10 essential Hiking Tips for Beginners

Hiking as a workout:

Today I am going to talk about 10 essential hiking tips for beginners. Studies show that hiking has a lot of benefits physically and mentally. It would not be wrong to call it a low-impact workout. It is very effective in reducing anxiety, preventing osteoporosis and many other health disorders. It is an exercise of fun having advantages more than we think.

How is it different and more beneficial?
Unlike walking on a treadmill, hiking involves other things. The setting is outdoor. The air is fresh. You go through bumps, ups and downs and sometimes the variables are unpredictable. These things make it more enjoyable and healthier. It is a great adventure and does not require a lot of investments as other trips. Let us get on with our 10 essential hiking tips for beginners.

The List:
Without further a due, I’ll jump straight into our essential hiking tips for beginners………

1. Start with small, then move to big: The first essential hiking tip for beginners is to take it slow. When it is your first time, always take the smallest hike. Don’t aim for something you cannot accomplish. And for beginning nothing is more important. If you can walk 2 miles, you must hike 1 mile for first time.

2. Look at the map: Before actually going on the hiking. You must do some homework. Try to find the map of the area where you will be heading to. Look for the landmarks, alternate routes or any other loopholes. There are many online sources that provide outstanding maps. And insights to the areas which are unknown to you.

3. Checking the Weather: Another essential hiking tip for beginners is checking the weather radar of where you want to go. It is important because only bad weather can spoil a lovely hike. You should also look at the weather of past few days. You won’t be able to hike if it had been raining there in last days. So watch out!

4. Keep someone posted: Keep someone posted. Calculate the time and inform someone what estimated time you will reach your destination. You can also give an emergency time to that someone. So that of you do not reach till that time, they can send help. Having someone watch your back is always a good idea. This is another essential hiking tip for beginners.

5. 10 essentials:

10 essential things that you should pack in your luggage are as follows:
 Navigation (Map and Compass).
 Sun protection.
 Extra clothes.
 Torch or flash.
 First Aid kit.
 Waterproof matches, lighter, candle.
 Repair kit.
 Extra food.
 Extra water.
 Emergency shelter.

6. The right shoes and socks: Select your shoes carefully. Because if the shoes are not comfortable your hike would be ruined. It does not mean you must get the heaviest boots, even many lighter ones are available. Select your socks carefully, go for wool or synthetic socks and not the cotton ones. This is one more essential hiking tip for beginners.

7. Appropriately dressed: When it comes to dressing up, choose your dress carefully. It should be comfortable and protective. Just skip cotton as it becomes damp with sweat and stays so all the way. It will just make you feel irritated. Beware!

8. Keep the luggage light: The things that I told you are essentials to be packed are actually your necessities. But this does not mean that you have to carry the biggest packing. Select the lightest thing to be packed in your luggage. The reason is that you have to carry it along yourself. So look at your capacity and then decide. This is an important hiking tip for beginners.

9. Proceed slowly: When you start your hike, you are filled with energy. You are also very excited. But you must not use the best of your energy at the starting of the hike. When you start to get all sweaty and tired, you will be glad at having saved up some energy. As you have a long way to go. So keep a standard pace from start to finish. This is an essential hiking tip for beginners.

10. Leave no Trace: Hiking is for fun of course. You travel. You see beautiful, nature scenes. You eat. You walk and you have lots of fun. But you must have fun with responsibility. When you eat leave no wrappers behind. When you lit fire make sure to blow it when you move. Don’t leave any left overs and don’t damage the beauty of nature. Be adventurous but do it with responsibility. This is the most important hiking tip for beginners and it is above all.

These are the essentials for hiking in my view. Hope this helps you out if it’s your first hike. Even if it’s not, I hope it can help you improve your hiking. Have fun, stay calm, and be cool. Adios!