Hiking can be complicated for some in the beginning. Read on to discover pro-level hiking tips and tricks for beginners here.
Exercise is one of the best things that you can do to improve your health. Not only will it strengthen your heart, but it’ll also improve your mood.
On top of that, it can reduce your risk of heart disease! Given that, there’s really no reason not to incorporate it into your schedule.
For example, you can go to the gym. Prefer the outdoors instead? You can always go for a hike. If anything, it’s a great full-body workout!
Thinking of getting started? Looking for some hiking tips and tricks? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading for everything that you need to know!
Why You Should Go Hiking
Hiking is good for you both physically and mentally. A cardiovascular workout, it’ll improve both your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Not only that, but it’ll strengthen your muscles and boost your bone density. In other words, you’ll be at a lower risk of developing arthritis and other similar conditions.
10 Hiking Tips and Tricks For Beginners
There are a number of things that you want to do when you’re heading out to the wilderness. Here are some tips!
1. Do Your Homework
Make sure to research the trail. For example, you might want to check whether or not you’ll need a permit.
On top of that, you might want to find out how long it is. That way, you’ll be able to pace your hike. Also, check the trail conditions—ensure that they’re safe before heading out.
2. Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Tell someone such as your friend or partner where you’ll be hiking. If possible, provide them with details on your route—this can potentially save your life if anything goes wrong.
If you want, you can even ask them to send a check-up text around the time that you’re expected to be home. If you don’t respond, they’ll know to call for help.
3. Check the Weather
Check the weather right before hitting the trail—that will allow you to pack the right gear. For example, it might be a good idea to bring some extra clothes if it’s raining.
Don’t hesitate to put off the hike if the weather is bad. After all, your safety always comes first.
4. Dress Appropriately
As far as your clothes go, you want to wear something that’s quick-drying such as polyester. Avoid cotton as it’s extremely moisture-absorbing (i.e. it’ll take forever to dry).
Also, make sure to wear layers. That way, you can add and remove layers as needed throughout your hike. If necessary, you can read up on some anti-chafing tips.
Proper shoes are important too. Ideally, you want to wear hiking boots as they’ll provide you with grip even on wet or uneven surfaces.
5. Bring the Proper Gear
When it comes to hiking, you want to be fully prepared with the right gear. At the very least, you want to bring a GPS, flashlight, water bottle, snacks, and first aid kit.
It’s also a good idea to pack a fire starter as it can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Tip: Try to get a backpack with padded shoulder straps—that’ll help prevent shoulder pain. Also, external pockets will come in handy when you’re trying to access your water bottle or snacks.
6. Pace Yourself
Don’t rush it. Remember, it’s not a race. You don’t want to blow all of your energy at the beginning as you’ll still need it for later, especially if you’re hiking along the trail.
Set a pace that’s comfortable for you and enjoy the fresh air and outdoors while you’re at it.
7. Leave No Trace
Always follow the “Leave No Trace” principle. In other words, don’t do anything that will have an impact on the wilderness.
This means throwing away all of your trash and burying any human or pet waste. Also, you want to make sure to extinguish your campfire when you’re done with it.
Last but not least, do not disturb the wildlife (that includes feeding them).
8. Know Your Hiking Etiquette
There’s a set of unwritten rules when it comes to hiking. For one thing, you always want to hike quietly (i.e. turn off your cellphone). That way, others will be able to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Not only that but if you’re taking a break, move off the trail so that others can pass by unobstructed.
And if you’re bringing a pet, make sure that they’re on a leash and under control.
9. Read Up On Basic First Aid
Bringing a first aid kit won’t be enough—you want to make sure that you actually know how to use it. So if anything happens, you’ll be able to treat yourself.
And don’t forget to replace anything that you’ve used in the kit, otherwise, you won’t have it when you need it.
10. Stay On the Trail
For your safety, it’s important that you stick to the designated trails (this goes for your pet as well). Not only will that prevent unwanted wildlife encounters, but it’ll also ensure that you won’t get lost.
Exploring the Outdoors
And there you have it—10 hiking tips and tricks for beginners. Follow them and your trip will be fun and more importantly, safe!
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