Hiking 101 - 5 Quick Hiking Tips!

Hiking is truly one of the most amazing things anyone could do. I love both regular hiking but also urban hiking. This post is focused on what one should do when going on a hike. (The regular kind. Not urban hiking. Urban hiking will get a post of their own.)

Tip #1: Wear the right shoes and dress appropriately

Now this one seems obvious but trust me, wearing the wrong shoes will make any hike feel a lot more like work. Hikes should be all about exploration, not about your feet feeling like they are about to fall off. Wearing the proper sneakers or boots goes a long way. (slight pun intended) This also goes for how you dress as a whole. If you wear jeans on a 95 degree day, the trip probably won’t be any fun. Be sure to look at weather forecasts prior to your trip so you know how to dress.

Tip #2: DON’T FORGET WATER!!!

Now hiking can come off as just walking through the woods; and for part of the time, it is. But there will points where there are inclines or stairs that one may need to climb to get to the next part of the trail and doing any of this on a warm day WITHOUT water is brutal. Sometimes, even if the hike was mostly even, just the mere fact of walking a long distance will cause anyone to get thirsty. Please stay hydrated and if needed, bring light snacks so that if you do get tired in the middle of the woods where resources are probably at least a mile away, you have something to help your body out. 

Tip #3: Surround yourself with the right people.

Now remember: you will be walking LONG DISTANCES when hiking so be sure you go with a group that you know you will have a good time with. Nothing is fun if you go do something with a group of people you don’t like. Also realize that sometimes hiking by yourself is the best solution. Just be sure you bring your cellphone just in case anything (and I mean ANYTHING) happens. It is truly best to go in a group so don’t ever surround yourself with negative vibes.

Tip #4: Pack lightly but practical.

Don’t bring so much to where you know you would be stopping every few feet. You need to keep in mind that whatever you bring on hike, you are carrying EVERYWHERE with you. If you’re a photographer (like myself), try to keep the camera equipment to the essentials. Carrying everything with me all day will definitely make me want to just throw in the towel instead of continuing the journey. If your backpack is hurting your shoulders, it is probably too heavy. Don’t ever push yourself.

Tip #5: Keep a map handy.

I personally try to keep a map of the trails on my person whenever I hike as a go-to for if my group and I get lost. Yes, trails are most of the time marked, but you truly never know when you are out in the open so a map truly does help. A map also helps indicate as to which trails you may want to do; i.e. hiking the scenic route vs hiking into the deep valleys. Rather be safe than sorry. Please keep in mind that I’m NOT saying that one should stay online on the routes. The map is simply just a guide for if you go off trail and do get lost. Never anything wrong with that.

Hiking is always a great way to relax and explore so I hope that these tips help you have a more enjoyable hike!