Hiking 101 for Beginner Hikers
When I started this blog, I asked friends and others what some topics they would like me to cover, and a lot of people asked about information for new hikers and how to get started.
Chances are you had a friend tell you about an excellent hike they went on, or you saw some beautiful pictures on social media of a hike you'd like to try. So, how do you start and what do you need?
Trails - "How do I know what's a good trail to go on?"
-Distance
-Elevation
-Location
-Level
These are some important factors when searching for a trail to hike. For example, if you're a beginner hiker you probably don't want to hike a trail that is 11 miles long and has 3,000 feet elevation - but you will eventually!
Distance: I would suggest a new hiker should seek a distance of 3-5 miles in case your fitness level isn't exactly where you want it to be and you don't have hiking shoes yet.
Elevation; What is this? Elevation is the gain you make when traveling upwards and there is less oxygen. Some people get altitude sickness with elevation as low as 7,000 feet, so please be careful. The higher you climb, the less air there is. In order to test what works best for you I'd suggest nothing more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain for your first few hikes and then work your way up the more you hike.
Location: When seeking a trail, I'd suggest something local within your comfort zone. You don't want to drive out to Joshua Tree and attempt your first hike on a back country trail in harsh desert conditions. Take a look at a map or google "nearby hiking trails" and see the results.
Level: When seeking a trail, stick to levels "Easy" or "Level 1 or 2".
How do I find a Trail?
This is the number one question I get from people. There are multiple resources to find the perfect trail and here are some suggestions:
Hiking Groups
Apps
Websites
Books
Social Media
What do I bring on my first hike?
Water! If you bring anything, please bring plenty of water. However, whenever you go on a hike you should always consider bringing the Ten Essentials in a backpack.
Ten Essentials:
Navigation: You can bring your smartphone, use a GPS system - but the smartest/battery free option is a paper map.
Sun protection: This is essential year around.
Insulation: Bring layers—an extra shirt, hat, and gloves during colder seasons.
Illumination: You can bring a little LED flashlight or use a head lamp. Always remember to bring extra batteries if your light source uses them.
First-aid: You don't have to bring your entire first aid kit, instead bring supplies for common maladies like blisters, hot spots, cuts and scrapes. Also, be sure to include insect repellent depending on the season.
Fire: You can bring water-proof matches or a lighter.
Repair kit and tools: You can bring a small pocket knife, multi-tool, duct tape in case your pack tears, and maybe a trowel with a zip-lock bag to bury human waste if needed and put your tissue in the bag. Please reference the Leave No Trace rules.
Nutrition: Bring enough food for yourself and someone else to share. The average hiker should consume at least 200 calories per hour. According to REI, for a full day on a backpacking trip, "a reasonable goal is 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of food (or 2,500 to 4,500 calories) per person per day depending on your size, weight, and exertion level."
Hydration: A short day hike requires an additional 20 ounces to the persons average means of water, according to the Mayo Clinic. The distance you'll travel, location of the trail (higher altitude means a higher risk of dehydration), whether you'll have access to a water source, and weather will determine what you pack. Carry a way to purify water along the trail, you can do this by using purification tablets (these don't taste very good) or a lightweight water purifier like a Sawyer.
Emergency shelter: This is always handy to have and better to be prepared if you ever get lost and need to sleep outside unexpectedly.
Should I go by myself or with a group?
It depends. Are you familiar with the trail and the surroundings, and do you feel confident? Try a solo hike.
Are you new to the area and have never been on the trail? Perhaps bring a friend or find a hiking group embarking on the trail soon and join them.
The primary concern: you do not want to risk getting lost.
"Aren't you afraid you might slip and fall or get eaten by a mountain lion?"
Simple, no. Here are some tips on what to do if you encounter a rattle snake, bear or mountain lion:
Bear: Stop what you're doing and try to remain calm. You can speak to the bear in a friendly tone, back away from the animal, but do not run and try to maintain eye contact with the animal in case they make any sudden movements towards you. Never approach a bear and if you see one off in the distance, turnaround and leave the way you came.
Snake: Don't move. If a snake feels threatened by you slowly move away from the snake with no sudden movements. If you are bitten, seek medical help immediately and do not tend to the bite yourself.
Mountain Lion: Stay calm, don't run, and DO NOT CROUCH DOWN or BEND OVER. Do anything you can to seem intimidating so they do not bother you. You can do this by raising your arms and waving them, speaking in a loud deep voice, and throw stones or branches if they attempt to get close to you.
Do I need a permit?
Sometimes! Some wilderness areas require a permit for a day hike. Simply call your local ranger station or search online as to whether or not you need one.
Note: typically if you join a group hike through Meetup or any other organized hiking group the leaders will take care of this part for you.
What do I wear?
Key words: LAYER and NO COTTON.
For your first hike, the most important thing to consider is the weather. The last thing you want is to be too cold, too hot, or to get caught in rain unprepared. Make sure to check the weather and bring layers so you can adjust as needed.
Here are some suggestions on what you could wear on the trail in a separate post.
I hope these tips help your feel confident and excited to get on the trail!
