Hiking for Beginners: 10 Essential Tips

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Hiking is an excellent low-impact workout. Studies show it
offers multiple physical and mental benefits
(http://www.americanhiking.org/wp-
content/uploads/2013/04/Heath-Benefits-of-Hiking-fact-
sheet.pdf). From reducing anxiety to preventing
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Hiking for Beginners: 10
Essential Tips
(https://blog.liftopia.com/10-
hike/)
By Erika Wiggins (Https://Blog.Liftopia.Com/Author/Erika-Wiggins/) /
@Active_Explorer (Http://Twitter.Com/Active_Explorer) / May 26, 2015
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osteoporosis
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22095321), hiking is
an outdoor activity delivering benefits beyond scenic and
fun.
Unlike walking on a treadmill or paved path, hiking involves
more, sometimes unpredictable, variables. Of course, these
variables are part of what makes it so enjoyable! Use the
following hiking tips to make your first treks successful:
(http://10c9rz12yp4b46gr6a2oxgub-wpengine.netdna-
ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_0879.jpg)
1. Start small and choose the right trail for your fitness
level.
Select a hike a little shorter than the distance you can
normally walk on a level or paved surface. To estimate the
time required to hike the trail, figure a pace of roughly 2-
miles per hour. Next, review the elevation changes and add
an hour to your estimated hiking time for every 1000 feet of
gain. After you’ve been out once or twice, you’ll have a
sense for what distance and elevation changes work well for
you.
2. Familiarize yourself with the trail.
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Once you have selected a trail, obtain a map of the area and
review reports and data. There are some excellent online
resources available. Find out if the trail is a loop, or if you’ll
have to backtrack or spot a second car. Take note of any
intersecting trails where you could potentially make a wrong
turn. I also like to look for a good lunch spot such as a lake
or peak with a view.
3. Check the weather.
Leading up to your hike, and again a few hours before,
check the weather. This will give you valuable information on
how to dress and what to pack. If the weather is forecast to
be awful, it will give you the chance to change plans instead
of getting surprised on the trail.
ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_9928.jpg)
4. Tell someone where you will be.
It’s important that someone not on the hike knows the
itinerary and what time to worry and call for help. Note I
didn’t say, “when you expect to be done.” The “worry time”
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may be several hours later than your planned finish to allow
for slow hiking, amazing views, or perhaps a sore ankle
causing a delay.
Another option is to carry an emergency device such as the
SPOT tracker (http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?
cid=100), which allows you to summon emergency
assistance by satellite. One caveat, devices like the SPOT
are not an excuse to shirk responsibility for your own
personal safety – they are a backup.
5. Pack the 10 essentials.
The 10 essentials have gradually shifted from a list of items
to a list of systems. These are the systems you should pack
to stay safe in the outdoors, including facing a potential
overnight. Depending on the length and remoteness of your
hike, expand or minimize each system. For example, on a
short summer hike near services, a compact emergency
blanket should be fine. However, a remote winter hike would
require something more extensive. Here are the 10 essential
systems:
Ten Essential Systems
Navigation (map & compass)
Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
Insulation (extra clothing)
Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
First-aid supplies
Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
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Repair kit and tools
Nutrition (extra food)
Hydration (extra water)
Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
This list may look daunting, but once you tailor it to your
hike, it won’t be so bad. Many of these things are what
you’d pack for a picnic. Visit Mountaineers Books
(http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Assets/ClientPages/zz_TenEssentials.aspx)
for more details.
ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-10-25-14.jpg)
6. Wear the right shoes and socks.
Painful feet can ruin a hike. Invest in quality hiking shoes and
socks. This doesn’t mean heavy leather boots, there are a
lot of “light hikers” available that require little break-in
compared to the old hiking boots I started with. Also, don’t
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skimp on socks and for goodness sake….no cotton! Wool or
synthetic socks are the way to go. Also pack blister
dressings just in case.
7. Dress for success.
Once your feet are taken care of, dressing right is key to
comfort on your hike. Skip cotton anything, it gets damp and
stays that way leaving you feeling clammy and causing
chafing. Instead go for synthetics. To easily adjust for your
temperature and the weather, wear layers that you can add
or shed as needed. Lastly, pack an extra warm layer beyond
what you think you’ll need, preferably something that will
block wind too.
8. Keep it light.
Okay, now that I’ve told you to pack all of this stuff, I’m
going to tell you to keep your pack light. This means opting
for the lightest of each item. For example, a travel size tube
of sunscreen instead of the NoAd 16-ounce tube you found
on sale.
ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-07-27-06.jpg)
9. Pace yourself.
When you first get on the trail, you may feel like powering
forward like a hero. However, you’ll be a zero by the end of
the day if you don’t pace yourself. Instead, pick a pace you
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can maintain all day. It might feel a little awkward at ﬁrst, but
after a few miles, especially uphill, you’ll be glad you saved
your energy.
10. Leave no trace.
The beautiful trails we love will only stay beautiful if we care
for them. Take time to read the Leave No Trace Seven
Principals (https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles) and follow them.
It’s up to every outdoor enthusiast to take care of our natural
spaces.
Using these tips I hope you’ll get out hiking this season.
Where will you go? Leave a comment to share your ideas;
I’d love to hear them!
(https://www.liftopia.com/?
utm_source=post&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=20150526_blog.)

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37 responses to “Hiking for Beginners: 10 Essential Tips”
1. Drew Taylor says:
July 7, 2015 at 12:35 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
beginner-hike/#comment-8216)
Any advice on where to Hike at Glacier National park?
Reply
2,007
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2.
Expect the Expected – Site Title
(https://herhiking.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/expect-the-expected/) says:
October 21, 2016 at 10:26 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
tips-beginner-hike/#comment-8711)
[…] largely attributed to the existence of unsupported expectations of
the experience. For example, a ﬁrst-time hiker may be seeking a
comparable experience out of the trip as her more seasoned hiker-
friend who begged […]
Reply
3. Hiking Fashion 101 - hilliardsbeer.com says:
October 11, 2017 at 4:44 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
[…] jaunts around your neighborhood, local parks or the suburbs (or
anywhere else, for that matter). The idea behind a good hike is multi-
fold; some use it to get a mental clarity and perspective, others to get
in shape, the third to build up […]
Reply
4. Hikerjack says:
June 30, 2018 at 11:11 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
It is very important to pack out the trash, be sure don’t leave it behind
Reply
5. ZoeyFawell (https://hioutside.com/) says:
August 2, 2018 at 5:05 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Hubby and I are going hiking tomorrow. This blog was a great ﬁnd.
Thanks for all the tips.
Reply
6.
4 Vacation Activities for Adventurers - Think Research Expose | Think
Research Expose (http://thedailyjournalist.com/the-reviewer/4-vacation-
activities-for-adventurers/) says:
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November 1, 2018 at 3:11 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
[…] cool photos of yourself reaching your goal! While mountain
climbing is not for the faint-hearted, trekking is something that can be
done by people of all ages and capabilities. There are hiking trails that
[…]
Reply
7. hiking & trekking iran (http://www.damawand.de/) says:
November 7, 2018 at 4:20 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
I am really delighted to read this website posts which contains plenty
of useful data, thanks for providing these information.
Reply
8. Juan says:
November 18, 2018 at 6:14 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
I just ﬁnished a 14 mile hike at Bulow Woods Trail in Florida. We
started shortly after 1pm and I knew the night was going to befall us
even though we had a ﬁrm plan to stick to making 3 miles per hour.
Something told me not to leave my headlamp behind.
By 5:30pm the darkness started to fall and we had just started our 7
miles return trip. The terrain was very irregular and we took a couple
of wrong turns.
It was 8pm and we were still out there’s.
My headlamp turned out to be the best $6.99 I have ever spent in my
life, and the Duracell batteries lasted all 4 hours of our hike in the
dark.
An advise: carry always extra batteries for you GPS
Reply
9.
An In-Depth, Comprehensive Guide For Best Sleeping Pads
(https://outdoorsportinsight.com/sleeping-pad/) says:
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December 12, 2018 at 12:26 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
[…] outdoor activity, a comfortable sleep is all you want. However, it
is still diﬃcult for some hikers to get that, with the result that they are
even more tired the next day. This is the more reason […]
Reply
10. Mike Chu (https://www.pttoutdoor.com/) says:
December 19, 2018 at 12:43 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
Really useful tips. I agree about sharing though.we all need to keep a
blog alive.
Reply
11.
No More Excuses! Tips to Get in Shape in 2019 - Sassy Critic
(https://www.sassycritic.com/no-more-excuses-tips-to-get-in-shape-in-
2019/) says:
December 20, 2018 at 7:35 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
[…] to get in shape if you’re losing weight doing something you like,
such as swimming, dancing, or hiking. If you like it enough, you won’t
even realize that you are working hard and getting in […]
Reply
12.
Emergency Cases Where Waterproof Tarps Can Help You Out
(https://grizzlytarps.com/blog/emergency-cases-where-tarps-can-help-
you-out/) says:
January 7, 2019 at 1:09 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
[…] in the forest? Whenever you go hiking, you must always carry a
tarp with you. Tarp makes a warm, comfortable blanket in emergency
[…]
Reply
13.
Nikkibelle (https://www.trendbells.com/blogs/news/hiking-tips-
beginners-essentials) says:
January 21, 2019 at 5:52 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
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I think we can carry instant water filter also at emergency level, so it
keeps us to survive
Reply
14. Fred judson says:
January 27, 2019 at 5:03 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Walk single file, not side by side. Keep single track singel!
Reply
15. Renee says:
February 1, 2019 at 9:28 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Wanting to start hiking…small at first…and so happy to have found
this site! Thanks for the valuable info.
Reply
16. DAnn (http://n/a) says:
March 4, 2019 at 3:13 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Any tips for prehike stretching. A beginner at 62 with siatica
problems. Maybe missed opportunity?!
Reply
17. Beth Reese (https://choosebackpacks.com/) says:
March 7, 2019 at 2:19 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Great post, Erika. It’s lovely.
I do go camping once in three months. Last time I had forgotten to
take sleeping bags with me. So I found it uncomfortble in my
camping. This time I had a plan for hiking, and found your article for
the gears. It’s really amazing.
Reply
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18.
Mauritius Discovery Tours (https://mauritiusdiscoverytours.com/)
says:
April 16, 2019 at 4:52 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Good tips. ‘Don’t use cotton socks’, Well, I use to look for cotton first
in everything I buy. Though hiking is easier in my country, I have
known cases where people have lost the track & picked up after a
few days by special forces in Black River Gorges National Park. So,
the tips apply to everywhere around the globe. Thanks for all these
important info.
Reply
19.
Moumita Mallick (https://daily-life-dose.blogspot.com/2019/04/best-
hiking-gear-list-in-amazonin.html) says:
April 18, 2019 at 12:53 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Always carry safety gear like GPS, multipurpose tools and first aid
box.
Reply
20. Md Alamin Hossain (http://trailhikr.com) says:
May 7, 2019 at 4:03 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
I hike once or twice a week. I know how hard it could be if you forget
the essentials things that needed to hike. The article is really helping
me to remember what to do in hiking. Thanks keep up the good
writing.
Reply
21. Dojonim says:
May 19, 2019 at 10:50 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
I always plan for the day hike to become an overnighter. I carry
survival basics: fire, water, shelter, compass, first aid, and emer
communications. to include cell phone, hand held amateur radio, and
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a 3X5 glass signal mirror. My pack weight does not exceed 25 lbs.
Because of my age I also utilize trekking poles.
Reply
22. ‫ت‬ ‫ا‬ (https://austrainer.com/) says:
May 23, 2019 at 1:45 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous
to and you are just too wonderful.
I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re
saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining
and you still care for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read far more
from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
Reply
23.
Benjamin Andrews
(https://www.mountloftysprings.com.au/packaged-water) says:
June 6, 2019 at 8:32 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
I like that you suggest packing in extra water. My friends and I are
planning weekly hiking trips this summer and want to be as prepared
as possible. I will send them this information and make sure to buy
extra water bottles.
Reply
24. Advice (https://bestsnakeproofboots.com/gaiters/) says:
The biggest mistake beginners make is overdoing it. They pick a hike
that’s either too long or has too much climbing. If you’re just starting
out, pick a hike under 5 miles with minimal climbing. If you want to do
a longer hike, make a training plan in advance. Do an extra mile or
two each week and build up to your target distance.
Don’t forget to look at the total climbing on your hike. A flat 5 miles is
much different than 5 miles straight uphill.
Reply
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25.
Dennis Sanchez
(https://malooracks.com/collections/featured/products/maloo-drypack-
backpack) says:
It’s great that you mentioned that packing a kit with 10 essential items
is important if you end up getting stranded in a location. I believe that
keeping items dry, like matches, is really important in this kind of
situations. That’s why my wife and I carry waterproof backpacks
every time we go hiking.
Reply
26. Trip to the Wild (http://triptothewild.com) says:
July 19, 2019 at 3:44 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Solid article. Good reminder even for those who are a little
experienced. For things to pack, I always bring a hat to help with
blocking the sun.
Reply
27. Ellie Davis (https://hvhappenings.com/) says:
August 27, 2019 at 11:49 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
It’s interesting to know that you need to familiarize with the trail
before going. My husband and his friends are thinking about hiking
next weekend, and I’m looking for advice. I will make sure to follow
your advice about hiking to enjoy my ﬁrst experience.
Reply
28.
What Does Your Saturday Look Like? – Local Wonders
(https://localwondersbc.wordpress.com/2019/10/21/what-does-your-
saturday-look-like/) says:
October 21, 2019 at 11:24 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
[…] K.L.O Creek Park Hiking Tips […]
Reply
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29.
Top 7 summer activities you can opt for in 2018 - QloApps
(https://qloapps.com/7-best-summer-activities-2018/) says:
[…] are some hiking tips you may […]
Reply
30.
CamelBak Eddy Insulated Water Bottle Review
(https://www.oemsie.com/camelbak-water-bottle/) says:
October 26, 2019 at 1:00 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
[…] If you’ve never hiked before, or you wish to enhance your hiking
skills, have a read of this beginner’s guide to hiking to get you […]
Reply
31. Fudge says:
this didnt help my grades go up
Reply
32.
Essential Factors Newlyweds Must Not Forget on Honeymoon - DailyStar
(https://dailystar.com.au/essential-factors-newlyweds-must-not-forget-on-
honeymoon/) says:
November 15, 2019 at 7:40 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
[…] Fiji has some of the most breathtaking beaches, and the most
luxurious resorts you can stay at. You can pick to stay at traditional
Fiji villas where you can discover the true beauty that the island has,
and you can go horseback riding. You can also do awesome things
like Dragon sail boating, windsurﬁng, or hike through the magical
rainforest. […]
Reply
33. Henry Killingsworth (https://www.brandworx.com.au/) says:
 
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(/blog)

I like that you mentioned that it is a good idea for you to make sure
someone who will not be on the hike with you knows when you are
expecting to be done. My wife and I want to exercise more, and we
think it would be a good idea to go hiking more next summer. It would
probably be a good idea for us to find the right kind of boots to wear
so that we don’t get blisters.
Reply
34.
10 Smart Hiking Tips For Beginners – Sling Adventures
(https://www.slingadventures.com/hiking/10-smart-hiking-tips-for-
beginners) says:
[…] who is not hiking with you should know your hiking plan and
itinerary. Whenever possible, reach out to this person and let them
know your location and where you plan to […]
Reply
35. Ripal says:
January 10, 2020 at 8:58 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-tips-
Thank you so much for a wonderful post, which includes what a
beginner should have to start the journey of trekking. This is what I
wanted to start my trekking journey.
Reply
36.
How to Fit Exercise into Your Routine to Promote Creativity – Artvoice
(https://artvoice.com/2020/01/08/how-to-fit-exercise-into-your-routine-to-
promote-creativity/) says:
January 15, 2020 at 10:44 am (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
[…] every other week, take a whole day off from your creative pursuit
and do something active instead. This could be a hike, a night of
dancing, or cleaning out your garage. Really, do anything that gets
you moving, ramps […]
Reply
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37. Olivia B (https://www.antimonkeybutt.com/) says:
January 22, 2020 at 12:39 pm (https://blog.liftopia.com/10-essential-hiking-
This is a great article and super helpful! I’ve been incorporating Anti
Monkey Butt into my packing list as well for all my hikes. My husband
and I just got back from Olympic National Park and oh man it made
such a diﬀerence in my comfort for our all day hikes.
Reply
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