Tips for Hiking

As a lover of hikes, I wanted to share a few tips that help make hiking fun, safe, and an activity you’ll want to do again and again. So let’s get started!

1. Buy a pair of waterproof hiking shoes

   When starting out on your hikes, you can definitely just walk in the shoes you already have. But let me tell you, buying a pair of waterproof shoes helps take your hiking to the next level of comfort. Many trails will cross over a small stream or brook. If you are like me, you can’t help but sloshing through the stream. Instead of soggy socks, you can thoroughly enjoy the sloshing! A decent pair of hiking shoes will allow you to go farther, safely walk over rocks and roots, and end your hike with protected feet.

   
   

2. Park at a trail head

   This is something I didn’t always do, but now I park at trail heads all the time. Trail heads are the best places to park for a variety of reasons. First, at a trail head, you will find a map of the trail or general area. When you get there, take a picture of the map to reference on your phone during the hike. Do not rely on AllTrails to get you from point A to B. Or at the very least, use the trail head map as a way to double check your trail app. Second, trail heads will usually have ample parking which allows for safety in numbers. Your car will not be alone making it less of a target for a random break-in. Lastly, trail heads will often have restrooms or a port-a-potty which is helpful when hiking with kids or for emergencies.

   
   

3. Bring a backpack with water and snacks

   No matter the length of the hike, or the difficulty of the trail, I always bring water and a snack. I highly recommend this tip to anyone who is hesitant to go out into the woods. By taking water and a snack, you provide yourself with the proper nourishment needed to keep you energized throughout the whole hike. I see a lot of hikers with only a cellphone to their name tramping on the trails. Let me offer to you, that you are not getting the most enjoyment out of your hike by leaving your water bottle to warm in the car. Hikes require stamina and energy that is not usually output during your normal day. Therefore, taking breaks and giving yourself energy allows you to complete the hike without getting totally burnt out. If you don’t like carrying a water bottle, buy a small backpack. As for snacks, pack yourself fruit with a peel, nuts, or granola bar. Things to avoid as a hiking snack are berries (they will get crushed in your bag) and anything with chocolate including trail mix (this will inevitably melt and cause a mess). Snacks and water are not just for those who are weak. Don’t be a dehydrated strong man with low blood sugar. Be the fully hydrated woodland warrior with plenty of energy.

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

4. Push on the hills, take it easy on the ridges

   Everyone hikes at their own pace but I have found that changing the pace of your hike based on terrain helps with maintaining your energy. When I approach a hill, I try to set a steady pace. I focus on keeping the pace rather than the speed of the pace. I climb the entire hill at this steady pace and try not to take a break halfway up. The momentum of movement is important when climbing. When I reach the top, I will walk along the ridge at a much slower pace. This pace allows me to catch my breath, slow down my heart rate, and increase the distance I can walk. When hiking with others, I have noticed that they increase their speed on the easy parts and slow down on the hills. The reverse is more enjoyable because it allows me to enjoy the nice views longer. No hill is particularly interesting, but the ridgeview is always nice. Take it slow on the ridge and your hike will seem much more worth it.

   
   

5. Hike without future plans

   To increase the enjoyment of your hike, make sure that you have no plans after your exercise. This may seem obvious, but I have learned from experience that your enjoyment will increase tenfold if you don’t have plans after your hike. I am not a very fast walker so I think this is why I try to implement this tip. I don’t always know exactly how long it will take me to complete a hike. Because of this, I try to allow myself ample time to complete a hike and recover to do something else. This tip has allowed me to enjoy my time while walking, take in the views and sounds, and fully embrace the experience of the hike. 

I hope you are able to enjoy your time outdoors and embrace the hiking life! What tips have you discovered while hiking? Are there certain things that help make your hikes more enjoyable? Let me know!