If you’re a nature lover or like to spice things up with a little bit of adventure, then hiking might be just the activity for you. In case it is, and you still haven’t tried it, then you’d better embark on your first hiking adventure because you’re missing out on a lot! It may seem rather overwhelming for hiking beginners at first. However, with the right guidance and practices, you should easily get acquainted with the adrenaline-fueled, and somehow relaxing activity. And soon enough, you’ll fall in love with hiking just like I did.

Hiking Beginners Guide: 9 Tips for First-Timers

Is it your first time hiking? Don’t fret! Take it from a hiking enthusiast with a fear of open heights, you’re going to enjoy it – you just need to start right. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of hiking tips for beginners that will prep you and help you get through your first hike.

#1 Pick a trail suitable for hiking beginners

As a beginner, you don’t want to pick a summit or a steep mountain for your first hike. Instead, start off your hiking journey with easy canyon hikes; get yourself acquainted first; then gradually increase difficulty levels as you improve and gain more confidence. Save the harder trails when you feel you can take it to the next level.

Ask locals, professional guides, or simply do a Google search to find out which nearby trail would be suitable for your level. For instance, when it comes to mountains, it’s not all about the elevation – some are steeper or more slippery, making the hike much more difficult. The same goes for canyons – sometimes when bouldering or scrambling is included, the hike would be more challenging. Not to mention that you also need to bear your fitness level in mind, of course.

#2 Check the weather beforehand

Once you settle on the trail and date, make sure to check the weather in advance. Nobody likes the idea of being soaking wet on a hike, struggling to make your way through a muddy, slippery trail, or even getting caught up in the fog. Getting an idea of the weather conditions in advance will also help you know what to wear, which takes us to the third tip down below.

#3 Dress appropriately

You need to dress appropriately, not just for the weather and environment, but also for your own comfort. Sturdy yoga pants are a great choice for hiking beginners. And when you decide to commit to the activity, investing in hiking pants will definitely make a difference.

I also tend to dress in layers, so I could add garments or lose them along the way depending on the temperature. Insulation is crucial, especially if you’re hiking a mountain, but you also don’t want to soak in your own sweat and catch a nasty cold afterwards, that’s why I try to avoid wearing cotton on longer hikes. If you have Dri-Fit t-shirts, these would be great as they wick the sweat away.

#4 Wear the right shoes

Speaking of dressing appropriately, your footwear is the most important of all. If you’re not wearing the right shoes, you might trip or you’ll be having a very hard time trying not to. You could even end up with blisters!

Your shoe needs to have an outsole with a good grip so you wouldn’t slip. Hiking boots may be costly, so you might opt for a pair of running shoes with a good grip instead, but I don’t really recommend doing that. You can find lots of budget-friendly shoes to start with, and when you decide to up your hiking game, you can then invest in better hiking boots. But it’s important to wear the right shoes from the very beginning to protect your feet and to stay safe.

#5 Keep a steady pace

Even if it seems like a tough journey, keep in mind that the end of the trail is ALWAYS worth it. Keeping a steady pace and breathing properly will help you pull through. Don’t rush and don’t slack off either – just walk steadily. Take short breaks whenever you feel your body needs it and keep one foot ahead of the other, and you’ll be there before you know it.

#6 Stay hydrated

This is definitely one of the most important tips of all and not just for hiking beginners. Pack enough water and hydrating fruits; like grapes, for the hike. Stay hydrated by drinking moderately and having a power-boosting snack on your breaks because this is what will keep you going.

#7 Keep your backpack light

Your body’s going to lose water, you’ll be panting, and you’ll be exerting a lot of effort. The last thing on earth you’d want is to carry something heavy on your back as you hike for miles, especially if it’s in the morning or summer. So, make sure to carry a small daypack that doesn’t hold you back and bring your hiking essentials only.

#8 Pack a first-aid kit

This goes without saying for hiking beginners and pros alike. You never know what might happen but accidents are always a possibility. That’s why a first-aid kit will definitely come in handy, and if not for you, then maybe for another fellow hiker. Better be safe than sorry!

#9 Stick to your group

Hiking beginners should definitely avoid embarking on a solo hike. Unless you’re pretty familiar with the area, more than locals themselves, you’ll surely need a guide – even if you’ve been hiking forever. So, having at least a guide for you to follow and help you overcome natural obstacles is essential. And if you have others joining, it’s better stick to your group. Other than the fact that you don’t want to get lost in the woods/desert, group members normally help push their limits by cheering for each other.

So, are you ready for your first hike? Drop a comment and let me know where you’ll be hiking for the first time!

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• How Hiking Is Helping Me Overcome Fear of Heights

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