Hiking is one of the best and easiest ways to experience the outdoors. Having personally hiked thousands of miles, it’s still one of my favorite things to do. It helps me get out of my head and into my body, centers me to the present moment, and reminds me of what is truly important. Not to mention that it’s a great way to get your endorphins going. If you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, then heading out on a trail is the perfect entry point. To help you out, here’s our guide on how to hike to get out of the house and into nature.
Choose the Right Hike
When starting out hiking, it’s smart to start small and then work your way up to longer and more demanding trails. Here’s what to know to choose right trail.
How to Find a Trail
There are many resources you can utilize to find your perfect first hike. Apps like AllTrails are a good starting point, as they can show you a plethora of hikes in your local area. However, their information can be misleading or incorrect, so it’s a good idea to do a little more research before choosing a trail. Reading online hiking blogs or guidebooks, or asking hiker friends are great ways to understand exactly what to expect on a specific trail.
Stick to Somewhere Close
If you’re new to hiking, you’ll want to stick to a trail that’s close to home. That way, you can easily dip your toes into this hobby without a major investment. Also, you’ll minimize any risks and in the rare event that something goes wrong, you can quickly head out.
Consider Mileage, Elevation Gain, and Other Factors
No two hikes are exactly alike. Before you settle on a trail, you’ll want to take a look at factors like mileage and elevation gain, as well as weather and time of year. If you’re learning how to hike, key tips include sticking to trails that are on the shorter and flatter side, as well as giving yourself plenty of daylight to finish your trek. You want to avoid over-exerting yourself or getting caught outside as night falls.
Carry the Proper Gear
One of the best things about hiking is that you don’t need much gear to hit the trail! Carry these essential items and you’ll be out exploring nature in no time.
Hiking Backpack
While you’ll need a backpack to carry everything you’re bringing on your hike, it doesn’t need to be fancy or hiking-specific. For short treks, a small, lightweight backpack works great. I have the REI Co-op Flash 18 backpack, but any day pack should work. Depending on what you’re bringing, a drawstring bag could suffice as well.
For longer adventures, you’ll want a more robust bag that’s around 25-30 liters. My go-to backpack for these kinds of trips is the REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack.
The Ten Essentials
As the name suggests, the ten essentials are items that you should have with you every time you head out for a hike. These include navigational tools, sun protection, first aid, a repair kit, extra clothing, fire starters, food, water, a flashlight, and an emergency blanket or shelter. The National Park Service has a great article that goes over each of the ten essentials in-depth.
Other Items to Consider Bringing
Beyond the essentials, there are lots of other things to consider bringing with you while hiking.
Hiking poles and water bladders are popular items that lots of hikers like to carry. To help make your time on trail a little cleaner and more comfortable, consider bringing a bandana, hand sanitizer or wipes, and insect repellent. If you’re somewhere without cell reception, having walkie-talkies to stay in touch with your hiking partners are good to have case you get separated. And for longer hikes, it’s smart to bring a water filter.
Cameras, binoculars, a guidebook, or a journal are great tools to capture your experience and deepen your time outside. There are also several apps that can help increase your knowledge and enhance your trek. Read about the ones that we think are the best below.
Wear Hiking Attire
There’s no need to go out and purchase an entirely new wardrobe. In fact, most of what you need you likely already have in your closet! Here are some tips on what to wear on the trail when first learning how to hike.
Footwear
There are two major kinds of hiking footwear: boots and trail-runners. Boots are great if you’re looking to maximize stability and protection from the elements. However, they are oftentimes cumbersome and heavy. On the other hand, trail-runners are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move in. Unfortunately, they aren’t as supportive or weather-resistant. Whatever you choose, try to break in your footwear before hitting the trail to avoid blisters and other foot-related aches and pains.
Clothes
You likely already have clothes that are appropriate for hiking! When choosing what to wear, stick to materials that are moisture-wicking, like merino wool or polyester. Avoid wearing cotton, as it doesn’t dry well when wet.
One of the best nuggets of knowledge when first learning how to hike to familiarize yourself with is the art of layering, especially if the weather is adverse. There are three parts to this system: the base, mid, and outer layer. The base layer is what goes directly on your skin and should wick sweat easily. The mid, or insulating layer, is meant to keep you warm. This usually includes a puffy jacket or fleece. Finally, the outer layer protects you from the elements, like a wind jacket or raincoat. While you might not need to carry every layer if the weather is nice, it’s important to keep them in mind if you plan on hiking in less-than-ideal conditions.
Pack Food and Water
Hiking is a physically demanding activity. One of the most important things to do when mastering how to hike is to carry enough food and water to sustain yourself while on trail. I like to pack snacks high in protein, carbs, and salts. My usual go-to’s include energy bars, trail mix, jerky, crackers, and fresh fruit like apples and oranges. In terms of water, try to bring a half liter per hour you’ll be on trail. If it’s an especially hot day or you think you’ll be exerting lots of energy, it’s also a good idea to bring an electrolyte supplement, like LMNT, to help your body replenish any minerals.
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to what food and drinks to bring while hiking. Everyone is different and as you spend more time on trail, you’ll develop a better sense of what works best for you.
Safety Considerations
While hiking is a very safe activity, you should still take precautions to help mitigate the risk of something going wrong.
Many trails are in areas with little to no cell service, so download everything beforehand, including the GPX file of your route and any maps. Also, make sure to tell someone back home about your plans. That way should something happen, they’ll know where to start looking.
Additionally, don’t hike alone if you’re new to the activity. Try to hit the trail with a friend or family member. Another option is to join a local outdoor organization or hiking club. Not only will you have a safer experience, but you also can connect with other like-minded individuals.
In your backpack should be a first aid kit in case of any emergencies. For an added level of safety, you can bring a satellite communicator, like the Garmin inReach Mini 2. While pricey, these devices allow you to call SOS in areas with no cell service.
Follow Trail Etiquette
On trail, you want to take into consideration the experience of other hikers and the land.
When out hiking, try to keep the sound down. Avoid very noisy conservations and playing music out loud. Also know the right of way in certain situations. If two people are approaching each other, generally the downhill hiker yields to the uphill one. On multi-use trails, mountain bikers yield to hikers, who both yield to horses. However, in practice I’ve found that as long as you’re friendly and respectful, you’ll likely fine to pass however seems the most natural at the time.
To help reduce the impact on the land, avoid off-trail travel. In the same vein, don’t disturb the wildlife. Instead, view any animals you see from a safe distance. And make sure to practice the 7 Leave No Trace Principles to help preserve the land for generations to come.
All in all, be aware of your surroundings and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Try to stay present in the moment and enjoy your time outside!
Treat Yourself
While getting out in nature is it’s own reward, giving yourself a little treat after makes your hiking experience that much more enjoyable. Whether it’s a cold gatorade in your car or a meal at a restaurant nearby, it’s nice to have a reward and something to look forward to after exerting yourself on trail.
I hope that you’re ready to hit the trails after reading our guide on how to hike! If you want to try solo hiking, you’ll want to check out our article where we share what you need to know to set yourself up for success. And if you’re ready to embark on your next outdoor adventure, please reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!
