Hiking is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not only can you reduce stress, but you can also take advantage of many more health benefits. For example, hiking can improve your quality of sleep, lower your blood pressure, improve arthritis, and even enhance your balance. Not to mention, you get to enjoy hours of beautiful scenery while you reconnect with the land.
However, there’s nothing more frustrating than realising you’re missing that essential piece of kit when you’re already halfway through the hike. Similarly, without the right route planning, your easy four-hour hike can turn into an eight-hour tragedy.
All in all, there are a few things that can put a damper on your plans. Here are x ways you can ensure your hiking trip goes off without a hitch. Keep reading to find out what they are!
Make a List
One of the most annoying inconveniences is realising you packed the wrong item or simply didn’t pack it at all. To avoid this from happening, we recommend you write up a packing list and check off the items as you place them in your backpack.
Pack Lightly
This website recommends packing ultralight for your hikes and taking your pack for a dry run around the neighbourhood. This way you can evaluate whether you have all the right items or whether your backpack is too heavy.
Plan Your Route
Once you know what area you would like to hike, you need to plan your route accordingly. You can also read online reviews to see what other hikers thought of the trail and whether they have any useful tips.
Dress in Layers
Another great way to make your hiking trip more enjoyable is by dressing in layers. This will help you find the perfect outfit during different stages of your hike. Whether you’re feeling hot or cold you can add or remove layers to fit your body temperature.
Pick Your Best Shoes
One of the greatest mistakes you can make is choosing to wear your brand-new shoes on a hike. Unless you’re only planning a short hike, it’s best to pick your tried and tested pair as these will avoid any blisters.
Learn the Rules
Different hikes will have different rules set out by the natural park or local state. Therefore, it’s important to get accustomed to them before you set off on your hike. For example, you may not be able to feed the animals.
Text a Buddy
Last but not least, make sure to be as safe as possible during your hike as you can get injured or lost. Whether you’re hiking by yourself or with a few buddies, we recommend you let a loved one know about your trails. Send them a quick text when you’re heading out and let them know when you’ve arrived safely at your destination. This can help avoid any unfortunate accidents from happening down the line.