10 essential tips for beginner hikers

Nature is for everyone, including beginner hikers. A simple walk in the park or along the streets is one thing, but immersing yourself into an adventurous trip outdoors is another. In this article you’ll find some very useful tips that you can use as a guide to the art of hike, so after you’ve read them you can start getting ready for hiking as fast as possible.

  1. Choose the right footwear

Skimp on boots is the most common mistake for beginner hikers. If you skip this point because you don’t consider it important enough, you’re sure to regret it after a few hours outside. When hiking, you’re transported by your own two feet and you must make sure they’re prepared to walk a long way without pain. High-quality hiking boots provide grip, support the ankles and take the knocks. We advise you to choose them in person and try them on before buying.

 

  1. Carry enough water

When going on an outdoor trip, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Beginner hikers often don’t carry enough water on hiking trails. Plan on carrying about 1 liter for every two hours, although this can vary based on the difficulty of a hike. Pay attention to what your body needs. If you find yourself in a situation where you had run out of water and you’re unsure of the quality of water surrounding you, don’t drink it before treating it.

 

  1. Consume enough calories

Remember that food is your fuel, and you need to eat well during the trail. Some beginner hikers do not pay special attention to this point and they give up hastily because of fatigue caused by wrong or absent nutrition. In our store we have the perfect solution for beginner hikers. Natural energy bars are the ideal option for long lasting trips outdoor: high energy, nutritious, compact, indestructible, and easy to intake.

 

  1. Take rest periods

Rest periods are highly relevant, especially for beginner hikers. We recommend you rest for 15-20 minutes for every 45 minutes of walking. You can use this time to stretch and elevate your legs to improve the blood circulation. Feeling good is a must, so take your time! There is no rush when it comes to enjoy nature.

 

  1. Do not lose your orientation

For beginners we recommend setting out on easy and well signposted trails. However, always carry a map with you, because a GPS receiver is useless with no signal or when batteries run out. A topographical map is essential for wilderness hiking, and it’s always a good idea to learn how to read it and navigate using a compass. The best way to avoid getting lost is knowing where you are.

 

  1. Wear layered and comfortable clothing

Always be prepared for the worst conditions. It doesn’t matter how good you’ve plan it, you can’t predict everything when it comes to outdoor trips. Weather changes can ruin our trip if we don’t wear optimal outdoor clothing. A waterproof jacket is as essential as is a hat, and wearing layered clothing is the best way to regulate your body temperature outside.

 

  1. Know your limits

The first step for living an amazing hiking experience is gauging your physical limits and choosing a trip to suit. Do not get too excited about walking the longest distance in the shortest time as possible. Evaluate your day’s hike by difficulty and weather and consider the approximate number of hours that it’ll take you. If you are unsure of how many miles per hour you can do, just evaluate for one mile per hour at first.  Be aware of your body signals and don’t push yourself to the limit in your first experiences outdoors.

 

  1. Always carry a mug

It’s probable that you’ve seen someone carrying a mug attached to his backpack more than once. Enamel mugs are the perfect companions for outdoor meals. Attaching them to your backpack will provide you such benefit as an immediate reach. In some routes you’ll pass stream areas very often, and you’ll need a resistant container. In our store you’ll find two beautiful mugs that’ll embellish your journeys and make them easier and more pleasant.

 

  1. Consider taking a trekking pole

Although these aren’t essential when it comes to hiking, walking poles are very useful for beginner hikers. They help you by making the hike easier sharing the load of your body and the rucksack, they even take the pressure off your feet, legs, knees and back. Some hikers find trekking poles essential when going up or down hills.

 

  1. Get yourself a headlamp

To ensure that you don’t end up being stuck in nature in total darkness, it is crucial that you bring a headlamp in your backpack. Most of beginner hikers forget about this item, but headlamps give you the possibility for taking a safe walk after sunset, planning in the dark, or getting a very early start of your hiking trip. Flashlights aren’t considered suitable for outdoor activities because, when you find yourself at the trail, you’ll probably need your hands free to do different tasks, such as handling a map or getting things outside your backpack

 

These where just some advices for beginner hikers to help you hit the trail with confidence and safety. But remember, the most important thing is your security: setting off without appropriate gear, going too far or choosing a route too tough can turn an adventure outdoors into a dangerous experience.  Plan your trip beforehand, take care of yourself and enjoy the wilderness.

Leave a Reply