Top Tips to Make Your Next (or First) Hiking Trip a Total Success

Hiking is great for getting fresh air, seeing nature, and exercising. If you’re new to hiking or haven’t been on a long hike in the past few years, doing some prep before hitting the trail can be helpful. It’s important to remember that hiking differs from walking or running because it requires more physical strength, endurance, and mental focus than those activities do. You’ll want to plan to make sure your body is ready for all that nature has to offer—and get the most out of your trip! Here are some tips:

Make Sure You Have the Right Gear/Tools

Here are a few essentials to make sure you have with you on your hiking trip:

• Hiking boots. These are critical and should be comfortable, sturdy, and supportive.
• Hiking poles. They will help keep your knees and hips healthy and provide stability when crossing streams or climbing steep inclines (not to mention they look cool).
• Stainless steel water bottles. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all the water you’ll need for the duration of your hike—and if possible, carry it in an insulated sleeve so that it doesn’t freeze up if you run into cooler temperatures in higher altitudes.
• Map and compass or GPS device so that no matter where you go off course (because this does happen), there’s always a way back home! 
• A whistle. It can help rescuers find you if you become lost off trail or injured during an emergency.
• Bear Spray.
• Ice Axe, if needed.

Pack the Right Food

Food is essential for energy, enjoyment, and safety. It’s good to pack food that you can quickly eat if you’re in a hurry or hiking at night—think granola bars or oatmeal packets. Packing trail mix is great because it has lots of nutrients and healthy fats, which are good for staying energized while hiking.

Last but not least, bring PLENTY of water. It’s too easy to dehydrate while hiking. Overpacking water is better than underpacking. 

Set Realistic Mileage Goals

A common mistake people make when preparing for a hike is setting their mileage goals too high. If you’re new to hiking, starting small and gradually building up your endurance over time might be helpful. It’s also important to set realistic goals for yourself so that if something goes wrong (like getting lost), you can still get back safely without putting yourself or others at risk.

Buy the Right Shoes

When you buy hiking shoes, you want to consider what you’ll be doing on the hike, how long you plan to hike, your shoe size, and the terrain. Also, consider what hiking shoes best suit your style and the weather conditions. Finally, consider the price range you’re looking for; this will help narrow down the types of shoes available to compare.

Choose a Backpack That Fits You Well

A backpack is very personal, and one must consider several factors. First, consider your body type: if you’re tall or short, stocky or thin, do you have broad shoulders? If you’re looking for comfort, fit is everything.

Your pack should fit nicely on your back—it should be secure but not too tight (you don’t want to be in pain). You’ll need it to rest evenly between your shoulders without shifting around or rubbing uncomfortably against them as you hike. A sound suspension system will help distribute weight evenly across the entire length of your back; look for padding straps over bone structures like joints and spines (this will prevent chafing).

The backpack’s frame should also provide support and stability while hiking so that it doesn’t sway too much side-to-side as you walk up hillsides or down ravines. The hip belt holds most of the weight off your shoulders by distributing it through thick padding around your hips; this can relieve some strain off other parts of the body, such as lower back muscles, after long stretches on trails where there isn’t much elevation change.

Dress In Layers

Layers are essential to staying warm, cool, dry, comfortable, and safe on any hike. This is to account for changing temperatures or conditions throughout your hike. You don’t need a ton of fancy gear, but some things will make your time out on the trail more comfortable. Here are some tips for clothing:

• You’ll want something close-fitting or fitted under your outer layer, like long underwear or a base layer shirt, then something looser over that, like a fleece sweater or fleece vest, and finally, an outer layer that protects you from the wind and rain (like a waterproof shell).
• Warm: There’s no bad weather – just inappropriate clothing. Wearing layers keeps you warm by trapping body heat between the outer layer and your skin. This is especially necessary when venturing outdoors in colder temperatures or climates.
• Cool: On hot summer days, it’s important to be able to remove layers of clothing if necessary, so you don’t overheat during your hike. Choose fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin, so it evaporates instead of collecting on your clothes like little puddles of sweat. 
• Dry: If you expect rain while hiking, bring multiple pairs of socks that you can wear throughout the day (one pair inside another). You should also wear rain gear over other clothes, so they don’t get wet from sweat or dew during rain showers (look for breathable fabrics like nylon).
• Comfortable: You’ll want to avoid constricting belts or tight shoes as these could cause discomfort during long hikes, which would distract you from enjoying nature at its finest! 
• When choosing materials for hiking clothing options like shirts and pants, look for synthetics such as polyester/spandex blends; these fabrics offer superior insulation without being too heavy or bulky compared with their cotton counterparts.

Get In Shape Before You Hit the Trail

While you’re not going to have time to get in the best shape of your life, starting a fitness routine that will help you prepare for the trail is a perfect idea. This could be something as simple as walking or running daily or something more involved like hiking regularly. 

However long your hike is, it’s essential to prepare within reason—you can’t expect yourself to be able to tackle a strenuous mountain trail if your only experience with hiking has been at home in your backyard!

Remember that when starting any exercise program (especially one involving hiking), it is beneficial for you to consult your doctor first before getting started. If there are any health issues or limitations that might prevent you from participating in strenuous activities like this one, now’s probably not the best time for them.

Practice On Short Hikes First, If Possible

If you can, try to find a similar local hike in elevation gain, terrain, and weather conditions. The more familiar you are with the terrain, the more comfortable you will be on your big adventure.

• Practice walking with a backpack. If possible, wear what clothes and shoes you plan to wear while hiking during your practice hikes so that it’ll feel as close to reality as possible.
• Practice using any gear that may be new, like trekking poles or an ice axe. And if there’s anything else new or different that you’ll need before heading out on your trip—like a map or compass—try using those too!

Do Your Research

It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking in the mountains or just going for a walk around the block. Before beginning your journey, it’s essential to do some research.

• Know where you are going and how long you will be gone. It’s easy to get lost when hiking, especially if there is no trail or landmarks to guide you back home.
• Know what type of terrain and weather conditions are ahead of you; this will help prepare you for any challenges that could arise along the way (i.e., steep inclines or muddy trails).
• Make sure that everyone who plans on joining in knows where they’re headed as well—this includes pets too!

Talk to a Ranger or Nature Expert Before You Hit the Trail to Get the Beta on What to Expect

They can give you valuable insight into what to expect and how best to prepare for your adventure. Ask the below questions. 

• What is the best time of year to hike based on weather conditions and wildlife activity criteria? For example: maybe late summer is when moose are most active).
• What is the best time of day to go based on lighting and temperature? For example: if it’s going to be cold at night, morning hikes might be better.
• What is the best time of week and month for crowds? For example, if a popular spot gets crowded during certain times, consider going another time.

Be Careful of Wildlife on Your Trip

One thing to remember when planning a trip is that you should be aware of the wildlife in the area. Some animals are more dangerous than others, but if you see any animal on your trail, it’s a good idea to steer clear. 

If you can’t avoid the animal entirely (say, because there are no clear trails), move slowly and quietly while approaching it, then back away slowly. Watch where you step when it comes to snakes.

Be careful of bears. While bears have attacked people without provocation before, they tend only to do so if they feel threatened or their cubs are nearby—so give them some space if possible! If you encounter a bear on your hike, don’t approach them unless necessary. Keep calm and move slowly back away from where they were until they’re out of sight entirely.

Do Not Avoid Needed Breaks

If kids (or anyone in your group) say they need a break, let them take it without feeling guilty or impatient. The goal isn’t to make it to the end; it’s to have fun and enjoy yourself and each other during the hike. Also, be sure that any children can walk up steep hills without getting winded. If not, consider taking turns carrying her backpack so they can ride in a carrier pack on your back for part of the time (if they’re old enough).

Tell Someone Where You’re Going and When You Expect to Return

Make sure that you tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. This can be a friend, family member, or even the ranger station at your trailhead. It would be best if you also told them when to call in an emergency. This is because if something happens on the trail and you don’t make it back by your expected time, someone will know where to start looking for you if necessary.

Leaving a note near your car with the necessary information is always a good idea if none of those options are available. Leave details regarding your expected whereabouts in the woods or mountainside areas (or along a riverbank), such as landmarks or other distinguishing features that would help rescuers identify where exactly they should begin searching for you.  

Bring a Map, or at Least Know How to Read One

Whether you’re a novice or an expert hiker, it’s essential to have some basic knowledge of how to use maps. A map gives you the big picture of what’s ahead and can help ensure your safety.

• Ensure you understand contour lines and topographic features (such as creeks and cliffs), which tell you about elevation changes along the trail—important information for choosing where it’s best to go up or down (or around). Once you know where everything is in relation, finding your way everywhere becomes easier!
• Know how to read compass bearings on a map. These show direction by pointing at degrees from magnetic north with arrows indicating which way they point towards (i.e., 270 degrees means facing 270 degrees from magnetic north). 

Hiking Trip Conclusion

We hope you found these tips helpful. Whether preparing for your first hike or just looking to ensure your next one is a success, we hope our tips will help.

Once you complete the planning and prep work, you can be off on an excellent adventure full of fun!

Also, if you have any questions about the undeveloped land E24 Land sells, don’t hesitate to contact us at (636) 695-8800  We’re happy to help!

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