If you have decided to give hiking a try, that’s great – hiking is such an amazing way to keep fit and stay in shape. Plus, it’s an amazing hobby, and, not to mention that fact that it’s ideal for photography addicts, due to the great views.
While hiking can be a great hobby and an amazing way to stay in shape, it’s important that you know how to stay safe while out and about. Once you have been on a couple of hikes, you will soon pick up most of what you need to know. Even so, it’s crucial that before your first hike, you know what you need, how to keep safe and what to expect.
To help you prepare for your first hike, here are a few handy tips:
Plan your route
The first thing you need to do is plan your route – you can get some great route ideas by having a look online. Just make sure that the route you choose is marked as an ‘easy’ route and is suitable for beginners.
You don’t want to overdo it on your first hike, so it’s important to choose wisely. As well as being able to find routes online, there are also various hiking apps that you can download.
Don’t go alone
When you become a more experienced hiker, hiking alone is fine, but as a beginner, it’s best to go with a group. If you don’t know anyone who enjoys hiking or wants to give it a try, you could always join a community hiking group.
Hiking tours are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a unique way to see the world. There are now hiking tours available for all levels of hikers, from novice to experienced, hence you can consider joining one of them. These tours provide an opportunity to explore scenic hiking trails while also making new friends. Among the popular hiking destinations where you can go is Croatia and you can also try hike cruises in Croatia typically lasting for seven days and including stops at various hike trails. They also include all meals, so hikers can focus on enjoying the scenery. Such hike cruises offer a convenient and affordable way to explore the destination and not feral alone.
While serious hiking accidents are rare, they do happen. That’s why it’s a good idea that for your first few hiking trips that you go as part of a group, instead of alone.
Pack a water bottle
One of the most important things you can do when you go hiking is pack a water bottle so that you have something to drink as you hike. Instead of taking a normal water bottle along with you, why not invest in a self-filtering bottle?
Self-filtering water bottles are amazing – once you have drunk your water, you can then refill it without having to worry. This is because if you invest in one of the best hiking water filter bottles, you know that once filtered, it is safe to drink any water.
Invest in the right footwear
Hiking is hard work and can lead to your feet being put under a lot of pressure, so it’s important that you invest in a pair of walking boots. Not only will these make your feet more comfortable, they will also ensure that you have adequate grip while hiking.
For all the best hiking boots, have a look at online hiking sites or visit an outdoor store. Before purchasing any walking boots or shoes, make sure to have a read of the reviews online. It’s important that you get the best footwear, which is why it’s so important that you read up before you buy.
Hiking is an amazing sport and a great way to stay in shape, but if you aren’t properly prepared, it can be dangerous. To ensure that your first hike goes to plan, follow the tips in this guide.
I agree completely and as a newbie to hiking its always good to have loads of water. I really enjoy hiking and its a good exercise as well. My hubby and I hike every Saturday
Nashia | MakeupandBeautyMayhem