Hiking Tips For Beginners

Hiking is good for the body and soul. Fresh air and breathtaking vistas are just a couple of reasons many of us take to mountain and coastal trails.

To help assure that your outing is a pleasant one there are a few things to keep in mind before you head out. Below you will find a some hiking tips for beginners.

What to wear on your hike.

* Cotton clothing is not advisable on a hike due to the fact that it drys slowly. Choose comfortable clothing made from synthetic materials that will dry quickly.
* Comfortable footwear is very important. Do not wear brand new hiking boots that have not yet been broken in.
* Broad rimmed hats are necessary when hiking in hot weather for sun protection.
* Have a bandanna handy to wipe sweat from your brow.
* Sunglasses

What to bring along on your hike.

* Salty snacks and plenty of water. Plan on drinking a pint of water every hour in hot weather.
* A spray bottle for an instant cool down.
* A first aid kit that includes insect repellant and blister pads – just in case.
* Binoculars and cameras are nice, but optional.
* A pack to put all your stuff in.

Where to hike

* Plan your hike in the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
* Know the weather conditions before setting out on your hike.
* Decide the length of time you will hike; a couple hours or all day, resting for a meal.
* Plan your hike in the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
* Know the weather conditions before setting out on your hike.
* Many parks have multiple trails of varying difficulty. Common sense will let you know which is right for you. When in doubt, choose the easier one and then move up to the more strenuous trails.
* Look for trails and parks that are well maintained. Trails that haven’t been kept up can create a safety hazard with overgrown plants and bushes and loose rock and gravel.

Taking these hiking tips for beginners into consideration your hikes should be pleasant and memorable. Most important of all, have fun!

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