5 Crucial Tips for Planning a Hike
It doesn't matter if you're a professional or beginner, if you don't properly prepare for your hike, it could be a disaster. One of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don't have to be an expert to enjoy it. All you have to be is prepared. Here are four crucial tips for planning a safe and enjoyable hike.
1. Check the Weather
Before any hike, it is important to check the weather. Hiking can be enjoyed in any conditions as long as they aren't dangerous. Dress and pack based off of the forecast. If it is warm, wear thin, light clothing. Bring a hat and sunscreen if the trail is open with little shade. If there is rain in the forecast, pack a raincoat and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. Also check if your gear is waterproof. If the forecast calls for a thunderstorm or lightning, it's best to postpone the hike for another time. If you are hiking in a place where the weather is unpredictable, consider taking some rain gear in your pack. When hiking in cold conditions, wear layers. The longer you hike the warmer you will get and you can shed those layers. Your body temperature can fluctuate throughout a longer hike, be prepared to accommodate it. Stay away from cotton clothing during cold weather hikes. If this material gets wet from snow, water or sweat, it will take awhile to dry and could be detrimental to your health. My favorite seasons for hiking are spring and fall, when temperatures are most pleasant.
2. Map Your Course
Make sure you know just how long the trail is before you hit it. Plan how many miles of the trail you are gonna hike. It is easy to overestimate yourself and hike too far. Map your course so you can be sure you'll have enough energy for the return trip. Most trails will have maps at the trailhead or online. I suggest bringing a copy of the map for longer trails. The further your hike, the more snacks you should bring. If the hike will take you all day, bring a lunch as well. Lastly, always stick to the trail. Trailblazing can be a blast, but it is easy to get lost in unfamiliar territory.
3. Consider the Difficulty
There are a few factors that determine a trail's difficulty level. Three major ones are elevation, distance and terrain. Consider if there is a significant elevation change during the trail you'll be hiking. Some of the best trails go up a mountain or into a canyon. While these trails are rewarding, the change in elevation can be difficult. If your cardio isn't up to par, these hikes might be too much. Consider doing some easier hikes first and working your way up to this difficulty level. The same principle applies for distance. If you are just getting into hiking, try some shorter hikes and work your way up to longer hikes. Terrain is another factor to consider. if the trail is sandy, it can wear out your legs quicker. If the trail has allot of roots on the path it could be easy to trip. Consider what kind of shoes to wear to best accommodate the terrain you'll be hiking.
4. Consider the Wildlife
Trails are beautiful because they go through nature. However, nature means animals. Seeing wildlife along the trail can be the highlight of your trip, but it is very important to consider what type of wildlife you could encounter. For example, if you are hiking long trails into the mountains, you could encounter bears. In this instance you wold bring along bear spray. Before any hike, consider what type of wildlife you could encounter and look into how to avoid or handle any unfriendly encounters. It could be something as small as running into bees on the trail. But if someone in your party is allergic, and you've done your research, you'll be prepared with an epipen and a first aid kit (which should be taken on any hike.) Check out these instructions on what to do when encountering wildlife https://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-to-do-when-you-encounter-a-wild-animal.html
5. Food and Water
Hydration is key. This cannot be stressed enough. Wether it is a two hour, half day, or full day hike, fatigue will creep up on you. When you are walking and taking in the beautiful scenery, it is easy to forget you are doing work. Thats why it is crucial to hydrate before and during a hike. One of the best ways to hydrate is to bring a Camelback with you. They fit easily into your pack and can provide over 2 liters of water. As far as food is concerned, pack more food the longer your hike is. Choose healthy snacks that you know you like but that will also fill you up. If you are out for half a day or longer, bring a lunch. Check out some of the best foods to take hiking here http://www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-food/
Before you go on your next hike, be sure to check out these crucial tips!
1. Check the Weather
Before any hike, it is important to check the weather. Hiking can be enjoyed in any conditions as long as they aren't dangerous. Dress and pack based off of the forecast. If it is warm, wear thin, light clothing. Bring a hat and sunscreen if the trail is open with little shade. If there is rain in the forecast, pack a raincoat and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. Also check if your gear is waterproof. If the forecast calls for a thunderstorm or lightning, it's best to postpone the hike for another time. If you are hiking in a place where the weather is unpredictable, consider taking some rain gear in your pack. When hiking in cold conditions, wear layers. The longer you hike the warmer you will get and you can shed those layers. Your body temperature can fluctuate throughout a longer hike, be prepared to accommodate it. Stay away from cotton clothing during cold weather hikes. If this material gets wet from snow, water or sweat, it will take awhile to dry and could be detrimental to your health. My favorite seasons for hiking are spring and fall, when temperatures are most pleasant.
As you can see, my friends and I were layered up for this hike. We were actually losing and adding layers throughout the entire trip. Hiking through elevation changes can cause different temperatures, luckily we were prepared!
2. Map Your Course
Make sure you know just how long the trail is before you hit it. Plan how many miles of the trail you are gonna hike. It is easy to overestimate yourself and hike too far. Map your course so you can be sure you'll have enough energy for the return trip. Most trails will have maps at the trailhead or online. I suggest bringing a copy of the map for longer trails. The further your hike, the more snacks you should bring. If the hike will take you all day, bring a lunch as well. Lastly, always stick to the trail. Trailblazing can be a blast, but it is easy to get lost in unfamiliar territory.
3. Consider the Difficulty
There are a few factors that determine a trail's difficulty level. Three major ones are elevation, distance and terrain. Consider if there is a significant elevation change during the trail you'll be hiking. Some of the best trails go up a mountain or into a canyon. While these trails are rewarding, the change in elevation can be difficult. If your cardio isn't up to par, these hikes might be too much. Consider doing some easier hikes first and working your way up to this difficulty level. The same principle applies for distance. If you are just getting into hiking, try some shorter hikes and work your way up to longer hikes. Terrain is another factor to consider. if the trail is sandy, it can wear out your legs quicker. If the trail has allot of roots on the path it could be easy to trip. Consider what kind of shoes to wear to best accommodate the terrain you'll be hiking.
4. Consider the Wildlife
Trails are beautiful because they go through nature. However, nature means animals. Seeing wildlife along the trail can be the highlight of your trip, but it is very important to consider what type of wildlife you could encounter. For example, if you are hiking long trails into the mountains, you could encounter bears. In this instance you wold bring along bear spray. Before any hike, consider what type of wildlife you could encounter and look into how to avoid or handle any unfriendly encounters. It could be something as small as running into bees on the trail. But if someone in your party is allergic, and you've done your research, you'll be prepared with an epipen and a first aid kit (which should be taken on any hike.) Check out these instructions on what to do when encountering wildlife https://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-to-do-when-you-encounter-a-wild-animal.html
5. Food and Water
Hydration is key. This cannot be stressed enough. Wether it is a two hour, half day, or full day hike, fatigue will creep up on you. When you are walking and taking in the beautiful scenery, it is easy to forget you are doing work. Thats why it is crucial to hydrate before and during a hike. One of the best ways to hydrate is to bring a Camelback with you. They fit easily into your pack and can provide over 2 liters of water. As far as food is concerned, pack more food the longer your hike is. Choose healthy snacks that you know you like but that will also fill you up. If you are out for half a day or longer, bring a lunch. Check out some of the best foods to take hiking here http://www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-food/
Before you go on your next hike, be sure to check out these crucial tips!
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