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| Image Courtesy of: Pixabay |
Your first hike is an adventure you are likely to remember for the rest of your life. So the pressure is on to make sure you remember it for all the right reasons. Planning your first hike can be challenging when you’ve never been on one before. You might not know what to bring, where you should go and for how long. Not giving your first hike plenty of consideration beforehand can also increase the chances of you becoming lost or ill in the process. This is naturally something you want to avoid. So to help you plan a safe and unforgettable first hike, use these planning tips for beginners.
Be realistic
You might have dreams of completing a particularly difficult hiking trail that takes days or even weeks to complete. But this is probably not the best idea for your first hike. You need to be realistic about your current fitness levels and hiking abilities. This should strongly influence your choice of hiking trail. Look for trails in your local area that are designed for beginners and don’t take too long to complete. These trails will allow you to familiarize yourself with what hiking is like and ensures you don’t push yourself too much. Going on an extensive hike when you aren’t experienced could result in you becoming ill or injured. So always remember to be realistic when choosing an appropriate trail.
Buy the right footwear
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| Image Courtesy of: Pixabay |
Investing in a decent pair of hiking boots might seem unnecessary for your first hike. But wearing the correct footwear can make your experience a far more positive one. You can avoid getting blisters, spraining your ankle or stubbing your toes, all of which can be extremely painful. To prevent your hike ending prematurely, you need to start shopping for sensible footwear before you leave. Head to a hiking retailer to try the boots on in person to ensure you get the most comfortable fit possible. You should also look for thick hiking socks that you can wear with your new boots. These can help your feet breathe while also protecting them from blisters and sores.
Invite a friend
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| Image Courtesy of: Pixabay |
It’s always beneficial to take a good friend with you on your first hike, particularly if they have previous hiking experience. Plenty of things can go wrong when hiking and having someone else there can be a huge support. A friend can also help to make the experience more exciting and enjoyable. So ask your friend in advance if they are able to join you on your first hike. This gives them enough time to get prepared and buy everything they may need. You should also get them involved in the planning process. They might have knowledge of which trails you could visit and where the best camp sites are. You can also organize how much food and water to take and how you intend to reach the trail.
Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin
P.S. Always let someone know where you plan on hiking, what time you are starting, and what time you plan on being back. This will let rescue crews know where to start looking in the event you don't make it out as planned.
