4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike
Do you love hiking, or have you always been interested in it and want to start? Google hiking opportunities in your local, state, and national parks systems. Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.
1. Know the area. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it’s a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.
2. Find out the conditions. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike because it was raining or freezing and you weren’t prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out with a quick call or a check online. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won’t feel good in the morning.
3. Wear clothing that works. You need clothes that fit the terrain and hike conditions.
- Try to stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet.
- Go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.
- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker are good socks and good shoes. Don’t underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks.
- A hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.
4. Bring a first aid kit. In most cases a simple kit will do, but make sure to add to it depending on the conditions and location of your hike. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store, or you can build you own. Your kit should include these basics, preferably packed in a waterproof bag or container:
- Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes.
- Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools.
- Suntan lotion.
- A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance).
- Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications.
- Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread.
- A cell phone to be used in emergencies. (If you don’t have one of your own, you can pick up a cheap disposable one for hiking.)
Happy hiking!
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Julie hikes, camps, fishes, skis, and generally spends as much time outdoors as she can – when she’s not blogging, of course. Read more of her articles at http://www.fun-travel-blog.com/.
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