Hiking can seem intimidating for beginners, but in reality, it’s not complicated. You don’t require any extraordinary abilities to hike; all you need is the ability to walk and have a sense of direction. Engaging in this activity is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature, get a beneficial workout, and rejuvenate yourself. This guide will provide you with important tips for beginners to ensure your hike is both enjoyable and safe.
What is Hiking?
Let’s begin by covering the fundamentals before exploring various methods to become a skilled hiker.
Hiking can be defined as engaging in the activity of taking extended walks, primarily in rural areas or forests. Essentially, any type of walk that does not occur on a road or sidewalk qualifies as a hike.
To consider step by step, here’s a breakdown of the various types of hikes that people may discuss, as hikes can vary in forms and sizes.
Types of Hikes
- Day Hiking is what most people are doing when they say hiking. A day hike is done in a single day (I know… pretty obvious right?). This can range from a quick 1-mile hike to an all day, 12-hour journey.
- Backpacking (or trekking) is a multi-day journey. Trips entail carrying your gear with you to spend the night in nature – including a tent! Backpacking trips can be as short as one night or for months at a time!
- Thru-Hiking is a type of backpacking that starts and ends at different locations. These trips tend to be longer, like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail.
Leave No Trace
Please show respect for the hike and fellow hikers, regardless of your actions or inactions.
- Don’t litter or throw fruit peels.
- Don’t leave the official trail.
- Don’t disturb the environment around you (breaking branches, etc.).
- Be considerate of other hikers (no loud music, etc.)
There is a growing interest in the outdoors, which is positive, but there are also negative aspects to consider. It is important to actively support and protect the environment. If we all use the trails responsibly and vote for politicians who prioritize the outdoors, it will lead to increased funding for parks and trails, providing more hiking possibilities for everyone. However, leaving behind litter and waste on the trails will result in their closure.
Pick A Hike for Beginners
Beginners often make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard. They choose hikes that are either too lengthy or involve excessive elevation gain. For those who are new to hiking, it is advisable to select a hike that is under 5 miles in length and has minimal elevation changes. If you aspire to tackle a longer hike, it is recommended to create a training schedule ahead of time. Gradually increase your hiking distance by adding an extra mile or two each week until you reach your desired goal.
When considering your hike, remember to consider the total elevation gain. A route that covers a flat distance of 5 miles is significantly different from a route that goes 5 miles uphill without any flat sections.
There are numerous excellent resources available for discovering a trail. One such resource is this website, which offers a multitude of trail guides suitable for beginners. Additionally, you can explore platforms like GaiaGPS or AllTrails. If you prefer using books, there are also exceptional hiking guidebooks accessible to assist you.
Before you embark on the hike, it is advisable to become acquainted with it. Take the time to read the trail guide to gain insight on the anticipated terrain, the locations of various turns, and the estimated duration of the hike. There is no need to memorize all the details, but having a solid understanding of what lies ahead is highly recommended.
Understanding Elevation Gain
Elevation gain does not solely rely on the disparity between the highest and lowest points present on the trail. To illustrate, the trail might commence and conclude at an elevation of 100 feet, while encountering undulating hills throughout the course.
To accurately determine the total increase in elevation during the hike, sum up all the uphill sections of the trail. This can be conveniently done using apps such as AllTrails or hiking trail maps provided by national/state parks.
For beginners, I suggest searching for a trail that is less than 5 miles long and has a small increase in elevation. You can think of it as being similar to hiking on a treadmill, as a hike covering 1 mile with an elevation gain of 500 ft will have an average gradient of 10%.
Search for easy hikes that have a maximum of 250 feet of elevation gain per mile.
If you regularly run or walk, especially in hilly regions, you might be capable of handling a more challenging and lengthier trail even if you are a beginner.
Pick Hiking Gear For Beginners
One advantage of starting to hike is that you can do it without any specific equipment, as you can likely use the things you already own.
To begin with clothing, a common error made by newcomers to hiking is choosing to wear jeans and everyday attire. However, this choice will result in the clothes becoming heavy and causing discomfort if they become sweaty or wet. It is recommended to wear workout clothes that are designed to wick away moisture when engaging in physical activities. Opting for long pants or tights is advisable to prevent your legs from getting scratched by bushes along the trail. Similarly, long sleeve shirts will provide protection against the elements, but you have the option to roll up the sleeves when it gets hot.
Considering each step, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of shoes. Typically, opting for a dependable pair of sneakers or trail runners is the most advisable choice. In case you possess disused hiking boots stored away, it might be advisable to refrain from taking them along, as lack of recent use may lead to blister formation.
Following that, you should consider packing a backpack, carrying surplus water, snacks, and additional layers. Ensure your readiness for rain or any unexpected shifts in temperature.
Find a Hiking Companion
To find hiking companions easily, begin by considering your existing friend group or acquaintances. Are there any individuals you know who are already into hiking? Additionally, have you noticed if your neighbor shares impressive outdoor photos on Instagram?
The majority of experienced hikers are willing to introduce beginners to the outdoors with joy.
If you are lacking connections to people who enjoy hiking in your local area, you can utilize the internet to locate hiking companions. Begin by exploring Facebook groups by conducting a search for ‘hiking groups near me’ in the Facebook search bar.
Understand Your Map
In order to have an enjoyable hike, it is crucial to understand your current location and destination. For those who are new to hiking, using a combination of electronic navigation and paper maps is recommended.
Begin by printing out the hiking guide and map. In case of rain, protect them by placing them inside a Zip-Lock bag. Review the guide thoroughly and examine the map to gain a clear understanding of what to anticipate. Personally, I prefer to be aware of my upcoming landmarks while hiking. As an illustration, I will consult the guide to determine that after walking a mile, I should take a right turn at the junction. By having this information fresh in my mind, I remain conscious of my next steps.
Additionally, I transfer a GPX file to a GPS device. Satellites enable GPS devices to accurately determine one’s location. Nowadays, the majority of smartphones come equipped with built-in GPS functionality. Nonetheless, smartphones are vulnerable to accidents such as accidental dropping, breakage, water damage, etc., making them an unreliable option. Nevertheless, having them as a backup can be advantageous. To elaborate, here are the steps I take.
First, I download a GPX file, which is essentially a file that contains a line on a map. Then, I proceed to load this file onto my GPS units, of which I possess multiple. For those who are new to hiking, a simple method is to download an application like GaiaGPS or AllTrails. These apps offer a plethora of hikes that have already been shared and loaded by other experienced hikers.
