Before discussing in general about hiking
trails, let us first analyze on what exactly is termed as hiking. According to basic definition, hiking is
walking for recreational purposes. The duration of hiking can be simply a few
hours of Sunday walk or a four week long trip in a mountain range. Hiking is
often interchangeably used for many other words or activities depending on the
length and
terrain of the hike, such as mountaineering, trekking, backpacking,
bushwalking, etc.
Hiking In General
Hiking though merely is walking in
different terrains and atmosphere, and anyone who has the power of putting one
foot ahead of the other, can take up hiking. However it is empirical to mention
here that walking is much easier than hiking. Hiking in addition to walking
also tests your basic skill of survival camping, nature’s raw experience,
physical fitness level, mindset and knowledge of the area.
Hiking is like walking with a
slight difference. Instead of being concerned of reaching the destination,
which is the purpose of walking, hiking is about enjoying the journey as a
whole and experiencing everything that comes along the hiking trail.
Skills of Experienced Hikers
An experienced hiker is one who is
an outdoor expert, equipped with the skills of surviving out in different
locations and landscapes. He enjoys excellent physical fitness, a mindset and
knowledge of how to go about the experience and overcome anything or any
difficulty that nature sends in the way.
For many people hiking is about a
chance to feel close with nature, however, as easy as it may seem, there are
certain things that you should consider before starting a hiking trip.
Mentioned below are the things that anyone should consider before deciding on
whether to take up hiking or not, as they can help evaluate if hiking is your
sport or not.
Evaluate Your Physical Abilities
Since you will not be hiking on a
plain road on your trip, a lot of physical exertion can be expected on hiking
trails and it is always a good idea to evaluate your physical capabilities.
First time hikers can opt for easy local hiking trails. This will allow them to
experience the adventure on a small scale allowing them to know if they are
ready for a big hiking adventure.
Shape Up
Trail hiking is an addictive
activity for those who love it, however as interesting as it may seem, it is
always best to shape up your body before taking up multi day hiking trips. You
can also opt for some pre hiking training and indulge in some heavy physical
activity. Also there are manmade simulation trails that offer a taste of hiking
to novice adventurers of the future.
Regular long walking routines will
also help a lot in building up stamina for the ultimate hiking trail experience
in the wild. Pre training will help new hikers a lot through allowing them to
understand the physical pressure and drain they will be experiencing during the
experience.
Find a Friend
After you are done with the
thorough physical preparation, it is time to decide on the superior hiking
trail you will be going on for your first nature experience. But that is not
all. It is recommended that hiking alone should be avoided whenever it can be.
Especially for first time hikers, it is advisable to have at least a friend
along if not a whole group.
In general even for experienced
hikers, hiking in groups is always a good idea as it is safer, motivating, more
enjoyable and experiencing, along with being a trip with shared
responsibilities by
every group member making it less of a hassle in the entire
trip.
Choose the Proper Hiking Gear
As important as it is to be
physically fit, choose a suitable trail and company to take along, equally
important it is to be equipped with all the necessary hiking gear, without
which the dream experience can transform into a nightmare.
So buck up all hikers and don’t let
the hiking trails wait anymore. Start with a day’s trip and before time you
will manage a multiple day trips as well. Don’t forget to share your experience
here.
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