Essential hiking tips for beginners

Hiking is an accessible activity for people of all ages and physical ability. Safety and good preparation is important. These are Charles Russell Leone IV essential hiking tips for beginners.

Choosing a hiking location

To get the most out of your hike, you need to choose a preferred trail with good precision. It is important to consider the following:

How much time you have: If you only have two hours free on a weekend afternoon, then it won’t make sense to go on a twenty mile hike. Many trail guides give an average estimated time of completion. Use that information to guide you.

The weather: If you plan to ascend a hill, it is better to pick a day when the weather is calm. Avoid trails when the weather is harsh or unpredictable.

Your physical ability: Pick a trail that will accommodate your physical fitness to avoid injury.

Terrain: As a beginner, you want to choose a hiking trail that is easy to cover. Plains with good scenery, or paths with steady elevation will help you to enjoy your hiking experience as you advance to more difficult terrains.

Find proper hiking gear

Like any other sport, hiking requires the participants to have proper gear. Charles Russell Leone recommends good hiking gear to protect you from unpredictable weather such as flash showers.

Hiking gear essentials include:

Sturdy hiking boots will give you proper ankle support and give good cushioning from rocks, and thorns.

Thermal leggings, shirts, and socks will keep you warm especially during altitude elevations.

A waterproof hiking backpack that will keep your items dry.

A hydration bladder that can at least three liters of water to ensure you stay hydrated throughout. Choose a hydration bladder that can easily fit into your backpack.

A raincoat

Trekking poles that will assist you on steep climbs and descents. Trekking poles balance the pressure that is exerted on your knees and ankles.

Prepare for the hike

According to Charles Russell Leone IV, warming up for the hike is just as important as the actual hiking activity. On the day of the hike, practice short stretches to boost blood flow to your joints. This will keep you from pulling a muscle during the hike, getting cramps, and soreness after the hike. A good stretching routine lasts about fifteen to twenty minutes before you begin. Take care not to push your body too far before the main event.

On the days leading up to the hike, perhaps a week before, get into a routine of brief and simple stretches for your body to loosen up your joints and to promote muscle movement. This is especially important if your lifestyle is sedentary.

Hold each stretch for about ninety seconds, and keep your back straight, and abdominal muscles engaged at all times. Take care to keep correct form and posture.

What to carry on a hike

It's not a good idea to pack for a hike on the morning or afternoon of the hike. Rather, to ensure that you do not miss anything, pack everything that you need on the day before. Charles Russell Leone recommends these items that you must not miss in your hiking backpack;

Trail mix, granola bars, and other high energy foods and snacks that are easy to digest and release glucose quickly.