Hiking is an exhilarating experience for those who love the outdoors. It can be difficult when first starting though, and there are some dangers involved as well. It is important to ensure that your safety and ease is of top priority when first starting out. Follow the tips below for more information on beginning hiking.
1. Check Your Ability
It is important to not overdo yourself in the beginning. It can be exciting to want to jump in with others who have been hiking for years on difficult trails. This is simply not feasible for most people when first starting out, however. Hiking is very difficult as you are walking or running on an incline on rough terrain. There is nothing that can prepare you for the tasks involved. Make sure you start on beginner trails and hikes that might be too easy before starting something that is too hard.
2. Always Go with Someone Else
It is important to never hike alone. A hiking companion can help you to feel safe and can help you to feel motivated along the way when you want to give up. You will be able to scare away animals and strangers when hiking together. You will also be able to take care of one another in case of injury or illness.
3. Only Bring the Essentials
Do not overpack when going on a hiking trip. Overpacking can add unnecessary weight that will add up significantly and make the hike much more difficult. Make sure you bring the essentials as well, however such as food, water, maps and shelters just in case. These items will help you to remain healthy throughout the hike and will help you to remain safe if anything were to happen unexpectedly.
4. Monitor the Weather
Before beginning a hike, make sure you check the latest weather forecast. Even if it has been calling for great weather all week, weather can change at a moment’s notice in unexpected ways. Bad weather, especially severe weather, can prove to be dangerous on a hike. At the least, rocks and logs can get slippery from rain making the terrain much more treacherous. Learn methods to check the weather while on the hike as well such as watching the clouds.
5. Tell Others of Your Plans
Make sure someone else who is not on the hike knows when and where you are going on the hike. This will help to ensure that if someone does not hear from you in a specified amount of time, that there is the chance that an emergency occurred. Cell phones will not always have service on hikes, so be sure others know of an appropriate time to contact emergency personnel if something were to go wrong.
Final Thoughts
Beginning to hike can be very exciting. There are certain tips that should be put in place to ensure your safe3ty and maximum enjoyment. Follow the tips above when you plan your next hike, especially if you are a beginner.
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