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Do you wish to go hiking for the first time? It is just as exciting as it is scary. Hiking is one of the best ways to interact with nature and get a break from your indoor space. It is your chance to explore new roads and terrains that you would otherwise not reach. Awaken your spirit of adventure and reconnect with your loved ones.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your first hike.
1. Find Trails that Match Your Fitness Level
If you will be hiking for the first time, you must spend some time researching. Find trails that are consistent with your fitness level. While you hope for something challenging, you don’t want to overstretch yourself.
The internet can be a great resource for your research. It will help you determine the best times to go, the distance will cover, and the elevation gain. When you finally start, pace yourself. Explore the landscape and take things slow.
2. Choosing and Wearing Suitable Hiking Clothes
There is one main rule when picking out hiking clothes-Don’t wear cotton. The best hiking clothes are breathable and lightweight. They dry fast and wick off moisture. Such clothes reduce discomfort when hiking.
The best pants for hiking are stretchy and long enough to protect you from sunburn. They may offer SPF protection from the sun. Check out this article for more information.
You want to look great on your hike. However, fashion should never come before functionality. Leave the heels and jeans at home and wear something comfortable. Replace your cotton socks with wool to prevent blisters. No one wants to hike with painful feet.
3. Know What to Pack
Knowing what to pack for your hiking trip could make all the difference. Create a checklist and stick to it when packing.
Here are a few essentials to pack for your trip:
- A first aid kit
- Lots of food and water
- A map, compass, and other navigation tools
- Knife
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
4. Check the Weather
The weather could determine the success of your first hike. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare. Since weather conditions can be unpredictable, you would be smart to check the forecast before the day of your trip.
The information should help you choose the right outfit. Extreme weather conditions could demand that you push your hike forward.
5. Plan to Start Early
Starting your hike early in the day is always a good idea. First, you get to beat the midday heat. The heat can take up a lot of your energy, making it difficult to complete your hike successfully.
Another reason to start hiking early is that you get lots of daylight hours to accomplish your goals.
There is no pressure to hike quicker than you want or end your hike before you are ready. If you are hiking with loved ones, you get more time for bonding and having fun.
In addition, trails can be very quiet in the mornings. This is especially important over the weekends when everyone seems to be out.
6. Bring Enough Water
Ensure that you have enough water for your hiking trip. Dehydration can take a toll on you, especially if you are a beginner. Running out of water is easier than you may imagine.
You would be smart to bring more than you think you’ll need. Dehydration is one of the most common dangers on the trail. Even though it makes your luggage heavier, water is essential.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Lost
If you believe that you may be lost, the most important thing to do is stop moving. Look around to find out if anything looks or feels familiar. If not, backtrack until you get back to where you were.
Don’t let the fear of getting lost keep you from exploring and having fun. You are unlikely to get lost as backtracking solves the issues 99 percent of the time. If things go wrong, you can always contact emergency services for help.
If you are preparing for your first hiking trip, you have to prepare ahead of time. Proper preparation is the secret to achieving your goals and having a good time. Important tips to keep in mind include choosing the right clothes, finding trails that match your fitness level, and planning to start early.
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