Moderate: Steadier elevation gains combined with rougher terrain that may have roots, rocks, or other obstacles.Suitable for physically fit people. These hiking clubs provide a wide range of partners with valuable experience for the new and seasoned hiker. I have seen many bears on my hikes, but they were black bears, not as aggressive as the grizzly bears. TIPS FOR BEGINNER DAY HIKERS / Hiking Basics 101Going on a hike for the first time can seem overwhelming. I don’t always use them, but when I do, I am grateful that I have them. “Bring a bandana that you can dip in streams or lakes and wrap around your neck for some instant cooling in hot weather.” – MEC staffer Kim B. So make sure to take a look around the blog or Read A Little More About Me…. For example, in spring, many trails will be muddy or possibly snow-covered. Your email address will not be published. Hiking is great physical exercise. Snacks/lunch (my personal favorite hiking snack is chocolate-covered almonds) Map (in a Ziploc for … I list hydration under the ten essentials, but I have also listed it here, due to how vital drinking water is when you are hiking. To avoid not having service, you can buy a personal locator beacon where you can text friends and family and send out an SOS signal in case of an emergency. The bears seem to not care I was there and went on their way. Most hiking groups insist on newbies starting on a few lower grade hikes so the group leaders can get a feel for the persons fitness. You see, hiking can be hard on your feet. Now read on to learn how to start hiking! You’ll heat up on the uphills and cool down when you stop for lunch, so layers are key. If you are cold, put on clothes. Order online, get it at your local MEC and pay no shipping. When you drink out of a hydration reservoir, the hose is right next to your face so you can easily drink while hiking, and it won’t interrupt your pace. Thanks to social media and the internet it’s never been easier to find groups of like-minded hikers who go on weekly … I can tell you right now that I am more worried about people, then I am of bears. You might need to adjust your plans or what you bring as a result. Learn everything you need to begin hiking! Your email address will not be published. But if you have the right gear, knowledge, and confidence, you can hike to some pretty extraordinary places. Hiking for beginners is a lot easier when you’ve got a hiking buddy or a group to tag along with. When it comes to hiking there are some guidelines that most hikers know and stick to and you should be aware of them when you start too. In short, hiking … The amount of time a hiking route takes depends on a few main factors: On flat ground, a hiking speed of 4–6km per hour is average to speedy. People behind you going faster have the right of way. Accessibility. All rights reserved. I usually wear hiking boots on long strenuous hikes because my ankles tend to give out when I get tired. But other hikes involve a lot more navigation skills and challenging terrain. It is essential to leave your itinerary with a friend or a family member. People of all fitness levels are welcome on our trips with the club. Many people don’t start hiking because they feel like they have no one to go with. These apps have many hikes already shared and loaded by other other hikers. Find out what’s new for hut trips and avalanche safety during COVID-19. Backpacking basics: How to plan an overnight hiking trip, How to choose trekking poles and hiking poles, About water treatment, filters and purifiers, synthetic or wool/wool-blend hiking socks. Find over 9 Hiking for Beginners groups with 4731 members near you and meet people in your local community who share your interests. Newbie or expert, meet other outdoor enthusiasts, hone your skills with REI. Easy: Well-maintained hiking trail, oftentimes paved, with little or no elevation gain.Suitable for most ages and beginners. Find a Group or Hiking Buddy. © 2020. Having the correct type of shoes for hiking is very important to me. Later, when you’re more experienced and battle-hardened, you can go out alone, but for now, stick to hiking with other people. This guide can help you prepare for your first hike wherever you are headed, ensuring you are safe and comfortable in 11 basic tips. For beginner hikers, it can be nicest to go for your first hike with a partner or group. Hike once a Week at a Local Park Open Forest in the Middlesex Fells. Discover places you'd never visit on your own. If you’re tackling more technical routes, longer trails or rough weather, Ditch the cotton socks. If you’re a beginner hiker, choose a route that’s right for your level of fitness and outdoor experience. The person can then quickly upgrade quickly to a higher level hike if they are really fit already as that will be evident on their first time out. You can read more on these principles here : The Seven Leave No Trace Principles. Cell phones can die, and a map is exceptionally reliable. I also bring an external charger with me on the trail. That problem can be resolved by joining local Facebook groups or online groups such as Meetups. Layering is the key to hiking comfortably and safely. For flat, smooth trails and dry conditions, a pair of trail running shoes can do the trick if you don’t have hiking footwear. But after hiking for years, I promise you that the sweat and tears are worth it! Lassen Peak is the southernmost volcanic peak in the Cascades and is one of the best options for beginners looking to tackle the … These apps have many hikes already shared and loaded by other other hikers. Alright, you have finished reading some of the best tips when it comes to hiking. Even though I’ve called these beginner hikes, you should still prepare responsibly. >>>Check out the PLB here. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW BASIC HIKING ETIQUETTE . Check out my Water Reservoir: Buy It Here. Facebook/Instagram groups: Social media groups are another excellent way for beginner hikers to connect with others. Day hiking takes practice and conditioning if you want to build up to more strenuous and … Online groups, such as REI Conversations or MeetUp, are also a great way to find hiking buddies. Did you know that I have a group for women hikers? Consider these hiking for beginners tips before setting out on your first hike. An awesome option if you’re a beginner hiker, or if you just want to share the experience, is to hit the trail with a hiking group or a trail buddy. Wildland Trekking is America’s largest and highest rated hiking company.We lead 10,000+ people on guided treks and backpacking trips around the USA and the world every year, and many of our guests are new to hiking. Walking information, advice and campaigns, walking news and events, group led walks and an online library of walking routes. Best for: Beginners looking to climb to the top of a volcano. A lot of hikes do not have cell service. I also want to note that I don’t recommend them in the wintertime. Some hikes can be as easy as putting one foot in front of the other and following a well-marked trail. Longer hikes give you time to be creative and think through difficult problems. 1. Why the Salkantay Trek is a great backpacking trip for beginners: While at points this trail can be challenging - especially on day 2 the longest hiking day and reaching the highest point - I feel it is a great trail for beginners wanting to push themselves to do more hiking at altitude. A good portion of beginner hikers has no idea. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The main problem with water bottles is that you have to stop to take a sip. With more than 500 members and 60 guides, our club offers a wide range of weekly guided activities - mall walking to peak bagging - easy to strenuous. Your feet can trample and kill sensitive flowers or plants. You'll find real-world experience, decades of outdoor knowledge, and exceptional products that won't ever let you down. An outside-the-box list of gift ideas for skiers, cyclists and more. And when you’re on the trail, look behind you after you pass key landmarks or intersections so you know what to look for on your return route home. 1-4 miles is a great starting point and with an elevation gain of fewer than 800-1000 feet. Hiking times will vary a lot depending on the terrain. Learn how your comment data is processed. Read more, Privacy policy www.hikingclub.ca . A short out-and-back route not far from home can be a great option. Experience the natural wonders of Southern Arizona with Tucson's leading hiking club. And … The Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Walking Exploring the outdoors is suitable for everyone, and if you’re just starting to make walking or hiking a more regular thing, then we have some handy tips that can help you enjoy it as much as possible. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Always tell someone you trust where you’re going and when to expect you back. Feet are what will get you from point A to point B, so you need to take care of them. Before you set out for a day hike, here’s how to start: If you’re new to hiking, the best way to start is to find other experienced hikers you can join. « 15 Best USA National Parks To Visit In The Spring. Plan your hike according to your fitness level. Not your workout shoes, hiking shoes. It’s much safer to go with your buddy or a group. Most people are afraid of bears. I used to hike with Nikes. If you start difficult, you run the risk of hating hiking, and then you move on and never do it again. You should familiarize yourself with where your route goes, and try to anticipate the conditions you’ll find. Look for landmarks and highways. Smooth, dry trails are easier going (and faster) than rough, wet trails, or ones that involve loose rock or bits of bush. 3.4 Think about a hiking partner or local hiking groups. The ten essentials include: I wrote a whole blog post on the ten essentials: Read The Blog Post Here. We snowshoe and cross country ski during the winter months. But it is expensive, and you have to pay monthly for it. Up to 30 days after purchase – we’ll match it. Form lasting friendships in the process. Carefully examine a topographic map or guidebook before you set off. Whistler, Squamish, North Shore, Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, West Coast Trail. But if you follow certain tips from my hiking solo blog post, it might help. Know that mountain weather can change rapidly and without warning. If the trail is too hot or if it is too snowy and I don’t have the correct equipment for that particular hike. When it comes to animals, I think you should read up on the animals you will encounter in your area. Horses have priority, followed by hikers, and then bikers. Elevation gain can make a huge difference to the difficulty of the hike. Not sure if it’s right for you? Good hiking shoes/boots have protection around them. Welcome to Kelowna Hiking for Beginners! Reach out to the hike organizer to ask questions before you show up at the trailhead. 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