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Nature offers the perfect escape you’re craving solitary reflection. But an outdoor adventure is also a great way to find camaraderie, fun and a jolt of shared adrenaline. When you want to join your friends for some outdoor enjoyment, or make new friends who share your interests, take a hiking tour.
Hiking tours can be the most excellent ways to enjoy the outdoors. Simply ask anyone who has put on hiking boots and joined a group for some back country backpacking in the wilderness.
While there is a measure of danger involved, the fun, excitement and appreciation of nature you get in return is well worth it. Many hikers have come back from a few days in the wilderness feeling stress-free, clear-headed, and rejuvenated. You can too, of course. Don’t be intimidated if you have limited outdoor or hiking survival skills. These skills are best developed on the trail, and if you’re with a group, you’ll receive plenty of suggestions to help you get the most enjoyment from your hiking experience.
When you’re ready to take a hiking tour, consider the following tips and tricks that experienced hikers follow religiously:
Train for your Trip
While you don’t need to attend scouting classes to survive in the outdoors, you do need to appreciate and understand the challenges that lay ahead. There will be tough objectives to meet and overcome, and the physical challenges can appear overwhelming. Keep in mind that when you take a hiking tour, you’re in for a rough ride. But it’s an exhilarating journey you won’t forget anytime soon. Training is essential to your success. Cardio and strength training are important for having an enjoyable and successful trip. If you’re a beginner, you have even more reasons to be in your best physical condition before you go on a hiking tour.
Grab a Walking Stick
While not important, a good walking stick can be one of your most crucial pieces of hiking gear. You’ll never know the marvels that can be obtained from these simple structures, until you’ve experienced them firsthand. Walking sticks take the pressure off of ankles, knees and hips, and they can help to propel you along. Trying to navigate a rocky path or scale a hill is considerably easier if you’ve got a walking stick to offer added balance. The very presences of your walking stick can help you to establish a comfortable pace, and reduce your overall fatigue.
Bring Lots of Water
Everything needs water to live. Of course, especially you. There is no good way to learn what life is like without water, but being in the middle of nowhere without a supply of clean water is absolutely not the best way. Even if lakes or rivers offer an abundant water supply, drinking from them can be a really bad idea. Bring enough water to last the duration of your trip, and then pack a little extra. This is specifically important if you’re planning to take a hiking trip that will last for two or three days. Water bladders are lightweight and take up little room, so bring an extra one. This will protect you in the event you run short of fresh water, or you can keep it on hand to share with other hikers.
Test Your Equipment
Do not go on a hiking tour without bringing the right equipment. Do not purchase equipment without trying it first. There are numerous outdoor outfitters that readily stock the equipment you need, and most are staffed with hiking pros that can help you choose the best gear to meet your needs. If you’re not sure precisely what you need, ask for help and try the gear before you buy it. Many shops will rent gear, providing the perfect opportunity to ‘test-drive’ the equipment before making the investment. By trying the gear, you can test various styles and find the best equipment to suit your individual requirements.
Dry Socks
Do not underestimate the power wielded by a pair of clean, dry socks. Take an extra pair, or three. Clean socks will surely help to prevent blisters and will keep your feet feeling fresh. If you take a hiking tour on a hot, sunny day, you can also choose to wash out your socks and hang them to dry, instead of taking many pairs.
When you’ve had enough of the rat race and you want to reconnect with the simpler world around you, or you need to do something different with your friends, take a hiking tour. Chances are, you’ll return a whole new person.
Tagged with: hiking gear • mountain hiking
Filed under: Hiking