Essential Tips for New Hikers
It’s really easy to complicate the simple when looking at all of the gear and accessories available for backpackers. It doesn’t take a lot to become overloaded with stuff that you won’t really need in the field, and at the same time, it’s also easy to forget to bring along some basic essentials. Additionally, using some good judgment and having a bit of foresight will also go far as you learn the ropes. Let’s take a look at some things to focus on before you set out and take to the trails.
Going the Distance
One of the biggest mistakes that new hikers make is that they take-on too much too soon. Maybe their packs are too heavy or they don’t know how to properly pace themselves to minimize fatigue. No matter the reason, it’s important to have some sense of your limitations and start small. While it may be easy to hike a few miles in without getting tired, remember that you also have to walk back out as well.
Going back is often when people start getting into trouble. Maybe their legs are burning or feel rubbery. Perhaps strain on the back from an improperly-loaded or wrong-size backpack is making it difficult to maintain balance. Maybe it’s getting too dark and it becomes difficult to see the trail, markers or landmarks clearly. This is why it’s so important to start slowly and build up your level of endurance, as well as the amount of weight you can safely carry over time.
Food and Water
Chances are that you will be going on a number of day hikes before you’re ready to incorporate camping into the mix. Camping presents its own set of challenges, and rewards as well, but it’s probably better to focus on getting your “trail legs” beforehand. When it comes to day hiking, or even a few hours, you will go through a lot of water. You will also get hungry. It’s important that you bring enough food and water to keep you hydrated and your energy level up.
Choosing the right food is as much about personal preference as it is about nutrition. Think along the lines of fast-acting carbohydrates that will give you a quick energy boost. You also want to think of adding a couple of electrolyte packets or mixers that you can pour into your water. This will help to replenish some of the nutrients lost through physical exertion and sweating while helping you to remain hydrated. Try to avoid energy bars that are loaded with sugar, and bring some fruit, grain products, trail mixes or other similar items instead. You want energy, but you don’t want the carb crash that follows while hiking either. Take some time to learn what food items are better than others on the trail.
Safety
The other golden rule associated with hiking is to avoid hiking alone if possible, and always tell someone where you will be and when you will be back. We can’t emphasize this enough. Most people who get into trouble on the trail and don’t survive, or barely survive, do so because they couldn’t get rescued in a timely manner. On that note, if you’re just starting out, pick trails that are well-traveled, easily-marked and have facilities at the trailhead or checkpoints along the way. This way you can check yourself in and out so that people can start to take action if you don’t show up.
Pack Accordingly
Consider the weather, terrain, altitude and quality of the trails before heading out, and pack accordingly. Appropriate clothing will help you to regulate body temperature while appropriate footwear will help to reduce fatigue, muscle strain as well as minimize the chances of losing balance and getting injured. Think along the lines of the basics. Do you need a raincoat or parka? Will you be warm enough with a windbreaker and pair of shorts? Remember that temperatures can vary widely throughout the day, and it’s important to anticipate these changes and be prepared.
Finally, we’re not going to talk a lot about what kind of gear you should or shouldn’t bring. However, at a bare minimum, you should have a good survival knife, some cordage, a small first aid kit, some insect repellent, fire starting material, a form of shelter in case you get lost or delayed and a good flashlight with replacement batteries.
You also want to make sure that your phone is fully-charged, and consider bringing a power bank or extra battery. While it is difficult to get cell service in many remote areas, this isn’t always the case, and you can always move around until you get reception in an emergency. While you don’t want to rely on your phone, it is a tool that could be useful, and you want it charged up.
These are just some ideas to consider as you get started on your hiking adventures. Remember that your skills, endurance, and overall knowledge of nature and how to stay safe will increase with experience and practice. The key is to start small and work your way up so that you avoid taking on too much, too soon.
