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If you’re going hiking for the first time, you’re likely very excited. It’s one of the most primal sources of fun there is, and there’s no better feeling than getting to soak in the atmosphere during a well-deserved rest having reached the end.
It’s also great exercise, and with it being one of the most accessible hobbies you could take up, you’ll be able to dive right in without needing a ton of experience. All you need is yourself, a couple of pieces of equipment, and, if you prefer, a partner to go adventuring with.
That said, any trip of this kind requires planning; you don’t want to just head out and hope for the best. Below, you’ll find six key things you need to know before you begin.
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1. The Importance of High-Quality Hiking Boots
The most important item of clothing everyone needs if they’re going hiking is a high-quality pair of hiking boots.
You should never wear trainers as these won’t have enough grip for the sort of walking you’ll be doing, and you also need much more support than they can offer you.
Make sure you get the right fit (naturally, the right size will be whatever you are in boots), and look for designs that provide adequate ankle support and have a good tread. It also pays to get boots that are waterproof, as you never know what conditions you’re going to be up against.
You’ll want to break in your new boots before going hiking. Go for shorter walks around your local area – you’ll find that they loosen up after a while, which will make them much more comfortable to travel in.
2. Choosing the Right Trail for Your Experience Level
One of the biggest mistakes first-time hikers make is choosing a trail that’s beyond their experience level. It’s admirable to want to head out there and tackle a challenging route, but you don’t want a major test of strength for your first time.
Less intense trials are still highly enjoyable, so work your way up to the big stuff – no matter how fit you think you are. It’s an all too common occurrence to get humbled by nature in this way and wish you’d never set out, so you don’t want to sour your experience.
Your best bet for finding the right trail is to use one of the many available hiking apps. You’ll be able to see trail ratings and reviews there to better inform your decisions.
3. Packing Smart and Light
Another common issue beginner hikers come up against is what to take with them. Just like with camping, it’s easy to panic and think you’re missing things, but you should try your best to essentialise your kit.
Remember: the more you take, the more there is to weigh you down. It’s likely that most of the stuff you have on your list you’ll never use.
The most important things are a few snacks, plenty of water, a map, a solar-powered phone charger, a torch, and a first aid kit. Think very carefully about bringing anything else beyond these basics.
A good bag is a must, of course. The North Face has some great designs, and it’s a good idea to prioritise funds here as this is something that’ll need to last a long time.
Image Credit: Pexels
4. Dressing Appropriately
While your boots are undoubtedly the most important item of clothing you’ll need, the rest of your body needs to be well-adapted to the elements as well.
If you can afford them, insulated bottoms and tops are a great idea, and you’ll want to get some proper hiking socks, too. The jacket you wear is another key clothing item: You’ll want something well-insulated and waterproof. Hats and mittens or gloves are a great bet as well, especially if you’re going to be hiking in particularly cold or windy conditions.
One pro tip: avoid cotton if you can. It clings to moisture and can make for an uncomfortable hiking experience.
5. Learning Basic Navigation Skills
These days, it’s very easy to rely on your phone for directions. Nobody really needs maps anymore for getting around a city or town.
When you’re out in the wild, though, you can’t necessarily rely on having a steady signal to use these tools – not to mention that when going on a hike, most would agree you should detach yourself from technology as much as possible.
Everyone who is considering going hiking should learn some basic navigation skills beforehand. Get yourself a physical map of the trail route you’ll be walking, and familiarise yourself with it before you set off.
You should also make a note of certain landmarks so that you know where you are at any given moment, and of course, use the signs around you for guidance.
6. Stay Safe
And finally, make sure that you prioritise safety at all costs. Check the weather forecast before you head out to ensure there are no hazardous conditions, and be sure to thoroughly research the trail itself to learn if there are any areas to watch out for.
While you’re out there, it’s important to turn back if you get really lost. When you already can’t find your way, it’s never a good idea to keep pushing forward, as you’ll likely get even more lost!
It’s also key to take regular breaks. Even if you’re fit and healthy, hiking is tiring work. You need to be mindful of the other people you’re hiking with, too: consider that some may not cope as well as you, and give them the space they need.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you now feel a little clearer about how to prepare for your first hike. While the above points don’t cover absolutely everything, the information here should be enough to get you started.
You’ll likely always feel you haven’t prepared enough, no matter how hard you try, so get the basics covered, and get out there and have fun!