Hiking Pleasures and Rewards
Hiking’s got this amazing way of keeping your heart happy and healthy. When you’re moving up those trails, your cardiovascular system gets a super workout, which over time, can lower your risk of heart disease. So, what looks like a fun walk in the woods is actually a killer cardio session!
It’s not just your heart that’s doing cartwheels. Every step engages a bunch of muscles, especially your legs, core, and even your arms, if you’re using poles. Think of those climbs as nature’s leg day, building strength with every upward push.
And let’s talk about burning calories – hiking can be a powerhouse for weight management. Depending on the trail’s difficulty, you can burn hundreds of calories per hour. It’s like a gym session, but you swap treadmills for dirt paths and dumbbells for cool breezes.
Balance and coordination, those skills we sometimes forget we need, get a boost from hiking too. Navigating uneven trails helps improve these crucial abilities, reducing the risk of falls and injuries in daily life.
Here’s the cherry on top – outdoor exercise means heaps of Vitamin D. Soaking up the sun during your hikes not only lifts your mood but also strengthens your bones. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
Preparing for a Successful Hiking Journey
Hiking can sound intimidating at first, but with the right gear, you’re halfway there. You’ll need some sturdy boots to tackle those trails comfortably. A good backpack is essential too, just big enough for snacks, water, and maybe a cozy jacket.
Choosing a trail that matches your fitness level is key. Beginners, aim for well-marked, flat paths before scaling rocky summits. Apps like “AllTrails” can be super helpful for checking trail reviews and difficulty levels. Start small and gradually challenge yourself more as your confidence grows.
Hydration is your best friend out there. Keep a water bottle handy, and sip regularly, especially on warm days. It’s easy to lose track of hydration when you’re enjoying the scenery, but your body will thank you for staying mindful.
Dressing right can make or break your hike. Layering is smart; think breathable fabrics and waterproof options to adjust to unpredictable weather. It’s all about being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Safety and awareness on the trail? Absolute musts. Keep to marked trails and let someone know your plans. Bear bells or whistles aren’t just fun accessories – they’re great for alerting wildlife. And respecting the environment ensures those trails stay beautiful for future hikers.
Tips to Improve.
Starting as a newbie hiker, the transition to tackling tougher trails is all about pacing yourself and setting achievable milestones. Start by challenging yourself to conquer longer distances or steeper inclines gradually. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small.
To keep the excitement alive, listen to stories from fellow hikers who’ve gone from beginners to enthusiasts. Their experiences can inspire your journey and even offer new trail ideas. It’s motivating to hear about others’ successes and realize yours are just steps away.
Goal setting can be a game-changer. Plot out what you want to achieve, whether it’s venturing onto a new trail every month or completing a certain trail in a faster time. Tracking progress with apps or journals can highlight your growth and motivate you to keep pushing forward.
Hiking with a crew or joining community events can also elevate your experience. Not only do you get a morale boost from shared adventures, but you also learn from others’ insights and might make some cool friends along the way.
Over time, hiking can shift from a weekend activity to part of your lifestyle. The rhythmic pace, the changing scenery, and the camaraderie are treats that enhance your well-being. Staying committed to your hiking journey promises lifelong benefits and unbeaten paths waiting to be discovered.
Hiking Necessities
- Good shoes or boots.
- Good warm socks
- Backpack
- Tents for overnight treks
- Sleeping bags
Shoes and Boots
How to choose them?
These are debatably the most important purchase. if you get this wrong your trips could be uncomfortable at the least and dangerous at the worst.
Selecting the ideal hiking footwear is a process of matching. How and where you trek should be compatible with your ideal hiking boots.
However, you also need to make sure they’re a perfect fit before you buy them.
From ultralight trail shoes to mountaineering boots, the selection is overwhelming. Consider what and where you will be trekking and choose the shoe or boot accordingly.
You may also narrow down your options by learning more about the components that go into a boot’s uppers, lowers, midsoles, outsoles, and other areas.
Nobody has ever been a fan of poorly fitted boots. Taking the effort to achieve a perfect fit is the difference between blisters and happiness.
Types of Hiking Boots.
Day hiking boots come in mid- to high-cut styles and are designed for light-load, day hikes or brief backpacking excursions.
They lack the toughness and support of sturdy trekking boots, but they are flexible and require little break-in time.
Backpacking boots are made to support larger weights during multi-day excursions far into the bush.
For superior support, the majority feature a high cut that extends above the ankles. With firmer midsoles than lighter footwear, they are supportive and long-lasting, making them appropriate for both on- and off-trail travel.
Make sure you break them in first before heading out to the wilds.
The above links go to Amazon with my recommendations, but feel free to browse.
Socks.
Good hiking socks are a must on the route, as any experienced hiker will tell you.
Merino wool or synthetic fibers (or a combination of both) are used in the best hiking socks to assist foot temperature. They should also include seamless toes, arch support, and lots of cushioning.
And remember merino wool often resists odor better and are less “smelly” to your friends.
Something like what you can find HERE on Amazon.
Less than $20 US for 3 pairs. Suits men and women
Backpacks.
Same as hiking shoes, picking the appropriate backpack is a crucial part of getting ready for a wilderness trek.
This is because, although a bad backpack can be unpleasant, distracting, uncomfortable, and even painful, a good backpack is like an ally that helps you carry all your gear and improves your journey in many ways.
How to choose them?
Size is the first thing to decide when choosing a backpack.
Backpack sizes are typically measured in liters which helps describe the amount of space inside the pack and, therefore, the amount of gear it can hold. For a quick one to two-hour hike, most people only need packs that are around 10 to 25 liters. This is enough space to hold basic gear and some extra clothing as well as snacks, a first aid kit, water, and maybe a few extra things.
However, if you are hiking in the winter and need to bring heavy coats (or are hiking with kids and carrying their gear in your pack), you may need something bigger.
Packs around 20 to 40 liters are what most people find to be the best all-around day hiking size.
Here are some examples. => Backpacks <=
Fitting is next and it can make the difference between a fun or difficult walk.
In general, a backpack will fit you properly if the hip straps are at the top of your hip bones and the place where the shoulder straps join to your pack is at your shoulder blades.
If a backpack does not fit you properly no matter how much you modify it, you should consider a different size.
Maybe the extras will help you decide as well. For example, if you run through your hiking trek you may want a water tube to hydrate.
Decide whether to invest in a higher-end brand or a lower-cost option, both of which have advantages and disadvantages. Cost versus quality.
Remember that you get what you pay for, which means that some cheaper versions are manufactured with lower-quality materials than more expensive packs. In addition, some of the more expensive packs include a lifetime warranty.
Tents
The question, “What kind of tent should I buy?” is one of the most often asked questions on almost every online hiking community. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single right answer to this issue; instead, your final decision will be influenced by a variety of circumstances, most of which are specific to you.
The tent is considered one of the ‘big three’ when we talk about hiking equipment. The big three are the three pieces of equipment that weight the most in you pack and this usually consists of your backpack, your sleeping bag, and your shelter.
Whatever tent you buy is up to you as long as you are willing to carry it there are some pretty amazing lightweight and ultra-lightweight tents on the market. Weight and cost are often directly related when choosing a tent meaning the lighter the tent the more it costs
How to choose them?
Size and Space
Although it should be clear, this isn’t always the case. This is where you start and make the decision on how many people will sleep in your tent. Tent makers will name their tents as one, two, three, etc.
But there doesn’t seem to be an industry standard sizing, even though manufacturers may work on some arbitrary “typical hiker.”
Do you stand 160 or 190 cm tall? Do you have a strong build or are you slim? In actuality, the concept of an average person or “typical hiker” does not exist.
And how much space do you want or need between each sleeper. Some tents advertised as 2, 3 or even 4 sleepers could definitely do with more room.
Seasons
When and where are you going hiking and camping? I would only choose between a 3 or 4 season tent.
A three-season tent is built to accommodate the typical hiker throughout the warmer months of the year. While it can withstand winter, it is not intended for it. Typically (though not always) double-skinned, 3-season tents have mosquito mesh on the main body to keep bugs out while letting airflow in to keep you cool in hot weather.
If you have a 4-season tent, you can use it all year round, even in cold weather and snow. Generally speaking, they will fare better in strong winds. The major reason it will keep you warm is that the tent body is made of sturdy material and can withstand some snowfall without collapsing.
Weight and Space and Durability.
The term “packed weight,” which encompasses the tent itself, poles, tent pegs, and guy ropes, is what you should be looking for when researching tent weight.
Tents that are truly sturdy tend to weigh more. You might want to think about something a little more durable if you are rough on your equipment or if the environment is hostile.
Using a groundsheet is an additional option that can help prolong the life of your tent. It protects the foundation of your tent and acts as a barrier, especially in areas with rocky terrain or many sharp objects.
Sleeping Bags
You will need a sleeping bag that is cozy, warm, and meets all of your demands if you want to get the most out of your upcoming camping or backpacking trip.
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
Choosing the right sleeping bag for hiking is essential for comfort, mobility, and overall enjoyment. The key factors to consider are weight, size/space, and comfort.
Weight
For hiking, a lightweight sleeping bag is crucial to reduce strain on your back. Aim for a bag that weighs under 3 lbs. (1.4 kg) for multi-day hikes. Down insulation is generally lighter than synthetic, but synthetic bags perform better in wet conditions.
Size and Space
The bag should be compact enough to fit easily into your backpack. Look for compressible options that pack down small. Mummy-shaped bags are more space-efficient than rectangular ones, as they hug your body closely while retaining warmth.
Comfort and Warmth
Consider the temperature rating based on your hiking environment. A three-season bag (rated around 20°F/-6°C) is a good all-around choice. Down-filled bags offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic-filled ones are better for damp conditions.
Bonus Tips
- Check the fit: Some bags are designed for different body shapes; ensure it’s snug but not restrictive. Yes, try it on. Get inside and see if you can roll over or is it too constricting.
- Look for extra features: A hood, draft collar, and two-way zippers can enhance comfort. Colder climes can make you appreciate these extras and even turn your trip from challenging to fun.
- Consider a sleeping bag liner: It adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. This could be a game changer if you are hunkering down for a day and an overnighter, for the sake of $20 – $30 would you risk it. Try this Swede product.
By balancing weight, size, and comfort, you’ll find the perfect sleeping bag for your hiking adventures!
I have put a lot of information in here, and this is from personal experience. I will try to break it down in future posts, but this should give you a good overview.
Conclusion
Taking the time in getting it right for you and your friends or family is the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable one.
When you’re hiking you have to carry everything, and that includes cooking utensils, food and water unless you are fortunate enough to have a camp to trek to.
Whatever you decide, get out there and enjoy it while it is still there.
Happy Hiking
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Steve
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