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Some Useful Hiking Tips for Beginners
Are you frustrated with your fitness routine? Do you feel bored at going to gym? If you are dealing with these monotonous issues, you can try changing the scenario. And, the best way to change the situation is to go for a hiking tour. Typically, hiking is a low-cost and low-impact exercise that can boost your health significantly. In fact, a one-mile hike can easily burn up to 150 calories from your body. Besides, you do not need to be a pro mountaineer to go on hiking as well. So, let us move forward and find out the useful tips for hiking.
Start With A Small Trail That Suits Your Fitness Level
There is a common problem with all beginner hikers. They tend to overestimate the total distance of hiking trail. This common mistake can be an unpleasant situation for them. In addition, they might injure or hurt themselves as excessive hiking can cause tired legs and feet. As a result, you might have twists and sprains. So, it is better to start with an easy and small trail for hiking, for instance – two miles. When you will become experienced and confident, you can gradually increase the distance of hiking trail.
Acquaint yourself with the trail
When you are selecting a trail, you should take a map of the area. You will review all reports related to the trails and gather information as much as possible to remain in a safe side. Additionally, you should research to find out the loops of the trail. Besides, it will be good for you if you take the notes of intersecting trails. These things will help you avoiding any wrong turn.
Follow the hiking guidelines and respect the trail paths
Many beginner hikers fail at their first-ever hiking tour. The reason is simple, they don’t respect the trail. They have a tendency to go wild and lose sight of the trails. This is why always stick to the selected paths trails to be safe. Moreover, you must follow the rules and guidelines properly. To add to these facts, you must not litter or pick flowers while hiking. Instead of going wild, you should try to enjoy the beauty around you by remaining calm.
Discover local groups and clubs
You will become a pro hiker (at least a good one) if you hike with other people. The main thing here is you will enjoy and feel motivated with other hikers. So, you will need to find a quality hiking group or club to kick-start your hiking. Meetup.com is a great source to find local hiking groups or clubs. You can get along with fellow hikers and even make friends with them as well.
Keep your joints protected
When hiking, it’s significant that you protect your joints. On the other hand, if you are hiking downhill, you must be aware of your knees and ankles. The reason is downhill hiking can be hard on your knees and ankles. This is why you shouldn’t rush or jump down hills. Moreover, you have to move slowly and focus on putting soft footsteps. If you set foot hard in a rapid fashion, you can easily twist your knees. Besides, it can cause swelling, irritation, and injury.
Tell your friends and family about the hiking tour
Before going to a hiking tour, it will be a wise move to tell someone about the hiking trails and itinerary. You should also tell the exact time of calling. Keep in mind that you might face any injury because of an unexpected accident. Therefore, if you tell someone about your hiking trip, it will come good for you. Other than this, you can carry an emergency device like SPOT tracker. It will allow you to call emergency help and assistance through satellite.
Carry the essential things
Every hiking tour needs you to carry some essential things. Nowadays, these things have become the systems as they ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking. What’s more, you can include or exclude these essentials things in each hiking campaign. However, it depends on the length and remoteness of the campaign. Here is what you need to carry (The Ten Essential Systems) on any hiking campaign.
- Navigation (map & compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Always wear quality socks and shoes
If you wear quality hiking shoes and socks, it will be beneficial for you. Usually, a hiking campaign can be long and it might cause you painful feet. As a result, you might ruin your hiking tour. This is why should always follow the above and keep wearing good socks and shoes.
Don’t forget to check the Weather
Before you set foot for a hike, you should check the local weather. It will ensure that you are not subjected to any damaging weather conditions. Besides, even if the weather is clear, do not forget to take a note of it beforehand.
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