My first time hiking anything more than a simple trail was on my trip to Patagonia. I learned quite a bit on that trip and that serves as the basis for these hiking tips. First, it served to reinforce how much I love being outdoors, second, it reminded me how important it is to be prepared before a hike, and third, just how delicious beer tastes right after. Like seriously. That has to be the greatest post hike beverage.
Ever since that trip, I’ve hiked as often as I can, pushing myself on each trip. The most recent hiking trip I did was in Sedona and those were some of the most rewarding hikes I’ve ever done.
Check out my guide to Sedona here.
Disclaimer: I by no means consider myself an expert hiker but I do have plenty of hiking tips for beginners that will make your outdoor adventure all the more better.
Don’t hike alone
As great as it sounds to have some “me” time on a hike, it’s much safer to hike with someone else, especially as a beginner. Even if you think a trail is simple, it’s possible to get lost or to injure yourself which can get scary really quickly if you’re alone. If you’re traveling solo, see if there are any local hiking groups that you can join. If you adamantly want to hike alone, please choose well-marked trails, ensure someone knows your location, and hike well before sunset.
Start easy and work your way up
When you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose trails that are proportionate to your skill level. This may seem like a no brainer but it’s easy to get excited over a trail that has spectacular views and then that hard difficulty rating may seem like it’s no big deal. Get a few easy trails under your belt first before moving up.
Download offline maps
Even if you think you’ll have service, download offline maps. There’s plenty of times I lost service on the trails and took a wrong turn. Ten minutes following the wrong paths can you get you quite turned around and to stave off the panic, it’s best to have a map to get you back on track
Research the trail beforehand
This is important for all sorts of reasons. It’s good to know how difficult the trail is, how long it is, whether it’s well marked, whether it will trigger your fear of heights so suddenly that you will freeze until a kind stranger has to help you up (oh wait is that just me??), etc. This will also help you to know which maps you need and how to allocate your time accordingly.
Take breaks and hydrate
If you’re on a hike, you’re mostly likely trying to get somewhere but relax, the hike is just as important as the vista you’re working towards. In fact, there’s no point if you arrive huffing and puffing and so exhausted that you can’t enjoy what you’re looking at. Be sure to take breaks whenever your body needs them and hydrate as often as possible.
Wear the right hiking gear
Please don’t be me and attempt to do a fairly steep hike in worn out sneakers with no tread. Even if you’re just starting out, having the right hiking gear can make your adventure all the more enjoyable. Here are some of my recommendations:
Hiking Boots
A good pair of hiking boots is absolutely essential. If it’s your first time purchasing hiking boots, I recommend going to a place like REI to get properly fitted. They can provide recommendations based on the type of hike you are doing and help you stay comfortable on all sorts of incline.
Once you know your size and the general style of shoe you want, it’s okay to shop around. Here are some of my favorites that are available on Amazon.
Hiking Socks
You can have the best hiking boots in the world but if you don’t have the right socks, you can be in huge trouble. No one wants to be halfway through a hike in pain from all the blisters you suddenly have.
Hiking Outfit
My hiking outfit isn’t much different than my normal activewear outfit. The only addition are packable layers which have been such a lifesaver on my hikes.
Don’t forget the essentials
In addition to wearing the right hiking gear, there are some other essentials you need for your hike such as a good water bottle, a day pack, and of course, some camera gear to capture the right shot.
Bottom Line
Getting outdoors is a great option during the pandemic. Be sure to follow these hiking tips if you’re just starting out.
Liked these hiking tips? Then you’ll love these posts:
Ultimate Guide to Glacier National Park in 3 Days
How to Have the Perfect Weekend in Sedona
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