Have you ever thought about hiking and going on adventures to explore more of nature’s sanctuaries but haven’t yet?
Maybe you’re unsure how to go about it, or maybe you’re afraid the possible danger it poses to your safety?
These are certainly understandable concerns, but hiking has its own positives too, some of which can enrich your life with experiences that you can’t get from a simple jog around the curb or running on the treadmill at home or your local gym.
Why should I hike?
Not only do you get the same amount (if not more) of exercise that you would from exercising at home, you get to enjoy your surroundings and see nature at its finest through exploring and seeing plants, animals, and many other natural parts of nature that you don’t get to usually see.
It can also help you get away from the rat race of society and give you some breathing room on a peaceful and beautiful place all on your own, if even for a little bit.
What should I do as someone who never hiked before?
If you have decided to finally go out and hike for the first time, there are multiple things that you should take note of for a safe, yet enriching experience.
Start with small and easy trails
Being that you are hiking for the first time, it is best to stay on trails that is considered safe by many. That way, the danger to you is minimized, while you can still enjoy the scenery of the place you are hiking through.
This usually comes in the form of choosing a trail that is a little shorter in distance from how far you can walk on even and familiar ground.
It will likely not be as sightly as the trails that lead you to the mountains or across deep forests and streams might be, but it gives you an idea of what to expect on future expeditions.
It also helps you get a grasp on your limits and how far you might be able to go for potential future trails.
Do proper research on the trail
Knowledge is power, as they say, and having the proper idea of where to actually go greatly reduces your chances of getting lost, especially if the path breaks up due to obstructions or trail intersections.
Obtain a map of the trail that you have chosen, whether physical or digital, if you can. This is essential for people hiking for the first time, as they may not understand what to watch out for and where to go and might even take a wrong turn somewhere.
In addition, take some time to research the weather on the area you are hiking in. Clear skies are ideal when you are hiking for the first time, but if the forecast calls for potential rain, you should adjust your packing strategy to adapt, should the weather actually change.
Stay on the trail
Even if it seems tempting, now is not the time to follow your explorer sense and to ditch the trail in hopes of finding something interesting, at least, not while you’re still trying to get ahold of the trail and hiking in general.
You may wind up getting lost if you do so, and you will have to backtrack to find your way back. If your memory is spotty or your GPS is not working properly, you may end up getting even more lost.
Inform a person where you are going and how long you will likely be out
This is more of an insurance plan than anything. Novices and even experienced hikers may still find themselves in a sticky situation, whether it is through their own carelessness or through outside forces.
Either way, having someone informed on where you are and how long you aim to be on your hike will give them contextual clues as to when you might be in the danger zone, and when you are simply taking a little longer to bask in the sights.
That also means that you shouldn’t pick an exact time that they should call for help, but rather an estimation for how long it might take you to get there, with a bit of leeway as well on the off chance that you get delayed by something (getting a sprain, finding a sight you want to spend some time watching, taking a break, etc.).
Pace yourself as you walk
Don’t rush through the hike just to get to the end; The best thing about hikes is the journey itself, not what lies at the end. Take in the environment and your surroundings by taking your time as you hike.
Not only that, since it is your first-time hiking, you don’t want to expend too much energy from rushing the trails too much, since you need a lot of energy to travel while carrying your things.
Wear appropriate clothing
This is dependent on where you are hiking and what the weather calls for. Adjust how many layers you need depending on the location and elevation of where you are hiking. Don’t wear cotton, as they get damp with your sweat easily, making you stink while also feeling uncomfortable all-around.
Don’t skip out on hiking socks and shoes/boots either. You are going to be walking for quite some time, so you want your footwear to actually be of decent quality to feel comfortable as you walk and reduce the chance of pain from walking for too long.
Pack extra essentials
You can never be too careful on your first trip. Bring extra snacks and water, probably more than you think you will need. It is better to come home with 3 packs of unopened biscuits than to run out halfway through the trail.
Adjust accordingly, if the weather calls for potential rain in the middle of your hike, pack waterproof gear and materials that can help protect your items from getting wet.
Wrapping Up
Hiking for the first time might seem like a daunting experience, especially with all the things you have to bring, but with enough experience, it will feel like second nature for you to go out and experience, well, nature!