Hiking for Beginners: What you Need to Know
Are you a beginner hiker ready to explore the great outdoors and embark on an adventure, but don’t know where to start? I always like to say that hiking is the low-hanging fruit of outdoor adventure because anybody can do it. Really…there are many places that offer ADA trails! How cool is that?!
Hiking is an excellent way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and rejuvenate your body and soul. It can be intimidating to start, but I’m here to help ease the anxiety so you can get out on that first hiking adventure. So without further ado, I give you a simple guide on hiking for beginners:
Why Should Beginners Consider Hiking?
As I said above, hiking can literally be for anyone! It doesn’t matter how far or high you go, just getting outside with some dirt below and fresh air in those lungs will bring a sense of fulfillment and peace. Even the American Psychological Association agrees that “Spending time in nature can act as a balm for our busy brains.”
Hiking can be a “gateway” to many other outdoor adventure sports. I know many people who started hiking short trails near their house and are now mountaineering up epic volcanoes!
You have to start somewhere, so remember that there is nothing to be ashamed about with small, humble beginnings. Just like the advice I got from mentors when starting this site, my biggest encouragement for you is to just start now and see where it takes you.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin”
Zechariah 4:10, NLT
Essential Hiking Gear for Beginners
Maybe the most intimidating thing about hiking is the gear. You might be aware that the right gear can help your experience be more safe and enjoyable. Many equate “The Ten Essentials” like it’s the Ten Commandments of the outdoors, but my unpopular opinion on that is to not bring any gear that you don’t know how to properly use! Some of the items in the Ten Essentials won’t be useful to someone who is just starting to hike, and that’s OK! As you gain experience, you’ll understand more of what you need. You will grow in your awareness of potential dangers on longer trails and have the opportunity to plan for risk mitigation. But don’t stress about it now, we’re focused on taking one step at a time.
For your first adventure, I highly recommend wearing clothing and footwear that is comfortable for YOU. Take note of the weather forecast and plan layers accordingly. Your first adventure won’t likely be deep in a high-altitude mountain range with ever-changing conditions. You’ll probably be close to home and familiar with weather patterns, so you shouldn’t have to worry a whole lot about fancy outdoor gear that you don’t already have.
As for other gear, I recommend bringing a form of communication like a cell phone (more on choosing a trail in the next section). Please know, this recommendation is for safety, not for doing modern phone things! One of the main reasons people get on the trail is to get away from the screens and the noise we experience in everyday life. I hope you try the same! Of course, phones are great for taking photos, so be sure to do that too 😉
A water bottle for hydration and snacks to keep your nutrition up is also essential. As you go on longer and longer hikes, you’ll need to keep up with all those burning calories and salt loss!
Don’t forget to bring anything else you might need in a moment’s notice on the trail (like medications you’ve been prescribed, etc). Some locations might require bug spray, while others may call for sunscreen. Think about where you’re going and what might be nice to have with you if things got uncomfortable.
Something else I like to always bring, especially if I’m adventuring in the afternoon, is a headlamp. Sure, cell phones have flashlights that can be used in emergencies, but I don’t like counting on their battery life to get me through a dark trail. Headlamps are one piece of $20 gear I find invaluable. Just don’t forget to keep fresh batteries on hand!
How to Choose a Hiking Trail for Beginners
There are so many factors to consider when choosing a trail for one of your first hikes. As a beginner, my recommendation is to select something close to home and not too far off the beaten path. Try to find a location that has decent cell phone coverage in case you need to call for help.
Read recent online reviews about your intended trail to help you prepare mentally and physically. There’s a plethora of information online from local trail association sites and National Forest reports to personal blogs and social media platforms. If you are located in a popular location for adventuring, many people both online and in person are ready and willing to offer trail beta.
It’s not necessary, but if it interests you, reading trail statistics before you go can help you understand what to expect. The first two things I look at when considering a trail are the distance and elevation gain/loss. I hope to write an entire post in the future to help explain this better, but for now, you can probably find some helpful information via YouTube. Know that this awareness will develop over time as you get out more.
Hiking Safely and Being Kind
Safety is often at the top of our minds when preparing for an adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re first starting out or a well-seasoned rambler, there’s always precautions to take. Being aware of safety can often hold us back from getting out. With hundreds of backcountry miles under my feet, I still have days I feel hesitant to go. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between fearfulness and forethought.
As a beginner hiker, you should not be picking high-consequence trails. This means that if an emergency happens, help is easily accessible. Over time, you’ll gain experience in understanding your limits. If outdoor adventure is a passion that continues to grow, I highly recommend seeking out formal or informal training in both first aid and navigation.
One of the most frequent fears of new hikers is the wild animals you may encounter. Cougars and bears and snakes, OH MY! If you feel comfortable with the tool, feel free to bring along animal deterrents like bells for your dog, pepper spray, etc. I like to stay aware of my surroundings by not wearing headphones. Talking or singing can also help avoid taking an animal by surprise. Remember: you are the one entering their home and they are most likely more afraid of you than you are of them. Stay confident and enjoy any animal sights!
As for etiquette, there are many philosophies out there. One of the most well-known and understood trail “rule” is that uphill hikers have the right of way. However, most uphill hikers are happy for the break and want the excuse to step aside and take a moment to breathe! This is something I judge and communicate on a case-by-case basis.
Be friendly with a simple passing wave or “hello.” This can ease the nerves of solo hikers and can also help someone know you’re approaching if they don’t see you.
This one may be obvious for some of you, but be sure to pack out what you pack in. Don’t leave garbage and try to minimize dropping food crumbs as that can disturb the ecosystem. In a similar vein, try to stay on the trail as much as possible. I will write another post about Leave No Trace principles, but one of the most overlooked practices is stepping off trail and on to vegetation. Wilderness plants are very fragile, so if you must take a step off trail, try to pick a barren surface like dirt or rock. Just as we want to be kind to other hikers, we want to be kind to our host: nature!
Setting Expectations
Hiking for beginners can be both exciting and overwhelming. Every experience and location is different, so it’s difficult to tell you exactly what to expect. If you’ve had a negative adventure or fear has held you back before, you may be apprehensive to try. My encouragement is to give it a shot. This doesn’t have to be epic, just enough to dip your toes into the beautiful world of outdoor adventure. As all the tips shared above, be wise while planning and don’t push for anything that might end up being too much: you want to enjoy the journey!
“Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.”
Proverbs 20:18, The Message
Be sure to pace yourself and don’t hesitate to turn around if you feel the need. The trail will always be there to complete another day. Fuel your body well with consistent nutrients and hydration. If you’ll feel more comfortable with an adventure partner, then do it! Just be sure this is a person you feel safe taking on a challenge with.
Aim for safety and gratitude for every step you get to take outside. With this accomplished, your first hiking adventure will have you looking forward to the next one. And don’t forget to take pictures of all the memorable moments!
In Sum
I believe every one of us was designed to enjoy the beautiful world around us and hiking offers a gateway to explore nature’s wonders. My hope is this post acts as a reassuring compass for beginners stepping into the world of hiking. Everybody begins somewhere. Remember to start small, plan wisely, and absorb the magnificence of the great outdoors. Happy trails!
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue to work until it is finally finished…”
Philippians 1:6, NLT
Do you have any other suggestions or questions on hiking for beginners? Let me know in the comments below!
