This one goes out to the absolute beginner hiker.
There are SO many benefits to hiking and it is one of my favorite hobbies. I recently started hiking every Saturday with a group of friends and it has been a saving grace during Covid.
It reduces my stress and also holds me accountable to work out and see friends.
Since modern society has disconnected us from the great outdoors I really feel like wandering into the woods every now and then is important. Between our busy lives and sterilized spaces, it can feel like a reset to be outdoors where everything moves slowly. It helps us to stay curious and reignites our innate connection to nature.
I wanted to put together a list of basic hiking tips because I have learned some of these lessons the hard way and also frolicking around in the woods can be pretty dangerous!
Hopefully, this can help you to have a more enjoyable hiking experience and keep you and others safe.
Let’s get started!
This post is all about the best hiking tips for beginners.
The Best Beginner Hiker Tips
1. Safety first!
Don’t go solo
Always bring a buddy. Most of the hikers that get lost or hurt in my area are always alone. I’m talking helicopters circling and people getting airlifted out. Not trying to spook ya but it happens. If you want to enjoy nature by yourself go to a park but heading into the woods alone is risky.
Bring your cell phone
I am all for disconnecting from technology but when hiking it is best to have a fully charged phone in your bag. Even if you don’t want to turn it on it is a major safety measure if things are to go awry.
Check the weather
Landslides would be the extreme example but who wants to go hiking when it’s pouring rain?
Tell someone where you’re going
Let your roommate, partner, parent etc. know that you are venturing out.
2. Navigation
Use an app (or compass and map)! My favorite app is All Trails.
If you’re not familiar with it, it tells you the hike’s length, terrain, and has reviews from other hikers.
This can be helpful because sometimes hikes shut down for maintenance, are on private property, have car break-ins nearby, have fees and the list goes on. The positive side to that list haha would be cool waterfalls to check out, endangered animals/plants you can spot etc.
Know what you are getting yourself into
Know how long it takes and what kind of terrain you will be on i.e. crossing rivers, in direct sunlight, or under tree coverage. It can also show how accessible certain hikes are and what amenities are at the trailhead.
ESPECIALLY if you are on vacation/traveling and don’t know anything about the area.
Stay on the path
Don’t stray.
Unless you are with an experienced guide that knows what they’re doing it is not worth going off the path.
I have a scary story of trying to find an old military bunker on a trail and then my friend and I got lost for a few hours. We did not find the bunker and left the trail terrified.
It wasn’t worth it.
Start your hike early!
I love a good 9:00 am hike. Navigating in the dark is a no go for me. Disclaimer: again, if you are with an experienced guide, that’s different. When I was studying abroad in Costa Rica I saw a night hike advertised where you got to see rare nocturnal animals!
3. Have the right gear
Invest in quality hiking shoes
I have a pair of Tevas that I love (and highly suggest!) because they are water shoes but have good enough grip to handle steep areas. I’m not too familiar with hiking in cold climates (with snow) so I don’t have too many shoe recommendations for that.
Overall make sure no matter the terrain they are comfortable and have great tread.
Bring snacks and water
No one wants to hike with someone that is hangry!
My favorite hiking snacks are nuts, fruit, and granola bars. They are nutritious and won’t get smooshed in your pack.
Not to be boring but my favorite water bottle is hydroflask. They are worth the investment.
Wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat.
This all offers sun protection, bug protection and plant protection (from spikes, thorns, needles etc.).
Put on the goo!
Sunscreen, bug spray etc. Sunscreen is a necessity every day but definitely when you’re outside.
I have way too many stories about not wearing bug spray and returning to the indoors covered in bites. It’s never fun.
Don’t overpack
Whatever you pack you have to carry. It is always great to be prepared but be mindful of the weight of your pack.
4. Be honest about your abilities
Don’t “do it for the gram”!
If you are new to hiking or working out in general check in with yourself about what seems doable.
Everyone has to start from somewhere.
There are certain hikes in my area I don’t do because I know I’m not quite at that level yet (emphasis on yet!) You don’t want to put yourself at risk of getting hurt, overheated, exhausted etc.
Take breaks-no shame!
It’s supposed to be fun! Take time to enjoy the views, chat with your hiking buddy and rest your body as you go. There’s no shame in resting while doing physical activity.
5. Be Mindful
If you are bringing your dog
Most of the tips that apply to humans apply to our furry friends too.
Make sure you have plenty of water and that they are physically fit enough to do the hike.
One time I saw a pug on a hike and it was heaving SO hard. I felt terrible for them.
If you have a mostly indoor dog they might not be ready for the great outdoors. Some hikes even have signs that say dogs have died on the trail.
Watch out for other animals! Domesticated or wild animals could cause an issue.
Lastly make sure to comb through their fur to check for ticks, bugs or plants that can get stuck and carried elsewhere.
Document but be present
Enjoy your disconnected time but do be sure to snap pics!
When I’m in a whirlwind of a week I love being able to look back on my camera roll for that naturey reminder.
Wash or brush off the bottom of your shoes after hiking
Seeds can get stuck on the bottom of your shoes and spread to the next place you wear your shoes.
If you have invasive species in your area you don’t want to help it spread around.
Some hikes have brush stations for your shoes or you can bag them up and wash them when you get home. Another option is spraying the bottom of your shoes with alcohol before hiking.
Don’t litter
Duh! I am assuming that if you are on this site then you probably wouldn’t think twice about littering!
I hope this list was informative and made you feel more excited about hiking!
Did I miss anything?! If you can think of anything a beginner hiker should know I would love to hear your tip in the comments below!
This post was all about the best hiking tips for beginners.
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Stay well,
Maggie
