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, water and wind.  If you are one of those people who yearn to get up close and personal with Mother Nature every opportunity you get, hiking can be the perfect activity.

Hiking, for some, is more than a recreational pastime; it’s been a way of life as long as they can remember.  The love of hiking is often developed from family vacations, when youngsters barely old enough to scale a riverbank are strapping on hiking boots and traversing the wild outdoors with their earthy Dad and Mom.  From these cross-country outings naturally came skills — and memories — to last a lifetime.

However, others discover the joys of hiking later in life.  Older kids travel with scout troops.  Packs of teenagers search for the ideal spot to hang out.  Frenzied professionals seek refuge from the demands of  business and home.

Whatever the reason, one thing is absolute: People go hiking to shake off our contemporary hassles, and enjoy all that nature has to give.

Hiking for beginners can be tricky, and you can always identify a first time hiker.  Rookies hobbling under 50 pounds of gear for a two-night trek.  A backcountry pack overflowing with a ten pound tent, two spare pairs of shoes, a dozen bagels,  and loads of whatcha-macallits carefully packed “just in case”.

Seasoned hikers can snicker at the rookies, but let’s admit it; every one of us has painted this same picture at one time.  Newbies take heart: it won’t take long for you to shake the extra pounds from your back, and clock enough miles on your boots to have you traveling lean.  As time goes, you’ll see yourself learning the ropes and fine-tuning your art along the way, until your pack decreases in size as quickly as your appetite for bagels.

In the meantime, here are some hiking advice and tips for you live by, as you work toward your Experience degree from On-the-Trail University:

Be Prepared

Hiking is truly fun and makes you feel free as a bird.  Don’t forget, though, that there are basic safety rules that you’ve got to follow.  This is the outdoors, and generally, anything can happen.  Failing to prepare for your anything-goes journey can be the cause of backcountry near misses and disasters.  Bad judgment calls,  inadequate clothing 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 have to bring, understand what you need to do, and then follow through. Essentially, know the conditions.  Verify the weather forecast, dress in layers and bring a lightweight rain jacket — just in case.  Be aware of the surroundings and the trail.  If you’re hiking in a  conservation area or national park, check with park management for advice on local conditions and permitting procedures.  Check your bookstore or look online for hiking maps and guides.   By all means, use them.

Know Your Equipment

Hiking for beginners leaves no room for what we call “vanity”.  In general, no one cares what you look like, or whether you’re coming across as a hiking “dork”.  Outdoor temperatures can drop rapidly after the sun sets, so make sure your sleeping bag is insulated.  Staying warm is infinitely more crucial than looking cool.  And, of course, it’s a lot smarter.  Hiking equipment is, in truth, not about coordinating your ensemble.  It’s about staying protected — and it can save your life.

Have Fun

In the end, hiking is all about having enjoyment.  If not that, no one would do it.  To a hiker, lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through far-flung wilderness is a luxury vacation.  Mosquito bites and a few scratches are five-star amenities.  If you’re hardcore about your true love of nature, all the trouble pays off in fun and freedom.

Keep in mind, there’s no stress in hiking.  Take your time and truly enjoy your journey.  Also, watch the clouds drift by.  Drink in the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air.  Catch a lovely butterfly, but then, let it go.  Hiking for beginners isn’t at all difficult — it’s the start of a beautiful friendship.

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