A Complete Guide to Hiking for Beginners
In this hiking guide for beginners, we share everything we know about hiking and walking outdoors that we learned throughout the years. Discover these tips to get the most of your hike!
Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities ever, and it can really change your life. It's perfect for beginners who want to explore the great outdoors regardless of their abilities or age. It can be immensely rewarding, and the only thing you will regret is that you didn't start hiking earlier.
In general, spending time outside is great for our physical and mental health.
The beneficial effects of hiking on your body and mind are indisputable and have been proven by many studies. In a nutshell, you will feel better, and you will see more.
On top of that, it's a fairly cheap activity that will allow you to enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries in the world on a budget. Regardless of whether you go hiking Routeburn Track or Laguna de Los Tres, it will be an extraordinary experience.
If there is one thing you should take from this blog post that's aiming at starting hikers, it's the fact that you should begin slow and enjoy it.
Hiking is not a competition; it's all about you and nature. Personally, we love hiking, and we never try to miss a good hike wherever we go.
So here is everything you should know about hiking.
WHAT IS HIKING
The definition of hiking is quite loose. In fact, hiking is just a fancy word for walking outdoors for a prolonged time.
So is there any significant difference between walking and hiking? Hiking usually happens in the countryside, somewhere outside the city, and features more rugged trails.
Although, this is not always true, as hiking trails can be well-maintained, and you can find some great city hikes (or walks) as well. Unlike walking, it's a more vigorous activity and should take more time.
In reality, the terms walking and hiking can be used interchangeably, as often, even shorter walks are called hikes. A good example is Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park.
For some people, it's a really nice hike, but for others, it's just an easy walk. We noticed that even our perception changes over the course of time, but the important thing is that it just doesn't matter.
What matters is to go outside and start hiking (or walking).
If you are wondering why you should start hiking, then read this blog post.
HOW TO START
The funny thing about hiking is that you don't need to practice it for years to be able to get to the finish line of the trail. So you can basically start hiking instantly.
However, it makes a lot of sense to take things slowly at first to avoid common hiking mistakes. The best way to get into hiking is to start walking on a daily basis, as jumping head first into hikes such as Laguna 69 or Laguna Cerro Castillo can bring you quickly back to earth.
If you are used to walking during your day, then good for you, as getting into the hiking world will not be so difficult. But what if you don't walk regularly?
If you live in a city, what would happen if you ditch the car and walk into your office every day? Is it too far? So what about before/after work?
Walking every day for 30 to 60 minutes will make the transition into the hiking world much more effortless.
The threshold to hiking is very low, and you just need a gentle nudge to immerse into it fully.
A great way to pick up hiking as a new hobby is to find someone you can share your passion with. As hiking has been increasingly popular in recent years, finding hiking companions is easier than ever.
TEST YOUR SKILLS
Before you set off to go hiking, you might want to test your skills first. Shorter walks are the perfect way to learn more about your fitness level and how you cope with varying terrain.
There is no shame in choosing shorter and easier trails, so make sure to get into the hiking gradually. It's a good idea to break in your shoes, but we'll talk about it later in the article. Even some large cities have great walking trails such as Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk in Sydney so make sure to get the most of them.
Also, you can start carrying a heavier backpack so you can feel what it's like when actually hiking with all your gear.
Some of your hiking trips can also feature a camping experience. Pitching the tent for the first time in heavy rain after a tiresome day on the trail can test your patience and skills.
And we've already witnessed a few times people struggling with the instructions during all sorts of weather. Practice makes perfect.
You should also test not only your skills but also your gear. You can take a shower while wearing your new rain jacket and rain pants to see how much rain it can resist.
This fun experiment is quite helpful when you plan on hiking in countries with high precipitation such as Colombia, Costa Rica or Iceland, so you will know what to expect from your gear.
You should check whether your newly purchased backpack (boots, etc.) doesn't have any defects (when buying online). Otherwise, always inspect it directly at the store before you buy it.
Try to get comfortable walking outdoors, and learn from your first mistakes.
NAVIGATION
The days when a good old paper map and a compass were the only things that help you to navigate through the wilderness are long gone. While the paper map still has its pros (it won't run out of battery), modern hikers depend on technology more than ever.
So what gear do you need for navigation when hiking? Technology is making progress every year, and now you have more options than ever.
The easiest way is to bring your phone that has a hiking map. Many countries have their own hiking apps (for example, the Czech Republic has Mapy.cz, which is, by the way, free and totally awesome), so you might want to do some research on this topic before you go hiking while traveling abroad.
Speaking of which, Maps.me is an excellent app that works offline everywhere in the world and features many trails all over the world.
For example, we used it for Banaue Rice Terraces Hike in the Philippines or Nitmiluk National Park in Australia, and it never failed us. Simply put, we use it all the time, and while it's not perfect, its pros easily outweigh its cons.
Moreover, you can always get one of those multisport watches, such as Garmin Fenix, that come with TOPO maps that make navigating in the wilderness also quite easy.
Just make sure that your phone or smartwatch is fully charged so you won't run out of battery somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
And while it might seem like an extra weight to carry, the paper maps are fantastic for extended backcountry trips (try to get the ones that are plastic, so they don't get wet).
WHERE TO FIND TRAILS
Finding hiking trails is super easy. At home, you can search the internet for the best-rated trails in the destination you are about to visit. Many destinations have their own official sites where you can find listings of all hikes in the area.
Furthermore, you can search travel blogs like ours, where you can often find detailed guides of some of the best hikes in the world. For example, see Best hikes in Banff National Park or top hikes in Jasper National Park.
Moreover, you can even download some hiking apps, but they usually have more cons than pros, so we don't use them a lot. The biggest downside is that they are often not free or don't include all hikes.
Once you are at the destination, you can always find more inspiration in the local visitors center or from fellow hikers you meet along the way.
If you stay in hostels (or hotels), they usually have good knowledge about the best hikes in the area. Sometimes, they even offer guided tours which might be great for beginning hikers who are not ready for solo hiking.
VISITORS CENTER
Many parks, especially in the U.S., Canada, or New Zealand, have excellent visitors centers that will help you orientate in the destination better.
So if you are a beginning hiker traveling in the Canadian Rockies or New Zealand, visitors centers can prove to be an invaluable source of information.
The people who work there are park rangers who know the destination and its best hikes by heart and can help you decide which trail is right for you.
While you might think that you read everything online at home, and there's nothing that can surprise you, it's still a good idea to visit it before you go.
More than often, the visitors' centers offer so much more than just the trail information. They are often home to informative museums and have a small seating area, a souvenir store, free Wi-Fi, and a bathroom.
HIKING GEAR
Every hobby can be expensive. And hiking is no exception to this fact. However, many outdoor companies offer affordable hiking clothing and gear that make this activity extremely accessible to everyone.
And quite frankly, you don't need the latest and greatest equipment to get into hiking.
When you are starting a new hobby, you might be reluctant to spend more money on gear. We don't blame you. You never know if you are going to like it or not. Simply put, buying $1000 worth of gear at the beginning of your journey makes no sense.
On the other hand, buying the cheapest things never pays off in the long run. What's even worse, it can ruin your first experiences.
For example, hiking for hours on South Coast Track in heavy rain while wearing a cheap rain jacket can turn your trip into a nightmare.
So if you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on some high-end waterproof jacket, look for some alternatives. A good rain poncho is very cheap and works quite often better than most expensive rain jackets.
A pair of wooden sticks that you can often find in the forest (or even at the start of the trail) will make as good hiking poles like the ones you can buy in the outdoor store. And once you get into hiking a bit more, you can start thinking about investing in better gear.
Don't forget to check out our recommended hiking gear list, where you will find more useful information on this topic.
WHAT BACKPACK FOR HIKING
Buying a comfortable daypack with straps is one of the best investments you can make when you start hiking. A good outdoor daypack should comfortably fit all your things you need for the hike. It has to be practical, comfortable, durable, and light.
Honestly, for first hikes, you don't need some super fancy daypack. However, soon enough, you will realize that a proper daypack can make or break your trip.
Larger backpacks are a must-have for any longer treks that require more clothing or gear. And unlike daypacks, they present a completely different story. They will hold all the things that you will need on your trip.
But unlike daypacks, finding the right backpack is not that simple, as they require a more thoughtful selection process. You need to consider things such as comfort, capacity, features, and price. We are not going to lie to you.
A good backpack is expensive, as they usually cost between $200-$300. But these things are built like tanks that will last years.
Lucie has a Deuter Aircontact backpack she bought almost a decade ago, and even though she traveled the world with it, it still looks brand new.
DO YOU NEED TREKKING POLES
No, hiking poles are not only for older people. In fact, they are one of the most useful pieces of gear you can bring with you on your next hike.
Trekking poles protect your knees when walking down steep hills, help you to keep balance on uneven trails and improve your power when climbing uphill.
We usually bring them when we plan on hiking multi-day treks as they immensely help when walking with a heavy backpack.
But they come in handy even for day hikes, especially if you are expecting some serious ascents or descents. They will help you to maintain your pace, so even strong hikers can use them to walk even faster.
BREAK-IN SHOES
Sturdy hiking boots with a good grip are an essential thing to have when walking outdoors.
Some people prefer hiking in trail walking shoes or even runners, but it mostly depends on the trail condition and your preferences.
Regardless of your choice, make sure to break your shoes in before you go.
Otherwise, buy a lot of blister patches. It also never hurts to try the shoes in your local outdoor store, though you can always exchange the things you buy online.
As you are getting into hiking, proper footwear should be one of your first investments.
BRING A HEADLAMP
Starting your day while it's still dark outside is a great way to avoid the crowds. And if there is one thing we never leave home without when going hiking, it's the headlamp.
In case you don't get to your final destination during the daylight, or even worse, you get lost, a reliable headlamp can be a true life-saver.
Always charge the batteries before you go, especially if you didn't use them for a longer period. Make sure that every hiker in your group has their own headlamp.
And never depend on your phone's flashlight, as it can go through your battery life in a very short time plus it is important to have free hands while walking.
STORE YOUR GEAR
Returning from an amazing hiking adventure in Patagonia or camping trip in Iceland into grey everyday life is not very exciting. Especially when you also have to unpack and clean your gear.
However, this is one of the most important steps you need to take every single time you get back home. It might feel like an unnecessary step, but trust us, this extra effort pays off.
Store your gear in a dry and cool place. The rule of thumb is to keep your equipment inside the house and not in your garage.
If you live in a flat, you might be struggling with storage space. But there is no way around it. Store it in your flat, not some damp basement.
Moreover, never leave your sleeping bag and down jacket compressed. The down is super delicate and fragile, and long term storage will damage the fill.
If you went camping, make sure to clean and dry your tent. Don't leave it in the bag untouched until your next trip. It will grow mold (in fact, dry everything you have, even things you consider technically dry).
Also, remove dirt from your hiking boots and apply a leather conditioner (if you have leather boots).
A special category is the coastal hikes. If you've just returned from Abel Tasman Coastal Track, the chances are that your gear is covered in salt. Always wash it off with clean plain water. Salt is the worst enemy of every piece of equipment, so take an extra effort when dealing with it.
Similarly, take care of your electronics. We never skip cleaning our travel camera, lenses, and filters we brought on the trip. But this is not just photo gear, and your headlamp, power bank, or smartwatch need basic cleaning as well.
Checking, cleaning, maintaining, and repairing your outdoor gear can save you hundreds of dollars. Never skip this step.
THINK LAYERS
Always think of layers when hiking outdoors. Adding and removing layers throughout the hike is not the most fun part of the trip, but there is a reason behind it. It will make your trip much safer and more comfortable, as you will stay warmer during the day.
You basically need three layers when hiking in colder areas, mountains, or even winter.
So the base layer should be some breathable functional t-shirt. The mid-layer should keep you warm. The outer layer is a shell that protects you from the wind, rain, or snow. It's all very simple, and you will learn these basics quickly.
This strategy will help you even at places such as Torres del Paine known for harsh weather conditions.
In hot weather, you can often wear only one layer, depending on the temperature.
However, keep your lightweight wind or rain jacket tucked in your backpack for situations when the weather deteriorates rapidly.
START EARLY
We always recommend to new travelers to start their day early. And it's the same case when it comes to hiking.
Having an entire day ahead of you has only benefits. You can plan your day better, and if you underestimate the trail, you will have plenty of time for a safe return.
A general rule of thumb is that the weather is usually better in the morning, especially in the mountains. Summer thunderstorms usually arrive in the afternoon, and that's the time of the day when you want to be back in your car, or at least under the tree line.
Many high elevation places are also covered in clouds by the afternoon arrives (sometimes even earlier), so you won't get any views when you climb to the top.
KEEP STEADY PACE
Newbie hikers usually have one thing in common. They don't keep a steady pace when hiking. And that's a fairly big mistake and something you should avoid.
Maintaining your steady pace will help you to tackle even the most challenging hikes and strenuous climbs.
Unless you are seasoned hikers with great fitness that know what they are doing, speeding up things is not a good strategy. You can often spot novice hikers on the trail quite easily. They usually pass you walking fast only to run out of breath when the track gets more intricate.
The most significant advantage of a steady pace comes in higher elevations on hikes such as Salkantay Trek, where you will run out of breath all the time when pushing too hard.
Keep in mind that a steady pace doesn't mean slow.
Every hiker has a different preferred walking speed, so you need to figure out what suits you the best. Of course, you will go faster on the flat trail and in the uphill/downhill sections slower.
The important thing is to keep your pace steady in each section of the hike.
New hikers have a tendency to speed up things when they go downhill. Sure, going down seems easier, but you are increasing your chance of getting injured, and that's not simply worth it.
By the way, an average hiking speed is anything between two to five kilometers per hour, and as you can clearly see, it highly depends on the track profile and terrain.
Also, take short breaks frequently, but make them quick. We are not fans of longer rests as they usually make us lazy and ruin our pace.
However, if you are exhausted, make it as long as you need it.
TRACKING THE ACTIVITY
Being outside is cool and everything, but some people want to see their hiking progress. Nowadays, most sports apps can track your activity very accurately, regardless of whether you use a phone, smartwatch, or fitness tracker.
What we like about using the smartwatch the most is the real-time data it shows. You can quickly see the elevation gain, how many kilometers you've walked, or your current pace.
Knowing how fast you walk can be quite useful for novice hikers, so they learn more about their limits to finish the hike safely.
Tracking your walking activity is not essential, but it's nice to have it.
Being said that, tracking your hiking activities shouldn't be your primary focus. A massive selling point of getting outside is to unplug and disconnect from the technology that surrounds us every day. So use it wisely.
HIKING IN A GROUP
Regardless of whether you go on a hike with your partner, your family, or friends, hiking in a group of people is always fun.
It gets you closer to your companions and creates strong bonds. The memories and stories you will have together will stay with you forever. Simply put, the experience you share together is priceless.
And unlike solo hiking, walking in a group is much safer.
One of the greatest upsides of hiking with others for new hikers is the fact that you can learn from more experienced hikers. Sure, the trial and error method might be your favorite way to learn new things, but why not make your life a bit easier this time?
Also, it allows you to share the equipment, mostly the camping gear, as you can share the tent or cooking gear, so you don't have to carry everything by yourself.
By the way, it's better to hike in smaller-sized groups (usually two to six people).
SOLO HIKING
Solo hiking is the most challenging type of hiking. It basically means that you hike by yourself, and you need to depend on yourself at all times.
However, the freedom and solitude you find when standing on the top of the mountain alone can't be found almost anywhere else. You are the master of your day with all the pros and cons that come with it.
If you are starting hiking, you might want to find some hiking buddies before going on solo hikes.
First, learn about hiking with others, and if you enjoy it, you can slowly transition into solo hiking. Solo hikes are quite specific and definitely not for everyone.
So, do some shorter walks at first to find out what it takes and how you feel about it.
Additionally, make your first solo hiking trips realistic. Creating a too ambitious itinerary can backfire on you.
HIKING WHEN TRAVELING
One of the things we love about hiking the most is it makes traveling so much more fun. It also makes long term traveling more affordable, which is something that all budget travelers will appreciate.
You can find some amazing hikes in practically every destination anywhere in the world, and it's only up to you whether you grab the chance or not.
Hiking also helps you stay fit and healthy while traveling, so that's another valid reason to try this activity.
When we plan a travel itinerary, we usually look at the best hikes in a given destination and try to include at least a few of them in our itinerary.
INDEPENDENT HIKING
One of the main reasons why we love hiking without guided tours is that it gives us the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors at our own pace. Regardless of whether you go solo hiking or hike with your partner or friends, independent hiking always delivers an extraordinary experience.
When you are creating your travel budget, you can save a lot of money by including some hikes without guides.
You might think that as a beginner hiker, you need a guide for obvious reasons. But the truth is that most of the hikes don't require one, and you can easily complete them alone.
HIKING WITH TOURS
While most of the hikes can be done without a guide, there are some exceptions to this fact. One of the best examples is the iconic Inca Trail.
This ancient path of Incas that ends in Machu Picchu requires having a certified guide, so joining one of the tours is inevitable.
Similarly, we climbed the volcano in Colombia with a tour, as it included the equipment and transport. Moreover, the knowledgeable guides helped us reach the top as the trail required some basic mountaineering skills.
In El Salvador, we hiked to the top of Santa Ana Volcano in a tight group of hikers with a local guide and armed police officer for safety reasons.
As you can clearly see, the reasons vary from each hike, and there are times when you simply cannot hike the trail independently.
One of the biggest upsides of hiking tours is that you will meet a lot of same-minded people, which makes the hardships and endeavors more bearable.
TRANSPORTATION
Regardless of whether you live in a city or the countryside, you need to arrange transport to get to the trailhead. Obviously, you usually need a car to get there.
When you travel locally in your own car, then you are all set. International travelers usually need to rent a car as the public transport often doesn't run between the trailheads.
Some places in the world indeed run a shuttle between towns and popular trailhead points, but it's not that common, and you still need to get to the town somehow.
Taxis are quite expensive, and if you join a tour, it means that you won't hike alone.
For example, in Patagonia, we hitchhiked to get to the trailhead of Hanging Glacier, but that's not very convenient for most travelers.
In New Zealand, we did Queen Charlotte Track or Lake Waikaremoana, and we had to arrange a water taxi to get to the trailhead. As you can see, hiking also requires some planning from your side, so make sure to put some effort into it.
And one more thing. When you leave your car at the trailhead's parking lot, never leave any valuables inside.
TYPES OF TRAILS
Whenever possible, try to plan your hike as a loop. A loop trail starts and ends at the same location. A good example of this type of trail is Glymur Waterfall Hike in Iceland.
We prefer loop hikes over out and back trails any time of the day for obvious reasons.
However, it's not always feasible, as there are many hikes in the world, such as Mueller Hut in New Zealand, that are in and out trails.
They are not any less beautiful or entertaining, but you will need to retrace your steps to get back, which means you will follow the same trail once again. Sometimes, the return trip can be a bit tedious, but that's the only fly in the ointment.
The last types of hikes are called point-to-point trails, where you start and end in completely different places.
A great example is the Milford Track, which begins at Te Anau Downs and ends in Milford Sound village.
Arranging transport for these types of routes is either difficult or expensive (that's the case of the Milford Track), so you need to take this into consideration when planning your trip.
STAY HYDRATED
Regardless of where you go, always stay hydrated. We know from our own experience that carrying at least two liters of water per person is quite annoying, but there is no other way around it.
And look at the upside. The more you drink, the lighter your backpack gets.
Drinking from the streams in Patagonia National Park or Jasper National Park is one of the most amazing things you can do while hiking. You can find one of the purest and most refreshing waters there, so there is no need to carry too much water as you can easily refill it.
If you are not sure about the stream's water quality, consider purchasing a SteriPen or water bottle with a filter that present modern water treatment solutions.
FOOD
As you will spend hours or even days walking outdoors, you need to bring food with you. Hiking can be a vigorous activity that uses a lot of your energy, which needs to be quickly replenished.
Even for shorter hikes, you should bring at least a couple of energy bars. So the best hiking snacks you can get for your next trip are nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, energy bars, protein bars, or even nut butter.
And how often should you eat while hiking? The general rule of thumb is to eat something every 90 minutes of more intense physical activity.
The problem arises when you do a really long day hike. In this case, you should bring a proper light meal for lunch that you prepare at home.
Depending on your location, you can sometimes find a restaurant or a stall on the trail where you can get meals, so that's a good alternative to supply your body with nutrients. Either way, a regular portion of a meal will make your hike more bearable.
One more thing. We love to bring a bunch of bananas on our day hikes as they offer everything you need for physical activity.
Being said that, they don't work well in hot weather in places such as the Tatacoa Desert or Kata Tjuta National Park, and you need to be super careful not to squish them in your backpack (the most durable fruit is arguably apples).
And by the way, it's often recommended to pack out your banana peels.
It's a completely different story when it comes to multi-day hikes. So the idea is to bring nourishing food that weighs as low as possible. Therefore, the best thing you can do when it comes to food on your hiking adventures is to carry dried food.
Seasoned hikers have different approaches to this topic, so we'll share our own here.
While you can dehydrate your meals at home, it requires a lot of time to prepare them, and it won't be much cheaper than when you buy them at the camping store.
So the easiest solution we use nowadays is to buy the dried food at the store (note that sometimes it's called backpacking food).
The competition is quite fierce, and the meals are actually quite affordable. Make no mistakes here. These meals are not the same as cheap unhealthy instant noodles you can get at your local grocery store.
Always get proper meals from reputable outdoor brands to properly eat when hiking.
ALTITUDE
In higher elevations, every physical activity is harder, and hiking is no exception to this fact. The lack of oxygen makes even basic daily life difficult to unacclimated people, and you surely will notice the difference. The higher you climb, the lower the oxygen level will be.
And proper acclimatization is essential to stay safe. Hiking at the altitude requires a bit different approach, so make sure to read the article in the link.
Depending on your body, you can start feeling the difference in oxygen level at altitudes of 2500 meters above sea level. From our own experience, we can feel less oxygen in the air at an altitude of 3000 meters, and the real challenge starts at 3500 meters and higher.
Being said that, every person reacts to altitude differently, so there is no certain way to tell how you will cope with the elevation.
For example, Lucie deals with the altitude better than I do, so it's important to keep that in mind when you travel with a partner or friends.
And what are the steps that should help you acclimate your body on treks such as the Quilotoa Loop?
Stay hydrated throughout the day, and avoid alcohol. Don't push yourself too hard, but stay active during the day. Try to sleep at a lower elevation than was your highest point of the day. Stay safe.
WINTER HIKES
Depending on where you live, hiking in winter can be a completely different sport. When the snow arrives and covers your trails under a thick blanket of snow, you might start to think that hiking is not possible any longer.
Winter hikes are very specific, and not all of them are the same. It's true that hiking in winter can be dangerous, so you need to take extra care of the planning part.
If your hike takes you through deep snow, you really should bring snowshoes. They will help you to tackle even some serious snow terrains as they will prevent your feet from sinking down into deep snow.
However, even the snowshoes are not almighty and won't help you much on icy trails. In this case, you should bring microspikes that will give you the grip and prevent you from some ugly falls on slippery trails.
Moreover, some of the trails lead through avalanche-prone areas, and you really need to get proper avalanche gear to stay safe.
As you can see, hiking in snow can be quite serious business.
But not every winter hike features snowy trails. In some areas, it's just colder, or the weather is worse. So you should be prepared for hiking in bad conditions as well, and bring a few extra layers.
LEAVE NO TRACE
The principles of the leave no trace philosophy are very easy to adopt. Every time you go outside, follow the basic set of rules to lower your impact so every visitor will have the same chance to enjoy the great outdoors as you did.
Because being able to see places such as Lake O'Hara will take your breath away.
Leave no trace principles allow us to explore the outdoors in a sustainable way and reduce our footprint on the fragile environment. Being mindful of nature around us is critical in protecting it.
There are many recommendations, so we just mention below the most important ones.
PACK IT IN AND PACK IT OUT
The parks you want to visit are home to many wildlife species and various plants. It's your responsibility to keep nature clean.
Plastic bottles, wrappers, or metal cans, but even organic waste such as banana peels, don't belong to the Lake Matheson or anywhere else in the world.
So the rule is straightforward. What you bring in, you need to bring out. But we hear you that you don't want to put your oily tuna can or bad banana peels back into your backpack.
Always make sure you bring a reusable backpacking trash dry sack that can be sealed (and easily washed afterward).
TAKE ONLY PICTURES
There is only one thing you can take with you from every hike. Pictures. You can see the famous slogan "take only pictures, leave only footprints" pretty much anywhere in the world.
Removing plants, animals, or even rocks or roots is not allowed. In fact, you can be facing a hefty fine when caught.
Leave it as you find it is a good way of thinking when hiking outdoors.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Sure, you can include the leave no trace approach in the trail etiquette as well. However, we want to expand on this topic and show you what to do when you meet a fellow hiker, biker, or even horseback rider on the trail.
Trail manners are important so everyone can enjoy their day in the wilderness without any conflicts. It's all about common sense and general courtesy.
Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you, no matter if you hike in Kings Canyon or Tierra del Fuego National Park.
For starters, every time you meet a hiker, a simple 'hi' or 'hello' will go a long way. Small exceptions might be the overrun trails where you meet trains of hikers, and you wouldn't be doing anything else than greeting the never-ending flow of people (still, you can at least smile or wave). But you get the point.
It's not only good manners, but it also gives you room to follow up with some basic hiking small-talk.
Start with how do you like the trail? Where are you going? Where are you from? And you will be surprised how open people are on the trail. We have probably never met a single person who would tell us to mind our business.
Another thing to remember is that everyone has the same right to use the trail as you do. Just because you are faster doesn't mean you own the trail. Be patient.
Similarly, when you see a stronger hiker behind you, make some room for them so they can safely pass you. Furthermore, bikers should yield to hikers, and both hikers and bikers should yield to equestrians.
And lastly, when you are hiking in the dark, lower your headlamp, so you don't flash the strong light in their eyes.
WILDLIFE
Hiking in nature has many upsides, and seeing wildlife is one of them. But there are few things every hiker should know about wild animals. One of the most repeating scenes we see no matter where we go is people who are getting close to the wildlife.
Every park has a written set of rules or even graphic flyers where you can instantly see the distances you should maintain between you and the wildlife. Not all animals are equal, though. And while you should stay roughly 25 meters from most of the wildlife, the bears require at least 50 meters to stay safe.
And believe us, when we saw grizzly bears at Mount Assiniboine, we were really excited, but also glad, that they are quite far away.
Make sure to carry binoculars to resist the temptation to get close, or bring a proper telephoto lens.
Another thing that people ignore is the rule of no feeding the wildlife. Despite the fact that it's written on every informative board at the trailhead, in every visitor center, or at every hiking guide, people still give food to wildlife.
Sharing your food with an adorable chipmunk at Sulphur Mountain or kea parrot on Avalanche Peak might seem like a cute thing to do, but they don't need your food to survive.
Not to mention that human food is not good for wild animals.
The idea behind all the rules and recommendations is very simple. To keep the wildlife wild and to protect both animals and hikers.
READ THE SIGNAGE
Every trail is different, and the signage at the starting point can contain important information. Yes, many trails have some sort of information signage at the trailhead.
While you might think that they are pointless, you can often find there the most up-to-date information that might come in handy later on the trail.
For example, in the U.S. or Canada, park rangers often post current updates on trails that often include some vital information about a bear activity or the most recent landslides.
So you will learn that you need to hike in a group of three or four to be able to hike to Larch Valley or Opal Hills.
Or you can find out that the bridge over the river has been washed away by recent flooding, and you need to follow the detour.
It takes like two minutes to scan the board for new updates, so there is no reason to skip it.
DESIGNATED TRAILS
Many popular hiking areas have designated trails that were created with a purpose in mind, and you should stay on them throughout your hiking adventure. Sometimes, it looks pretty tempting to take a shortcut or walk off the trail.
Firstly, you won't get lost if you don't wander off the path. It's easier than you think. Some tracks lead through dense forests or bushes, and leaving it can get you lost in a snap of a finger.
And then, there are areas such as Yellowstone National Park where this rule has a new level of meaning unless you want to dissolve in a boiling pool.
Secondly, staying on the designated trails is essential to prevent erosion that hikers often cause by going off the path.
The upper part of the Parker Ridge hike is known for zig-zags that make going up easy and prevent the erosion of an exposed slope. However, we hiked there multiple times, and every time, we saw the shortcuts that irresponsible hikers create every day.
In the worst-case scenario, the park rangers will be forced to close the trail to recover from the damage and to prevent landslides.
Don't believe us? Fjadrargljufur Canyon in Iceland was closed due to irresponsible visitors not staying on the designated trails to recover from the damage they caused.
WEATHER
As hiking is an outdoor activity, the weather plays an important role in all your hikes. When planning an outdoor walk, make sure to check the weather forecast before you go. It will allow you to get prepared for all kinds of weather.
There is only one catch. The weather forecasts in the mountains or any other remote areas are not very accurate and should be prepared for all types of weather every single time you go out.
Especially hiking in the mountains has many specifics. Be prepared that it can snow pretty much any time of the year, even in the summer.
Also, watch out for thunderstorms, which can be quite dangerous when they catch you somewhere on the open ridge. This brings us to another important topic.
SAFETY RULES
Hiking in the wilderness is an amazing experience. However, you need to stay safe every time you set off on an adventure. We already talked about staying on the designated trails. It's not good only for the environment, but also for your safety.
Also, never approach the wildlife. Check the weather forecast. Stay hydrated. And bring proper gear.
The influence of social media and the online world, in general, can often negatively impact your judgment.
Repeatedly, you can see pictures of people posing in a pretty dress or wearing flip flops somewhere in the mountains or deserts. While it might seem pretty on the photo, it doesn't reflect the reality (as it's usually staged for the purpose of the image).
Make sure you are well-equipped when going outdoors. It's not a fashion show.
Furthermore, always tell someone about your plans. Remember, following safety tips during every hike is essential to stay safe.
Lastly, some countries or destinations are not exactly safe for hiking due to robberies. For example, we would love to hike to Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, but it's simply too dangerous and not worth it.
Similarly, Cerro de Monserrate in Bogota was not considered very safe, but the situation improved drastically in recent years.
STRAYED DOGS
As we hiked quite a lot through Central and South America, we can't fail to mention strayed dogs (this problem can be seen in much more countries and continents, though).
While most of them are harmless, we had some unpleasant encounters throughout our travels that are worth mentioning and deserve a separate section (and other hikers we met along the way shared with us the same experience).
And trust us, you don't want to be bitten by a strayed dog when traveling.
There are many tactics to handle aggressive strayed dogs. Some of them might seem not very animal friendly at first, but you will understand that safety comes first after your first terrifying encounter, especially if it's a pack of dogs.
Remember we talked about hiking poles? In these countries, they have another purpose - they increase your safety.
And the encounters? They vary a lot. So the best ones are when a strayed, but friendly dog accompanies you and walks with you, as it happened to us when walking from Bagarchap to Chame in Nepal or Cocora Valley in Colombia.
Then you have barking, snarling dogs that are approaching you. It made a walk through a settlement near Rio Celeste or Tupiza really unpleasant.
The worst ones are when the dogs actually charge at you, which happened to us at Los Estoraques. It's not pretty, and it's best to be prepared.
Some people are even bitten by the dogs, which must be a really terrifying experience, not to mention that you would need to seek medical advice as soon as possible to prevent serious infections.
And by the way, those cute monkeys you can see on the beaches of places such as Manuel Antonio National Park are not your friends either.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG
We consider hiking a very safe activity if you take it seriously. However, there are some things that can go wrong when hiking, especially later in the day when you are tired.
The most common one is when you lose the trail. Stay calm, and try to retrace your steps. Even when you get lost, don't panic. This is the reason to have the map and compass with you for every hike. If your phone works, then getting back on the trail shouldn't be that difficult.
Another thing that will happen eventually is that you will fall. I tripped over a root and fell from the trail on Travers-Sabine Track, and ended up in the bushes.
I landed on my backpack, so luckily, I came out unscathed, but it was a pretty scary experience. Small tumbles and falls are pretty common, so try to stay focused the entire time.
Moreover, another thing that can go wrong on your outdoor walks is that a piece of your gear gets damaged or breaks down.
Some things, such as your shoe coming apart from the sole, can be fixed with duct tape. I dropped my phone on Laguna Paron hike and broke the screen completely, which unfortunately couldn't be fixed by the duct tape.
Through time, you will learn to be prepared for most of the situations, but remember that sometimes, it's just about (bad) luck.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Here's a travel expert tip. If you are hiking at higher altitudes, make sure that the elevation of your highest point of the hike is included in your travel insurance.
When we hiked around Annapurnas, we had to pay extra for hiking at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level.
Making sure that you have the right travel insurance coverage is vital, especially when planning an adventure trip.
Travel smarter and safer!
CROWDS
As the popularity of hiking has been growing in the past recent years, some of the trails get crowded. However, finding a less crowded trail is not difficult if you know where to look or when to go.
So what are our top tips and tricks to avoid crowds when hiking? Firstly, you need to do some research about the hike, so you know more about it. The most obvious is not to choose the best rated or most famous trails in the destination.
Another trick that works every time is the farther you go, the fewer people you meet. The shores of Lake Minnewanka near Banff are one of the busiest places in the national park. But only a fraction of hikers will reach the Aylmer Lookout, which means that you can have the trail almost for yourself even in the high season.
Similarly, the harder the trail gets, the fewer hikers will attempt it. Lastly, you can try another day or time of the day.
Believe us, if you start hiking when it's still dark, then you will have the trail for yourself. Being said that, not every time will you have the opportunity to find an empty trail.
In this case, embrace the experience. Some hikes such as Mirador Las Torres or Laguna Torre Hike are known for crowds, and quite often, you can't plan your trip the way it would allow you to escape the crowds when you travel.
Stay positive, be patient, and have fun.
CAMPING
Hiking goes hand in hand with camping. In fact, some of your hiking trips should include some camping experience to get closer to nature. If you are new to camping, then you might want to take it easy.
Before you go, you can stay overnight in your backyard (if you have one) or even in your living room (if you don't).
This way, you can understand a bit more whether this activity is suitable for you or not. But the real adventure starts once you leave the comfort of your home.
Backcountry camping offers one of the most amazing experiences that you can find out there, so make sure to get the most of this activity.
When we hiked the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island, the camping part was one of the highlights of our entire adventure.
STAYING IN HUTS
Carrying a heavy tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag all day is hard. Luckily, some countries have huts along the trails where you can stay overnight.
We loved the hut system in New Zealand. It makes the experience easier for beginning hikers but still retains its charm.
Walking the famous Kepler Track while staying in huts makes the activity accessible to a larger group of people.
In Europe, it's a bit different as most huts are privately owned, and they often have restaurants, which is convenient but not very outdoorsy.
PRACTICE FOR HARDER HIKES
Carrying a heavy backpack for two or three weeks on a long trek is not easy. While you can't probably prepare your body for every challenge that you will come across, you should definitely spend some time training for the uphill and downhill sections.
Thinking that you can just simply walk for two weeks around Annapurnas while carrying a backpack weighing 10+ kilograms without any preparation can make you feel miserable on your trip.
Your feet will be sore, and your back hurt, and your mood will reflect it. Training for longer treks is the key to success.
COMMON HIKING MISTAKES
We already mentioned the most common hiking mistakes throughout this article, so we'll just make a quick recap here. There are many hiking mistakes every person makes, and your goal is to eliminate most of them.
Bring energy snacks for every hike, and drink a lot of water. Choose easier trails at the beginning, and you will slowly work up towards the challenging ones.
Try not to overpack or underpack.
Whenever possible, hike with someone. Never underestimate the weather. And always share your plans with someone else. In reality, hiking is one huge learning lesson.
The point is that avoiding all hiking mistakes is not possible. We consider ourselves seasoned hikers, and we still make mistakes from time to time.
The important thing is to learn from them so you won't repeat them in the future. If you travel a lot, make sure to read this article that will help you to avoid travel mistakes in order to have a better vacation.
ENJOY THE TRAIL
If you just started hiking, then don't rush things. Take it slowly, and enjoy the trail. It's not a competition. It doesn't matter whether you reach the top in three or four hours.
Hiking should be fun. It's also really good for your body and mind so take advantage of it.
Stop frequently to look up to enjoy the views. Say hi to your fellow hikers. Snap some pictures, or leave your camera at home and admire the scenery with your senses.
Simply put, make sure that you are getting the most of your hike. If you have any questions regarding hiking, leave us a comment below.
Happy hiking!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
