There is no doubt that hiking is an extremely fun physical activity that everyone must try at least once in their life. It is even better if you go hiking often because it is enjoyable and an incredibly healthy activity that can help keep you physically fit and mentally fresh. However, no matter how healthy and fun it is – your first hiking trip can always be a little overwhelming.
If you are a regular hiker now, you must know what it felt like when you hit the hiking trail for the first time. For most people, their first hiking trip is nothing but a learning experience, a trip full of lessons and, well, some ups and downs (quite literally). But this is also the time when we realize how we wish there were someone to guide us through this trip so the experience could’ve been better and hassle-free. In fact, for many people, it takes more than one trip to finally come up with a mental checklist of the dos and don’ts of a hiking trip.
Fortunately, this won’t be the case for you because we compiled this list of hiking trip do’s and don’ts for you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, these tips will be super helpful for you. So let’s go!
Table of Contents
Hiking – Dos, and Don’ts for Beginners
1. Do Your Research About the Location
One thing that can really impact your overall hiking experience is the location you pick for your hiking trip – it can make your hiking trip amazing or extremely challenging. Before finalizing your trip, it is important to be well aware of the location, what kind of hiking trails it offers, what are the trail conditions, does it offer trekking poles – all of this is very important to consider, especially for beginners. You do want to get lost or injured during your time hiking.
This is why it is also a good idea to go hiking in popular locations such as the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, or the Appalachian trail when you are just a beginner, so you can find people who can help you out in case you get lost or fall in trouble. Going to new, unpopular and deserted locations is not recommended for beginners. Moreover, we all know the weather is quite uncertain, especially in North America or the Pacific Northwest, so always check on the weather before leaving. You do want to get stuck in rain or snow while you are up there.
2. Don’t Miss Out on Proper Gear.
Hiking trips are incomplete without the proper gear; you need your hiking shoes, hiking boots, hiking socks – everything that can make this trip easy and more fun for you. People usually ask why we need hiking gear. Well, the truth is you don’t want to fall down, get injured, or hurt your body, so you need to be well prepared with everything that is specifically made for hiking. Especially if you are a beginner hiker, your hiking shoe can be a lifesaver for you, so don’t neglect it!
3. Do Pack all the Essentials
Apart from hiking gear, you need to pack all the right essentials to keep with you on your hiking trip to make sure you don’t need anything while you are up there. Some hiking essentials include extra water – in fact, lots of water, snacks and food, sunglasses and sunscreen if you are going for a day hike, a first aid kit for the safe side, and an extra layer of clothing if you are going in winters or at night or are an uphill hiker – where it can get colder as you go up.
4. Don’t Wear New Shoes.
Now, this may sound contradictory, but actually, it’s a very important hiking tip. We know most beginners will have new shoes, so why are we saying no? Well, the point is not to wear new shoes on a rough hiking day – check your trail before going. You shouldn’t wear new shoes to a rocky trail – you will get blisters. Instead, buy hiking trail running shoes – that is good for a longer hike. However, wearing new shoes for a short hike or a muddy trail is okay.
5. Do Respect Fellow Hikers
When you go hiking, you will be sharing the hiking trails with numerous other hikers – and you must respect other trail users. For example, try not to rush ahead and give people their space and time. Don’t push people; not only is it disrespectful but it is also dangerous. Don’t listen to loud music; most people hike to enjoy the beauty of mother nature, and loud music can perhaps disturb them.
6. Don’t Disturb the Wildlife
When you go up the mountains or the forest, don’t forget you are in the habitat of various wild animals – and it is your responsibility to respect their home and lifestyle. Do not disturb them; don’t try to throw rocks at them or take away their food. Not only is it wrong to pester them like this, but it can also be dangerous for you. So take care of yourself and them as well!
7. Do Read Up on Hiking Etiquettes
Lastly, as we said before, you need to do your research before going on your trip – especially if it is your first time. It is better to find a related post or some related articles that can help you understand the proper guidelines of hiking etiquette – which everyone, whether you are a beginner, regular, or season hiker, needs to know.
Hiking Trip – Make it Fun and Safe.
Hiking is a very healthy physical activity that everyone must engage in at least once in their lifetime. However, since it is a little tiring and can be a little scary, most people go in without much information or research about what to do. Hence, it is important to do your research about hiking, hiking trails, hiking gears, and essentials before you go on your first trip. And don’t forget to follow these tips to make it fun and safe!