We deemed it best to provide you with a basic guide to hiking for beginners because of the growing trend.
Hiking has grown in popularity because it is not reserved for a specific demographic. Anyone, young or old, can do it and it requires no special skills. It is also one of those activities that allow you to stay in touch with fellow humans while also being in tune with nature. It allows you to form a deep bond with your friends.
It is fun. Think of bonfires and barbecues at night. Think of crossing a stream and putting up tents. It is a great outdoor activity, but it also comes with risks.
Hiking can result in accidents and dehydration, and it is not unusual to encounter dangerous animals like snakes, mountain lions, and bears. Below are some tips for those who are planning to go on hiking.
Hiking Safety
It is never a good idea to hike on your own. But it is also not uncommon to hear of solo exploits. Experts agree that this is dangerous because things can get out of hand.
You can fall or your body can give up. And the worst thing that can happen is you cannot call for help. But should you decide to go at it alone, make sure you inform your family or friends where you are going and how long you expect to be away.
If you do not come back in time, they should start getting worried.
Bring an adequate amount of water with you. Streams are not the best sources of drinking water because the water never goes through purification.
Should you run out of water, the best thing to do is to bring stream water to a boil before drinking.
There are other methods of purifying water, but it is best to boil it. the high temperature will kill almost all the bacteria and viruses in it.
Lastly, stick to the trail to avoid getting lost. Cover yourself with protective gear for protection against plants, bugs, and even snake bites. Do not forget to carry a first aid kit and be knowledgeable enough how to use it.
Remember that those who hike solo are experts and are physically capable. They are also trained in the many facets of hiking. Never hike alone unless you know what you are doing.
- Hiking Safety Tips – here are great tips to stay safe when hiking.
- Ten Hiking Rules – here you will find 10 ground rules that one must live by when hiking.
Hiking Foods
Hiking requires physical activities that you do not normally do on any regular day. This means that you burn more calories and you need more energy as you go along.
To ensure you are properly fed, bring foods that are rich in proteins and calories like meat, cereal bars, chocolates, and eggs.
It is also mandatory that you keep yourself hydrated. Bring lots of water and tools that should allow you to boil water in case you run out. You must also remember not to carry too much load because it will easily tire you.
- Food Safety Tips for Hiking – here are some tips to help you keep your food safe when you go hiking.
- Food for Hiking – here are some ideas on what food to bring in your hiking adventure. Remember, you want food that is high in protein and calories yet light enough to carry.
First Aid Kit for Hiking
Your hiking gear is never complete without a first aid kit. The outdoors can be unforgiving and it is not uncommon for someone to get hurt.
Without first aid, you risk infection even for simple wounds that you could have disinfected if only you had the right medicine with you.
Typically, the contents of your first aid kit should be bandages, antibiotics, a thermometer, painkillers, alcohol, a utility knife, antiseptic solutions, and a manual of first aid treatment for different situations.
- Importance of First Aid – this site explains why it is important to learn first aid.
- How to Build a First Aid Kit – this is a great resource that tells you what materials to bring for your first aid kit.
Conditioning and Stretching Before the Hike
Hiking may not be as strenuous as other outdoor activities, yet it is equally tiring and physically demanding. This means that you need to condition yourself before you start your journey.
Dangerous trails can also be a challenge even for young or physically fit individuals.
The most important aspect of your preparation is your legs. You will need a lot of muscle power to take you up the trail, not to mention that you need added power because of your backpack. To train your legs, you have the option to run daily or use a treadmill.
This brings us to the next important aspect of your health: cardio. Going up and walking on angled ground means that you are fighting against gravity.
Your body will burn more calories and your heart needs to pump more blood as you burn oxygen. Running and using the treadmill also improves your cardiovascular system.
- How to Train for Hiking – this resource teaches us how to achieve cardiovascular fitness.
- Tips to Make the Long Hike – for a long hike, read this resource and learn some tips and techniques that will prepare you for your long journey.
Appropriate Hiking Gear and Clothing
Hiking is just like any other outdoor activity that is best enjoyed when you are geared up properly. You must prepare yourself for varying weather and terrains.
If you are hiking during the day, it is still best that you bring raincoats with you.
Make sure you wear long-sleeved shirts that will spare you of bug bites. There are also plants that you have to worry about because they sting and can cause allergies.
Hiking boots are a must. Needless to say, you cannot wear stilettos or rubber shoes. There are boots specifically made for hiking. They are tough and waterproof.
Always carry a map and a compass. Do not rely on your GPS because it may not always work. In addition, you cannot go hiking without a utility knife, a whistle, waterproof matches, water, food, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
- The Right Hiking Gear – check this out to learn the appropriate hiking clothing, gear, and footwear.
- How to Layer Your Clothes – if this is your first time hiking, read this resource to learn how to layer your clothes properly.
Hiking Footwear
As mentioned earlier, footwear is crucial. Soft shoes will not protect your feet from the rough terrain. You must wear hiking boots specifically designed to grip rocks and soil and wet grounds.
These boots will protect you from snake bites, bug bites, dirt, rain, mud, and rocks. You can choose between regular boots and high-cut boots.
- How to Choose Hiking Boots – this resource shows us the different types of hiking boots, the materials used for them, and the different cuts.
- Tips for the Best Hiking Footwear – for added reading, this article shows some tips on how to choose the right hiking boots.
Group or Family Hiking
This is a fun activity and is really the typical hiking scenario. Friends and family members enjoy the outdoors together. It feels much safer than hiking alone.
And it is.
With a group, you abate your fears knowing that you have people around you who care for your safety. But hiking with kids is a different ballgame altogether.
You must be more watchful and vigilant when hiking with kids. They tend to explore where they shouldn’t and they can easily get hurt.
- Places Suitable for Hiking Kids – here is a list of the best places safe for hiking if you are doing it with your children.
- Safety Tips When Hiking with Kids – these are some tips that not only apply to kids but to adults, too. However, it is best to follow this guide 100% of kids are coming along.
Seasonal Hiking
The weather in each country dictates whether it is the right time for hiking. The best time to do it is during summer when the weather is warm and there is absolutely no rainfall.
When fall comes, the wind starts to bite you and as it leads to winter, the hike becomes more challenging because of the cold. Spring brings forth a lot of mud.
You can hike anytime you want but the different conditions will also require different gears and different levels of expertise. In some states, hiking trails are closed when the weather proves to be too dangerous.
- Summer Hiking – here is a list of the best parks to visit during summer.
- Winter Hiking – if winter is what you love, this list gives you the top winter spots for hiking during the winter.
- Fall Hiking – if you want to experience a chilly hiking journey, read this list and choose where to hike during the fall.
- Spring Hiking – mud is your enemy during this period. But the dirtier it is, the better.
Wild Animals
It is not uncommon to meet bears and other wild animals as you hike. It is best to understand what creatures live in the area before you start your hiking activity. Read about them and understand carefully how to behave should you meet them along the way.
- Dealing with Bears – read this resource thoroughly and remember what to do should you come across a bear. There are different types of bears in the wild and they have different temperaments.
- General Tips on Wildlife – here are good tips on how to stay safe.
Preserving Trailways
You are responsible for nature. As you hike, you are expected not to litter and destroy the wildlife you come across.
The only thing expected of you is to walk, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. You are not even encouraged to feed the animals. There are some rules that you need to follow to ensure that you do not cause damage to wildlife, much less cause damage to yourself.
- Rules in Hiking – show your love for nature. Read this resource and do your part in keeping the environment clean.
- Hiking Etiquette – here are some unspoken rules about hiking.
Popular National Parks and Trails
Throughout the country, some trails are really worth seeing. Some examples are Breakneck Ridge, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Appalachian Trail. Below we will take you to some resources for each of these three.
- Breakneck Ridge – here is a guide to this trail and some awesome pictures.
- Rocky Mountain National Park – this is the official site for the trail. You will find guides and a list of things to do here.
- Appalachian Trail – this site is one of the best resources for this park.
Summary: A Basic Guide to Hiking
Hiking is a cool activity. Amateurs and children can enjoy it. The thing is, you need to choose the hiking area carefully and this will depend on your physical capabilities and hiking experience.
All in all, you must always consider safety, and weather, and prepare all the camping gear you need to make it a meaningful and hassle-free experience.
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