Hiking For Beginners
Human beings are merely mammals in more expensive clothing, so it's only natural that we have an innate need to connect with the earth, wind and water. If you are one of those people who yearn to get up close and personal with Mother Nature every chance you get, hiking can be the perfect activity.
Hiking can be more than a simple way to pass the time. For some, it's been an important piece of their family history. Family vacations are often where a deep-rooted love of hiking begins. Kids still in toddler boots are scaling river banks and traversing the great outdoors with their earthy parents. These early cross-country outings turn into valuable skills and priceless memories that can last a lifetime.
Other hikers discover the joys of the sport a little later in life. Older kids often begin their journeys with scout troops. Packs of teenagers roam the woods in search of the perfect hangout spot. Professionals driven to distraction by the 9 to 5 grind can find peace and solace in the beauty of nature.
If you've discovered the love of hiking for any reason, you can't deny that there's no better way to shake off our contemporary hassles and enjoy the peace and solitude that only nature can offer.
Hiking for beginners can be tricky, and you can always spot a first time hiker. Rookies hobbling under fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. A backcountry pack overflowing with a ten pound tent, a dozen bagels, two spare pairs of shoes and loads of whatcha-macallits carefully packed "just in case".
The truth is every professional hiker was a beginner at one time. We all need to make mistakes and learn from them. Don't worry about making the same mistakes. You'll soon be confident enough to pack a little lighter and in no time at all you'll be traveling a little easier. As you lose bulk from your pack, you'll log miles on your hiking boots. Your skills and experiences will grow with time, and soon you'll be the experienced hiker on the trail.
Meantime, here are some hiking tips and some helpful advice for you live by as you work toward earning your Experienced Hiker badge:
Know What's Ahead
Hiking is fun and makes you feel free as a bird. Remember, though, that there are basic safety rules that you've got to follow. This is the outdoors, and anything can happen. Failing to prepare for your anything-goes journey can be the cause of backcountry disasters and near misses. Inadequate clothing, bad judgment calls and the inability to read a map have all led to life-threatening hiking situations. The first step in hiking for beginners is to know what you need to bring, understand what you need to do, and then follow through. Know the conditions. Check the weather forecast, dress in layers and bring a lightweight rain jacket -- just in case. Be aware of the trail and surroundings. If you're hiking in a national park or conservation area, check with park management for advice on local conditions and permitting procedures. Check your bookstore or look online for hiking guides and maps. Use them.
Understand Your Equipment
Forget the coordinating hiking outfit. No one cares what you look like on the trail, so leave your ego at home. It's more important to be safe and comfortable than to simply look good. Temperatures can plummet after the sun sets, so pack accordingly with warm clothing and an insulated sleeping bag. This is a sport that requires proper equipment, and nature is a force that must be respected. Buy and bring equipment that will help you to stay safe on the trail. No one will care if you seem like a "newbie" on the trail, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
Get Ready to Have Fun
In the end, hiking is all about having fun. Otherwise, no one would do it. To a hiker, lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness is a luxury vacation. Mosquito bites and scratches are five-star amenities. If you're hardcore about your love of nature, all the trouble pays off in fun and freedom.
Remember, there's no stress in hiking. Take your time and enjoy your journey. Watch the clouds drift by. Breathe in the fresh air and drink in the sunshine. Catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Hiking for beginners isn't difficult -- it's the start of a beautiful friendship.
Author Nadia Eshott contributes to several online magazines, on outdoor recreation and recreation camping topics.
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