14 Beginner Hiking Tips

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Those who love adventure sports and are great hiking enthusiasts but are new to the sport would like to know more about it before actually trying it out. The question that might strike to a new hiker’s mind is, “To begin with, how do I go about it?” The answer to this query is pretty simple. There are no written rules and cautions, the seasoned ones have defined them based on their experiences. Hiking is an outdoor sport that allows having a lot of adventure and physical exercise. It also refreshes your mind and body too.

Follow these few instructions and tips and rules:

1. Always study the place of hiking, its surroundings, geography and flora and fauna before deciding over it.
2. Never go alone. Always seek company of family and friends. Also try to go with an experienced hiker. It will be an advantage.
3. Keep your family and friends back home informed about your whereabouts and maintain the communication with them.
4. The spot you choose for hiking as a beginner should be an easy one. The dangerous ones could actually be fatal. Avoid too much of a hilly place and see to it that there are safe water bodies around the place.
5. You know your fitness level best. Choose only those places that you can comfortably travel as a hiker.
6. Your backpack or the rucksack should be lightweight but should always carry first aid kit, some food, water, spare clothes, may be a blanket too.
7. The clothing you pick up for hiking should be simple. It could be something that can cover your arms and legs (in case you are going to a place where insects are in abundance).  Even shorts and T-shirts are fine suiting the place and kind of travel you plan.
8. The footwear selection should be such that they keep your feet safe from any injuries.  Boots should be tough and lightweight.
9. Along with these all tips, it is always good to keep a map while hiking.
10. A compass for knowing directions is a great help.
11. Besides, information about the closest police station, hospitals, restaurants and petrol pumps should also be kept.
12. If the hiking is being done during night, a torch, extra set batteries and candles should be taken along.
13. If you are hiking with kids, giving them a proper idea of the expedition, the kind of stress they are likely to have and the fun involved. A mobile phone can be very useful for avoiding instances like kids getting lost during the hike.
14. If there are some women and girls in the group, then their safety issue finds first place. Places posing safety for women must be taken into consideration before planning any such adventure. The women should keep all the toiletries like soaps, napkins and sanitary pads just in case of emergency. Women should essentially move with the group to avoid anything untoward.

A good hiking expedition can happen with little caution and care about yourself and the group you are hiking with.