Hiking has many benefits for mental and physical health. It can help you to get into better shape, reduce stress, and improve your brain power.
This beginner hiking guide will have everything you need to know to start the hiking trip. It includes tips on choosing a trail, gear recommendations, the fear of getting lost, wildlife, and more.
Table of Contents
STRETCHES AND EXERCISES FOR HIKING
As a beginner hiker, the more one can incorporate gentle stretches and exercises into a routine. The faster one can build strength.
Whether it’s hitting the gym, working out at home, or starting the mornings with a few yoga poses, being more active every day will help build stamina and confidence
When it’s time to hit the road, remember that one doesn’t have to be a serious marathon runner or athlete to start running.
Just being out on the trail will help to get in shape. When training, remember to always listen to the body and any signs of
pain, as this can be a great way to know when to strain or turn around on larger, more challenging hikes.
DEALING WITH ACHES AND PAINS
Hiking is hard work and can make the body and joints tired and sore. Beginner or not, having weak knees or sensitive feet can prevent from putting too much strain on your body while hiking.
Essential Hiking Gear for Beginners
SUPPORTIVE HIKING DAYPACK
A backpack is the first piece of gear that is required. One can start with an old pack lying around the house, but a proper hiking backpack is worth investing.
A hiking backpack also usually has a special pocket for the hydration reservoir that allows you to drink directly from the hose.
WHAT TO BRING HIKING
The internet lists what to pack for hiking, but how do you know what you need? Bringing the Essentials – a tried and tested list of the top essentials to take with you that work well for most easy to moderate hikes. The Essentials cover everything from food
and water to navigation tools, a first aid kit, and other safety items.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR HIKING
Along with the Essentials and basic hiking gear for the day, prepare for the weather with suitable hiking layers. Dressing appropriately is a prerequisite for hiking.
Check the weather forecast and remember that the temperature in the mountains can change very quickly. Always prepare for the worst.
Good running layers are moisture-wicking, meaning they dry quickly, wick sweat away from the body, and are usually made of polyester, nylon, or wool. Avoid cotton and other heavy
fabrics like jeans, which are heavy and slow drying. Most of your pack depends on the time of year, temperature, and weather forecast.
HIKING BOOTS / HIKING SHOES
Hiking shoes are one of the essential pieces of equipment for a hiker. Invest some time and money to find a good pair that fits your foot well, feels comfortable and supportive, and is
appropriate for the terrain you walk on most often. There is nothing better than having a great pair of hiking shoes to help you start your outdoor journey.
Satellite Phone For HIKING: Safety Precautions
A satellite phone while camping is vital for safety. Below we’ll go in-depth about why it’s so essential that one should never go on a hiking trip without a sat phone.
It would be impossible to place cellphone towers everywhere to ensure continuous signals, for example in the middle of the ocean or in a remote wilderness. Because of this, satellite phones are more useful than cell phones for those who travel to remote
areas or need connectivity in remote locations.
The advantage of a satellite phone is that its use is not limited to areas covered by land coverage near cell towers, it can be used to communicate in most or all geographic locations on the
earth’s surface.
The Iridium 9555 is the ultimate go-to satellite phone for all campers looking for a satellite phone for an introductory talk and text needs only.
TREKKING POLES
One will always need a set of trekking poles, not only as a beginner hiker but also as an experienced summiteer.
Get a good pair of lightweight, adjustable trekking poles. It’s an excellent tool for maintaining balance, distributing body weight evenly, and keeping a good rhythm on varied terrain. Plus, most easily attached to the backpack, allowing you to be hands-free when needed.
Work Out How You’re Going To Get To The Trail
Some hiking trails can literally be on your doorstep. However, others are in the middle of nowhere where there aren’t any hotels. Usually, you’ll drive to the trail start, or as close as you can. However, sleeping in a car or in a tent isn’t always the best choice, especially if you’re going somewhere cold. R.V. rental is always a good choice because you can drive to the location, and have somewhere good to sleep at the end of the trail. Also, you can travel from one trail to the next if you’re going on a hiking holiday. Renting an R.V is pretty easy in this day and age. You just need to put RV rentals near me into the search engine and see what comes up. Make sure you find a rental company with good reviews. A rental aggregator website is usually good if you’re not sure about what you’re going to choose.
How to Find People To Hike With
As a beginner hiker, it’s a great way to get outside with a few friends to enjoy and get used to hiking without having to do it alone.
Don’t worry if you still don’t have someone to set out. Refer your friends and family, find local hiking groups on Facebook, or even join a group or class at your local REI to meet other outdoor enthusiasts who are just as excited to get outside.
Leave No Trace & The Rules of the Trail
First, learn the seven principles of Leave No Trace, a set of guidelines not just for hikers but for all outdoor enthusiasts.
This ethic ensures the wild places you love should stay that way for years. It’s not inside information but general courtesy and a
basic understanding of proper trail etiquette so one can help maintain mutual respect with other trail users.
