That being said, hiking can be a daunting prospect for non-backpackers. When you go on your first hiking as an inexperienced hiker, there are a few things you should consider beforehand: How challenging will the trail be?
Backpacking is a great way to get out into nature. It also lets you experience the wonders of the outdoors in a new, more contemplative way. There’s something about seeing those same trees and hills from a different angle and seeing how everything looks so much smaller.
How difficult is the hike you’re planning?
First and foremost, the trail you choose completely depends on you. If you’re interested in a short, easy hike, there’s no point in trying to go for a longer one. If you have aspirations of summiting a mountain or exploring a particular area, you’ll need to decide what sort of trail you want to hike based on your skill level and the area you’re planning to visit.
There are plenty of online resources to help you decide which trails would be best for you. Hike difficulty is also affected by the season you’re hiking in. Some trails are less busy in the summer, while winter can be a bit more dangerous. If there’s snow in your area, you’ll also need to consider whether the trail you’re planning has been cleared or not.
What to Bring
Before you head out, make sure you’ve taken a look at what you’ll need for your hike. It’ll help you plan your packing list a bit better and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
- A Backpack: This is the most important thing you’ll bring. It’s not a good idea to hike with anything else. If it’s new to you, look into renting a backpack first.
- A day pack: This should ideally be smaller than your backpack so that you can keep everything in one place and easily access the things you need. It should also be able to fit in a vehicle so that you can bring it with you if you need to.
- A hammock: If you’re interested in backpacking, you should also consider bringing a hammock. It’s one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors. You can even find them as small as a backpack.
- A sleeping bag: A sleeping bag is ideal if you want to camp overnight or spend a few days on the trail. It should be lightweight and compact.
- A stove: While hiking, you’ll usually want to boil water or cook food. A stove is the best way to do this.
- A tent: It’s essential to have shelter when you’re hiking. A tent should be small enough to fit in your backpack and should be easy to set up.
- A flashlight: In case of emergency, it’s essential to always have a flashlight. This can come in handy if you need to check something in the dark.
Emergency Items
If you’re going on a tough hike and feel like you might need to bring an emergency item along with you, here are some options.
- Tent Repair Kit: If your tent gets damaged while hiking, you’ll need to get it fixed. A tent repair kit lets you fix small holes and tears.
- Poncho: This is another thing to bring if your tent gets damaged. It’s useful for protecting yourself and your gear in case of heavy rain.
- Sunblock: While hiking in the summer, it’s recommended that you apply sunscreen to prevent heat-related illnesses like sunburn and heat exhaustion.
- Matches: If you need to start a fire in an emergency situation, matches might be the best option for you.
Top 3 Things to Take When Hiking
If you’re new to hiking, it can be a bit overwhelming just trying to think about what to bring. Especially when you consider that there are different types of hiking you can do.
- Map: If you’re planning to hike off-trail, it’s essential that you bring a map with you. This will help you navigate the area and find your way back.
- Compass: A compass can help you navigate if you’re hiking off-trail. Just keep in mind that you should only rely on it if you’re off-trail; always follow the trail!
- Food & Water: These are obvious needs that you should never go hiking without.
Conclusion
Hiking can be a great way to reconnect with nature. It can also let you experience a new, challenging side of yourself. But it’s a lot easier said than done. Hiking is a great experience, but there are many things for a first-timer to keep in mind. You need to choose the right trail, season, and equipment for the trail you’re planning. You also need to know how challenging the trail will be and what to take with you.
