Hiking Basics
Hiked a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail
Over the past 5 months, I have been spending my extra time hiking and I must say, it has been so great! While I have hiked on and off in my life, this is the first time I have been consistently hitting the trails. Carving out time to explore new places and revisit some familiar trails has been just what I’ve needed. It sure has been rewarding to challenge myself.
Spring and summer are great seasons to get out and explore. Doing some research prior to heading out for an adventure is a great idea. Spend the time doing your homework, so that you are well prepared. I’ve rounded up some hiking basics for you, from how to select your next hike to sharing my favorite gear.
Choosing a Hike
I sure enjoy each time I hike Telegraph Pass!
Apps - There are many hiking apps that really come in handy when you are in the middle of no where. onX or AllTrails are great options for hiking. I suggest looking at the route prior to venturing out. It’s always good to know what you are getting yourself into. I recommend paying for the annual subscription of at least one hiking app. This will give you access to the maps offline when you do not have cell phone service. The apps also track your path, so you can see if you are off course.
Distance - Think about the distance that you would like to hike. Are you up for a casual, easy hike or are you up for a challenging hike that will allow you to get in several miles? If you are new to hiking, try and easier hike and build up to moderate and challenging hikes.
Elevation - The elevation gain and/or loss can make a big difference in your hike. If you are traveling from sea level, like me, it’s important to keep in mind the elevation gain of the location of where you are hiking. If it’s a dramatic change in elevation, try to arrive at least a day before hiking and drink a ton of water to help acclimate to the higher elevation.
Location - You can hike just about anywhere. Think about if you would like to hike close to home or out of town. Using an app like AllTrails allows you to search by location, which is quite helpful. The app will also save all of your hiking stats, which can be fun to review.
Gear
I tend to be an overpacker, but am learning to condense and take just the essentials.
Remember to take a small first aid kit and any emergency medications, if you have any health conditions.
A good hiking hat is essential. It makes such a difference to keep the sun out of your face and also protect your skin.
Dress appropriately and if you ask me, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so I tend to dress in layers. I’ve built up my hiking gear and have narrowed down my favorite items. My go-to sleeveless top, long sleeve shirt, pants and socks are good quality and are comfortable.
Choose a day pack that is a good fit and has sufficient room for the items that you are going to carry. When selecting a pack, think about if you want space for a hydration system or if you prefer to carry reusable water bottles. I am a big fan of my Osprey Mira 32L pack.
Hiking poles are a lifesaver! My knees greatly appreciate it when I use the poles. I am not going to lie, they do slow me down, but if you ask me, it’s good to take in the sights and hike at your own pace.
I suggest investing in a good pair of hiking boots. A decent pair of boots will last you years. My last pair of boots lasted 10 years. It took me a minute to find a replacement pair and I am thrilled with my new hiking boots.
Weather Conditions
Check the weather as you plan your adventure and then take my advice and check the weather again. Depending on the time of year you are hiking you may run into all kinds of weather. Maybe a monsoon? Snow? Heavy winds? Extreme heat? Whatever the weather calls for, be extra prepared. Use common sense when venturing out and you may need to postpone your hike if the weather isn’t calling for great conditions.
Just a Few More Reminders
Make sure you communicate with another person about where you plan to hike and when you expect to return. Most trails are remote and cell service may not be available. Please remember to leave no trace and leave the area better than you found it.
Let me know in the comments, if you have other hiking tips that we should add to the list. Have fun exploring!
Hiked Castle Dome with the best group!
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