaces. These shoes should also be able to protect you from rocks and other debris. If you are hiking during the summer, you may consider hiking sandals. These allow your feet to breathe and are best for easy trails. If your hike will be pretty short, a good pair of running shoes can also work. Be sure to pair your boots or shoes with appropriate socks as well– Thick, wool socks are best for winter weather, while lightweight and breathable socks are best for warm weather. When kayaking or paddleboarding, water shoes are ideal. 

When it comes to accessories, some of the most important ones are hats, sunglasses, and gloves. Sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from UV exposure in all types of weather, even on cloudy days, and they can also protect your eyes from foreign objects that may blow past with the wind. Remember that your ears and the back of your neck should also be protected from UV rays, so generally, a broad-brimmed hat may be best. Gloves can also be used in any type of weather– They can keep your hands warm and protect them from frostbite during the winter, or protect your hands from rough terrain, especially if you plan on climbing. 

2. Sunscreen

Your skin needs protection from UV rays in all types of weather. Even if it is a cloudy day, the sun’s rays can still damage your skin. With that being said, it is extremely important to wear sunscreen and bring it along with you on your excursion. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours– Especially after swimming or sweating. You might also consider bringing an SPF-rated lip balm to give your lips some protection, too.

3. First aid kit

A first aid kit is essential for any outdoor excursion. As mentioned before, the outdoors can be unpredictable, and you want to be prepared in case of an emergency. It is also important to note that knowing how to use the items within your first aid kit is just as important as carrying the items with you! A basic first aid kit should include:

• Bandages of varying sizes
• Adhesive or medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes
• Pain medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc)
• Insect sting or anti-itch treatment
• Scissors and/or tweezers

You may also choose to include these items in your first aid kit, depending on the day trip you are going on:

• Rubber tourniquet
• Cotton balls or cotton swabs
• Thermometer
• Medical/surgical gloves 
• Knife or multi-tool
• Heat-reflective emergency blanket
• Irrigation syringe
• Butterfly bandages

As you can see, these are just a few of the most important items you’ll need when you go off on any type of outdoor excursion! Be sure to check back on our blog for part 2! Here at Coastal Expeditions, we offer a variety of guided tours and also offer kayak and SUP rentals, so be sure to check out our current tours and trips! We hope you found this article informative! As always, we thank you for reading and we hope to see you back on our blog soon. If you have any questions about our guided tours, reach out to us! At Coastal Expeditions, we are committed to introducing people to the wonders of the ecosystems of the Charleston area by providing guided tours and educational opportunities. If you’re looking to explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We also offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids’ programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!