5 FSA eligible products for a fall hike

Is there any season better suited for a hike through nature quite like autumn? Comfortable temperatures, the gorgeous seasonal palette of changing foliage and sparse crowds make it feel like you have the beauty of the backcountry all to yourself.

Of course, hiking comes with its own share of risks, and the safety of you and your loved ones will be best assured with advanced preparation and caution. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), you'd be amazed at how many items you can purchase with your tax-free funds that will come in handy on the trail and help you respond quickly in an emergency.

Sunscreen (with insect repellent!)

The sun is still strong during the autumn months, and all that time spent in the outdoors will expose your skin to UV rays, so even if you'll be in shady areas, it's best to apply before you hit the trail. You can also kill two birds with one stone by using sunscreen with an insect repellent. Early autumn is still a peak time for mosquitoes - researchers at Iowa State University have found that the majority of mosquitoes that thrive in the cool fall weather are more likely to transmit disease like West Nile virus, so it's best to be prepared!

Check Out: Bull Frog Mosquito Coast Sunscreen w/Insect Repellent, SPF 30

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a must-have for any hiking or camping trip that can allow you to respond quickly if you or a loved one experiences a major injury. Alongside basic supplies like bandages, adhesive tape, scissors and splints, first aid kits should include antibiotic dressings, antiseptics and OTC pain relief medications that can help you tackle issues large and small. Make sure yours is well-stocked!

Check Out: Adventure Medical Kits

Athletic Tape

A sprained joint or a pulled muscle can put a serious damper on your hiking trip, and trying to walk it off without assistance could exacerbate the injury even further. An elastic bandage is something that can easily fit into a backpack and can be fashioned into a sling or wrapped around an injured area to immobilize and stabilize the injury quickly.

Check Out: KT Tape

Cushioned Insoles

After multiple hours on the trail, there's a good chance your dogs will be barking! Your FSA covers a huge range of foot cushioning products and treatments, which can help you avoid foot pain on the trail and can offer a degree of stabilization that can help you avoid injury.

Check Out: Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Men's Outrageous Comfort, Size 8-13

Cold Packs

Be sure to pack some cold packs for your next hike, just in case of any minor sprains or strains along the way. An ice pack goes a long way to provide pain relief.

Check out: https://fsastore.com/instant-cold-pack-cara---twin-pack/8827.html

Before you set off on your autumn hike, maximize the potential of your employee benefits at FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA eligible products to keep you and your family safe on the trail year-round.

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