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Hiking is the BEST way to enjoy nature. Okay maybe that’s just a personal opinion. However, hiking can be an amazing and rewarding outdoor activity that provides a great way to immerse in nature. If you haven’t done much hiking, it can be a little daunting. From picking the right trail to the right gear, there’s so much to consider before getting started hiking. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll help you to embark on your first hiking adventure well-prepared and with confidence. Here we cover the hiking 101 basics with seven tips that we believe will turn out to be invaluable for new hikers.

Hiking 101

Hiking is an excellent way to unwind, clear your head, and connect with nature. However, taking up a new hobby can be exciting and a bit overwhelming. If you follow these simple hiking 101 tips, you can make your hiking experience comfortable, memorable, and safe.

Learn to Leave No Trace:

The most critical part of hiking 101 is to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. When we follow the Leave No Trace principles, we help to protect the natural world for future generations.

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare,
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces,
• Dispose of Waste Properly,
• Leave What You Find,
• Minimize Campfire Impacts,
• Respect Wildlife,
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

These principles should be the foundation of every experience that you have outside. You can learn more about leave no trace here.

Start Easy:

If you’re new to hiking, there’s no need to start with steep inclines and difficult trails or travel long distances from your home. In fact choosing a trail that is too intense to for your skills is one of the biggest mistakes new hikers and backpackers can make. Begin with a straightforward route nearby to your home to get a feel for what hiking has to offer. A short, flat hike in a local park is ideal to start with. But make sure to choose a route that has a beautiful view or destination, so you don’t feel like you wasted your day.

Dress Appropriately:

Comfortable clothing is a necessity when hiking, but it doesn’t mean you should show up in your pajamas and flip flops. Wearing the right gear and sturdy footwear ensures that you’re comfortable and safe on the trail. Make sure your shoes offer strong ankle support, and your clothes should be lightweight and functional. If possible avoid cotton in favor of wool and other performance fabrics and remember to bring layers and rain gear just in case.

Carry Essential Hiking Equipment:

You never know what to expect when you head out for a hike. As part of hiking 101 in order to be as prepared as possible, be sure to pack the ten essentials. These items would generally include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a backpack to carry stuff, plenty of water, trail map, and snacks. Consider carrying a whistle, smartphone, or a small first aid kit in case of emergencies. Some of the best hiking packs include these from Mystery Ranch:

• In & Out – A highly-compressible daypack for light & fast summit bids or the necessary grab-and-go pack for all your adventures. This pack is perfect if you plan to hike while traveling.
• Coulee – This pack comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs as a day hiker or minimalist overnighter. It is sturdy with tons of great pockets.
• Bridger – Perfect for long day hikes or a weekend away, this pack is the ultimate in comfort, function, and ruggedness.

Consider Weather and Time:

Always remember to check the weather forecast before your hike, so you have proper clothing and gear for the conditions. Apart from the weather, be aware of how the seasons and amount of daylight can impact when you should start your hike. In the winter, make sure to hike in the middle of the day allowing for the most sunlight. In the summer you may want to start early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Whenever you are just starting out, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to complete your trail while there’s daylight as it’s easy to get lost on a trail in the dark.

Follow Trail Etiquette:

Remember that you’re sharing the trail with others. It’s important to be polite and considerate. Stick to the designated path, avoid littering, and make way for others to pass by, and if you skipped it, refer back to the Leave No Trace Principles. As a general rule in most areas, downhill hikers to yield to uphill hikers and single hikers yield to groups.

Use Hiking Gear for Beginners:

The great thing about being a beginner hiker is that you don’t really need any special equipment. Most of the time you can probably get away with using things that you already own.

However, a common mistake for that many novice hikers make is wearing jeans and everyday clothes tto go hiking.

The problem with this is that these items can become heavy with sweat and cause chafing as you keep hiking in wet clothes.

Instead, opt for moisture-wicking workout attire designed for physical activity. Long pants or tights are ideal for protecting your legs from scrapes on bushes along the trail.

Long sleeve shirts are also helpful since they can proect you from the elements and potential sunburn. If you can, opt for something with roll up sleeves or pant legs to help you. cool off when you get warm.

However, having the right footwear is also important. A reliable pair of sneakers or trail runners is usually your best option. Just be sure your shoes are worn in since hiking in new shoes (even hiking boots) can cause blisters.

Other essentials include a backpack, plenty of water, snacks, and extra layers. This way you can cool off or warm up as needed. Aways be prepared for changes in weather, such as rain or varying temperatures.

Use Technology:

While you may be hitting the trails to feel a bit more “off grid”, be sure to take advantage of technology to help you get started hiking. Downloading the AllTrails app on your phone and looking up the trail in advance can give you an extra confidence boost before you set out. If you plan to download the map onto your phone, make sure your phone is fully charged or carry a portable charger if you have one. Additionally, there are Facebook groups you can join to meet up with fellow hikers, read trail reviews, and share tips and tricks for your new favorite hobby.

Know How to Use a Map:

Understanding where you are and where your destination is your is crucial for a safe and enjoyable hike. Beginners should use a mix of electronic navigation and printed materials.

Start by printing out a hiking guide and map. if it’s raining, place these items inside a Zip-Lock bag so that they don’t get wet.

Study the guide, familiarize yourself with the map, and know what to expect from your hike. I like to hike from one trail landmark to the next since this technique keeps me prepared for what is to come along the trail.

I also like to load a GPX file onto a GPS device. This way you can easily ise satellites to identify where you are.

While most smartphones come with GPS, they can be fragile and unreliable, making them better as a backup. If you don’t have a GPS device then you can always use apps like GaiaGPS or AllTrails since they have shared hiking maps.

Always download maps in advance for offline use so that you have access to your map even without a cell signal.

Also, set your phone to flight mode. This technique prevents your phone from searching for a signal and helps save the battery.

Start Early:

I always suggest that you start hiking as early as possible. The later you begin, the more crowded the trail becomes. After all, you’re hiking to avoid people, not be surrounded by them.

However, if you’re nervous about hiking alone or prefer company then departing at a peak time ensures you’ll run into more people on the trail. Yes, finding parking can be challenging. But, you’ll enjoy the benefit of having hikers all around you.

Before you set out, always check the weather forecast. Also, review the park’s website and Twitter feed for any major updates that could affect your hike.

Tell Someone Where You’re Going and When You Should Be Back:

Always share your hiking plans with someone you trust. Let them know you are leaving, where you will be, and how long (roughly) the hike should take.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. This can be as simple as shooting someone a text with the details of your hike. This way if anything goes wrong. they’ll know to send someone to look for you. This way you will (hopefully) be found more quickly.

For added protection, use an InReach device. it provides loved ones with real-time tracking, so that they can see your progress as you move through the trail.

Remember That Hiking is Not a Race:

When hiking, you may feel like you have to speed up and try and pass other people. But the reality is that it’s not a race. Slow and steady is a much better way to go so that you don’t hurt yourself.

You also don’t want to start off super fast and then totally burn out before the hike has ended. Instead, take it easy and try to conserve your energy, especially when on long hikes. After all, you never know when you might need extra energy because you got lost or took a longer trail.

Now, if you’re hiking with a group, always stick together. After all, there’s nothing more disconcerting than not knowing where the members of your group are.

Overall, go at a steady, relaxed pace. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and you’ll want to take time to enjoy your magnificent surroundings.

Hiking 101

Hiking is an exciting and adventurous experience, even more so for a new hiker. It’s important to remember the fundamental hiking 101 tips like starting with easy trails, getting the right gear, carrying essentials, checking weather and time, respecting trail etiquette, having a plan and letting people know your whereabouts. If you follow these simple tips, you can make your hiking experience comfortable, memorable, and safe. So, go out and hit the trail with confidence! Looking for more tips? Check out these hiking tips for beginners.

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