We all love the concept of hiking and exploring nature, but some people are not ready to give their cardiac health the push it needs. Hiking might seem like a hefty task, especially if you have not challenged yourself.
Are you willing to take on the task and go on a hike?
Since you are a beginner, there are some tips and tricks that you might need up your sleeve to hike without failure. Let’s discuss the ultimate tips for beginner hikers.
Useful Tips for Beginner Hikers
Keep the following things in mind when starting a hike at the beginner level.
Finalize Your Apparel
You cannot just wake up one day and decide to go on a hike without having relevant outfits in your wardrobe. Hiking clothes are different and require some effort to find and finalize. You need to look for clothing that brings you comfort and is not distracting.
For instance, pregnant mothers have different clothing choices (and options) for hikes compared to clothes for men who love exploring hiking tracks.
Generally, hiking clothes consist of an inner layer known as a base shirt. It can be a t-shirt or a basic round neck. Next, pick a pair of hiking pants with enough stretch to move around and fit your body. Waterproof hiking pants are also an option.
For winter, you can choose comforters and jackets that protect you from any abnormal changes in the weather. Depending on your region, don’t forget to pack gloves, sunglasses, or headwear if needed. Lastly, extra socks are a must.
Choose the Type of Hike
We are not expecting you to become a professional-quality mountaineer from day one. But one’s gotta start somewhere, right? Whether it’s a trekking trip or hiking, decide your personal preferences.
Here are some easy options that beginners can look up to.
Day Hike
A day hike must finish before the sun sets. It comes with different challenges and technicality levels and you can start one with minimum elevation.
A walk is also considered a day hike of a manageable level. People also opt for multi-day hikes, which is an excellent option for building stamina.
Trekking also comes in the category of a day hike. It is challenging and a suitable option for those who have prior experience. We don’t recommend that you head out on a trekking trip beforehand.
Thru-Hike
A thru-hike comes with a lot of planning and experience. You need to prepare yourself beforehand to complete this one. Thru hikes are pretty long and challenging in terms of elevation. Longer ones are divided and named section hikes.
Backpacking
A backpacking hike takes several days to complete. Users take their necessary belongings and even stay outdoors because it is a fully-fledged outdoor trip requiring a certain amount of challenge.
Pick an Appropriate Challenge
Next, you need to pick where you wish to hike. Finalize the location. It can be a nearby park or the trails in your locality. If you want a longer experience, opt for hikes in a safe forest or natural zone.
Initially, beginner hikers can hike for two kilometers on a high elevation and four on a low. Keep an elevation level between 500 to 1000 feet for the first few hikes, depending on your health. You don’t want to be out of breath after half a kilometer.
Also, consider the time you want to spend on the trail. Spending an entire day hiking with little to no experience is difficult. Just make sure that the hike is up to your capabilities and stamina.
We believe the first few sessions should be entertaining rather than tricky or complicated to build confidence and interest.
Choose Healthy Snacks
A common mistake most hikers make is carrying the wrong type of snacks. You are on a journey to maintain health, and your snacks should be a combination of healthy fats, proteins, and carbs — if you wish to keep going.
Pack some fruits like oranges, apples, and bananas that are easy to peel and consume. Strawberries and blueberries are also great options. Keep the fruits in an airtight container to protect their freshness and quality. Plus, it helps them from getting squished by other things in your bag.
Protein bars are also suitable for people on longer hikes as they deliver the fuel you need to keep going. Available in various flavors, protein bars are the ultimate favorite of many hikers. Kind Protein Bar is among the most popular choices because of its exciting flavor options.
Some people also keep trail mix which contains yummy edibles that you can munch on throughout the journey. Make sure to pack enough but do not stuff yourself with food throughout the trip, or it can cause bloating.
Maintain Hydration Level
Hydration is the critical aspect of hiking. We want beginners to carry extra bottles to counter any unexpected quench. Test your stamina before drinking water at every step. Also, it is essential to have adequate storage space in your hiking jacket or hydration vest.
Generally, there is no exact figure on how much water you are supposed to carry. However, adults should drink two to three cups or half liters after an hour of continuous hiking. The water you consume also depends on the intensity of the hike.
Take a few minutes break after drinking water to avoid kidney pain. You will also feel less bloated by being sensible with the fluid that goes inside your body. Packaged juices are usually sugar, so they might make you feel heavy and tired.
Consume your fruits instead of drinking them.
Take Care of Surroundings and Safety
The hiking trail you are going to might be home to thousands of visible and invisible species that might be affected by how you walk. Don’t damage the surroundings. Avoid throwing any litter or toxic substances along the way. You can also serve the community by cleaning the hiking tracks or picking up any leftovers and dirt. This gives your hike a purpose as well.
Since you are on a natural trail, there is always a risk of getting hurt. We suggest you keep a travel-size first aid kit with all the necessary things to counter potential injuries. Make sure to only add helpful things.
Enjoy a Safe Hike
Beginners might find the concept of hiking quite challenging. However, you must take all the necessary precautions before heading out. Also, the track and its intensity play a pivotal role. So, we suggest that you start from the basics and climb your way up by building stamina and experience.