Beginner’s guide to hiking in 2022
There is, in all honesty, nothing that compares to going on a hike. Using only your own two feet, is one of the most effective ways to be in touch with the natural world on a more personal level. A further significant advantage is that you will have the opportunity to take in several healthy, oxygen-rich breaths. Your lungs will thank you for it!
For the uninitiated, you might not be familiar with what the fuss is about. Isn’t it just walking, but in the woods? In a sense, yes – but hiking is also more than that. It’s an outdoor adventure that allows you to enjoy both nature and the physical and mental benefits you’ll gain after a soothing hike. Here’s our hiking for beginners guide that will take you through everything that you need to know about this exceptional activity.
What is hiking?
Source: CNN
If you were to pick up a dictionary and look up the definition of hiking, it would read that hiking is "to walk a significant distance, especially through rural areas." Although that does a good job of summarising the situation, many people who are passionate about hiking will tell you that there is much more to it than what is described there. Hiking isn’t simply “a walk” – it’s an escape, an adventure.
When one goes hiking, they are deliberately taking themselves into a natural setting. Whether it’s on hiking trails or rural pathways, the point of hiking is that you are taking yourself out of your modern environment and into the arms of Mother Nature. Hiking takes you out to lush forests, pristine lakesides, great mountains and sprawling fields. Sometimes, depending on where you are in the world, you may even find yourself going through desert landscapes.
It's a fantastic opportunity to de-stress while also providing an excellent means of getting some exercise. Away from the commotion of everyday life, one of the greatest pleasures of going hiking is being able to take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. In addition, numerous studies have shown that engaging in any activity that allows one to spend time in natural settings, such as going trekking, is beneficial to one's mental health. And who wouldn't appreciate something like that?
Different types of hiking
Source: University of California, Berkeley
In this hiking for beginners guide, we’d like to change the view that there’s only one type of hiking. While there certainly is one way to hike, by putting one foot in front of the other, there are a few different ways you can enjoy a hike. In fact, there are eight types of hiking!
Here’s one of our beginner hiking tips: not all of these types of hiking are suitable for absolute beginners. While we’ll definitely recommend that you try it all out, you should slowly build yourself up to the more rigorous and difficult hikes. With that said, let’s take you through the different ways you can embark on a hiking adventure.
1. Day hike
Day hikes are the most common form of hiking – and usually the most accessible. In a nutshell, day hikes are hikes that you can do within a day. Whether it’s two hours or 12 hours, as long as it doesn’t require setting up camp and sleeping overnight in the middle of the hike, it counts!
If you’re a hiking beginner, taking a day hike is the best way to get started. The trails tend to be easier and less strenuous, giving you ample opportunity to just ease into it. There should be plenty of information on the internet regarding any hiking trails near you, so make sure that you check the difficulty level before going off on your first hike!
2. Multi-day hiking
If your hike involves setting up camp, then it’s considered a multi-day hike. Also known as “backpacking”, it involves the need to bring along a lot more equipment than you normally would if you were just going on a day hike. Think tent, sleeping bags, extra clothes, food and water, maybe even a portable stove. You’ll be sleeping out in the wilderness overnight to break up your hike, after all.
Multi-day hikes don’t necessarily involve taking incredibly long trails. Sometimes people would just like to take a typical day hike trail and turn it into a multi-day hike just to disconnect for a night. So, multi-day hikes don’t necessarily have to be long hikes – unless you want them to, of course!
3. Loop hike
A loop hike is a type of hike that involves a trail that starts and ends at the same location. These trails tend to be in the shape of a circle, or a loop, hence the name. While regular trails take you down one path and have you go back the same way, loop hikes take you on a circular route. These trails give you a fresh look throughout the loop, giving you the chance to enjoy more of nature.
Some of the most famous loop trails in the world among hiking enthusiasts include the Rae Lakes Loop, situated in the Kings Canyon National Park in California. Another well-known loop trail is Mt Fuji’s Yoshida Trail – which gives hikers a great opportunity to explore the famous Japanese mountain in a completely different way.
4. Long-distance hiking
Long-distance hikes are quite similar to multi-day hiking, with one big difference. Backpackers normally take one or two nights for a hike. On the other hand, long-distance hiking involves weeks-long, even months-long, hikes. Sometimes referred to as “thru–hikes”, these hikes are the ultimate test for hikers and non-hikers alike.
Not only does it require significant planning and lots of gear, long-distance hiking also demands a significant amount of time and energy to complete. Many long-distance trails do require hikers to have a permit before they embark on the epic hike, so make sure you check in advance.
5. Section hike
For those who don’t have the grit to go on an epic thru-hike but would still like to visit these trails, then a section hike is for you. What is a section hike? Well, section hiking involves hiking through one or more sections of a long-distance trail.
Normally, sections can be completed within a day, but some hikers do take some of their hikes across multiple days. It allows hikers to enjoy parts of the long-distance trails without the serious time and energy commitments.
How to start hiking
Hiking is one of the easiest sports to get into. All you really need to do is look up a beginner’s trail near you and just go! There isn’t much special equipment or gear that you need to get started on a hiking adventure.
However, to be on the safe side, keep in mind some of our hiking essentials for beginners. Pay attention to the next two sections, especially if you’re a particular person who needs as much information as they can get. We’ll take you through the type of gear that you need to go hiking and even give away some of our hiking tips and tricks for those keen on getting started.
What gear do I need for hiking?
Source: Sea to Summit
Let’s get started on the things you need to go on a hike. It could be really tempting to say that hiking is a “get up and go” sport, but a bit of preparation will always go a long way, especially in terms of hiking for beginners. In all honesty, there isn’t much to hiking, but a great motto to live by when seeking out outdoor adventures is that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A majority of the gear you need to have with you on a hike is comfort- and safety-related. From the clothes you should wear to the things you should pack, our list covers the seven absolute essentials that you should have with you on every hike. Thankfully, and especially on a day hike, you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy packs with you while going hiking!
1. First Aid
This is a must in any outdoor sport situation. Carrying a small first aid kit is vital, even if you don’t end up hurting yourself during your hike. Like we said earlier: better to be safe than sorry.
You can easily buy a small, travel-friendly first-aid kit to bring onto your hike, but some people like to build their own. What do you need in a hiking-friendly first aid kit? Here’s a checklist of what a basic outdoor adventure first aid kit should contain:
Antiseptic wipes
Adhesive bandages (or plasters of various sizes)
Pain killers
Rolled gauze/bandages
Electrolyte gels/tablets or hydration salts
2. Navigation
Regardless of the length of your hiking trip, bringing something with you that acts as a navigational aid is crucial. This could be a printed map of the hiking route, a satellite GPS or even just your phone so long as you have a back up if it stops working. Hopefully you won’t get lost on a hiking trip but it’s best to be prepared rather than be caught out.
3. Sun protection
Hiking routes aren’t necessarily full of foliage and tree shade. Even then, we will still be exposed to the harmful rays of the sun. More often than not, hikes involve being out in the open, whether it’s getting to the foliage-covered route or otherwise. In this case, it’s very important to pack a bottle of sunscreen when you go on your hike.
4. Food
When we say food, we don’t mean packing a full-blown meal to take on your hiking trip. Hiking can get quite strenuous on our bodies, especially when you’re going on a hike for the first time. To keep our bodies going, they’ll need fuel. That’s why having a few nutrient-dense snacks is one of the biggest hiking essentials for beginners.
A packet of sturdy crackers, a couple of granola bars, or even an apple or two will do for a day hike. Just make sure you pack them securely and avoid leaving any waste along the hiking route. Even if it’s “biodegradeable” waste like an orange peel or an apple core, there should be zero instances of creating rubbish during your hike. It’s all a part of the hiker’s ethics, which we’ll get into a bit later.
5. Water
Whether it’s an hour’s hike or 10 hours, water is an essential part of any hiker’s toolkit. Dehydration and heatstroke are no fun on a hike, so do your best to avoid them by bringing along ample water. But how much water do you need to bring? This will depend on the length of the hike, level of exertion, temperature and whether is are clean water sources during the hike to top up your bottle.
6. Clothes
Unless you’re going on a multi-day or long-distance hike, you won’t necessarily need to pack too much additional clothing. But, having a spare warm layer and a waterproof can raelly save the day when the temperature drops, you stop moving for lunch or the heavens open! On the flip side have a spare T-shirt on hand won’t hurt, especially when you might be sweating buckets. Basically, what we mean by adding clothing to our list of hiking essentials for beginners is that you should make sure that you’re wearing the appropriate clothing for hiking.
What is hiking-appropriate clothing? That will depend on the weather but generally for summer hiking anything lightweight and breathable is a good starting point. Lest that you’re hiking during the winter, we want to avoid wearing anything that might make us too warm while we move. Getting too hot on a hike is a big no-no, as it will definitely mean that you’ll be sweating a lot more than you really need to. As we’ve mentioned earlier, the more you sweat, the more water that you’re body will need to keep hydrated and the colder you’ll feel when you stop moving.
7. Shoes
Shoes are a very important aspect of hiking, and getting specialised hiking shoes is key to an enjoyable experience. Hiking shoes are specifically designed to protect your feet and ankles when walking outdoors. They are also built to be more durable than regular shoes, so do consider investing in a decent pair if you’re keen on getting into hiking.
Hot tip: If you’re buying a new pair of hiking shoes, make sure you break into them before taking them on their maiden voyage. While this isn’t necessary for all types of shoes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. After buying them, walk around the house while wearing them for a few hours over a couple of days. Your feet will thank you later!
Hiking Tips for Beginners
Source: Los Angeles Times
Learn about the types of hiking – check. Find out what the hiking essentials for beginners are – check. Now, you’re ready to go on your first hiking adventure – and that’s amazing news!
Hiking is such a chill yet exciting sport and we know that you’ll be able to enjoy yourself out there. But, before you pick up your hiking shoes (that you’ve hopefully broken into) and off onto a hiking trail near you, you should keep a few beginner hiking tips in mind. We’ve gathered a few hiking tips and tricks to ease your journey into this incredible outdoor sport.
1. Pick a beginner trail
Even while this may seem like a no-brainer, there are some hikers who are just starting out who leap right into more difficult terrain, such as paths that are clearly beyond their current level of fitness. You can avoid this situation (as well as a dreadful disappointment) by choosing paths with an easy starting level
2. Do proper research
As you may have learned by now, not all hiking trails are alike. Doing some homework before going on a hiking excursion is among the most effective techniques to ensure that you will have a good time. You can save a lot of time and effort by doing some research on a hiking path before you go on it. This is especially true if you want to avoid the unpleasant surprise of finding out at the last minute that a trail is alot more difficult than expected!
3. Take it slow
Remember that hiking is a leisurely activity and not a race; there is no need to hurry through your hike because of this. Take advantage of every opportunity to spend time in the beautiful outdoors. Take a slow, deep inhale and focus on appreciating the new air that is entering your lungs. There is no better way to reconnect with the natural world and reset your systems than by going hiking, so go at a pace that is comfortable for you.
4. Pick the right time
Trying to hike on a route that is overcrowded is not a pleasurable experience, so timing your hike well is essential to having a positive and memorable experience. It is recommended that you set out on your journey early in the morning rather than later in the day. Nighttime walks can be quite hazardous, especially if you are not adequately prepared with the necessary equipment, such as portable lamps and head torches. However, if you are set on going on a night trek anyhow, you might want to think about extending your excursion into a multi-day journey.
5. Keep an eye on the ground
This is not just for your own safety, but also for the preservation of the environment in which you find yourself while you’re out hiking. Especially considering that you are out in the wilderness, you have no way of knowing what might be strewn about in the grass or the leaves. You could inadvertently cause harm to the habitat of a creature, and I'm not just talking about snakes or leeches! You can avoid this situation by being conscious of the steps you take and by taking frequent glances at the ground below you.
6. Remember hiking etiquette
When coming into contact with nature, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that both you and other hikers will be able to enjoy a nice hiking experience. From taking care of the nature around you to taking care of each other, we’re all in this together. With that said, there is a list of hiking etiquette that you need to follow whenever you go out on a hike:
● Know the right of way
Hikers ahead of bikers but behind horses and other pack stock. Those who are heading downhill must yield to those who are going uphill. It is important to be aware of when you need to stop what you are doing and step to the side to let others pass. If you appreciate individuals who have done this for you, the experience will be much more pleasant for everyone involved.
● Make yourself known
When you come across other people on the trail, you can either greet them with a warm hello or simply nod your head. Hikers are more likely to have a positive attitude as a result of this, and your politeness could even brighten someone's day! If you need to get around another hiker on the route, it is appropriate to speak to them in a low voice and be polite while doing so. This will let them know that you are approaching from behind.
● Don’t go off-trail
There is a reason as to why hiking paths are constructed the way they are. It is OK to go slightly off the trail in order to make room for other hikers who have the right of way; nevertheless, this behaviour should not become routine. Going off the route can have a negative impact on the ecosystems that are immediately adjacent to the trail, in addition to putting the lives of native plant and animal species in peril.
● Leave no trace
It is best not to take anything from the hiking trail with you when you go home, as even something as seemingly inconsequential as a rock could play a vital role in the ecosystem as a whole. During your hike, it is not only extremely important but absolutely necessary that you do not leave any rubbish behind. Whenever you’re in a natural environment, it’s important to remember these words: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”.
● Be respectful
This rule applies to both the nature around you and to other people out hiking. On your trek, if you come across any wild animals, it is best to keep your distance and admire them from afar. You should also try to keep the amount of noise you make to a minimum while you are out on the trails, and if you have a phone with you, put it on silent mode. Keeping respect for one another will result in an experience that is more enjoyable for everyone involved.
7. Bring a buddy
Although it is possible to go hiking by oneself, bringing a friend along is one of the best pieces of advice we can give to people who are just starting out in the sport. Sharing in the beauty of the outdoors with another person is a wonderful way to strengthen relationships, and it can result in a more enjoyable hiking experience. Going with another person is also safer as if you become immobilized in a trip or fall for example, you have someone around to help you out or raise the alarm. If you are unable to find a hiking companion among your family or friends, you can connect with any number of hiking groups that can be found on the internet. These groups will be more than delighted to have you join their group. Just remember this last of our hiking tips:
8. Enjoy yourself
Even if it's a cliche, the best hiking experiences are the ones in which you are able to have fun while you're out there. You can undoubtedly improve your chances of having a pleasant hiking experience by putting into practise the advice and recommendations that we have provided. It doesn't matter if you're hiking by yourself or with a group of friends; the most important thing is that you make the most of your time in the great outdoors and take advantage of all the wonderful perks that hiking has to offer.