Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors, get some exercise, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you want to explore a scenic trail, challenge yourself on a mountain peak, or simply get some fresh air, hiking can offer you many benefits and rewards. But how do you start hiking? What do you need to know before you hit the trails? And where can you find the best hikes in the world? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and we will provide you with some beginners guide to hiking and resources to help you plan your next hiking adventure.
Beginners Guide to Hiking: Why You Should Try it?
Hiking has many benefits for your body and mind. Here are some of the reasons why you should try hiking:
- Hiking reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, combats diabetes, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Hiking is a great form of aerobic exercise that improves your cardiovascular fitness and burns calories. According to the American Hiking Society, you can burn about 100 calories for every mile you walk, depending on your speed and terrain.
- Hiking boosts your mood, improves your sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety. Hiking exposes you to natural light, fresh air, and green scenery, which can have a positive effect on your mental health. Studies have shown that hiking can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase happiness and well-being. Hiking can also help you sleep better at night, as physical activity and exposure to daylight can regulate your circadian rhythm and promote melatonin production.
- Hiking enhances your creativity, memory, and problem-solving skills. Hiking can stimulate your brain and improve your cognitive functions. Research has found that hiking can improve your memory, attention, and spatial awareness, and enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Hiking can also help you learn new things, such as plant and animal identification, history, and geography, depending on where you hike.
- Hiking connects you with nature, culture, and people. Hiking can be a way to explore new places, appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature, and discover the culture and history of different regions. Hiking can also be a social activity, as you can meet new people, join a hiking club, or bond with your friends and family on the trail.
Beginners Guide to Hiking: How to Start
If you are new to hiking, you might feel overwhelmed by the choices and possibilities. How do you choose a hike that suits your fitness level, interests, and goals? How do you prepare for a hike, and what gear do you need? How do you stay safe and comfortable on the trail? Before you go hiking, there are some things you need to know and prepare to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Here are some of the essential tips for hiking beginners:
Do some research.
Before you head out, you need to do some homework. Choose a hiking route that suits your fitness level, experience, and interests. There are many ways to find a hiking trail that meets your needs, such as guidebooks, websites, word of mouth, or local authorities.
You can also use online tools like AllTrails or Hiking Project to search for trails by location, difficulty, length, elevation, features, and ratings. When choosing a hiking route, consider how much time you have, how far and how high you can hike, what kind of scenery and attractions you want to see, and what kind of challenges and risks you are comfortable with.
Gear upÂ
Gear up for your hike with the right clothing, footwear, and equipment. Depending on the weather, terrain, and duration of your hike, you may need different kinds of clothing, footwear, and equipment to stay comfortable and safe on the trail. Here are some of the beginners guide to hiking basic items you should have are:
- A backpack that fits well and can carry all your essentials, such as appropriate clothing and footwear, depends on the weather and the terrain. You should dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed, and wear hiking shoes or boots that are comfortable, supportive, and have good traction. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary to protect yourself from the sun.
- A map and compass, or a GPS device or smartphone app, to help you navigate the trail and avoid getting lost.
- A water bottle or hydration system and enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike: A general rule of thumb is to drink about half a liter of water per hour of hiking, but this may vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and sweat rate. You may also want to bring a water filter or purification tablets if you plan to refill your water from natural sources.
- Snacks and food will keep your energy levels up and prevent hunger and fatigue. Some of the best snacks for hiking are nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, jerky, and chocolate. If you are hiking for more than a few hours, you may also want to bring a lunch, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta.
- A first aid kit to treat any minor injuries or illnesses that may occur on the trail, such as cuts, blisters, sprains, insect bites, or headaches. Your first aid kit should include items like bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory drugs. You may also want to add some personal medications or items that are specific to your hike, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, or allergy medication.
- A headlamp or flashlight, and extra batteries, to provide light in case you hike in the dark or encounter an emergency. Even if you plan to hike during the day, it is always a good idea to have a light source in case you get delayed, lost, or injured and have to hike at night or signal for help.
- A whistle, a mirror, or a cell phone can help you communicate or call for help in case of an emergency. A whistle can be heard from a long distance and can alert other hikers or rescuers to your location. A mirror can reflect sunlight and create a visible signal that can be seen from the air or from far away. A cell phone can be useful to call for help or access online resources, but you should not rely on it as your only means of determining the difficulty and style of the hiking club; instead, find one that matches your expectations and needs. Also, don’t forget a trash bag to pack out your garbage and leave no trace.
- Contact the hiking club and express your interest in joining. You can email, call, or visit the hiking club’s website or social media pages and ask for more information about their membership, activities, and requirements. You may also want to attend an introductory meeting, event, or hike to get a feel for the hiking club and meet some of the members and leaders.
- Fill out an application form and pay a membership fee, if applicable. Some hiking clubs may require you to fill out an application form and pay a membership fee to join, while others may be free and open to anyone. The application form may ask you for some personal information, such as your name, contact details, emergency contacts, medical conditions, hiking experience, and preferences. The membership fee may vary depending on the hiking club, but it usually covers the costs of administration, insurance, equipment, and events.
- Follow the rules and etiquette of the hiking club, and enjoy your hikes. Once you join a hiking club, you should respect and follow the rules and etiquette of the club, such as showing up on time, following the leader’s instructions, staying with the group, being courteous and helpful to other hikers, and leaving no trace. You should also enjoy your hikes and have fun with your new hiking buddies.
Warm up and cool down
Before you start your hike, you should do some light cardio and dynamic stretches to warm up your muscles and joints. This can help you prevent injuries and improve your performance. After you finish your hike, you should do some gentle stretches and walk around to cool down your body and prevent soreness.
Start slowly and gradually
If you are new to hiking, you should start with easy and short hikes and gradually increase the difficulty and duration as you get fitter and more comfortable. Listen to your body and stop or rest if you feel pain, fatigue, or discomfort. Don’t push yourself too hard or too fast, as this can increase your risk of injury and burnout.
Beginners Guide to Hiking Shoes
Part of the beginners guide to hiking is to look for the best hiking shoes that can give you the best outdoor performance. Here are some of the models that you may want to consider:
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0
These are the best hiking shoes overall, as they are lightweight, comfortable, and versatile. They have a Primeknit upper that makes them breathable and flexible, a Boost midsole that provides responsive cushioning and energy return, and a Continental rubber outsole that delivers excellent grip and durability on various terrains. They also have a sock-like fit that hugs your foot and a lace closure that allows you to adjust the tightness.
Skechers Max Protect Legacy
These are the best hiking shoes for women, as they are affordable, stylish, and supportive. They have a mesh and synthetic upper that makes them breathable and water-resistant, a Memory Foam insole that conforms to your foot and provides arch support, and a rubber outsole that offers good traction and stability on different surfaces. They also have a lace-up design that gives you a secure fit and a padded collar and tongue that add comfort and protection.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Shoes
These are the best hiking shoes overall, as they are comfortable, durable, and versatile. They have a Gore-Tex membrane that makes them waterproof and breathable, a Contagrip outsole that provides excellent traction and stability on various terrains, and a Sensifit system that wraps the foot for a snug and secure fit. They also have a Quicklace system that allows you to adjust the laces easily and quickly, and a protective toe cap and heel counter that protect your feet from rocks and debris.
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Hiking Shoes
These are the best-value hiking shoes, as they are affordable and reliable. They have a mesh and suede upper that makes them breathable and durable, a Vibram outsole that offers great traction and stability on different surfaces, and a Merrell air cushion that absorbs shock and adds stability. They also have a bellows tongue that keeps out dirt and debris, and a molded nylon arch shank that supports the foot and prevents fatigue.
Keen Targhee III Hiking Shoes
These are the best hiking shoes for beginners who need extra grip and support. They have a leather and mesh upper that makes them waterproof and breathable, a Keen.Dry membrane that seals out water and lets vapor out, and a Keen.All-Terrain rubber outsole that delivers high-traction grip on various terrains. They also have a metatomical footbed that conforms to the shape of the foot and provides arch support, and a Keen.Protect toe cap that protects the toes from bumps and bruises.
Where to Go Hiking
The world is full of amazing hiking destinations, from mountains and forests to deserts and coasts to cities and parks. You can find hiking trails for every level, taste, and season, and experience the wonders of nature and culture along the way. Here are some of the best hiking destinations in the world if you can afford to travel, according to various sources:
The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous and popular hiking trails in the world, as it leads to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Inca Trail is a four-day trek that covers about 43 kilometers (27 miles) of stunning scenery, including mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, and ruins. The Inca Trail is also a cultural and historical journey, as you can learn about the Inca civilization and their sacred sites along the way.
The Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a bucket-list adventure for many hikers, as it takes you to the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. The Everest Base Camp Trek is a 12-day hike that covers about 130 kilometers (80 miles) of challenging terrain, with altitudes ranging from 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) to 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). The Everest Base Camp Trek is also a rewarding experience, as you can witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the Sherpa culture, and the Buddhist monasteries along the way.
The Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a circular hike that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif, the highest mountain range in Western Europe. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 10-day hike that covers about 170 kilometers (106 miles) of diverse and scenic landscapes, crossing three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. The Tour du Mont Blanc is also a gastronomic and linguistic adventure, as you can sample the different cuisines and languages of the regions you pass through.
The Pacific Crest Trail, USA
The Pacific Crest Trail is a long-distance hike that spans the entire length of the West Coast of the USA, from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. The Pacific Crest Trail is a 150-day hike that covers about 4,265 kilometers (2,650 miles) of varied and spectacular terrain, including deserts, mountains, forests, lakes, and volcanoes. The Pacific Crest Trail is also a personal and spiritual journey, as you can challenge yourself, discover yourself, and connect with nature and other hikers along the way.
The Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is a classic hike that takes you to the heart of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most pristine and beautiful places on Earth. The Milford Track is a four-day hike that covers about 54 kilometers (34 miles) of awe-inspiring scenery, including valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, and fjords. The Milford Track is also a wildlife and ecological paradise, as you can encounter various native plants and animals, such as ferns, orchids, kiwis, and penguins, along the way.
These are just some examples of the amazing hiking destinations in the world, but there are many more to explore and enjoy. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a solo or a group hiker, a nature or a culture lover, you can find a hiking trail that suits your preferences and goals.
Hiking is a rewarding and fun activity
As you learn today with our beginners guide to hiking, it is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits, such as improving your health and enriching your life. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a solo or a group hiker, a nature or a culture lover, you can find a hiking trail that suits your preferences and goals. In this article, we have given you some tips and tricks to help you get started with hiking, such as how to choose a hiking route, gear up for your hike, plan and prepare for your hike, join a hiking club, and where to go hiking.
We hope this article has inspired you to try hiking and discover the amazing hiking destinations in the world. Hiking is a rewarding and fun activity that can bring you many benefits and experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, lace up your boots, and hit the trails. Happy hiking!
