13 Essential Hiking Tips for Beginners [Mountain Climbing Guide] VIDEO

Hiking for Beginners: 13 Essential Tips

According to various researches, hiking has many health benefits and it is a great outdoor activity to boost physical endurance, reduce mental stress and explore nature. The best part is you don’t need any special equipment or training to hike.

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Just choose a trail and start walking. You can roll solo or stroll in a group, the choice is all yours. Your experience depends on what you choose. But be extra careful while you hike alone. Like every other activity, hiking can be scary if you are new to it. But once you get a taste of hiking you will know how awesome hiking can be. I can go on and on about the awesomeness of hiking but the best way to know is to experience it firsthand. You don’t need to conduct a lot of research to plan a hike. Based on personal experience and lots of research, we have listed 13 essential tips for hiking beginners.

1. Begin With a Short Hike

A short hike determines your current level of walking. Go easy, walk at a leisurely pace. Hiking is a recreational activity so have fun while you walk around. Make yourself comfortable with the trail. Check whether the shoes are too tight or too loose until you feel cozy. Do the same with your apparel. Find the right gear for yourself. Make necessary adjustments if you have to. Here, the objective of a short hike is to know your physical limit and to get a feel of hiking so don’t rush to conquer the trail. Instead of covering more distance, focus on knowing more about hiking as a beginner.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Trail

When it comes to familiarizing yourself with the trail, conduct a little research to know about the trail routes. Check the suitability of the trail. Analyze the map for intersections or loops, where you are likely to make a wrong turn. Most importantly, check ratings of the trail. Use the AllTrails app to find hiking routes near you. As a hiking beginner, you should strictly stick to easy hikes. Just get comfortable with hiking routes.

3. Find Hiking Buddies

The fastest way to adapt to hiking is to walk with a group. It’s fun and you get to meet new people every time. So, search for a hiking club or group to join. You can search for hiking groups in your locality. Try joining meetup.com to find local hiking groups, meet people and set out on your own hiking adventures.

4. Learn Proper Hydration

Beginner hikers make the mistake of carrying very little water. You should at least carry 1 liter for every two hours hike. How much water you need to drink depends on various factors, such as your intensity level,  hike’s duration, weather condition, your age, your perspiration rate, and your body type. Learn how much water your body needs. As the temperature and elevation of hiking rise, you need to increase your water intake. Don’t make a mistake of chugging water infrequently, take smaller sips regularly to stay hydrated.

5. Analyze the Weather

Regardless of the season, check the weather forecast before heading out on a hike. Under certain circumstances, you might have to reschedule your plan. Don’t push your luck if the weather is going to be adverse. When hiking, the altitude difference and fluctuations in temperature throughout the day can lead to sudden weather changes. Expect those changes and dress accordingly. As a beginner hiker, learn to read the clouds and the sky. It’s not rocket science.

6. Tell Someone Your Itinerary

Tell someone your itinerary if you are going on a solo hike. Trails are full of surprises and you may not like some. No matter how careful you are, accidents could still occur. They will know where to look for you in case of emergencies. So share your travel itineraries with your close friends or family members to ensure your own safety.

7. Dress for Comfort

Your outfit plays an important role in hiking. So pay attention while you dress for hiking. Avoid cotton clothes as it dampens with sweat, making you feel soggy and annoyed. Dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothes when needed. Find an appropriate layering among base layers, mid-layers, insulation layers, and shell layers, the one that suits your body. Tips: Multiple thin layers give you better control over the temperature than bulky integrated garments.

8. Watch Your Feet

Though watching your feet might sound obvious, but obvious is where most hikers go wrong. You‘d be shocked to know the number of hikers who had to be rescued because of a twisted ankle. Be cautious while you walk, look out for poisonous animals and insects.

 Walk carefully. If you take hiking too lightly, you might take a wrong step, slip on a rock, twist your ankle or fall down. So, be aware of the trail you are taking, especially if you are tired, chatting or listening to music.

9. Keep Your Backpack Light

10. Find Comfortable Hiking Footwear

11. Hike at Your Own Pace

12. Take a Hiking First-aid Kit

13. Leave No Trace