Plan a Hike
How to Plan, Prepare, and Pack for a Hike
Hiking is a fun, relaxing way to have a great time outside with friends and family. When you go hiking, you get to see places in nature where roads are inaccessible. Leave your worries about time, work, and other stresses far behind and reawaken your sense of wonder. There is no such thing as reconnecting with friends or loved ones on a journey through nature.
If you have never traveled on foot before, you may feel intimidated by the idea. You may be worried that you are not in the shape of a hiker. Maybe you fear that you will get lost and will not be able to find a way back. Make sure there is an addition for everyone. Hiking is not a race to the finish line, but a low-impact exercise that is about enjoying good company and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
Hiking also offers many health benefits, including weight management and help reduce stress. Physical activity also reduces the risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. If you are ready to start hiking, you are making a great choice for your overall health. Plus, it’s easier said than done.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to start hiking, from packing essentials to how to prepare for a day hike. With a little planning, you can enjoy a safe, comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Choose your hiking trip!
First of all, choose your hiking trail! AllTrails, GAIA, and the Hiking Project are all great sites for finding hikes near you.
When exploring the trail, consider your fitness level (and those with whom you are hiking), length, overall height (double-check that mileage round trips outside and back are not the only route! ), And Region. AllTrails lets you add a filter for “attractions”, so if you want to hike, waterfall or lake, you can filter down the trails that will offer it.
You may also want to consider the climatic nature, as some trails at higher altitudes may not be accessible in the summer due to snow. While hot climates may close during other summers. You can call the park or ranger station to check that your chosen route is open.
Do you need a permit?
Advance permits will be required for some additions to popular areas. Information on AllTrails or blogs is not always up to date, so try naming your trail + permits (e.g., “Green Lakes Trail Permits”) to see if anyone needs them and how to get them.
How much time will you need?
Make a note of the length of your hike and the total height of the hike to determine how much time you need to complete the hike.
If you do not know the speed of your hiking, consider that the average person will accelerate to 2.5-3 MPH and for every 1,000 feet of altitude, you will want to add about one hour of hiking time. Of course, this will vary depending on your fitness level, pack weight, height, and trail conditions. Don’t forget to calculate the stops!
Reach the trailhead and parking lot
Guess what the road to the trailhead is like (is it paved? If not, can your car handle the road?) And parking conditions. Some trails have competitive parking or small spaces, so you’ll want to include them in your day planner and get there early.
Hiking Preparation (days in advance)
Once you have chosen your hike and know the logistics, you can begin to prepare yourself and your luggage for further adventures! These are the steps we take before each hike to make sure we are ready to get on the trail.
Ready to hit the trail? Here are 9 tips to help:
Know your way. The first step in a great hike is choosing your route. Chances are you’ll find a trail nearby that will add a lot to the day. But if you are looking for a multi-day trip or scenic views, you may want to visit a state or a national park. (Coronavirus restrictions may cause some parks to close, so be sure to check before you go.) Websites like REI’s Hiking Project also allow you to find nearby trails and read reviews, so you know better. What to expect.
? Choose the right shoes. Shoes can make the difference between a pleasant addition and hours of pain. For relatively flat and easy trails, a pair of running shoes is a must. But if you are dealing with rough and rocky terrain, you will appreciate the ankle support offered by hiking boats. Whatever you choose, prevent blisters by making sure your shoes fit and are well-worn.
? Play it safe. When it comes to hiking, safety should be a top priority. Keep in mind the social distance guidelines, and walk with a family member if possible. Be sure to tell others about your hiking plans. It’s also a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary in the car – just in case the search and rescue crew needs to find you. There are also many outdoor apps available that can provide everything from first aid tips to GPS tracking.
? Dress in layers. Weather can be unpredictable when you’re hiking – especially at high altitudes. Always check the forecast before you go, and dress accordingly. Wearing multiple layers can help you relax throughout the day by folding and taking off clothes.
? Be prepared. Like the weather, nature can be unpredictable. So even if you’re just planning a short day hike, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Take some essentials like water, snacks, matches, a flashlight, a pocket knife, and a small first aid kit. Hopefully, you won’t need these items. But if anything unexpected happens, you will be glad you brought them with you.
? Build health. Preparing for a hike takes more time than packing a bag. You will also want to prepare yourself physically. Before your trip, increase your cardio by walking or running to get in shape. Exercises such as squats and steps can prepare your legs, while planks and setups help strengthen your core.
? Know your limits. When choosing a hiking trail, it is best to start small. Pay close attention to the difficult hierarchy of your chosen trial and be realistic about your boundaries. The average walking speed is about 3 miles per hour, but you have to add one hour for every 1,000 feet of altitude. Remember, the choice of hiking with too much distance or altitude can hurt you – or worse, get stuck.
? Pack light. It is important to be prepared, but a heavy backpack can make hiking feel like a chore. Avoid overpacking by sticking to the essentials and saving weight where possible. For example, the Sunscreen Travel Size Tube is a better choice than its full-size counterpart. And if you are walking along with a clean water source such as a creek or stream, you can filter the water instead of carrying it on your back. Read water filtering tips from the American Hiking Society.
? Learn the rules. Each park and trail has its own rules. Do your homework before you add so you know what is allowed. All pedestrian areas will ask you to follow the “leave no trace” principle. This means leaving the hiking area as soon as you find it and packing all your trash. Wildlife feeding is prohibited in most parks, and there will be additional rules regarding camping, deviating from marked trails and setting up campfires.