Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and get some exercise. However, if you’re new to hiking, it’s important to be prepared. You’ll want to take some precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are essential top tips for hiking beginners that will help you prepare for your next hiking adventure.
Table of contents
- Our Best Tips for Hiking for Beginners
- First Start with easy trails
- Know the trail and bring a map
- Check the Weather Forecast
- Pack outdoor hiking essentials
- Wear proper hiking gear
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife Encounters
- Know your limits
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Hike with a buddy or group -Find some trail buddies
- Let Someone Know Your Plans.
- Conclusion for Tips for Hiking
- FAQs
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Our Best Tips for Hiking for Beginners
Want to ensure that day hike and want to ensure that it goes smoothly? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, planning ahead is crucial to have a successful hiking trip. In this post, we will discuss hiking tips that will help you prepare for all hiking trails.
First Start with easy trails
As a beginner hiker, it’s important to start with easy trails that match your hiking experience. Start hiking trails that can be hiked in a couple of hours. Plan your first hike with a route with minimal climbing at a local park or popular hiking trail. Look for trails with a low elevation gain and a shorter distance.
Research a day hike trail and its conditions to make sure it is safe and suitable for your skill level. This will help you build up your endurance and confidence before tackling more challenging hikes.
Before you head out, think about these tips for hiking:
- How Much Time Do You Have: Short hike or longer hikes? Well, if you’re thinking of hitting the trails, it’s crucial to consider the time you’ve got on your hands. A few hours or a full day? Your ticking clock shall decide the destination. Oh, and don’t forget to calculate the travel time to and from the trailhead
- How fit are you? Before embarking on a hike, assess your fitness level. You don’t want to be huffing and puffing your way through a trail wishing you had stayed in bed instead. Fear not, my friend! There are hikes for all levels of fitness. For more tips on how to train for hiking, check out our article. Trust me, you’ll thank us later.
- Preferred Distance Before you hit the trail, take a moment to consider your preferred distance and calculate your hiking speed. How far and for how long are you willing to trek? Keep in mind, that the average walking pace is around 3 mph. But your hiking speed may be slower depending on the terrain, elevation, and how much gear you have on your back.
- Elevation gain The amount of elevation gain on an uphill hike is one factor that determines the difficulty. With a little experience, you’ll come to know how much elevation gain you can comfortably handle and what is too much. For a point of reference, if a trail gains 1,000 feet in one mile, that is considered quite steep. Also, a general recommendation is that for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, add one hour to your trip.
- Season In early spring, some trails may still be covered in snow making them impractical. Also, during fall, plan wisely keeping in mind an earlier sunset, and avoiding surprises post-sundown. Lastly, crucially review the weather forecasted before you hit the trail; pack the hiking essentials and dress for the occasion.
- Logistics When it comes to some hikes, logistics matters. For example, if your hike begins and ends at different spots, you’re gonna need to do some car shuffling. So, basically, you’ll first park one car at the endpoint, then drive your hiking buddy’s car to the start point. Begin your hike from there. Later, after you finish the hike, you drive back to the starting point to retrieve your car. Trust us, it’ll be way more convenient and efficient.
Know the trail and bring a map
You can also research the trail difficulty level beforehand and read reviews from other hikers to get an idea of what to expect. Sites such as alltrails.com provide information on trail conditions, difficulty levels, and other useful details on hiking forums, websites, and social media groups.
Stay on the trail. Make sure to choose a hiking route that fits your fitness ability, and experience, and don’t forget to consider factors like weather and elevation. Remember this tip for hiking, it’s better to start small and work your way up than to push yourself too hard and risk injury or burnout.
Bring a physical map or download a map app to your phone in case you get lost or need to navigate an unexpected detour. It’s also a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time in case of an emergency.
Learn more:
Check the Weather Forecast
Weather can change quickly, and being prepared for any unexpected conditions is critical to ensure your safety. Before heading out on your hiking adventure, check the weather conditions for the area you’ll be hiking in.
Research the weather conditions on the day of your hike, as well as the days leading up to it. This will help you prepare for any potential weather changes and ensure that you have the appropriate gear, such as rain jackets or extra layers.
Additionally, be aware of any weather-related hazards, such as flash floods or lightning storms, and plan your route accordingly.
You can find accurate weather forecasts from the National Weather Service, Weather Underground, or other weather apps. If you’re unsure about the weather conditions, then it’s best to reschedule your trip for another day.
Pack outdoor hiking essentials
Packing for either a hiking or trekking journey requires careful consideration of the essentials. You don’t want to pack too much or too little, so you need to strike a balance.
While not essential for a short hike, hiking sticks or hiking poles, can lessen the beating your knees take, when walking downhill. Mastering the use of hiking sticks can significantly reduce fatigue and increase stability on long treks, making them an invaluable tool for beginners and those aiming to tackle their first 100-mile hike.
Pack a wilderness survival kit, like a first aid kit, a whistle, a bivy shelter, a water bladder, and a topographical map or compass. If you can’t read either, bring a GPS handheld device and emergency location beacon.
Wear proper hiking gear
One of the most important things to consider when hiking is wearing the right hiking outdoor clothing. First, start with comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes or hiking boots, ones with good traction.
Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing for the conditions, warm layers, and rain gear.
Without a doubt, bring a quality hiking daypack to carry hiking essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit (just in case). You’ll want to pack your backpack correctly so you can access important items (like bear spray), quickly.
Wear a UV protection hiking hats and bring SPF sunscreen for your face and lips. Apply SPF about every 1/2 hour or so and while you’re at it, bring DEET if there are ticks, mosquitos, skeeters or black flies. If you are hiking in terrain with loose dirt and gravel, wear gaiters to prevent ticks and debris from traveling inside your socks and shoes.
Learn more: Bring a good hiking backpack with water bladder
It’s also important to dress in layers, as weather conditions can change quickly on the trail. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Consider investing in the best wool hiking socks to prevent blisters and other foot injuries.
Clothing should be breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking hiking clothing such as hiking pants, soft shell jackets, and dress in layers to prevent overheating or getting too cold.
Learn more:
- What to wear hiking summer outfits
- Dress in the Right Hiking Clothes Mens
- Layering for Hiking in Cold Weather
Wearing the right gear is crucial to ensure your comfort and safety while hiking. Proper footwear is essential, and you should choose shoes that are comfortable and offer good support.
Bring plenty of water and snacks
Staying hydrated and fueled is crucial when hiking, especially on longer or more strenuous trails. Bring more water than you need, and snacks to keep your energy levels up and prevent dehydration. It’s recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day when hiking.
Food should be nutritious and high-energy snacks such as trail mix, jerky, and energy bars. Don’t forget to pack some fresh fruits or vegetables for a healthy snack.
Don’t rely on finding water sources on the trail, as they may be contaminated or unreliable. You should bring enough water to last the entire hike, along with a water filtration system if you plan to refill your water from natural sources.
Water treatment: Depending on the hiking trail, don’t rely on finding water sources on the trail, as they may be contaminated or unreliable. You should bring enough water to last the entire hike, along with a water filtration system if you plan to refill your water from natural sources.
However, if you’re expecting to blaze through more than 3 liters, the easiest remedy is to filter and treat the backcountry’s oh-so-nourishing streams and lakes. It’s a win-win situation- you quench your thirst and lighten your load at the same time.
Learn more:
Follow Leave No Trace principles
As a responsible hiker, one of the tips for hiking is that it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment and trail. This means leaving no trace of your visit and respecting nature.
Following the Leave No Trace principles includes packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and other hikers. You should pack out all your trash, including food scraps, and use designated campsites and fire pits.
Avoid damaging vegetation, disturbing wildlife, or altering natural features. Respect other hikers and follow hiking trail etiquette.
By practicing Leave No Trace, you can help preserve the natural beauty of the great outdoors for future generations to enjoy.
Wildlife Encounters
When hiking, it’s important to remember that you are entering the natural habitat of many different types of wildlife. While encounters with animals can be exciting, it’s important to keep a safe distance and not disturb their natural behavior.
Make noise while hiking to alert animals of your presence, and carry Frontier bear spray or other deterrents if you are in an area with bears or other potentially dangerous animals. Always respect wildlife and their space, and never feed or approach them.
Learn more:
Bear Spray- How to Handle Bear Encounters
Bring a First Aid Kit for Hiking
Know your limits
Knowing your physical limits is critical to ensure your safety while hiking. Don’t try to hike a trail that is beyond your fitness level or experience, as it can lead to accidents or injuries.
Consider factors such as medical conditions you may have, and the difficulty of the trail you plan to hike. It’s best to choose a trail that is suitable for your skill level and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain more experience
Hiking tips: Don’t push yourself too hard and take breaks as needed. It’s better to take it slow and enjoy the scenery than to risk injury or exhaustion. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
Learn more: Exercises to Prepare for Uphill Hiking
Remember, hiking should be a fun and enjoyable activity, not a painful one.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Staying aware of your surroundings is critical to ensure your safety while hiking. Be alert for potential hazards such as steep drops, loose rocks, or unstable terrain.
Stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts or off-trail hikes that can lead to accidents or injuries. Be aware of weather conditions.
Hike with a buddy or group -Find some trail buddies
Hiking with a buddy or group is not only more fun, but it’s also safer. Beginner hikers, don’t go solo hiking. It’s especially important to hike with someone who has more experience and can help guide you along the way. Plus, having someone else with you in case of an emergency can be a lifesaver.
Hiking tips: If you don’t have anyone to hike with, consider joining a hiking group or club in your area.
It’s important to choose a hiking partner or group that matches your skill level and pace, so you can enjoy the hike without feeling overwhelmed or held back.
Let Someone Know Your Plans.
Always let someone know your hiking plans, including your route, expected time of return, and any emergency contacts. This can be a friend, family member, or park ranger.
Sharing your hiking itinerary with someone you trust is important in case of an emergency. Make sure to tell someone where you’re going, when you plan to return, and what route you’ll be taking.
A brilliant idea might be to jot down your details, your In Case of Emergency contact info, and expected return time on a note (in a plastic bag) and leave it on your car windshield. This information will help rescuers find you quickly in case of an emergency.
You can also consider using a GPS tracking device or hiking app that allows you to share your location in real time with your loved ones.
In the event that something goes wrong, having someone who knows your plans can help rescuers locate you more quickly. Make sure to also check in with them once you’ve completed your hike to let them know you’re safe.
Learn more: How to Hike and Stay Safe on the Trail
Conclusion for Tips for Hiking
By following these tips for beginners, you’ll be well-prepared for spending time outdoors. Remember to plan ahead, pack appropriately, wear the right gear, stay hydrated and nourished, follow Leave No Trace principles, know your limits, stay aware of your surroundings, take care of your mental health, and share your itinerary with someone you trust.
Start hiking regularly (weekly if possible!) will further contribute towards improving cardiovascular health & stamina plus hone balance & coordination skills which come in handy when negotiating tougher trails!
Remember: nobody starts off being an “expert hiker” — practice makes perfect so don’t expect a demanding expedition right away 😊. With these best hiking tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and have a safe and enjoyable hiking trip.
FAQs
When beginning hiking, I recommend going on shorter hikes of about 3-5 miles. This gives you plenty of time to get used to the basics such as pacing yourself, staying hydrated throughout the day, understanding how long each mile takes in relation to your walking speed, preparing for trails with varied terrain and inclines or declines as well as evaluating any gear needs ahead of time.
Most importantly though when planning a hike determine an easy route with a minimal elevation gain that will help keep stress off this initial beginner trek! Knowing the difficulty of hikes from prior experience or online resources is key; many trails have difficulty ratings from 1-4 so use these accordingly.
Don’t be a jerk to the environment. Follow the Leave No Trace ethics.
The short answer is yes, you do need to be fit to go hiking. Hiking can range from leisurely strolls on a nature trail to strenuous treks across mountains and deep into forests—so it’s important that you get your body prepared for the journey.
While you don’t need to be in peak physical shape to go out for a short hike, it is important to build up your endurance over time as you take on tougher trails.
Where there isn’t poison ivy or snacks and where have privacy. Girls pee uphill (use a pee funnel). Boys pee downhill off the trail. Ladies, you may find it easier the first time to hold on to a small tree for support and lean back.
There are several ways to find hiking partners, including joining hiking groups on social media, attending local hiking events, and reaching out to friends or family members who enjoy hiking. You can also consider using apps specifically designed for finding hiking partners, such as Meetup or Hiking Project.
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Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API