5 tips for planning the best hiking experience
One fun way to relax, have fun and experience great bliss in nature is to go for a hiking spree. Hiking lets you experience the great outdoors in nature that roads do not reach. Whether you wish to engage yourself in beautiful nature or take a break from the city noise and everyday life's stress, the solution could be to take that hike.
If it's your first time hiking, do not let this discourage you. The best thing about hiking is that it does not require expensive gear or a great experience. All that is required from the start is some time, preparation, passion, and a sense of adventure. Be certain that there is always a hike for everybody.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, make sure to follow every requirement and the CDC guidelines for outdoor recreation. This includes avoiding crowded hiking parks and maintaining social distance between other hike mates.
Hiking is also a great way to keep your health in check, and this guide will help you find everything you need in planning the best hiking experience.
Ready to hit the road? Here are some great tips for enjoying a safe, pleasurable and comfortable hike.
1. Know what to pack
The first preparation step is knowing what to pack and carry in your hiking backpack from Birdling.com. A well-packed backpack helps you keep your energy up and feel great all day.
What To Pack In Your Bag For Your First Hiking Trip
- Adequate Water: Keeping hydrated is crucial during a hiking trip. Sip water throughout the day during your hiking trip, and make sure to carry a large bottle for this. Adequate water supply should always be your top priority.
- Adequate Food: Everyone is happier when their tummy is full, and nothing makes hiking a fun experience than great snacks and enough food. Make sure your backpack has extra snacks so you and your hiking mates can enjoy long sunsets in the mountains.
- Navigation Tools: Bring GPS, a compass, or a map on your hiking trip. This will help you know where you are and where you are going at all times. Even if you have a GPS tracker as a backup, remember to bring along a compass or a map as well. By doing this, getting lost will be the least of your problems, and planning other fun details will get better.
- First-Aid-Kit And Safety Items: Get a personalized first aid kit which might include a bandage, blister treatment, antibiotic ointment, tape, gauze pads, and any other medications specified and needed for you and your companion. No matter how you anticipate your hike, always include a fire starter, whistle, and a flashlight in your emergency kit, so you are prepared for any situation.
- Sunscreen And Sun Protection: Always remember to bring sunscreen during all seasons, even winter. Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from ultraviolet(UV) radiation and sunburns. Use a sunscreen SPF 15 or higher and sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent ultraviolet A and B protection (UVA, UVB). Don't forget your hat and sunglasses to cover your eyes and face from the sun.
- Toiletries: Bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, waste bags, and other necessities when hiking far away from public restrooms.
2. Know your route
Choosing your trail is very important in planning a great hiking experience. If you plan to have a multi-day trip, you may decide to travel to a state or a country for impressive scenery. However, the chances are that you might find a nearby trail that will make for a great one-day hike.
Due to the COVID - 19 restrictions and rules, some parks might be closed, so make sure you confirm this before you go. Read reviews and websites that let you search nearby trails to know what to expect.
3. Choose the right clothing and shoes.
Your hiking experience is greatly determined by what you will wear. The wrong shoes can lead to painful, hurting feet and short hikes. Similarly, wrong pants or clothing can be uncomfortable. Heavy pants can be too hot on a sunny day, and shorts cannot protect against insects and plants irritating the skin. For this reason, always know the climate and condition of where you are hiking for a great hiking experience.
Breathable pants are the best pants to wear at a hike to help keep you warm and cool, depending on the place's temperature. Most importantly, you want to wear comfortable pants to help you move properly. Avoid denim during longer hikes as they might be uncomfortable to walk with and not so warm during winter.
Footwear can make a big difference during a hike. You either have an enjoyable hike or hours of pain due to a sore foot. A pair of running shoes should make for an easy and flat trail. However, high top hiking boots are the best for tackling rough and rocky terrains. You will need the ankle support provided by high boots in rocky terrain. Whichever shoes you are comfortable with, prevent blisters by making sure your shoes are fitting right and are perfectly broken in.
4. Get in shape
Hiking is not just packing a bag, but it also entails getting into shape before the day. Preparing yourself physically is very important while planning an excellent hike experience. Step up your cardio before your trip by running and walking long distances. Steps and squats can prepare your legs, while situps and plunks can help strengthen your core.
5. Pack light
As much as it is essential to be prepared, a heavy backpack can make you very tired during your hiking. Stick to the necessities and avoid overpacking by saving weight where possible—for instance, pack travel-size products like sunscreen and body products to reduce weight.
Hiking is the best way to spend time with your friends and family as it offers many activities and experiences in nature. Follow these hiking tips, and you will enjoy the hiking experience with the people you love.