This post is all about the top hiking tips for beginners. Everything you need to know before your first hiking adventure.
Are you wanting to start hiking but don’t know where to start? I remember my first hike—I underestimated the chosen trail, packed way too much in my backpack, and didn’t have the appropriate gear. Fast forward a couple years, and hiking has become a huge part of my life, where I’m constantly seeking new summits to conquer. As an emergency nurse, I’ve also seen firsthand how preparation can make or break a trip outdoors, so I’m passionate about sharing tips that keep you safe and confident on the trail. Want that Instagram-worthy shot? I’m here to help you get there. These are my hiking tips for beginners—everything you need to know to safely reach the peak.
Table of Contents
How Do I Choose a Trail?
When you’re first starting out, I would choose easy- to moderate-ranked trails to hike. Beginner hikers often choose a trail based on the suggested views, but this can be dangerous. 5 km flat is far different than a 5 km ascent. I often use AllTrails to pick my trail. AllTrails is a website and app that can help you find trails in your area. It’s helpful because you can narrow them down by difficulty. I’d also suggest to beginner hikers (and even experienced ones) to read the comments on the trail you’re hoping to trek. Other hikers will remark on things such as trail conditions, difficulties, or challenges you may face, which can be super helpful when finding a suitable trail.
What Do I Need to Bring on a Hike?
The best thing about beginning to hike is that you don’t need much to do it! Most people have the essentials at home already. I would bring only what you really need, as you don’t want to be lugging a bunch of weight up the mountain. The items I typically bring are as follows: water—more than you think you’ll need, snacks (I’ll elaborate on my suggestions later), a map—I typically download the trail map on AllTrails as it’s the most convenient, sunscreen, bug spray, bear spray, a light jacket, and a first aid kit (see my first aid kit essentials here.)
What Should I Wear on a Hike?
The key to hiking clothes is just like any other physical activity; you want moisture-wicking clothing. This means you should stay away from cotton clothing and focus on clothes that will dry quickly. I primarily wear Lululemon clothing. They are known for their quality in athletic wear and are the most comfortable, in my opinion. For my nursing campers, you can apply for a discount for yourself on Lululemon, so take advantage of that! However, if you’re looking for athletic wear on a budget, I like CRZ yoga on Amazon. They have Lululemon dupes. Just know that they are cheaper but typically don’t last as long.
For footwear, I always recommend a quality hiking boot or trail running shoes. Something that has an adequate grip on the sole to prevent any slips. My favourite brand is Altra. They make comfortable, light boots and shoes with a wide toebox. I hiked in my Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes and boots right after buying them and have yet to get a blister!
How Do I Stay Safe While Hiking?
A common question for beginner hikers is how to stay safe on the trails. There are numerous key ways to ensure your safety. Firstly, hike with a buddy. Unexpected situations and injuries can happen, so having someone else with you while hiking can enhance the safety—whether that’s to help you get out, to go get help, or anything else that’s needed. Next, I suggest always letting people know where you’re going and your expected return date and time. That way if something does happen and you don’t return, someone knows where to locate you.
My third safety suggestion is to stay on the marked trail. The trail is there for a reason. You never know what you could encounter if you veer off—a steep cliff, poison ivy, or other potential hazards. Plus, staying on the trail minimizes the disruption to wildlife and the surrounding vegetation, as well as minimizes erosion. Another safety suggestion for beginner hikers is to watch the weather. Weather changes so rapidly, especially in the mountains. You don’t want to be caught in a big snowstorm, hail, or a thunderstorm. So be prepared for Mother Nature!
Additionally, always know your limitations. When you’re just starting to hike, you may get excited to do the big trails, but pushing yourself too far beyond your limits can be dangerous. Your body needs time to get used to this type of activity. Lastly, bring a first-aid kit and, if able, a GPS device. I carry a first aid kit to help mitigate the impact of any injuries on the trail, as well as a Garmin inReach Mini 2 to access medical personnel if it’s needed.
Do I Need to Be Fit to Hike?
To start out hiking as a beginner, you don’t necessarily need to be fit first. Like I previously said, you need to know your limitations. Start out slow. Choose hikes with a shorter distance and less elevation, and slowly increase your way up. My general rule of thumb is to pick hikes that have less elevation than they do kilometres. For example, if the hike is 5 km, stay under 500 m of elevation; if the hike is 10 km, stay under 1000 m of elevation. However, this rule only works if the elevation is spread out throughout the hike and not all in one spot, so look at the elevation map. Once you start hiking and stick with it, you will build up your strength and endurance.
Is it Okay to Hike Alone?
Hiking alone can be quite dangerous, especially as a beginner. If you decide to go alone, pick well-populated trails where you’re sure to encounter other hikers, and tell someone where you’re going. The risk of hiking alone is if an injury or incident happens, you’re by yourself and may have difficulty getting off the trail or getting help. A GPS device, such as the Garmin inReach Mini 2, is especially recommended if you’re in the wilderness alone, as you often won’t have cell reception.
How Do I Avoid Getting Lost on a Hike?
Getting lost on the trail while hiking is a serious fear and can happen easier than you think. To prevent getting lost, always have a map, whether it be a physical trail map or a downloaded map on AllTrails. Don’t rely on cellphone service, as you often won’t have any. To download AllTrails maps for offline use, you have to have a paid membership, but I think it’s worth it when it comes to your safety. Also, ensure you’re following the trail markers if they’re there. Trail markers are visual cues placed along the path to help keep you on track.
What Should I Eat Before or During a Hike?
Food is the fuel to get you to that summit. Beginner hikers often don’t realize how many calories you burn during a hike and how much food you need to supplement that caloric burn. Prior to a hike, I recommend eating a well-balanced meal with carbs, protein, and fat. I typically choose to eat an egg, bacon, and toast breakfast to keep myself full. You should then bring numerous snacks that are easily digested. My favourite trail snacks are jerky, a nut trail mix, protein bars, and fruit. Then at the summit or lookout point, I will eat a peanut butter and jam sandwich. If I’m short on time, I will grab Smucker’s Uncrustables from my local grocery store. They’re the perfect frozen PB&J sandwich that you can throw in your backpack, and it’ll be thawed by the time you’re ready for it.
What Do I Do if I Encounter Wildlife on a Hike?
The number one thing that you should do if you encounter wildlife on a trail while hiking is to STAY calm. I know, easier said than done. Do not run, as it often triggers a predator’s instinct. Make yourself look big, maintain eye contact, make some noise, and slowly back away. If the animal continues towards you in an aggressive way, use your bear spray according to the instructions, and if needed, fight back. Ensure you review the use of bear spray prior to heading out on the trails. One special consideration is if it’s a grizzly bear that won’t give up, curl up into a ball, protecting your vital organs, and play dead. Grizzly bears tend to attack on defence and may not deem you as a threat if they think you’re lifeless.
Can I Bring My Dog on a Hike?
When hiking with a dog, there are many special considerations. Review the trail that you’d like to hike—are dogs allowed in this area? Are there scrambling sections? Is it too long or steep? You know your dog and their abilities. But ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash while hiking. An off-leash dog can disturb wildlife and potentially bring an aggressive animal back to you. Also, a leash prevents dogs from running off or encountering potential hazards such as poisonous plants or treacherous terrain. Another thing you must consider when hiking with your dog is to bring extra water as well as waste bags. Leave no trace—make sure you carry out all of their solid excrement.
What If I Need to Go to the Bathroom While Hiking?
Most trails have an outhouse or restroom near the parking area, so before starting your hike, be sure you use this. But sometimes Mother Nature calls when you’re in the wilderness. When that happens, there are a few things you must consider. Walk at least 200 feet from the trail or any water sources, and dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep to bury any solid waste. Ensure you pack out all toilet paper or other waste. Like I said, leave no trace.
Are There Hiking Rules or Etiquette I Should Know?
When hiking, there are a few rules you should follow. The most important rule is to leave no trace. As previously discussed, pack out everything you bring in. You want it to look as if you were never there. Second, when hiking, it’s courtesy to yield to the uphill hikers. Sometimes the trail is tight and hikers are huffing & puffing their way up; stand to the side and let them pass before you continue barreling down your easy descent. Furthermore, always stay on the maintained trail. As previously discussed, it poses a safety risk to veer off the trail, as well as disrupts the environment. And lastly, be respectful of others, both wildlife and your fellow hikers. Treat them the way you’d want to be treated.
Starting your hiking adventure can feel quite overwhelming at the beginning, but with the right preparation you’ll be summiting those mountains in no time! Whether you’re wondering what to pack, how to find the perfect trail, or how to stay safe, these hiking tips for beginners are here to help. Just remember to start small, respect the environment around you, and leave no trace. For nurses, hiking can be an incredible way to decompress after long shifts and find balance outside of work. See you on the trails! XO Syvannah
This post explored the top hiking tips for beginners. From safety to snacks, it covers the hiking essentials.
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