Mountain hiking is one of the most challenging sports you can try. Many view mountaineering as a very extreme sport, because it tests not only strength but also endurance.
Equally beneficial and healthy for you and your body, hiking will encourage you to look at the world around you a little differently and enjoy landscapes you couldn’t before.
If you haven’t dared to embark on this adventure before, now is the time to do so, with the help of our beginner tips.
Always Dress in Layers for Mountain Hiking!
The first layer should be a garment made of synthetic materials, the so-called active laundry. This is an excellent post-guide on how to dress in layers depending on the weather.
The second layer consists of sweatshirts worn between underwear and a vest or jacket.
The thickness of the vest should be chosen depending on the weather, and that makes garments perfect for outdoor adventures.
Multilayer will allow you to warm up quickly when you find yourself in cold parts of the trail and cool off while walking and sweating.
If you feel hot during the climb, remove the unnecessary layers immediately so that you do not sweat.
As soon as you feel cold, put on your extra layers. It is essential that your clothing is comfortable.
Over time, dressing and stripping will become a habit, and you will do it without thought.
On warm days, sunglasses or a cap and protective cream are required.
Bring a spare set of clothes to change after your hike is complete. Returning in dry, clean clothes is much more enjoyable.
The raincoat is always worn in a backpack, no matter the weather. Hiking equipment includes many more things, but for starters, it’s enough to know the above.
Socks are another garment that doesn’t get enough attention. Good socks are vital to avoid blisters and foot discomfort.
It makes little sense to wear a high-end boot and a low-quality sock. Your socks should be adapted to whether you wear a high-top boot or a hiking shoe.
Bring an extra pair, so if your feet sweat, you can easily change your socks.
It is advisable to buy those that are made of active material to prevent excessive sweating.
Get the Right Hiking Gear for Mountain Hiking
This part is essential because clothing and footwear are particular for this activity.
You can rent the equipment you will use if it is your first time. But if you can afford it, buy the equipment that will suit you perfectly.
It will be a good investment, especially if you plan to hike frequently.
The essential equipment you need for your first day of hiking includes shoes, a backpack, clothes, food, and drinks. The list of this equipment is further expanded depending on the weather and the difficulty and length of the track.
First aid packages and orientation accessories are mostly worn by guides, so if you go with an organized tour, you don’t have to worry about it.
Shoes are the most critical piece of equipment.
They should be tall, waterproof, and with firm soles. Inadequate shoes will do you more harm than good, so be careful when choosing.
Do you need a Hiking Backpack?
A hiking backpack should be made of somewhat waterproof materials. The size of the backpack is selected depending on the purpose.
The backpack should have a transverse strap across the chest that is easily adjustable as well as reinforcements at the hips to keep the load evenly distributed.
A hiking backpack is not necessary for first, more leisurely hiking tours, but it will make it much easier for you to climb as you cross the harder trails.
First Aid Kit for Mountain Hiking
Sprains, wounds, sunburn, blisters, insect bites, dehydration, or exhaustion are some of the situations that can occur on a day of hiking.
Having the right remedies will make the difference between being able to follow the route or having a terrible time and having to give up with all the consequences.
Your first aid kit must be waterproof and have several compartments in which to place bandages, creams, or pills in an orderly manner.
Adjust Your Challenge
Your first climb must be tailored to the beginner level.
It is advisable to hire a guide who is experienced and has already climbed the mountain you plan to climb.
Try hiking first on mountains that are rated as easily manageable.
Even if the mountain is marked as easy to climb, you still need to be very careful and careful while climbing. It is advisable to start early to be able to return before dark.
Join a club
If you know of a club or organization that does this activity, it is advisable to join. Clubs like this will give you information and guidance that is reliable.
Another advantage of joining a club is that there are opportunities to put together a group of climbers where you can learn from experts.
Rest every hour for 10 minutes
Take 10-minute breaks every hour because this break will help remove lactic acid from your legs.
Removing lactic acid is also vital for later rest – so be sure to adopt this advice.
What to Eat While Hiking?
For a one-day hiking trip, you can prepare sandwiches, and some hikers also carry cooked food, packed in smaller boxes.
Be sure to bring fruits (such as bananas), dried fruits, and something sweet, as your sugar may drop as you climb.
Bring enough water for the whole day. Some hiking trails have water sources, so before leaving, ask your guide about it.
What to eat the day before Mountain Hiking?
During a hike, the body is subjected to great effort, and it is necessary to provide it with the energy needed.
The day before hiking, it is good to eat high carbohydrate foods – cereal flakes, pasta, bread, rice, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, seeds, dried fruits, etc.
Advantages of Approved Trails
- They are well marked, so you don’t get lost at any junction
- The road is safe. There are no complicated areas that could put you at risk
- You will be informed about the characteristics of the trail (distance, slope, recommendations, starting and ending points, etc.)
- Approved trails have maintenance and control teams so that the path can always be in use.
There is more than one hiker who needed a rescue team because he has been lost, and the night caught him on a trail.
It is always better to start walking early than late. Whether you go alone, or if you are part of a group, it is easy to get disoriented and waste time.
If it gets dark, the conditions in which you hike will change – it will get colder, and visibility will almost be at zero.
You always have to leave a margin of error so that an injury doesn’t prevent you from getting home in time.
How to Be Fully Prepared for Mountain Hiking
Your endurance and strength will be tested in this sport, so you will need to make sure that your body can handle this physically demanding activity.
In hiking, you must make quick and precise decisions and assessments regarding your safety, your next step, and the like.
Training for a hike is not too different from the training of other athletes, but it must be closer to marathon preparation.
To enjoy the mountain and its surroundings, you mustn’t at any time be on the verge of exhaustion.
The method of preparation and training depends on the goal of your hike.
If the goal is higher, such as high altitude climbs, then the preparations must be more serious and done according to precise rules imposed by modern sports rules.
Research Information for Mountain Hiking
Research the material that contains useful information you are going to need.
You can read articles that incorporate different experiences of other hikers.
Don’t just read about hiking; find tips and tricks that will help you after the hike too.
Before you go hiking, do a good job exploring the trails that are right for you as a beginner. You can find this information in magazines that deal with this topic, but the internet is much more convenient.
Take a look, find sites and forums or Facebook groups for hikers, and do some research before embarking on an adventure.
Mountaineering, as an activity, can affect the natural environment.
If you want to continue practicing this sport, learn how to maintain mountain conditions. Be aware of the culture of the place in which the mountain is located.
Tips for Mountain Hiking You Shouldn’t Forget
- Always warm-up!
- Try to walk in smaller steps.
- Keep up the pace, or accelerate gradually.
- Lean forward while climbing a steep slope.
- Do not raise your knees too high.
- Keep track of your heart rate.
- Never leave trash anywhere in the wild!
- Come on time to the meeting place; many guides will not wait for you if you are late.
- Help others if you see that they need help.
- Remember to have a good time!
Have fun always.