How to Start Hiking - Essential Beginner Hiking Guide
Do you want to start sweating and, at the same time, develop a new hobby but aren't sure where to begin?
It's natural to be unsure of what form of exercise to do and how to get started, especially when you're the type of person who does not want to go out very often and or just simply doesn't have any knowledge of how to start doing it.
Well, we completely understand!
Hiking is arguably one of the easiest and most convenient forms of exercise to begin if you want to release toxins or sweat outside of your body, or if you simply want to make it a pastime because it is undoubtedly enjoyable!
Many people would regard hiking as part of their daily routine, as little or as much as they liked. Some people engage in this hobby to fill their free time or to explore new places.
Whatever your reasons are, it is critical that you understand the fundamentals of how you will be able to begin hiking.
But don't worry, we've got you covered!
In this article, we have provided you with a list of tips and guidelines on how to begin your hiking journey.
1. Set a date
Fixing an exact schedule for when to hike is the first thing you should do. This is because plotting your calendar will motivate you to follow through with such an activity, and there will be fewer chances of you cancelling such a plan. If you're a busy person, this is very important since you will really have to make time for it and clear your schedule on that specific day. If you plan to make it a routine, whether weekly, twice a month, or monthly, then having a schedule will make such an activity not just a pastime but even a commitment.
2. Set a time and a time period
Choosing the right time of day to go hiking is also essential in planning your activity.
It is important to consider whether you want to start hiking early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or at night. This will allow you to plan and prepare the necessary items you will need.
A time frame for such activity should also be considered. Knowing how many hours or days you want to spend on a hike will also allow you to calculate the number of items you will require. Depending on your chosen location, you should be able to estimate how long it will take you to complete your hike.
There are some instances, for example, that you will not be able to anticipate. As a result, some people would run out of time for the day and would find it difficult to return.
Others, particularly those who want to go hiking in the highlands or in the woods, may want to stay overnight. As a result, knowing how long they will be hiking will allow them to prepare the right amount of food, water, health kits, and other essentials.
3. Check the weather forecast
This is another factor to consider when planning your hiking adventure, as it is preferable to go hiking when the weather is pleasant. Some people enjoy hiking on rainy days, depending on their preferences. Knowing what kind of weather you'll be confronting on that particular day will allow you to plan ahead of time for the type of clothing you'll wear, the items you'll need to prepare for the weather, and so on.
Checking the weather forecast is critical since hiking in inclement weather can be risky and you may be prone to accidents due to slick roads.
4. Plan your itinerary
This is a simple suggestion that many people overlook. They would go hiking but would not have a specific itinerary or tour guide to follow. Although it is not strictly necessary, having a detailed itinerary or guide will save you time and effort. It allows you to plan and arrange your hiking trip. You'll be able to assess and plan ahead of time what type of clothing or gear you'll want to wear. This is because some clothing is inappropriate for particular settings.
You wouldn't want to wear ordinary walking shoes if you were planning to go on uneven and rocky roads or climb a mountain, for example.
Second, having an itinerary allows you to plan ahead of time what materials you will bring that are appropriate and required for such a location.
5. Go hiking with some friends or with your partner
It is preferable if you do not go out by yourself. There are numerous reasons why you should hike with a companion:
a. For reasons of safety. Having other people join you on a hiking trip can be beneficial, especially when traveling on difficult roads, climbing mountains, or even in open public areas.
b. For fun and excitement. When you're alone, it can be quite boring. Walking with friends, your partner, hiking partners, or even a group of hiking teams can be thrilling and enjoyable.
c. There are fewer chances of getting lost. If you're in a group or have a companion, many of you can ask for help or collaborate to come up with ideas to get back on track.
6. Pack your hiking essentials.
a. Food and water
The amount of food and water you should bring depends on the length of your hike. If you want to drink water, you should be able to bring a water container with you that holds 2-3 liters. Sweating might cause you to lose a lot of water while trekking. As a result, you must stay hydrated at all times.
Snacks or prepared lunches are also necessary to keep you satiated on extended hikes. You should bring high-protein or high-energy snacks with you to keep you going! Peanuts, fruit snack bars, oatmeal bars, biscuits, and even chocolates are some of the items recommended.
These foods will keep you energized.
b. Other essentials
These include flashlights for night hiking; fully charged cellphones for emergency contact purposes; a map or compass for navigation; extra shirts, jackets, socks, or other clothing materials in case you get wet during rainy days; basic first-aid kits in case of minor or major injuries; knives or other tools; medicines if you have been taking maintenance; sunblock, shades, or sunglasses; batteries; and matches.
These are must-have items! You do not want to embark on an adventure without these necessities. So, make a note of this list and keep it in your hiking or travel bags.
7. Prepare for what you will wear
a. Clothing
You may now determine what clothes you can wear based on the weather forecast for that day. Remember that your comfort is the most crucial factor to consider. Wearing anything that looks good on you or that matches your style is insufficient. This is because you will be hiking to discover new areas, and anything you wear will have an impact on your activity.
Let's say your shoes are a little loose or a little tight. This can result in pain in your toes or feet, which is unpleasant and can interfere with your hiking.
When you're wearing clothing that's too hot for you and the weather is hot, it's only going to make you uncomfortable, and you won't be able to enjoy the hike.
When we say prepare, we don't mean just picking out your clothes. We recommend that you try on your clothes and fit everything you plan to wear that day to see if anything is uncomfortable. You'll be able to adjust or choose another piece of clothing of your choice this way.
b. Hiking bag
Aside from clothing, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best travel bag for hiking. Some of these include quality, convenience, sustainability, and other factors.
Purevave is a company that offers hiking bags for beginners suitable for your needs! They concentrate on designing and delivering simple yet convenient products to consumers and travelers all over the world. Their travel bags are lightweight, making them easy to use and carry for all of your travel needs.
Their bag designs are functional, allowing you to carry everything from your clothes to water bottles to your lunch. Bags from this fresh new company are hands down practical and utilitarian, with quick-access compartments for your pen, earbuds, and sunglasses.
They offer a simple, compact, smooth, and clean design that allows you to never go out of style, as more travelers associate their luggage with fashion and timeless elegance, which allows you to look fashionable at any time.
So, if you want to go on a hiking adventure, their travel bags are definitely for you!
If you're a newbie and don't know what to pack or what to do, make sure you don't miss out on the suggestions and checklist we've put up for you.
We want to make sure you have a great time and are well-prepared for your new hiking adventure!