10 Tips for Beginner Hikers

Here i have listed a few tips to get started with hiking if you are new to it and just starting out. Most of them are probably common sense but its I learned and helps me out when Im on the trail. ...

Hiking is an excellent way to get exercise and a good dose of cardio in without having to drag yourself into a gym. Who wants to do that!? lol, I personally hate the gym myself.

Being in nature has a way of re-energizing yourself, reducing anxiety and just shutting yourself off from social media and whatnot.

Its a Zen thing for me which I cant explain in words as everyone has their own way of describing what being out in the woods absorbing nature and fresh air does for them! Its therapeutic and very peaceful.

Im no expert at hiking as Im just lacing my boots up again and hitting the trails after a very long time off.

Anyways enough of that, lets get to the 10 tips!!

 

 

 

1.  Start with short easy trails. Do not just decide to throw on a pair of hiking shoes and go do a 10 mile hike rated hard because you want to prove you can do this.  Start with about 1.5 - 2 miles on a nice moderately trafficked trail and then up it every time you go out.  I usually try to  up my miles and elevation every hike i do. 

Figure roughly you will be at a pace of 2 miles per hour and add more time with elevation gain. Once you been out a few times you will have an idea of what your body can handle and up it from there.

2. Know your trail . When you have decided on an area whereabouts you want to hike, choose a trail and get an idea of the terrain, the elevation gain, how long it is, if it's a loop trail or an out and back trail. I use ALL TRAILS . You can download the app on your phone or use the website on your laptop.  All Trails is a wonderful  thing, you can read reviews from others and find out all about the trail, view photos which is great if you want to see if it's very scenic or not and look for spots to pack a lunch and chill for a bit,  and get driving directions.  I love it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. 10 Musts To Pack in Your Bag. Whether you are going on an afternoon  day hike or just a short 2-3 mile hike it's always important to have these essentials in your backpack. You just never know when something might happen. 

 

1.Water- I can't stress the importance of bringing water and staying hydrated! Especially on hot days double up on your water intake.

2. Trail Map , Compass or GPS Device - I use a Garmin ETrex , you can trace your tracks with it , comes in handy, I get lost often , lol

3. Snacks - I put protein bars, clif  bars , nuts and of course candy in my bag. Homemade peanut butter bars are the bomb to take on a hike, filling and full of protein. 

4. First Aid Kit -  Very important to have this in your pack, make sure it has blister treatment stuff in it, trust me on that one.

5. Bug Spray -  Another one you definitely dont want to leave out of your pack!!

6.Rain Poncho - Or something to keep you dry if it starts raining.

7. Knife -  A knife will come in handy a lot, never know when you'll have to rig  something up and need to cut something , or wittle a walking stick :)

8.Hat and Sunscreen -   Always carry a hat and some sunscreen in your bag to protect you from the sun. It can get brutal out there on hot days. 

9. Flashlight or Headlamp -  In case you get lost and you're out longer than expected and it's starting to get dark it's nice to have some light with you.

10. Lighter or Matches -  Anything that will start a fire in case you need to set up shelter and need heat or to cook if you are out for a long overnight hike. 

 

 

4. Check the Weather   Always check the forecast to see what the weather will be at the start of your hike  and later in the day. Nothing worse than being surprised with a storm or temperature drop. It also prepares you on how to dress and what to pack. 

 

5. Tell Someone Where You're Hiking  Let someone know, a family member or friend the location you will be hiking in and about what time you should be returning. A quick text is all it takes. 

 

6. Wear The Right Shoes and Socks .  It may take a hike or 2 to break in new shoes. There is nothing worse than painful feet because you are wearing uncomfortable shoes. Splurge on good shoes. I got gel inserts in mine.  And socks, the wrong socks can make for painful blistery feet as well. Avoid cotton socks , once your feet get wet cotton takes forever to dry.

 

7. Take Your Time and Breaks.  Go slow and take your time and absorb all nature has to offer. Take breaks whenever, find a scenic spot near a lake or waterfall or wherever and just chillout, hiking isn't a race and shouldn't be done like you're a superhero. Soak it all up leisurely and enjoy it!! 

 

8. Try To Pack Your Bag Light.  Try not to  have a backpack on that weighs a ton, it'll slow you down and burn you out. I had to take my dsl camera out and carry just a little point and shoot camera because of weight. Try to go as light as possible but with your 10 most essentials in bag. 

 

9. Take Your Trash With You.  PLEASE! Put a plastic bag in your backpack to put your trash in like wrappers from your snacks, tissues, napkins whatever and pitch it when you get back home. There's nothing more disgusting than seeing peoples trash on a trail. It's rude!! 

 

10. Take A Hiking Buddy With You and Have Fun.  Take a hiking buddy with you. There's nothing better than just hiking with a buddy having a good chill time enjoying the outdoors.  If you like to solo hike that's cool too. The main point is to have fun and be happy!!!

BONUS #11 If you hike during hunting season, which is usually Oct - Feb in around New England Wear An Orange Vest!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY TRAILS ✌😎

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