We’ve all had a first time going hiking — some of us began to walk through the mountains with experienced pros, whereas others have been learning from the accumulated experience day after day, and even others have done a mixture of both. Whatever the case, being a beginner hiker can be tough.
However, despite the risks to take into account, it is still a highly rewarding and fun activity, and one any person can enjoy, as long as they hike responsibly. We’ve compiled a handful of tips that might help you enhance your hiking adventures and keep you safe if you feel like you’re still figuring things out.
Always Stay Hydrated
It is very important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your hike to avoid unwanted injury or problems. When it comes to hydrating, we recommend choosing water or isotonic drinks (and never carbonated soda). In the event of a long march, or one that requires a physical effort greater than normal, you can even add salts to your water.
Never go out into the mountains to go hiking without at least a liter and a half of water. You’ll have to be smart when it comes to choosing a water container, as it should let you transport it in an accessible way so you can easily take small sips anytime. There is a wide range of solutions for that, from the most sophisticated coolers to the simplest canteens in your backpack pocket.
Maintain an Adequate Pace on the Climbs
This doesn’t mean that you should be climbing especially slowly, though. What’s important is that you keep a constant pace. When reaching an area with an upward slope, maintain your rhythm as much as possible or even lower it, if necessary. Think of it as if you were running the gears of a bicycle.
You must avoid speeding up your steps in order to reach the top sooner. This is especially true if you don’t know exactly how much you have left to climb, as it’s very likely that you’ll exhaust yourself sooner and make the journey a lot harder. Find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it until you’re prepared to increase the intensity.
Wear the Right Clothes
As you make your way through a mountain, evaluate if you have an excess or lack of clothes and put on or take off layers as necessary. Avoid fabrics such as cotton, and try to use technical fabrics instead. This is because when they get wet, they dry very quickly.
Always wear clothes that don’t come too loose, too. It’s best to go relatively tight, but without losing mobility. Garments that are too wide have the bad habit of catching on branches and ledges, so beware of the clothes that you’re choosing.
Regarding footwear, it’s much safer to walk with a nice pair of custom-made boots. A comfortable boot with a waterproof membrane will not only prevent sprains and your feet from getting soaked in the event of rain or stepping on flooded areas, but it will also prevent loose stones from impacting your ankle.
Now that you know some of the do’s and don’ts of hiking, find yourself some friends, an instructor if possible, and go for a walk in the mountains! Here, we offer you spectacular views and tours that will help you create beautiful memories. Not only that, but they’ll also brighten your photo album. Are you ready to go on an adventure?
