Hiking Tips is such a broad subject to cover that I’m not
really sure how to go about it. The best
I have come up with is to start with the basics and I will just keep adding to
them as time goes on. Always remember
the Boy Scout’s #1 rule…Be Prepared.
Don’t forget these hiking tips are just basic information, nothing can
beat real world experience so start slow and work your way into it.
1) Always carry out what you bring in! I cannot stress this enough.
I can’t tell you how many times I have come off the trail with a trash
bag full of other people’s trash. It is
not only destroying our environment and endangering animals but littering goes
against everything that a true hiker stands for.
2) Always plan your trip in advance. Just do a search on the internet. The information out there is endless. Many times there will be printable trail maps
and even phone numbers to contact the Park Ranger. They are a great resource who will know the
area and can steer you clear of any problems.
3) Consider purchasing a trail guide. Almost everything you ever wanted to know about the area you
will be in is found in the hiking guide.
Depending on the version it may even have information on local plants
and animals. Get one, especially if you
are new to an area.
4) Never Hike Alone. I do know people who break this rule but I would not suggest
it. No matter how many hours/years you
have spent in the woods there is always the unexpected. Tell friends and family where you are going
and a general time line. Also consider
letting the park ranger know where you are going. Hiking is a great adventure but it can be
very dangerous also so be careful.
5) Watch Your Water. Even though water may look clean most likely it is full of
bacteria or other nasty things. Always
bring lots of water with you and if you are going to be drinking local water
ALWAYS filter it first. There are many
ways to filter water just search hiking water filter on the internet. Believe me there are very few things that are
worse than being thirsty on a mountain and having no idea where you are going
to get water.
6) Stop and Drink Often. Instead of trying to conquer the whole mountain on one try,
take breaks often. I usually rest for a
minute or two at least 3 or 4 times and hour.
Each time I stop I at least take one drink of water. I know it’s hard to believe but there are
times when you are so tired that you forget to hydrate. Your mind is so focused on making it up the
mountain that you forget to drink so I find that stopping often keeps you
rested and hydrated so you can enjoy the hike.
7) Don’t forget food. Everyone brings different things to eat on their hikes. I personally eat a lot of tuna fish and dried
fruit but there are lifelong hikers who virtually live on candy bars for days
at a time it’s up to you but you will need calories to keep going. Whatever you bring remember 2 things. 1) Whatever you bring in you have to take
out. 2) Keep everything sealed in air
tight containers. Even if there are no
bears in the area it is best not to entice the other creatures with human
food. Never Feed Animals!
8) Bring a first aid kit. Once again you never know what will happen on the
trail. Hiking can be dangerous so always
bring a first aid kit. Know what’s in
it, keep it handy for quick access if needed, and most importantly, know how to
use it. ALSO: Always know your quickest way to get to help
just in case.
9) Watch Your Fire. While I always carry a waterproof way to start a fire
because you never know when a fire might save your life, I very rarely start
fires when I am out. I’m not preaching
the virtues of either side but I am saying…Please make as little impact on the
environment when starting fires. Don’t
build them bigger than you need, and try to spread the remains out as much as
possible after everything is cool. Be
careful of wind and never leave a fire unattended.
10) Watch what you wear. While the ability to get warm can save your life I find I
would rather be a little cooler when I hike. Layers are best but don’t keep switching back
and forth. Wear fabrics that wick moisture away from your
body. COTTON EQUALS DEATH! No
Joke, No Cotton! Always bring rain
gear. The weather can change in an
instant and once you have felt those shakes at the very beginning of
hypothermia when you are miles and miles from anywhere, you will
understand. Don’t forget sun block!
11) Remember you have
to carry it. When I am thinking about what to
take on a hike I only concern myself with what will make sure I get out
OK. The first time I went into the woods
I had almost 60#’s on my back including water and I learned a hard lesson. You can live with so much less than you ever
imagined. Take only what you need. Remember if your pack feels kind of heavy at
the beginning, half way up a 4 hour climb you’ll be questioning the weight of
every item in your pack.
12) Pay Attention. Nature is so beautiful, but it is also dangerous. Always watch where you are walking. It is very easy to hit a meditative state
when you are hiking but you have to remain aware of your surroundings.
13) Slow and Steady. Always walk at the pace of the slowest hiker. We all have good days and bad days and
sometimes we’re just a little slower.
Remember it’s not a race, unless of course it is a race, we’re all out
there to have fun and spend time together so enjoy whatever pace the group has
at that moment and enjoy the hike.
Well that’s what I’ve got for now. Hiking truly is one of the most demanding
sports I have ever participated in and yet it is at the same time the most
rewarding thing I have ever set out to do both physically and spiritually. I hope these hiking tips help you to enjoy
hiking as much as I do.
Below is video I made of my SmokeyMountain trip in the Fall of 2009. And if you happen to live in the Springfield
Missouri Area you can go to my other website and check out some of the local hiking
trails.
