TrailReady - Tips

Hiking Tips

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you're comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it's an activity that almost anyone can do.

If you've dreamed of hiking, but have yet to try it, it's time to get out there. Just follow these tips and advices:

Choose Your Hiking Gear

One of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don't need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you're ready to head into the wilderness.

If you want to learn about gears, you can explore here.

Start Small

Start hiking on short local trails. To find trails, I recommend using the All Trails app and searching for nearby trails rated easy. Get comfortable on the short trails and work your way up to longer and harder trails.

Know Your Limits

Pushing your limits is a common mistake in hiking. Hiking should be an enjoyable experience, and your safety is paramount. If a trail seems too difficult or unsafe, it's okay to turn back. It's very important to not overestimate your abilities or those of anyone else in your group.

Bring a Buddy

Take a friend with you for safety and good company. If they are also new to hiking, you can learn together. Just keep in mind that everyone's hiking paces are different, so be patient with each other.

Use Hiking Poles

Hiking poles are valuable tools for stability on steep trails. They can help you maintain balance and reduce the impact on your knees and hips while descending steep slopes. When using hiking poles, make sure they are adjusted to the correct length for your height.

Make Sure Your Phone is Charged

Bring a backup battery and cord in case your device dies. This is extra important if you do not have a paper map!

Bring More Water Than You Think

Hydration is key. Carry more than you expect, especially on hot days or long hikes.

Stay on the Trail

Wandering off-trail can damage nature and increase your risk of getting lost. Stick to marked paths.

What to Do If You Get Lost?

In the unfortunate event of getting lost, make sure to follow these 4 tips:

Stay calm! If I learned one thing from solo traveling, in general, it's that panicking will definitely lead to poor decision-making. So, take a moment to breathe, think, and try to assess your situation.
Try to retrace your steps to the last point where you were sure of your exact location.
If you fail to retrace your steps, it's best to stay put, especially if it's getting dark. It'll most probably be safer to stay in one spot and signal for help instead.
If there's no emergency hotline or there's no cell coverage, you can signal for help using a whistle, a mirror/reflective surface to reflect sunlight, or flashing a bright-colored item to grab attention.