Hiking is one of the best physical activities. It’s low-impact, cheap, and good for both your physical and mental health. It helps with anxiety, prevents osteoporosis, and offers a world of adventure and fun. Also, check out best-led camping lanterns on amazon
However, unlike your walks on a treadmill or local park, nature hikes involve plenty of variables that can often be quite unpredictable. While this uncertainty makes hikes interesting, you need to learn how to prepare if you’re a total beginner. Here’s what you need to do. Learn more about my ice climbing adventure.
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Have a practice hike
A full day of walking on uneven terrain needs endurance, so you will need a few practice hikes to get your energy levels up and prepare for hardcore hikers. A great idea is to have a weekly hike in your local park in order to develop good footwork skills, test your gear, practice planning and build up your endurance. Learn more about camping with dogs.
Start small
Make sure to choose an easy hike for your first adventure—go shorter than you can walk on pavement. Here’s something that can help: you can count on a pace of around 2 miles per hour, so plan your hike well.
Also, if there are some elevations on your trail, add an hour to your ETA for every 1000 feet of elevation. Once you finish a few hikes, you will know how to plan your trip without too much fuss.
Check the weather
Have all the essentials with you
There are around 10 essentials (or 10 essential item groups) you will need to pack for your hike. You will need navigation, sun protection, insulation, first aid, fire, tools, water, food, shelter and illumination. These will allow you to stay safe in nature, even if you come across an unexpected obstacle. Depending on the duration of your hike, expand each of these item groups.
Invest in good footwear
There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes running you hike, so make sure you have the right footwear for your trip. Depending on the weather, you can choose from light running shoes to heavy leather boots.
If you’re really confused when it comes to shopping for shoes, you can consult Runnerclick.com and get all the best recommendations and tips not only when it comes to footwear, but other gear as well.
Choose a comfortable pace
Let people know where you’re going
Be eco-friendly
All those amazing tails you’re planning to hike will only stay gorgeous if we care for them. So, read a guide to being an eco-conscious hiker and encourage others to leave no trace.
