David Junior
There are many outdoor activities you can do during your day off, one of them is hiking. You can explore the beauties of nature at your own pace, walking solely on your own two feet and carrying only the necessities for the day on your back.
In addition, hiking requires no special talents other than being able to walk and being aware of your surroundings.
However, if you are a beginner, you should understand the tips for hiking before doing it. This article will explain hiking tips for beginners you can take note of.
Hiking Tips for Beginners
Despite requiring no specific talents to hike a mountain or hills, it is still important to understand the dos and don’ts of hiking. Below are the best hiking tips you can learn.
1. Prepare the Hiking Gears
The first hiking tip is to prepare the hiking gear. You don’t need to buy everything and prioritize primary gear instead. You can buy more supporting gear if you are already hooked.
Here are some gear you can consider buying for hiking equipment:
- Footwear: Your shoes need to be reasonably sized, offer traction on various surfaces, from muddy to powder dry, and endure for a respectable amount of time. A pair of durable trainers will work well for you in the beginning until you figure out what you want and need.
- Pack: You can buy or borrow a pack for your hiking activities. Consider trying multiple packs with weight in them before purchasing a new one. Wear the pack and explore the store for ten to fifteen minutes, observing what feels comfortable.
- Trekking poles: Trekking poles are necessary since steep downhill paths might hurt your knees, especially when you are carrying a heavy pack.
- Hiking attire: While dressing comfortably, consider the effects of the weather and make sure you can maintain the ideal temperature. Avoid wearing jeans when trekking because they aren't very appropriate and won't keep you warm in cold or damp conditions.
2. Choose Appropriate Hike
Next, choose the appropriate climbing terrain. Avoid picking too long or too many climbing hikes and opt for minimal climbing treks. Remember to not overdo it if you are still new to hiking.
3. Study the Trek
When trekking on a mountain or hill, the internet could be unstable. Therefore, you are not suggested to only rely on the map application on your smartphone.
It is advisable to also print your map and cover it with clear plastic. After that, you can take a look at the map, read the guide, and make sure you know what to do next. Then, you can support your paper map with GPS or map application on your smartphone.
You should also ensure to download the maps for offline use while using an app. This guarantees that the map will always be with you, even in the event of a cell phone outage. Also, before you trek, switch your phone to flight mode to save battery.
4. Maintain Body Fitness
Maintaining body fitness is one of the hiking tips for beginners you should pay attention to. To complete the hikes you have planned, you must be in adequate physical shape. Your level of fitness must be sufficient to support a four- to six-hour hike with some extra room for recovery.
5. Trek with Expert
It is recommended to hike with experts since they already understand the trail and conditions. Also, they can help you when you are in need. Yet, it does not mean that trekking with experts is a must.
If traveling alone is truly your only option, start lightly with brief outings to well-known hiking locations and make sure someone is always aware of your whereabouts and estimated duration of absence.
6. Check the Weather and Trek Conditions
The next tip is to check the weather and conditions. Make sure to choose the best time for hiking and check the terrain. If it is raining during your hiking, would it be a thunderstorm or would the land be slippery.
7. Don’t Rush
Another tip you should consider is don’t rush while hiking. Stay with the group if you're trekking with others. In case you choose to divide into groups, schedule regrouping points, like trail intersections.
Also, you can lose out on the possibility of seeing wildlife and other beautiful aspects of nature when you travel quickly and hurriedly. Most importantly, rushing consumes more energy, though you never know what circumstances you'll need to fixate on later.
8. Drink Much Water
Staying hydrated is another key to hiking. The amount of water you carry will vary depending on your level of fitness, your body's tolerance to heat, and the outside temperature. Bring your own water bottle to prevent littering.
9. Bring Simple Snacks
Snacking during hiking is one of the hiking tips for beginners. To sustain your energy and focus levels when walking, bring along little snacks and consume a tiny quantity every hour. On longer outings, pack a picnic lunch so you may enjoy the landscape during your break.
10. Don’t Litter
Last but not least, do not leave your trash on the trail. Trail closures may result from our continued littering of empty water bottles and waste product bags. Moreover, neither you nor anybody else wants to see trash on the trail. Therefore, consider how you affect nature and make an effort to lessen it.
Those are hiking tips for beginners you can put on your trekking notes. If you just start hiking, paying attention to hiking tips for beginners will guarantee your safety. Then, you can enjoy the natural scenery conveniently!
So, have you decided what mountain to visit for hiking? Do not forget to plan your travel well. Regarding this, you can entrust Cheap Bromo! Schedule a trip with us now!
