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Preparing tips for Your Hiking Trip

Getting started hiking can be a little bit confusing. Some will tell you that hiking involves a tent and overnight trips. Others consider that exclusive to backpacking.

Still other hikers will face the challenge of living in areas which are urban. In these cases, you’ll have to plan special weekend trips to get out hiking in the wilderness.

Even with all these common barriers out of our way, hikers face questions such as, “what about bears!?” Then there’s the classic problem of what kind of food to carry, how to deal with rain, and how to start a fire. Hiking Food for Diabetes https://www.hikingbay.com/hiking-food-for-diabetics-meal-ideas-trail-mix-and-food-guidelines-to-follow

Many of these skills are very foreign to new hikers or those looking to get started. Not to worry, however, because we’re going to teach you how to get started hiking – the easy way.

Preparing for Your Hiking Trip

Properly planning and preparing for your next hiking trip is the binding which holds your experience together. Experienced hikers start by choosing a destination and then assessing the requisite needs and skills for their trip. Here’s how we’ll tackle this:

Choosing a Location

When just getting started hiking it’s important to choose a destination that seems fun to you. However, keep your expectations reasonable. Avoid areas that might present difficulties such as desert locations or particularly remote areas. Consider choosing an area where the terrain is relatively flat, to avoid the difficulties that come with major elevation gains.

More experienced hikers may choose to hike in and camp at their destinations. I would recommend leaving this for later. Start by just taking some day hikes, and avoid adding the difficulty of camping on top of your beginning trips. best winter hikes in washington https://www.hikingbay.com/10-best-winter-hikes-in-washington

Equipment and Skills

Some hikers have the luxury of living near great trails and temperate weather. Others may live in desert climates or areas where rain is a part of daily life. Consider where you’ll be hiking and decide if you’ll need any unique equipment or skills to be safe and enjoy your hike. Many hikers and backpackers opt to take a wilderness medicine course. Taking a wilderness first aid or wilderness first responder course will definitely improve your level of confidence. I highly recommend taking a wilderness medicine course from SOLO or NOLS at some point during your hiking career.

For equipment, consider taking some kind of water purification on every trip. If you’re entering a particularly arid location, you may want to take extra water. I highly recommend Platy bottles for water. Where you use them as your primary water bottle, or a backup extra. Of course, if you think you need more water, using a hydration pack is a good option. Plan ahead!

Check the Weather

This doesn’t mean looking to see if it’ll be raining when you’re hiking. Reasonable changes in weather are an integral part of camping outdoors and should be expected so make sure you’re prepared. Being prepared for inclement weather means carrying camping essentials such as rain gear and knowing how to keep your sleeping bag safe and dry so you don’t end up with hypothermia! Keto Hiking Food For A Multi-Day Hike https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike

What’s more important than checking the daily weather is getting a feel for the overall average conditions in the area you’ll be hiking in. What’s the average high and low temperature for the area at this time of year? Is the climate cold and wet or hot and dry?

These considerations will have a huge impact on your final decision of what hiking gear to bring and how many and which layers of clothing to pack. Having a functional understanding of the weather in the area you’ll be camping in, as well as what that means for your decisions is critical to enjoying a safe hiking trip.

Check with Local Authorities

You’ll need the best maps, up to date information, and local insight before taking your hiking trip. If you have any unanswered questions about seasonal considerations such as weather, road closures, or regulations, it’s best to call the local park rangers or outfitters in the area.

You’ll be surprised what kind of great tips and information you’ll get just by making a phone call to someone who knows the area! Often, I’ve found that maps or articles from other hikers just don’t cut it. Many trails, despite being known to me, simply lack good information. In these cases, there’s only one solution.

Go straight to the source! This is when it becomes critical to call the local park ranger’s office or the nearest outfitter. Even if they don’t have the answers, they’ll know who to refer you to!

Avoid: Buying Gear from One Store

Shiny new brightly colored backpack, one of any number of ThermaRest pads poking out from under the pack, and an absurdly expensive Mountain Hardware rain jacket haphazardly sticking out of the mesh pocket on the back.

This hiker is rolling around with two Nalgene bottles covered in duct tape with not a scratch on them. I am, of course, describing the hiker who went to the nearest store and bought every piece of gear the salesman recommended.

Now, don’t take this the wrong way, depending on your needs there is plenty of great gear at major retailers and, in fact, their in-house brands can be really great!

Do your research first and decide what options are really out there; there is so much more than just Patagonia, North Face, and Marmot. Try some cool cottage manufacturers like zPacks, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Trail Designs, Mont Bell, and Granite Gear. I get a lot of my personal gear from these companies.

Pro Tip: I buy a few select items from big companies like Marmot and Patagonia for specific purposes – just be sure to choose your equipment based on research, not brand.

Make Your Own Backpacking Meals

Premade backpacking meals are expensive, heavy, bulky, and often lack creativity or good nutritional value. Many hikers find that packing their own meals is preferable and it’s certainly the only way you’re going to get meals customized for your tastes. For short day hikes you can even get away with just tossing some food from your pantry into the backpack.

When doing loner trips or camping overnight, you’ll need something else. It’s easy to find great, high calorie options by doing something called freezer bag cooking.

This method of backpacking cooking means leaving the pot at home (that’s right no cooking pot). Place premade meals in Ziploc bags and just add a cup of boiling water. Once the meal has hydrated it’s time to eat up.

One of my favorite freezer bag meals is minute rice, dehydrated refried beans, taco seasoning, and crushed Fritos. I’m sure there are many variations of this meal, but I’ll share my method with you. Rehydrated the rice, beans, and taco seasoning together in a bag. Once hydrated, stir well and crush Fritos chips over the top for a delicious meal everyone will be jealous of.

For more meals, check out this great resource on homemade freezer bag meals! Of course you can really make just about any meal you want as long as you can find dehydrated ingredients.

Choosing Hiking Gear

Backpack

While you can get started with just about anything, I’ll set you in the right direction for finding your first hiking backpack. Keep in mind that factors such as budget, purpose, and preference play a huge role here. I’d still recommend minimizing weight where possible and look for only the essentials. Bells and whistles need not apply.

Something like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack combine extreme lightweight, waterproofness, and function into one tiny package. You’ll be blown away that a pack so small and light can handle your hiking needs for a day.

Bulkier, heavier, or more rough loads you might consider a backpack with a built-in hip belt and more durable construction. While it’s going to weigh more than the Ultra-Sil Dry Pack, the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler RT 20 Outdry Backpack.

I’ve used Mountain Hardwear daypacks in the past and I love their quality, durability, and overall functionality. This bag will be hard to replace as you learn to rely on it over the years.

Footwear

What you wear on your feet is important, lighter is better! Normally I recommend hiking shoes over boots because rarely do you really need the extra protection of boots. Hiking shoes for men and women are pretty much the same other than styling and sizing.

I prefer synthetic mesh shoes, water proof is usually not necessary because water will just come in over the cuff of the shoes. Boots do offer some extra benefits of ankle support and more protection from water.

Modern hiking boots for men and women are not just the bulky Timberland boots that come to mind. Mostly made from leather and synthetic materials are lighter and more comfortable than their cousins of old. Energizing Day Hiking Lunch Ideas https://www.hikingbay.com/energizing-day-hiking-lunch-ideas-for-your-next-outdoor-escapade

Also a good pair of hiking socks will make a huge difference in foot comfort. Look for hiking socks made with Merino wool. It is good at keeping your feet dry and resisting bacterial growth.

Clothing

There is such a wide variety of hiking pants available for men and women, it can very confusing whats really important. One feature I consider important is convertibility, meaning hiking pants where the legs unzip to create shorts. These are perfect for summer hiking where its cool in the morning and warms up in the afternoon. This saves you having to carry both with you.

For hiking shirts I would recommend a “dry” shirt that offers UV protection like the Columbia “Omni-Shade” line of shirts. Whatever you decide to do with make sure its loose fitting and breathable to keep you dry and cool. I like long sleeve shirts where the sleeves can be rolled up and secured in place and a couple of front pockets can be useful but I rarely keep much in them.

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Job guide for beginner hikers

Want to spend your days outdoors but don't have a zillion certifications? Check out these ideas for attaining your first guiding job! Imagine getting up tomorrow morning, excited for the day you're about to spend outside. You grab a big breakfast, your hiking boots, and a packed backpack. Head out the door, drive up the mountain, and show people around Mother Nature for a day. Now imagine getting to do this every day, not just for fun, but for work.

Sounds good, right?

Being an outdoor or tour guide can be a tough industry to enter, especially with the never-ending spectrum of technical gear and knowledge that comes with being in the outdoors. Many of these jobs require a lot of certifications and sometimes years of experience. But there's good news for the regular folks who did not spend their youth working towards their Level-8000 Mountain-Climbing-Life-Saving-Avalanche-Surfing certificate! Hiking Food for Diabetes https://www.hikingbay.com/hiking-food-for-diabetics-meal-ideas-trail-mix-and-food-guidelines-to-follow

If you have spent your leisure time in the backcountry and are looking to take your interests to the next level, check out some ideas below for entry-level (with some practical experience/interests) guiding jobs:

1. Snowshoe Guide at a Front-Country Mountain

Take members of the public out for some winter-wonderland hiking fun on the mountain! Front country ski hills often have their own snowshoe trail systems near their downhill areas. These spots act as extra profit for mountain business, and a golden ticket for you to get some guiding experience while having the amenities of a fully trained patrol on site, so you don't have the responsibility of being a highly qualified First Aid responder. What's Required?

Public speaking skills, good fitness, and a positive attitude in any weather are required for this gig. Often times you will be dealing with folks who have never hiked before, so it's important you know how to read an audience (including their fitness levels), and play to their strengths/weaknesses accordingly!

2. Bus Tour Guide

Ride along on world class journeys, talk to people form all around the world, and share information about the outdoors! If you live nearby an outdoor tourism mecca (think the PNW, Banff, or any National Park), and want to spend the day outside without any major physical exertion, bus guiding may be right for you! Big bus & tour companies will often hire non-driving guides or "hosts" for long bus trips that act as the face of customer service and information for guests. You will be able to stop off with the guests at various checkpoints, and show them the best your area has got in terms of accessible nature! best winter hikes in washington https://www.hikingbay.com/10-best-winter-hikes-in-washington

What's Required?

Customer service experience and local knowledge (the wider the range, the better) are the two keys to bus guiding. The ability to work with a rigid schedule and long hours will also help you get ahead in this demanding role.

3. Backroads Guide

Backroads is a company that hires a wide variety of employees in terms of skill set, and you get to be a biking-focussed trip leader in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

If you have always wanted to travel for work, or simply see the best outdoor marvels nears your home on the daily, Backroads might be for you. Being a guide at backroads is a seasonal gig that requires long hours and a high amount of responsibility, but with a killer team and being outside for work, the hard days are paid off in beauty and good times.

What's Required?

Energy and social skills in high intensity scenarios are vital for staying afloat at backroads. Good problem solving in customer service areas, logistics and organization-oriented, and good fitness if bike guiding!

4. High Ropes Course or Zipline Leader

Another great option for those without specific qualifications in a sport or the backcountry. Get your daily adrenaline fix while exploring the outdoors with guests in a fun environment.

If you aren't afraid of heights or flying from platform to platform at high speeds, this could be the outdoor job for you. These positions will come with full safety and adventure training, allowing for new skills and the ability to start from scratch. Take groups out on exciting adventures while sharing your passion for ecology and the outdoors! What's Required?

Public speaking, customer service, and a focus on safety! Keto Hiking Food For A Multi-Day Hike https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike

5. Local Company Guide

Many companies will look (especially seasonally) for various low-level guides throughout the year. If you are in an urban setting, think places like local ecology centres, community centres, or kids' outdoor programs. If you live near a larger park service such as a National Park or even a tourist destination, you can also check out various tour companies - think boat tours, city walking tours, etc. With a little creativity, some research, and an idea of the setting you want to work in - the possibilities may be endless.

Another perk of working for a company? They will oftentimes pay for your certification in a certain field: licenses, first aid certification, etc. Working at Lake Minnewanka in Banff last year, I had this experience personally, where I went through various (covered) training including attaining a Masters Captains License and St. John's First Aid training. Ask around, and look online for companies that may provide training for free upon hiring! Energizing Day Hiking Lunch Ideas https://www.hikingbay.com/energizing-day-hiking-lunch-ideas-for-your-next-outdoor-escapade

In conclusion:

Guiding is certainly not closed off to those with no experience. With the right amount of passion and drive to be a good guide, the possibilities are endless. That being said, there are some things that will bring you some bonus points when it comes to the interview table including: • Basic First Aid Training • Public Speaking Experience • Knowledge of Local Ecology, History, and Outdoor Recreation • Experience (even if just casual) in your particular work area

With these skills in your pocket, you will be ahead of the pack when it comes to entry-level guiding. Of course, always remember to bring specific examples to your CVs and interviews.

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Guide to hike safely

We highly recommend that you read the hiking guide before going hiking in the Faroe Islands.

We have produced a ‘safe travel’ leaflet that provides important information about how to travel in the Faroe Islands. On the back page, you can fill out the information about where you plan on hiking and when you expect to return. Leave the leaflet under the windshield of your car or at your place of accommodation. That way someone can notify relevant authorities should you not have returned by the time you have stated. The leaflet can be downloaded or picked up at regional information centres, car hires, on the Smyril Line ferry, at Vágar Airport, among other places.

PATHS AND ROUTES

Most of the paths described in the hiking guide are old village paths. Before the roads came, you would travel between the villages using these paths, e.g. to trade, to visit family, to a Thing (local assembly) or to church. Village paths were also used when the coffins of the dead were carried to the nearest church. The paths are marked with ancient cairns, a heap of stones set up as a landmark showing the way, so you don’t get lost. Some routes are not along the old village paths. These are along ancient footpaths that have been tread through the ages, such as on the mountains Slættaratindur, Bøsdalafossur and Klakkur. The routes are listed in geographical order from north to south. The cairns are in good condition and are well maintained in most places. In some places, the cairns can be hard to see, while the path is clearly visible. On some routes, the direction of the path is marked with poles sticking out of the ground. There are, however, a few places without cairns, clear path or poles. For these places, we have described other features, such as masts, buildings, inclination of the land and gorges, that will guide you in the right direction. Related Articles : https://www.hikingbay.com

DURATION AND DIFFICULTY

Each route in the hiking guide is marked with a time indication that shows the duration of the walk. Unless otherwise noted, the time indicated covers the whole trip, and not just one way. The duration indicates how long it takes for an adult with normal walking speed to walk the route. Meal breaks or other stops are not included. The difficulty level is also described, along with a recommendation on whether the trip is suitable for children.

The difficulty level is assessed on the basis of how steep the terrain is, if the surface is flat or uneven, and how long the route is. It can be difficult to put a precise age on a route for children, as all children are different. For example, an eightyear-old in good shape can easily cover a seven kilometre journey, while a 12-year-old in bad shape can find the same trip difficult. It is important that an adult takes the child’s physical shape and previous hiking experiences into consideration before making a decision on whether or not to allow them to join.

FAUNA AND CULTURAL HISTORY

There are birds on many of the islands: Curlew, Snipe, Plovers, Oystercatchers, Skuas, Great Skuas, Ravens and Crows. Sheep, geese and hares are also common. In the outfield, you also get an idea of how ancestors of the Faroese people lived and got by. Stone outhouses, boat houses, Teigalendi (old arable strips), peat fields and Kráir (stone stores for peat) tell us how close to nature people have lived. You see old infield walls, drovers, sheep pens, sheep shelters, sheep houses and Fransatoftir (Frenchman’s Ruins, which are ruins of small houses where people took refuge from pirates in the old days). Keto Hiking Food For A Multi-Day Hike https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike

RESPECT NATURE

• Nature is fragile. It should be treated well and protected for future generations. • Follow the cairns or other marks and do not go off the paths out into the meadow or outfield • Close the outfield gates behind you • Treat the cairns, fences and walls well • Do not disturb the sheep, birds and plants • It is prohibited to pick plants or to take stones, eggs, or chicks • It is customary to pick up loose wool that the sheep have shed • Do not leave rubbish behind • Beware of not walking into marshland, as it can be deep • Dogs must not be taken into the outfields • It is prohibited to travel by bicycle or motor vehicle in the outfields or along the cairn paths

Take nothing but pictures

Kill nothing but time

Leave nothing but footprints

Make nothing but memories

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

• Always wear clothes suitable for the weather. However, as the weather in the Faroe Islands can change suddenly, even during the summer, it’s a good idea to bring extra clothes. A cap and gloves are also recommended • Many places in the outfield are rocky and wet. It is recommended to use walking shoes/boots with rough bottoms. Rubber boots with rough bottoms can also be used. Remember, shoes and boots need to be walked-in. Do not go on a long hike in brand new footwear • We recommend you wear several thin layers of clothing, preferably with wool as the most inner layer, depending on the weather. Wool and fleece are best because they keep the body warm even if the clothes become wet. The outer layer of clothing could be a windproof and, if possible, a waterproof jacket • In very steep areas, it is not recommended to wear clothes made of nylon because the clothes can be slippery. If possible, remove the nylon jacket until you have passed the steepest area • A mobile phone can come in handy. Remember to charge the battery and maybe bring a power bank (extra charge) on long trips. Note that there is no telephone connection on some stretches in the outfield • Head lamp, compass and whistle can be useful in an emergency or if you are surprised by fog/ darkness • Always bring food, drink and something sweet – also for short trips • A map of the route is an important part of your gear • Remember to fill out our Safe Travel leaflet and leave it your car or place of accommodation before you go hiking. The leaflet can be picked up at hotels, regional information centres, Vágar Airpot and ferry harbour, among other places Hiking Food for Diabetics https://www.hikingbay.com/hiking-food-for-diabetics-meal-ideas-trail-mix-and-food-guidelines-to-follow

OFF WE GO

• Notify your host about where you plan on hiking. Please let them know when you have arrived at the destination • Always walk with others • Do not be afraid to ask locals or experienced people for directions, weather or other advice • Areas with loose stones and rocks are particularly slippery in dry terrain. Be particularly careful when hiking in groups as loose stones can harm hikers walking below you • Do not go too close to the cliffs; especially in wet areas when the ground can be slippery. Be very careful with children

WEATHER DEPENDENT

• Check the weather forecast to see if conditions are favourable for walking • Do not leave if there is fog or if it is dark outside – Be prepared for the fact that meteorologists can be wrong or that the weather can suddenly change after you have left • If you are surprised by unexpected fog on a trip, it is very important to keep to the cairns. If the fog is so dense that you cannot see from one cairn to the next, it is best to wait by a cairn and otherwise try to keep warm • Turn back if there is something wrong. There is no shame in not finishing the hike • Be well dressed, preferably in several layers of clothing. The weather can suddenly change

HIKING RESTRICTIONS

A few hiking routes in the Faroe Islands have implemented restrictions regarding access to the area and now require payment for walking in that location. Please check if the route you are planning on hiking requires you too book a local guide or to pay a fee. An overview of these locations can be found here.

HARE-HUNTING SEASON

Please note that the hare-hunting season runs annually from 2 Nov to 31 December. Most people choose to hunt hares on Saturdays, but it is their right to hunt all days except Sunday. Hunting takes places in the mountains all across the country. what to wear on a hike and still look cute https://www.hikingbay.com/what-to-wear-on-a-hike-and-still-look-cute

For your own safety, we advise not to hike during this season. In any case, please contact the landowner if you wish to go hiking. These contacts can be found by getting in touch with the regional information centre in the respected area.

DIGITAL MAPS

Contact local Regional Information Centres for digital maps (GPX) of routes for iPhone and Android.

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Essential hiking tips for beginners

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do. If you’ve dreamed of hiking, but have yet to try it, it’s time to get out there. Just follow these steps:

1. Find a hiking partner 2. Choose a hike 3. Gear up

Find a Hiking Partner

If you have friends who hike, ask them to take you on a trek. Most people are happy to share their expertise, let you borrow gear and introduce newbies to their favorite trails.

If you don’t know any hikers, many cities and towns have hiking clubs that regularly plan outings. You can find hiking classes, outings and events through REI Outdoor School. Online groups, such as MeetUp, are also a great way to find hiking buddies. Related Articles : https://www.hikingbay.com

Hiking alone: Experiencing the outdoors by yourself can give you a sense of freedom and adventure that are hard to find elsewhere. But it can also be intimidating and lonely at times. If you’re new to hiking, we recommend finding a companion to keep you company. That person will also be there to lend a hand if you happen to get hurt. If going alone really is your only option, then start out with short trips to popular hiking destinations and make sure someone always knows where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone.

Choose a Hiking Route

There are several easy ways to find a hiking trail that will meet your needs: • Guidebooks and websites are great resources because you can get all the stats you need: trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, directions, water sources, trail features and whether dogs are allowed. Websites often display recent trip reports that may give you a sense for what current trail conditions are like.

Hiking Project

For trail suggestions near you, check out the Hiking Project. It gives you access to more than 83,000 miles of trails and includes maps, high-res photos and detailed descriptions.

• Word of mouth: If you have friends who like to hike, ask them to suggest some locations for you. • Talk to locals: Contact a local hiking organization or call a ranger station in the area where you want to hike. Rangers typically have up-to-date trail conditions and are skilled at suggesting hikes for all skill levels. Keto Hiking Food For A Multi-Day Hike https://www.hikingbay.com/tips-to-choose-keto-hiking-food-for-a-multi-day-hike

Tips for Choosing a Hiking Route

Before you start your search for the perfect hike, it’s helpful to think through a few things, such as: • How much time you have: Do you have a couple hours or a full day? The amount of time you have can determine where you go. Don’t forget to factor in how long it takes to get to and from the trailhead. • Your fitness level: Honestly assess what kind of shape you’re in. You want to have an enjoyable time out there rather than suffering through a long, strenuous hike that you’re not prepared for. If you’re not in the shape of your life, don’t be dismayed: There are hikes for everyone. • Distance: Think about how many miles and hours you’re comfortable hiking. An average walking pace is about 3 mph, but your hiking pace may be slower than that depending on terrain, elevation gain and how much weight you’re carrying on your back. • Elevation gain: The amount of elevation gain on a hike is one factor that determines the difficulty. With a little experience, you’ll come to know how much elevation gain you can comfortably handle and what is too much. For a point of reference, if a trail gains 1,000 feet in one mile, that is considered quite steep. Also, a general recommendation is that for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, add one hour to your trip. • Time of year and weather: Some trails won’t be accessible in early spring because they’re covered in snow. If it’s fall and the sun is setting earlier, plan accordingly so you’re not caught out after dark unexpectedly. Always check the weather forecast before heading out so you can dress and pack appropriately. • Logistics: Certain hikes require a bit more planning. For instance, if you end up doing a hike that starts and finishes at different places, you’ll need to shuttle cars to your start and end points.

Choose Your Hiking Gear

One of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don’t need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to head into the wilderness. Hiking Food for Diabetics https://www.hikingbay.com/hiking-food-for-diabetics-meal-ideas-trail-mix-and-food-guidelines-to-follow

The Ten Essentials

Start by making sure you’re carrying the Ten Essentials. This is a collection of gear and clothing that all hikers should carry whenever they step onto the trail. The collection includes items for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repairs, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter. Learn more in our article about the Ten Essentials.

Hiking Footwear

Footwear is one of the most important items you need to choose, and it’s a very personal choice. Some hikers prefer supportive over-the-ankle boots, while others enjoy lightweight trail-running shoes. The terrain you’ll be walking on can also affect your decision. Lightweight, low-cut shoes may be fine on well-maintained trails without a lot of obstacles, whereas sturdy boots may serve you better on a rugged trail with rocks, roots and streams.

Whatever you choose, make sure the boots or shoes are well broken-in and comfortable for long distances. And wear wool or synthetic socks, not cotton.

Learn more:

• Hiking Boots: How to Choose • Trail-Running Shoes: How to Choose • Hiking Socks: How to Choose

What to Wear Hiking

Choose clothing made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics, such as wool or polyester. Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry when wet. You can think of clothing as separate systems: • Next-to-skin base layers: Made of wool or polyester, these are most important in cool to cold temperatures. • Hiking layers: These include nylon and/or polyester pants, T-shirt, sun shirt, sun hat. • Insulation: Depending on the weather, you may need a puffy vest or jacket, lightweight fleece pullover, warm hat and gloves. • Rainwear: It’s wise to carry a waterproof jacket no matter the weather forecast. If you’re expecting wet weather, bring the rain pants along, too.

Hiking Backpack

Of course, you need a pack to carry your Ten Essentials and any extra gear.

For short treks on trails that are close to home and on days with pleasant weather, a daypack with a capacity of about 15–20 liters provides enough space for water, a few snacks and a lightweight clothing layer.

When you venture farther into the wilderness, you’ll need to carry more gear, clothing, water and food. A pack with a capacity of about 30 liters is a good choice for these journeys. Learn more:

• Daypacks: How to Choose

Food and water

As a beginner hiker, it can be tough to know how much food and water you need, A good general recommendation for how much to eat is 200–300 calories per hour. For water intake, about a half liter per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures is a good starting place. These amounts depend heavily on several factors, such as the intensity of your hike, the weather, your age, your sweat rate and your body type. As you gain more experience, you’ll get a better sense for just how much you need.

It’s always a good idea to carry a little extra food and water in case your trip takes longer than anticipated.

• Hydration Basics • Energy Food and Drinks: How to Choose

Water treatment: Many hikers carry all the water they will need for a day hike. However, if you anticipate needing more than about 3 liters, that can be quite heavy. By filtering and treating water from backcountry streams and lakes, you refill your bottles or hydration reservoir and reduce your load.

• How to Treat Water in the Backcountry • How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier

Additional Hiking Considerations

Personal Health and Safety

First aid: You don’t need to be a medical pro to take a hike, but it’s wise to know some basic first aid. Always carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it. The farther afield you go, the more important it can be to have medical training.

REI Outdoor School: Wilderness First-Aid

Take a class to be better prepared to respond to medical emergencies in the outdoors.

Going to the bathroom: Going to the bathroom in the woods is a concern of many novice hikers. But rest assured, it’s something countless people have learned to do, and so can you.

If you just have to pee, simply find a place that’s well away from the trail and at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water sources. For women, you can “shake dry” or you can bring a couple wads of toilet paper and a small zip-top plastic bag. Put the used toilet paper in the bag and dump the paper in your toilet when you get home. Another option is to use a bandana as a “pee rag” that you can tie to the outside of your pack to dry out.

Most day hikers take care of their other business before they head out. But if the urge strikes midhike, again make sure you’re off the trail and 200 feet from water. Then, dig a hole about 4 inches wide and 6–8 inches deep to bury your poop (a camp trowel can help with the digging). Experienced hikers might wipe with natural objects, such as large leaves (make sure they’re not poisonous), smooth stones and even snowballs, but you can also use toilet paper and bury it in the hole. In some areas, you’ll be required to pack out your used toilet paper (and even if it’s not required, it’s still best practice for lowering your impact on the land). Some high-elevation, sensitive or heavily traveled areas require people to pack out solid human waste. If you’re going to one of these areas, bring human waste disposal bags. After you’re done going to the bathroom, use some hand sanitizer to “wash” your hands.

Learn more tips in our Backcountry Bathroom Basics article. Hiking with your period: If you’re hiking with your period, you’ll want to bring along menstrual supplies and know how to manage them efficiently. And if you’re hiking alone, there are some good tips that other backpacking women have shared to help you feel confident and prepared.

• How to Backpack with Your Period • Backpacking Tips for Women Safety: Always leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Leaving a note with your route plans inside your vehicle is a good way to inform search-and-rescue folks of your plan if they come looking for you (just don’t leave the note in plain view for trailhead thieves to see).

If you’re traveling solo or to very remote locations, you might consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) that allows you to send an SOS if something serious happens.

• PLBs and Satellite Messengers: How to Choose

Trail Etiquette

Whether you’ve been hiking for years or you’re gearing up for your first trek, it’s valuable to know some basic trail etiquette. Right of Way: Following these rules of the trail can help everyone get along:

• Hikers vs. Hikers: Hikers going uphill have the right of way. You may see uphill hikers let others come downhill while they take a breather, but remember that’s the uphill hiker’s decision. • Hikers vs. Bikers: Mountain bikers are generally expected to yield to hikers. However, because mountain bikers are usually moving faster than hikers, it can be easier for hikers to step aside and yield the right of way. • Hikers vs. Horses: Horses get the right of way. If you’re sharing the trail with equestrians, give them a wide berth when you’re passing each other and don’t make abrupt movements. It’s generally recommended to step off the trail to the downhill side while yielding to a horse.

Leave No Trace: While most of us don’t intend to harm our natural surroundings, we may not know how to preserve them, or we’re simply overlooking a few important behaviors. Leave No Trace provides seven principles that provide guidance for enjoying the outdoors in a sustainable way that avoids human impacts. The seven principles are: • Plan ahead and prepare • Travel and camp on durable surfaces • Dispose of waste properly • Leave what you find • Minimize campfire impacts • Respect wildlife • Be considerate of other visitors

• Leave No Trace Principles what to wear on a hike and still look cute https://www.hikingbay.com/what-to-wear-on-a-hike-and-still-look-cute

Hiking with Kids and Dogs

Kids: Sharing the wonder and beauty of the outdoors with children is a special experience. Kids of almost any age can go hiking, from infants in baby carriers to grade-schoolers who hike on their own two feet. Tips: • Keep kids dry, warm and fed • Choose a short hike and stop often to look at plants, rocks, animals, etc.

• Hiking with Infants, Toddlers and Kids Dogs: If you have a four-legged friend that you’re comfortable hiking with, the first step is to find out if dogs are allowed where you’re going. Most U.S. national parks, for example, do not allow even a leashed dog to share the trail. Many national forests, as well as state and local parks, do allow dogs, though rules vary. Leashes are mandatory almost everywhere.

Tips:

• Have your dog carry its own food and water in a dog pack • Stop often for snacks and water • Always pack out filled poop bags. Also, while you’re hiking, it’s poor form to leave a poop bag on the side of the trail for later pickup.