Hiking Tips For Beginners

If you have never been hiking, you need to start!! I’m going to assume that’s why you’re reading this, so I’m listing some basic hiking tips for beginners to get you started. My longest trail has been 3-4 miles, so I still consider myself a newbie hiker. However I’ve learned a lot in the hikes I have done! Here’s what I’ve learned a long the way:

Plan

Plan where you want to go. Research the hikes you are interested in doing online. Alltrails is a good website that will list a description of the trail, the distance, the elevation gain, the rating and a printable map. If you live close to a state or national park, the rangers are a great resource for hiking information. Pick a good beginner trail to start with. Trails will be rated easy, moderate or hard. You can always push yourself later.

Pick A Buddy or Two

Hikes are more fun with friends. Bring your spouse or BFF, or better yet someone who has more hiking experience than you! You can watch them and learn.

Solo hikes are great as well! I do my best thinking surrounded by nature by myself. Make sure you tell someone where you will be hiking and what time you plan on being done just in case something happens.

Pack Hiking Esentials

Hiking for Beginners Essentials-

1. Water Bottle- You need to stay hydrated! Eventually you may want to invest in a camelbak. It’s basically a backpack of water with a straw attached so you don’t have to stop to take a water break. A regular water bottle is fine for now.
2. Snacks- small snacks to eat on the trail to keep your energy up. Granola bars, trail mix, nuts, protein bar, fruit.
3. GPS and/or Map and Compass- When researching your hike make sure there is a cell signal if you plan on using your phone GPS. It’s still a good idea to bring a map and compass just in case.
4. Flashlight- In case it gets dark or you get lost. Extra batteries.
5. Lighter and/ or matches- In case you need heat.
6. Sun Protection- Protect that pretty face! Sunscreen and/ or a hat.
7. First Aid Supplies- small kit, bandages, Neosporin, blister meds, etc.
8. Whistle- In case you get lost
9. Poncho- Rain protection
10. Small Knife- Just in case
11. Bug Spray
12. Camera

This list is for beginner hikes only! For more advanced hikes, they will require more supplies. Like emergency shelter and extra clothing or blankets.

Wear Layers

Dress in layers so you can add and take off clothing depending on the weather. I recommend always wearing long pants to help prevent ticks or other bugs from finding you. Try and stay away from cotton clothing.

Shoes

I’ve honestly only worn athletic shoes and done just fine on 90% of my hikes. Those shoes are fine for beginner hikes. If you plan on doing longer or more advanced hikes, you will want to invest in a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. Light weight and water proof are important!! I plan on getting my first pair soon!! So excited!

Check The Weather

The morning you head out double check the weather for the day. You don’t want to get caught in a forest during a lightening storm or dealing with rain on slick trails.

Check Trail Conditions

Check that the trail is open and what kind of condition it’s in. Sometimes weather or animal activity can close trails.

I recently went on a two mile hike in Idaho. In the summer, it’s a quick two mile loop. In mid- March, most of the trail was covered in ice, so it made it take three times as long to walk. AND I did NOT have the right gear to be hiking it. I should have been in winter hiking boots with hiking poles. I learned my lesson! Unfortunately the hard way, I fell down twice!!

Document It

Make sure to capture the memories with pictures! Maybe even make a hiking journal if you think you’re going to love it. You can document your very first trail, all the trails in between to your mega challenge bucket list worthy trail. Like some of the hard trails in Yosemite or Zion National Parks.

Leave No Trace

This phrase is big in the Boy Scout and Girl Scout world. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s very simple. Don’t leave anything you came with and don’t take anything you didn’t bring. Basically, don’t litter or destroy nature by graffiti. Do not take pinecones, rocks or anything else from the area. Even if it doesn’t look like it will be missed, don’t do it. Only take pictures!!

Summary

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. Hiking usually rewards you with good views, fresh air and a mental boost in attitude. PLUS, it’s exercise!!

I hope you use these beginner hiking tips to get outside and explore this amazing world! Do not feel like you need to buy a lot of equipment starting out. You probably already own everything you need. Just get out there!

For those of you who hike a lot, are there any tips you’d add?

Check out this post on tips for zip-lining for the first time.