Hiking is a low-impact activity that reaps many physical and mental benefits. In fact, the prospect of going on a long hike on a beautiful day can be really exciting. Especially if you are new to the activity.
But unlike walking on a straight and narrow path or a treadmill, hiking involves far more unpredictable variables. Despite this, the views you get when you are so high up are definitely worth the effort.
As a beginner, there are many things you can do to guarantee an enjoyable hiking experience. Here is a shortened list of the top 5 essential hiking tips.
Having appropriate gear is an essential part of the hiking and camping experience. It’s the first thing you will need to think about, and the last thing that you would really want to overlook.
Being well-equipped when out hiking is a crucial way of safeguarding your comfort, endurance, and your safety. But sometimes it can be a little frustrating trying to figure out exactly what you need to take with you.
You should make a list of all the things you plan on taking based on the type of trip you want to do. In that way, you’ll be able to decide what exactly to pack. This means you will only have to bring the necessities and can avoid packing items that you do not need.
Some of the basic things you’ll need to take with you include weather-appropriate clothing, a durable backpack, a hiking gps system, and lots of food and water.
You don’t need any special skills in order to be able to go hiking. All that is required is an ability to walk, and a knowledge of where you are. Therefore, being familiar with the area you’re hiking in is important.
You should take some time to get to grips with your plan of action for your hike. It’s also a great idea to carry out some research into the trail you’re planning to embark upon.
Try understanding some of the more technical parts of the terrain included in your hike including elevation and steepness. In that way, you’ll have an idea of what to expect and will be able to prepare for it.
You might also want to read real-life opinions and reviews of other people who have already been there. Geocaching is another fun activity that can be included in your hiking experience. It is a treasure hunt where participants use a GPS device to locate hidden containers called "geocaches". These geocaches come with a logbook and can contain items such as trinkets or coins. The geocache statistics show that Geocaches are hidden in 196 different countries worldwide on all seven continents – even Antarctica and in space. It is a great way to explore nature and have fun at the same time.
If you want to feel more secure and ease your mind on your first few hikes, you might want to enlist one of your friends.
Ideally, they should have some hiking experience so that you aren’t going in completely blind. This will also enable you to limit the potential risks and difficulties of the hike that you could encounter along the way. However, this isn’t an official rule.
Relying on someone else during tough parts of the hike is something you’ll definitely come to appreciate when you are embarking on the trail.
Hiking can be fun - but don’t be fooled by the pretty views! It can undoubtedly be a challenging cardio activity at times, especially if you are a beginner to the activity.
As a result, you must make sure to drink enough water to keep your endurance levels up. It sounds like something that should be relatively easy to do, but you might be surprised to find out that not too many people know how to adequately hydrate themselves during a hike.
Here are some of the best tips:
For the sake of your own comfort and safety as a beginner, you should choose an easier trail that is highly suitable for a day hike. Eventually, with time and practice, you’ll be able to tackle more difficult routes. But because your body is likely not used to such a demanding physical activity, starting off with short and easy trips is the best way forward.
Select a hiking trail that is flat and somewhere between 5 and 7 miles (11.27 km) long. Also ensure that you stay far away from rocky, steep terrains because they are very difficult to walk on.
These are just some of the things you need to keep in mind when going on a hike. If you follow these tips, you’ll have an enjoyable and stress-free workout every time!
