Hiking is one of my favorite things to do; it began as a hobby but now has become a very important part of my life. Because of that, I think it’s safe to say that I’m pretty familiar with the do’s and don’ts of hiking. If you’re a beginner and hiking seems a little intimidating, fear not. I’m here to help.
I will guide you through this process and once you’re done with this article, you’ll know what to avoid on your next hike and hopefully make it a better experience.
Don't go empty-handed
It’s best to be prepared before you go on any hikes. I know the idea of getting out there, spontaneous, tackling the trail sounds rather adventurous; you set out one day just because you feel like it. It’s exhilarating. But, always be prepared for unexpected situations.
There are some things you should always keep with you. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be prepared to handle it and if a dangerous situation arises, you will at least have some tools that can help you deal with it. There are a lot of unknowns in Nature and the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to come out unscathed.
So, I always recommend packing an all-purpose knife (like a Swiss-Army Knife) or multitool. They usually have a knife for cutting things, a saw, miscellaneous tools and screwdrivers. They can come in handy. Always pack two or more bottles of fresh, clean water, in case your trail takes you longer than expected or someone with you forgets theirs. Bring not one, not two but three flashlights and plenty of batteries. Finally, always bring matches, and keep them in a water proof container. Lighters can fail. Matches are more reliable.
Don’t wear sandals
This sounds pretty obvious, but a lot of people underestimate the amount of walking they have to do when you go hiking. It sounds easy but sometimes the terrain can make it very difficult, and if your shoes don't have a good grip or aren't supportive enough, you could slip and fall. So, make sure you wear good hiking shoes or boots, and not sandals, no matter how hot it is.
Don’t fill your pack with too much
Some people have a tendency to overpack or overprepare before venturing out. The only real problem with this is mobility. Too much weight adds more strain and restricts movement. There may be situations where you need both to get out of a sticky situation.
The best advice I can give hereis to always have the essentials like water, flashlights, a knife and matches. From there, take anything you may need for the trip you are planning on. If you’re going camping, bring a sleeping bag, but if you don’t plan on sleeping overnight, try to bring a thermal or mylar blanket instead. They are cheap, light and super reflective.
A good rule is to prepare your pack for the estimated journey, double up on water and try to prepare for any possible threats without adding excessive weight or size.
Don't forget the sunscreen
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you’re going to want to make sure you don’t forget this one. Even if you’re hiking in a chilly place, or if the sun is out, you want to make sure you’ve put sunscreen on.
A lot of people like to bring sunglasses too which I recommend. Of course, polarized glasses are preferable as they protect your eyes better.
Plan an arrival time and route
This is an important point not just for safety but for time.
Before you begin your hike, plan out your route and stick to it. Everyone in your party should know the route and you should plan on an arrival time if possible. If a member of your group gets lost, you can wait for them at the end point or along the route but if they somehow got lost, you will know when they should arrive.
Finally, a great website to check out is the American Hiking Society. They have a ton of useful information related to hiking and ways to help out too.