Rick Steves Thinks This Essential Hiking Gear Is Worth The Higher Price Tag

Outdoor enthusiasts will share many hiking safety tips everyone should know, such as being aware of your physical limitations, knowing when to turn around, and planning and sharing your route, which in turn, can potentially be life-saving. These tips won't only help you be prepared on the trails, but may also make you feel safer while hiking alone. Travel expert Rick Steves has hiked many trails across Europe, and talks about the importance of packing the best hiking gear in a blog post. He specifically mentions that a metal water bottle may carry a higher price tag, but it's an essential part of his arsenal.

Although Steves is considered a travel expert, he considers himself a 'total novice' when it comes to hiking. During his hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc, he stressed how important good hiking gear can be. "Good boots, liner socks, slippery powder, and moleskin for tender skin are essential." While all important essentials, Steves mentions just how expensive a metal water bottle is, but came to the realization of its importance.

"I was skeptical about a lot of "good ideas," but two things I eventually appreciated were a daily baggie of trail mix and my metal water bottle. I complained about its steep $40 price tag, but soon came to recognize it was a great value." Just as a quality water bottle is important during a hike, water is a hiker's most valuable companion, ensuring muscles and joints stay lubricated, which helps to prevent cramping, while delivering oxygen and nutrients to your body and propelling you to the finish safely.

Metal water bottles may be more expensive initially at the checkout counter, but should be considered an investment and not an expense, due to their longevity and the amount of usage you'll get out of it. Metal bottles are more complex to make in comparison to plastic bottles, which are typically made by molds, whereas metal bottles require polishing, welding, shaping, and having an insulation barrier placed inside. This is how your water stays cold even after hours hiking in the heat.

Unlike plastic bottles that can leach harmful plastics and odors into your water, a metal bottle is made to keep health and safety in mind. Easy to clean and made from food-grade materials, a metal water bottle will ensure that your water stays fresh and clean. The sustainability factor of a metal water bottle is also much higher than a plastic one, and since the average American buys about 167 plastic water bottles each year (costing approximately $276), the steep cost isn't only worth it in the long term, but also better for the environment.

While buying a trusted brand the likes of Yeti, Hydro Flask, and Stanley comes with a higher price tag, you'll have confidence knowing that your hard earned dollars are going towards buying a premium product. Not only are trusted brands made with quality and precision, they usually come with an attractive customer warranty, which not only adds to the brand's credibility in the market, but also means that you can sip worry free on your hikes for years to come.