Tip #1: Choose the Right Trail
If, however, you have never been on a hike – or even if it has been awhile – it’s critical to choose a relatively easy hike for your first time out. If you often take walks on a flat surface, aspire for a hike that is a little shorter than you’d usually do. Moreover, pick a hike without any abrupt elevation changes. Steep inclines can imply trouble and frustration for an inexperienced hiker.
Tip #2: Pack the Right Gear
Numbered among the main mistakes beginning hikers make is to bring the wrong gear. To always make sure that you stay safe and hydrated on your hike, wear light, moisture-wicking clothing that covers your arms and legs. Not only will it benefit you in helping to prevent sunburns and insect bites, but on the flip side, the favorable clothing will further protect you from scrapes and scratches, too! Wear a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots, and consider bringing a hat. One last point, pack a backpack with snacks, additional layers of clothing, and about twice as much water as you think you’ll need. There are nearly ten essential items you have to have every time you head out on a hike.
Tip #3: Bring a Map
Getting lost can ruin an otherwise pleasant hiking trip. Accordingly, before you move out, be sure that you have a map or a GPS device of the area wherein you will be hiking. Make sure that you understand your map and can orient yourself to the location before you begin. Just in case the hiking trail is marked, stay on the course. If you opt to put into service your phone or another device, grab a backup battery, or put your phone in airplane mode to totally make the battery’s charge last longer.
Tip #4: Time Your Hike Right
Some hikers like to start their day’s excursion early in the morning. This is primarily relevant if you are hiking when daytime temperatures are high. To make your hike a safe one, be sure to check local weather reports carefully, and know how long it will take you to complete the trek. Be conservative with your estimates – hiking is not a race. Hiking at a comfortable pace will know for sure that you have much energy to finish the hike without overexerting yourself.
Tip #5: Use Good Hiking Etiquette
In case you’re hiking a busy trail, it’s vital to really get and apply certain basic etiquette rules. Hikers going uphill must always have the right of way. Watch out for bikes and horses, and get out of their way if you can. It’s nice to say hello to people as you pass them, but remember to avoid loud conversations if you’re hiking with friends. In case you’d like to bring your dog, keep it leashed at all times. And plan to carry out all of your trash with you. Granola bar wrappers, empty water bottles, and so on and so forth, should never be left on the trail.
Tip #6: Use the Buddy System
The last of our hiking tips is to bring someone along on your hike, in the instance that you have an emergency. But even if you are planning to hike alone, make sure someone knows where you are and when you plan to be back. If you do get lost, these very important details could save your life.
By just paying attention to these particularly easy hiking tips, you can totally make hiking a safe and pleasant part of your life.