Hello friends how are you all? Today we are going to talk about the Top 4 Hiking Tips For Beginners In 2024. If your New Year’s resolution was to get in better shape or you’re just wanting a new hobby, you may want to consider taking up hiking. This form of exercise is not only beneficial, it virtually always leads to being surrounded by beauty and seeing areas you were unlikely to visit otherwise.
Top 4 Hiking Tips For Beginners In 2024
1. First & Foremost
Of course, one of your most important purchases for this new venture is a backpack like the 45L Backpack Elite from WOLFpac. There are several essentials that every hiker needs to have on hand and a good backpack will help ensure that you have room for everything.
2. Plan Ahead
Planning your new adventure during nice weather is the number one way to ensure that your first hiking experience is a good one. Poor weather conditions are often the cause of accidents and can make simply a hike just plain miserable. If you plan to hike no matter what the weather is, you should always check the forecast ahead of time to ensure that you are prepared with the gear you need to stay dry, warm, and safe.
Furthermore, check the park or trail’s website or the relevant regional or governmental site before you head out. Are there any trails blocked or closed due to weather or maintenance? Are wild animals or poisonous plants that you should be aware of? Being prepared doesn’t just mean having a backpack and the right gear. If you plan on hiking during a season where bugs particularly thrive, make sure to have a plan of action for keeping pests away.
3. Gear Up
Leave the flip-flops at home and get some proper shoes and other quality attire from Road Runner Sports. Failing to wear proper gear can not only make you uncomfortable but can also lead to injury. And don’t forget to focus on one of the most important pieces of attire — your shoes and socks. Blisters will ruin an otherwise perfect hike.
Additionally, you need to make sure you have an old fashion paper map. You never know whether or not your cellphone or GPS will have a signal and you could end up hopelessly lost without proper guidance.
This definitely doesn’t mean that you should leave your phone at home or in the car though. Make sure that it’s fully charged and safely secured in a waterproof case so that you can take photos of your adventures and that you have access to help in the event of an emergency.
Other gear you need to make sure to pack:
- Compass and maps
- Sunscreen/sunglasses
- Plenty of water – enough for you to have a full liter every 2 hours.
- Healthy Food and snacks– stuff that doesn’t need refrigeration such as jerky, dried fruit, trail mix, energy bars, etc.
- First-aid kit
- Matches or a fire-starter
- Flashlight and batteries
- A Victorinox Swiss Army knife or multi-purpose tool
4. Don’t Go Solo
When you’re starting out with your new hobby, you should always go with at least a friend or two. It’s ok to enjoy solo-hiking once you have a bit of experience under your belt but as a novice, you should go in a small group so that they can assist in case of any injuries. Plus, you’re liable to have a bit more fun when hiking with a couple of close friends.
Hiking can be a very fulfilling hobby and there’s a good chance that once you get started, you’ll become somewhat of an enthusiast. Make sure you have the right equipment and supplies and as with just about anything new, having a checklist is a good way to ensure that you don’t overlook or forget anything.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors.