Hiking For Beginners

Human beings are merely mammals in more expensive clothing, so it's only natural that we have an innate need to connect with the earth, wind and water. If you are one of those people who yearn to get up close and personal with Mother Nature every chance you get, hiking can be the perfect activity.

Hiking is considered by some to be a recreational pastime. To others, however, it's much more than that. Some people begin a lifelong love of hiking as very small children. They remember spending family vacations as endless hours spent tackling the trails with mom and dad. A child's newfound love of hiking will blossom into skills and memories that he or she will carry throughout their lives.

Many hikers develop their love of the sport much later in life, sometimes well into the senior years. Older kids in scout troops embark on weekend journeys. Teenagers traipse through the woods to find a secluded spot to hang out with their friends. Stressed-out executives can't wait until five o'clock, so they can kick off their wingtips and strap on a pair of hiking boots.

If you've discovered the love of hiking for any reason, you can't deny that there's no better way to shake off our contemporary hassles and enjoy the peace and solitude that only nature can offer.

When beginners start hiking they can find the sport a little tricky. Seasoned pros can always spot rookie hikers. They struggle with packs, loaded with fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. These overzealous hikers load their backcountry packs with heavy tents, fancy foods, two pairs of shoes and a bounty of "just in case" gizmos.

The truth is every professional hiker was a beginner at one time. We all need to make mistakes and learn from them. Don't worry about making the same mistakes. You'll soon be confident enough to pack a little lighter and in no time at all you'll be traveling a little easier. As you lose bulk from your pack, you'll log miles on your hiking boots. Your skills and experiences will grow with time, and soon you'll be the experienced hiker on the trail.

Meantime, here are some hiking tips and some helpful advice for you live by as you work toward earning your Experienced Hiker badge:

Be Prepared

Hiking is fun and makes you feel free as a bird. Remember, though, that there are basic safety rules that you've got to follow. This is the outdoors, and anything can happen. Failing to prepare for your anything-goes journey can be the cause of backcountry disasters and near misses. Inadequate clothing, bad judgment calls and the inability to read a map have all led to life-threatening hiking situations. The first step in hiking for beginners is to know what you need to bring, understand what you need to do, and then follow through. Know the conditions. Check the weather forecast, dress in layers and bring a lightweight rain jacket -- just in case. Be aware of the trail and surroundings. If you're hiking in a national park or conservation area, check with park management for advice on local conditions and permitting procedures. Check your bookstore or look online for hiking guides and maps. Use them.

Get in Gear With the Right Equipment

Vanity has no place on the beginners' hiking trail. No one will care what you look like, or whether you seem like a "newbie" on the trail. After the sun sets the temperature will drop quickly, so be prepared to stay warm. Make sure that your sleeping bag is properly insulated. Looking cool means nothing if you're not able to stay warm. A coordinating ensemble has nothing to do with hiking. Remember, this is a sport. Get the right equipment to stay safe and out of harm's way.

Relax and Have Fun

If it wasn't fun, countless people wouldn't be doing it every chance that they get. While hiking can be physically demanding, it's also a great way to relieve stress. To a hiker, hitting the trails is an experience that no resort vacation can match. Those who really love nature feel that hiking is worth every scratch, bug bite and sore muscle.

While trying to remember everything you'll need to bring on your hike, you must remember to leave your stress behind. Take your time. Enjoy the journey. Relax and watch the clouds drift by. Feel the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air. Take a picture, smell a flower, catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Appreciate your hidden animal and enjoy your time with nature.

Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com

Contributor Nadia Eshott enjoys writing for a variety of web sites, on sports instruction and sports recreation issues.
Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the hiking Articles Submission Service

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated