Have you ever felt an urge to bask in the sun, feel the wind in your hair and get a little dirt under your fingernails? It’s natural to want to spend a little time in the wilderness, because human beings are just animals, after all. That’s why learning to hike is the perfect sport for our stressed-out society.
For some, hiking is more than a recreational pastime; it’s been a way of life as long as they can remember. The love of hiking is often developed from family vacations, when youngsters barely old enough to scale a riverbank are strapping on hiking boots and traversing the wild outdoors with their earthy Mom and Dad. From these cross-country outings came skills — and memories — to last a lifetime.
Other hikers discover the joys of the sport a little later in life. Older kids often begin their journeys with scout troops. Packs of teenagers roam the woods in search of the perfect hangout spot. Professionals driven to distraction by the 9 to 5 grind can find peace and solace in the beauty of nature.
If you’ve discovered the love of hiking for any reason, you can’t deny that there’s no better way to shake off our contemporary hassles and enjoy the peace and solitude that only nature can offer.
When beginners start hiking they can find the sport a little tricky. Seasoned pros can always spot rookie hikers. They struggle with packs, loaded with fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. These overzealous hikers load their backcountry packs with heavy tents, fancy foods, two pairs of shoes and a bounty of “just in case” gizmos.
The truth is every professional hiker was a beginner at one time. We all need to make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t worry about making the same mistakes. You’ll soon be confident enough to pack a little lighter and in no time at all you’ll be traveling a little easier. As you lose bulk from your pack, you’ll log miles on your hiking boots. Your skills and experiences will grow with time, and soon you’ll be the experienced hiker on the trail.
In the meantime, here are some hiking tips and advice for you live by, as you work toward your Experience degree from On-the-Trail University:
Prepare Before You Pack
There is nothing like the freedom of hiking, but there are basic safety rules that you must always follow. Remember, anything can and will happen in the great outdoors. If you don’t prepare for your “anything-goes” journey, you can find yourself at the centre of backcountry disasters and near- misses. Bad judgment calls, inadequate clothing and a poor sense of direction can all contribute to potentially life-threatening hiking situations. Knowing what to bring, understanding what you need to do, and following through are all important first lessons for beginning hikers. Check the weather forecast before you plan your trip. You’ll need to know the conditions and pack appropriately. Bring a lightweight rain jacket in case the weather turns unexpectedly. Be aware of the trail and remain in tune with your surroundings. When hiking a national park or conservation area, ask park management for advice on the local conditions and any permitting procedures. Research online or check your bookstore for hiking guides and maps. Learn how to read them properly, and use them during your hike.
Get in Gear With the Right Equipment
Forget the coordinating hiking outfit. No one cares what you look like on the trail, so leave your ego at home. It’s more important to be safe and comfortable than to simply look good. Temperatures can plummet after the sun sets, so pack accordingly with warm clothing and an insulated sleeping bag. This is a sport that requires proper equipment, and nature is a force that must be respected. Buy and bring equipment that will help you to stay safe on the trail. No one will care if you seem like a “newbie” on the trail, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Have Fun
Even though it can be physically demanding, hiking is all about having fun. If it wasn’t fun, no one would bother to do it. A hiker’s luxury vacation means lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness. To these hardcore hikers, scratches and bug bites are considered to be five-star amenities. If you really love nature, your efforts and hardship will be worth every minute.
While trying to remember everything you’ll need to bring on your hike, you must remember to leave your stress behind. Take your time. Enjoy the journey. Relax and watch the clouds drift by. Feel the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air. Take a picture, smell a flower, catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Appreciate your hidden animal and enjoy your time with nature.
