Hiking can seem incredibly daunting to someone new to the activity. Planning for a walk in nature can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to decide what to pack, what to eat, and how to deal with the climate. Furthermore, there is a slew of challenges that can arise when you’re spending any amount of time in the wildness. Proper preparation and planning matter more than many beginner hikers realize.
Everyone is different. A hike is whatever you make it! There are hikers who want to trek through difficult trails that lead to views that most people don’t ever get to set their eyes on. However, the majority of hikers who are just starting out are looking for a low-impact and fairly moderate trail or path. There are hikes that take a few hours and there are trails you can backpack for weeks. It is critical that beginners understand the amount of physical exertion and time that any given hike will take so that they can ensure that it’s something they should undertake. Regardless of what type of hike it is, spending time walking in the outdoors is a wonderful way to explore and experience the world around us.
If you are new to hiking then avoid buying things that are not absolutely necessary. Items that you should have for your first hike include the appropriate shoes, a backpack, and a lightweight waterproof jacket. There will be time to buy additional gear if, after gaining experience, hiking becomes a major hobby. Otherwise, hiking is an incredibly inexpensive hobby so don’t overspend if you only plan on hiking once a month.
For your first hike check out any county or state parks nearby. Most places have plenty of well-marked trails and don’t charge admission fees. Always make sure to check the weather before heading out and even when the forecast is clear make sure that you take along a jacket just in case. Remember to be patient and wait until your skill level increases before trying any advanced trails.
Hiking can be done at any time of year, however, it can become dangerous as winter months see the climate growing harsher. Areas with ski resorts and other winter sports usually have good hiking all year.
Aside from the great physical benefits, such as lower blood pressure, building muscles, and boosting bone-density hiking also benefits a person’s mental health. Spending time outside can help to lower stress and can even improve memory and mood! At the end of the day, hiking is fantastic for the pure experience of being in the great outdoors. There is nothing like taking in a beautiful landscape and seeing the world around you from a fresh perspective.
This blog was originally published on Mark Smith's website.