If you’re thinking of going on a hike and you’re unsure where to begin then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’re going on a short one-day hike in your local area or you’re planning something a little more strenuous, you need to ensure you’re as prepared as you can possibly be. From choosing the right route to packing everything you need, the more you’re planning in advance the better. With that in mind, here are 5 things to consider before going on a hike:
Where Will You Be Hiking?
One of the first things you need to do is think about where you’re going to be hiking. With so many incredible trails to choose from across the world, you need to be sure you’re choosing one that is right for you. 99% of the time, the hike will obviously depend on where you are at the time unless you’re specifically travelling somewhere to take part in a famous hike (The Inca Trail, for example).
If you’re looking for a hike that’s local to you or an area you’re travelling to, you need to be sure you’re choosing a route that is safe. A lot of the information you can find online or in guidebooks can be incorrect and outdated, so make sure you’re doing as much research as you possibly can.
How Long Is The Hike?
Another thing you need to consider is how long the hike is going to be. Not only will this help you determine how much stuff you need to bring with you but it will also give you an idea of the intensity level. Usually, hikes that last longer than a day tend to be for those that have had a little experience. If like me, you’re not used to intense hiking, you may want to stick to shorter ones for now.
What Do You Need To Take With You?
Once you know where you’re going and how long for, you need to think about what you need to take with you. The most important thing, of course, is food and drink. You need to ensure you have enough food to last for your journey, as well as water and a water purifier.
As well as food, you need to consider whether you need any change of clothes, any specialist hiking gear and any camping equipment for overnight stops. For a full list of what to bring, you may want to do a little bit of research online. You’re also going to need a backpack that is suitable for hiking, which can often be difficult to find. My personal favourite is Osprey.
If you’re unsure on what the weather is going to be like, you may want to take a rain coat. For a rain jacket for your trip, you can visit this site here.
How Will You Track Your Progress?
Depending on whether or not you want to track your progress throughout your hike, you might want to consider using a fitness tracker throughout your journey. Not only will this give you a live reading or your heart rate, but it will also allow you to track how many steps you’ve done as well as the elevation you’ve climbed. On top of that, you’ll also be able to track your overall route. For the best fitness tracker, you can visit this site here.
How Will You Physically Prepare?
Finally, you need to think about how you’re going to physically prepare for your hike. Hiking takes a lot of stamina and if you haven’t done any physical training, you’re really going to struggle.
Do you love to hike? What are your tips for those looking to get started? Let me know in the comments section below.
