Hiking is an incredible way to connect with nature while strengthening your body, mind and spirit. And the best part? You don’t need to be an experienced hiker in order to enjoy this outdoor activity!
If you’re new to hiking, here are some beginner hiking tips that will get you off the ground!
Slow and Steady Wins the Race!
Start slowly; build confidence and gradually increase your mileage. Rome was not conquered in a day. Nor will the world of hiking be for a novice! You do not want to exhaust or injure yourself while trying to go full tilt and hike a 10 mile hike on rough terrain. You need to work up to this sort of thing – it will take time to build your endurance, ability to be nimble and avoid injury, and understand how long it will take you to hike a certain # of miles.
Explore Outdoor Hiking Trails
Hiking is an enjoyable way to take in nature’s splendor at your own leisure. And the nice thing is, with some planning and preparation, hiking can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Hiking does not discriminate, folks.
When selecting an outdoor hiking trail, take into account your fitness level, the time available for the hike and the season. Also research the trail’s characteristics such as length, difficulty level, elevation gain and terrain.
Guidebooks and websites can be invaluable resources for this, as they usually feature recent trip reports that will give you an idea of current trail conditions. Furthermore, word of mouth from friends and family can provide helpful recommendations.
Proper Clothing for Hiking
When selecting hiking clothing, safety, weather conditions and how strenuous your hike will be are all important factors to consider. For instance, if you’re hiking in cold temperatures, wearing a merino wool long-sleeve shirt with additional layers of insulation will keep you warm.
When the temperature rises in summertime, you may want to don a short-sleeve shirt that wicks sweat away from your skin and add a lightweight jacket or windbreaker for additional warmth. You can also bring along a beanie or hat for protection against UV rays from the sun.
You don’t need special hiking boots unless you plan on doing any technical trail work like scrambling over rocks or traversing a steep, rocky slope. Instead, trail running shoes or sneakers with good traction and foot support usually suffice.
Proper Footwear for Hiking
Hiking in the woods or on a road requires proper footwear. A great pair of shoes can make hiking much more enjoyable, while protecting your feet from bruising and blistering.
If you’re unsure which footwear style is best for you, try on several styles and see how they fit. You could even try wearing them with socks on to get a better idea of their fit.
When looking for a lacing system, the first thing you should look for is one that securely holds your foot. If the laces come out easily, they won’t provide enough support to prevent hot spots and blisters.
Additionally, look for hiking shoes and boots with a firm and grippy outsole that provides grip on various surfaces. Most hiking shoes and boots feature a slick rubber sole, but some models boast harder compounds which help you maintain your balance when traversing slippery or rough terrain.
Plan Out a Day of Hiking
Hiking, whether it’s a 20-minute stroll after work or an epic dawn-to-dusk trek, is an affordable way to enjoy nature. Not only can it help you connect with friends and family, but it can also relieve stress and revive your sense of awe.
Hiking can be intimidating, so it’s beneficial to plan out your day ahead of time in order to reduce stress and anxiety. Start by identifying the overall feeling you want from your hike, then select a trail that reflects that.
Next, calculate how long it will take you to finish the hike and how much elevation gain there will be. This will help you make an informed decision about when and where a rest day might be beneficial so that you don’t feel exhausted or discouraged before starting out on your adventure.
If you’re just starting out hiking, having someone along for company can be beneficial and reduce your risk of injury. Plus, sharing your love of hiking with others is always fun!
