Solve a Problem
Hiking is a fun and rewarding activity that I believe
everyone should engage in, whether its often or a couple times a month.
More times than not, when individuals are initially starting
to hike that have not hiked previously, problems can arise. Hiking can seem
intimidating or feel strange when first starting, and my goal is to take those
insecurities away from those of you who may feel hesitant. In order to take
away the possible insecurities and ensure that your hiking experiences can go
as smooth as possible, I have provided some tips below that you will hopefully
find helpful!
Test out a couple different pairs of shoes
It is extremely important to find a pair of shoes that you
can comfortably hike in. Hiking is only enjoyable when you are comfortable in
what you are hiking in! It can be annoying when you set out on a long hike and
your feet end up hurting half way. It is discouraging to say the least. My
suggestion is to test out a couple different pairs of shoes. I recommend either
gym shoes or hiking boots. A lot of experienced hikers will say that hiking
boots are a must, but I don’t think that is necessarily true. Wearing
comfortable gym shoes can get the job done just as well as hiking boots. But, I
would also suggest getting a pair of gym shoes, AND a pair of hiking boots.
You will be able to see what you like to hike in, and what is more comfortable for
you. This way, you can always make sure your hikes are enjoyable.
Figure out how to stay nourished on hikes
Hiking can be very tiring and draining if you're hiking for a
long period of time. Eating the right foods and drinking the right drinks can
ensure that your energy stays high throughout the whole duration of your hike.
Needless to say, figuring out what keeps you nourished will help significantly
in the long run. My go to snacks and drinks for hiking include protein bars, as
well as lots of water and Gatorade. I have other go to’s, such as fruits and
trail mix, which keep me full and happy throughout my hikes. These are just a
few suggestions if you needed any ideas for what to bring with you on your
hikes!
Plan accordingly
If you are going out on a random, spur of the moment hike,
its important to check the weather beforehand to pack accordingly. Even if you
are going on a hike that is planned, you will want to make sure you are
planning accordingly. I cannot stress enough how important it is to prepare for
the weather, the terrain, and the amount of time you plan to spend hiking. You do
not want to over-pack, but you should always be prepared. Check the weather
before you go out to hike. If its going to be a sunny day, make sure to bring
sunscreen. If youre going to a heavily wooded area to hike, make sure to pack
bug spray. If there is a chance of rain, be sure to bring a rain coat and an
umbrella. You don’t necessarily have to carry these on you, but at least bring
them in your car in case you need to grab them. If youre going on a long hike,
be sure to pack snacks and enough fluids to keep you going. If youre going to
be hiking in an area with a lot of steep inclines, be sure to bring your hiking
boots. There are a ton of ways to plan accordingly and these are just some of
the basic ways to be prepared.
Do your research
I went on some of the most beautiful hikes I could ever
imagine, all because I did my research. I encourage you to do your research and
see the kind of hiking that your area has to offer. Or, see what kind of hiking
that areas outside your state has to offer. Doing your research and finding a
beautiful place that makes you excited to get out and hike, then go for that! This
country has so many beautiful places to explore, and all you have to do is a
little research to figure it out. I knew in particular that I loved Colorado.
When I did my research, I found Maroon Bells in Colorado and I knew instantly
that one way or another, I was going to get to this destination. My suggestion:
find an area that gets you excited. Or, if it’s a place that you’ve always
dreamed of going to, find areas to hike around that dream place. A little
research can go a long way!
Figure out your intensity level
In order to have the best experience possible when hiking,
you need to understand your limits. You should be relatively familiar with your
fitness level, so when you plan where you want to hike, make sure you are
planning accordingly with your fitness level. If you are fit and very in shape,
you will be able to do more hikes labeled hard, or have steep inclines. If you
are not as in shape, it would be a good idea to consider doing easy or moderate
level trails. This is important because you do not want to hurt yourself or
strain your body. This is not only discouraging, but if you get hurt
significantly, it can be grueling having to deal with the healing process. My
suggestion, play it safe when first starting. Do not go beyond your comfort
zone right away, and work your way up to more a intense level. There is nothing
wrong with taking it easy when you're first starting out, so that way you are not
creating a problem that will discourage you in the future!
I hope these tips will help you on your hiking adventures,
hopefully before any problems arise. These are intended to make you aware of
the things you should consider before you head out on your hikes. Any questions
or comments, feel free to contact me!
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