From Beginner to Pro, Hiking is Fun and Doable for Everyone

Hiking is one of the outdoors activities that I recommend anyone and everyone, young to old, beginner to pro, participate in. It is a very versatile activity, meaning it can range anywhere from a relaxing, scenic stroll to a grueling uphill climb.

A few recommendations, especially if you are a beginner:

Attire: Very important. Let me say it again; Very, very important. At the very least, you’ll need good hiking shoes, proper hiking socks (thick and sweat-absorbent), durable, breathable fabric pants and shirts, sun block lotion, and bug repellent spray. You’ll have to know your terrain. If you are hiking in cold weather, dress appropriately, likewise for hot weather. If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, the bug repellent will save you many a red lump. If you are fair-skinned, you already know how easy it is to burn in the sun, so bring that lotion.

Nourishment: Also very important. Plenty of water, plus enough food to sustain you through the hike is essential. Unless you are planning a picnic, I don’t recommend bringing a ton of food, but carrying along baggies of dried fruit, granola clusters, beef jerky, power gel, and power bars is not a bad idea. If you want to bring Gatorade or some sports drink that is fine, but you must also bring water.

Terrain: As mentioned before, you’ve got to do some intelligent study of the hiking terrain before you embark on your journey, especially if you are new to hiking. If at all possible, acquire a map of the trail(s) that you will be hiking. Know if bees, snakes, scorpions, bears, lions, or other predators are common to the area, what attracts them (so you can avoid bringing those items!), and how to fight them off if you do encounter them. Predator attacks rarely happen, but it is good to know just in case. Are there a lot of trees or is it open space? Is the trail smooth or very rugged? Are poisonous plants known throughout the area? If so, make yourself familiar with them. Doing thorough research before embarking on a hiking trip instills confidence.

First Aid Kit: Bring one! It should include an antidote to poisonous bites, something to help stop bleeding, something to fight infection, a splint, a water-cleaning solution, thermal blanket, etc. I recommend going to an outdoors store like REI near the area where you will be hiking. They can tell you the right kind of first aid kit to bring. Also, tell someone where you are going! If you do not return at the time appointed, they can call in search and rescue, who in turn will be able to find you quickly because they know where to look. You do not want to experience being lost and stranded, knowing that nobody knows where you are or when you were supposed to come back. Be prepared.

Follow the guidelines, and you will do OK! Hiking is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have in nature, and if you combine it with intelligent study of plant and animal life, it can be extremely rewarding. It is more fun when hiking with friends or loved ones than alone most of the time, but do try to find people who are at your fitness level. It is a big downer when you are halfway through the trail and one of your friends fatigues out so you have to abort the trip. Make sure everybody knows what to expect, so there will be no failed expectations.

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