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Hiking for Beginners

There are so many mental and physical health benefits of hiking. It can help you get into better shape, reduces stress, and even improve brainpower. Are you new to hiking and not sure where to begin? The definition of hiking is “the activity of going for long walks, especially in the country or woods”. Basically, any kind of walk that isn’t on a road or sidewalk is a hike. You don't need any special skills to hike; you just have to be able to walk and know where you are.  Hiking for beginners is one of the absolute best ways to get outdoors. When you are first starting out hiking, we recommend choosing trails that are in line with your current fitness levels. Of course, hiking is a way to kick-start your exercise routine and get in shape, but if you pick a trail that is way above your fitness level. You can escape crowds and disconnect from technology. But hiking for beginners can be intimidating.



10 essential equipment for hiking

A typical mistake hiking beginners make is wearing jeans and regular clothes, which will get heavy and chafe wif they get sweaty or wet. Wear wicking workout clothes, which are designed for being active. Good hiking layers are moisture-wicking, which means they dry quickly and move sweat away from your body and are typically made of polyester, nylon, or wool. Avoid cotton and other heavy fabrics that are heavy and slow drying. Pack essential equipment depends on the season, temperature, and forecast. Before you start hiking making sure you’re carrying the Essentials. 

Recommends a list of "Ten Essentials" equipment for hiking, including:

1. Compass (Navigation)

2. Sunglasses

3. Sunscreen

4. Flashlight

5. First aid kit

 6. Fire starter

7. Knife

8. Water 

9. Food

10. Extra Clothes

Other groups recommend items such as hat, gloves, insect repellent, and an emergency blanket. A GPS navigation device can also be helpful and route cards may be used as a guide. Trekking poles are also recommended, especially when carrying a heavy backpack. Winter hiking requires a higher level of skill and generally more specialized gear than in other seasons.

Hiking alone.

Experiencing the outdoors by yourself can give you a sense of freedom and adventure that are hard to find elsewhere. But it can also be intimidating and lonely at times. If you’re new to hiking, we recommend finding a companion to keep you company. That person will also be there to lend a hand if you happen to get hurt. If going alone really is your only option, then start out with short trips to popular hiking destinations and make sure someone always knows where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone.

Hiking with a friend.

The top reason people choose to hike with a friend or join group hiking trips is because it’s a lot of fun to share the experience with others. In fact, sharing the experience of hiking together is often what motivates many people to hike in the first place. Hiking with other people can make memories that last a lifetime and build special bonds with your family and friends. Working together to navigate your route, fix a broken hiking pole or make a game time weather decision is both good for your brain and your friendships. When you hike alone, you have to carry everything you need, but when you hike with others, you can share some of that load.

How to Choose a Hiking Trail

A barrier to entry for many first-time hikers is simply knowing how to choose and find the right trail. Don’t let the different options and unfamiliar terms scare you off or discourage you from choosing a good hiking trail. There are plenty of resources like apps, Facebook groups, and websites that can provide you with a ton of information. This will help you plan out things, like where to park, whether pets are allowed, difficulty levels, and any recent updates on trail conditions.  Be extra careful on the second half of the hike.The second half of a trip or the end of the day is usually when accidents like falls, slips, and trips happen,” Hoyer says. Your energy levels are lower, your leg muscles are fatigued, and your mind might be more focused on getting to the finish than the next step. Take your time and be extra careful with your footing.

 Going to the bathroom.

Going to the bathroom in the woods is a concern of many novice hikers. But rest assured, it’s something countless people have learned to do, and so can you.If you just have to pee, simply find a place that’s well away from the trail and at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water sources. For women, you can “shake dry” or you can bring a couple wads of toilet paper and a small zip-top plastic bag. Put the used toilet paper in the bag and dump the paper in your toilet when you get home. Another option is to use a bandana as a “pee rag” that you can tie to the outside of your pack to dry out.

Safety Precautions

Always leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Leaving a note with your route plans inside your vehicle is a good way to inform search-and-rescue folks of your plan if they come looking for you. Safety: Always leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Leaving a note with your route plans inside your vehicle is a good way to inform search-and-rescue folks of your plan if they come looking for you.  It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. As long as you aren’t adding too much weight to your pack to comfortably hike, more supplies are always a good thing. It’s also important to remember that trails are what keep people from getting lost. Even with a great sense of direction and navigational tools, it’s easy to get disoriented and lost in the backcountry. In fact, the most common reason for people getting lost in the woods is because they went off marked trails. Stay on the trail.




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