8 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers
8 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers
8 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers
Hiking is probably the best and cheapest way to enjoy the outdoors. All it requires is a pair of good walking shoes and a nearby park.
If you're relatively new to this activity, here are some tips to get you started.
1. Good hiking boots are essential.
It's not necessary to splurge on water-proof and expensive boots if you're just starting out. Lightweight running trails with good traction are probably best. Ankle support is only necessary if you're going on rough, uneven trails. But if you're just starting out, it's better to avoid that type of trails anyway.
2. Research your trails beforehand.
Find out if there are any river crossings, if so, bring the necessary footwear. What is the length and more importantly, the elevation.
3. Bring enough water
A bladder is worthy investment. Carrying a water bottle will work, but you never drink as much out of a watter bottle as you would from a bladder because it's more accessible. You sweat more than you think and therefore will need more water than you feel.
4. Sun protection is important
Bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from sun exposure. Wear lightweight long sleeved shirt or slather on sunscreen on uncovered skin. Don't forget the top of your ears, and your lips.
5. Hiking sticks
If you have relatively weak knees, hiking sticks are essential. Even if your knees are fine, hiking sticks help in reducing the stress on your joints during downhill walk as well as help in providing extra support during slippery tracks and river crossing.
6. Avoid wearing jeans
Jeans are heavy and restrictive. Once they get wet they will take a long time to dry. A proper hiking pants, preferably with cut-off pants, are a much better option.
7. Bring some first-aid kit
Don't be tempted to think just because you're only doing a short hike, or because you're new to the activity, you don't need to come prepared.
Carrying a fully equipped first-aid kit however, is also unnecessary. All you need is some band-aids in different sizes, some mole skin, anti-inflammatory medicine, and some alcohol swabs.
8. Splurge on a good pair of socks
After your hiking shoes, your socks are probably your next most important item in your arsenal. Do not wear cotton socks on any substantial hikes. Wool or synthetic are the best. Some people swear by liners to prevent blisters, but I have found that wearing a cushioned, wool socks that fit well are more than enough.
Hopefully these tips will help get you started in the right direction. Enjoy and happy trail hiking!
Make the ABC Rugs Yourself Self Esteem - Building You From The Inside SEO For Newbies And Beginners Local SEO - A Beginner's Explanation Getting the Right Pair of Males's Denims For Yourself Property Management That You Can Do Yourself 7 Ways To Beat Depression: Self Help Tips For Beating Depression How to Meditate For Beginners In 3 Simple Steps Arming Yourself with the Penny Stock Prophet Easy And Harmless Tanning Using Self-Tanners Hair Cutting Techniques For Beginners Golden Triangle Tour: Get Yourself Amazed By India Tourism How Sell Products listed on Ebay that you can go buy in the store and sell yourself!