Tips for First-Time Hikers

Hiking is a fun way to experience nature, but being prepared is important! These simple tips will help you stay safe, choose the right gear, and plan your adventure. Whether you’re hiking for the first time or learning the basics, this guide will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

How To Prepare for a Hike

Preparation can help you have an enjoyable first-time hiking experience. Consider these key steps before heading out.

Choose the Right Trail

The biggest mistake you can make as a beginner is choosing a trail you can’t handle. While it’s okay to challenge yourself, know your limits. Many park sites will state whether their trails are beginner or advanced, but if not, no worries. Sources like AllTrails and guidebooks can tell if a trail is easy, moderate, or challenging to hike.

Pack Smart

Having everything you need for your hike before heading out of the house is important, but you want to ensure your hiking backpack weight stays within a comfortable range. If you’re packing for a day hike, you should only pack about 10 percent of your body weight. For a hike lasting multiple days, you can bump up your backpack’s weight to 20 percent of your body weight.

You can reduce your backpack weight and pack smarter by checking your pack’s base weight using a kitchen scale or luggage scale. Your base weight should include clothes, your sleeping bag, and any other essentials that are non-negotiable for your hike. Food will always be a variable, so we don’t recommend accounting for that in your base weight.

How To Physically Prepare for a Hike

Make sure your body is ready before you go hiking. Start by taking regular walks, then try light jogging or climbing stairs to strengthen your legs. Basic exercises like squats, lunges, and core workouts can also help you stay balanced and avoid getting hurt. But most importantly, don’t forget to stretch! It’ll keep your muscles loose and help prevent soreness.

What To Wear When Hiking

Wearing the right gear can make or break your experience. Keep the following clothing suggestions in mind.

Layer Up

While you may have checked the weather forecast before your hike, the actual weather conditions are often unpredictable once you’re out on the trail, especially if you’re in a mountainous area where the terrain influences the weather.

Fortunately, layering will be your best friend during your trek. You can easily add or subtract as you please until you feel comfortable, but make sure to start with a moisture-wicking base.

Wear Proper Footwear

You don’t need to save up money to buy the most expensive leather hiking boots you can find. As long as your chosen shoes are sturdy and will protect you from stepping on any rocks or branches, then they’ll do just the trick. Also, make sure your socks are taller than your shoes, as it can help prevent blisters.

What To Eat Before a Hike

Never start your day on an empty stomach! It can ruin your mood and affect your energy for the hike. At least one to three hours before, make sure to eat a meal with complex carbohydrates and lean protein, such as:

Secure Your RV With Honey Bee RV Storage

Ready to hit the road and take on hiking? If you travel to the great outdoors in an RV or camper, give your ride a designated spot between adventures with Honey Bee RV Storage. We offer spacious and affordable RV storage so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to park after exploring the trails.

Many of our storage facilities also provide covered storage, giving you peace of mind. Whether heading out for a short day hike or a long excursion, we’ve got the perfect spot for your RV. Call or contact us online to rent or reserve your space today!