Despite the excessive heat warning, it is likely to still experience the outdoors in this hot summer weather. The only thing you need to do is modify your reasoning a little and be aware of safety measures as you hit the trails. Do not allow yourself to be one of those heat drained hikers, take precaution and use the following information to help you hike smart in extreme high temperature.

· Having the proper hiking gears is very essential. Ensure that you wear proper boots to support your feet and ankle.

· Do not hit the trail by yourself, always hike with a friend or family so you can support each other.

· Ensure that you take frequent breaks especially hiking in excessive hot temperature. In the desert where the temperature is extremely hot, it is imperative to take frequent breaks in order to keep your body cool.

· It is important to always look for shelter in order stay out of the sun. Try as much as possible to take advantage of shady spots especially when the clouds starts hovering over the sun. Get out of the sun as much as you can, both on breaks and on the trail.

· Clothing is always personal preference. Hats are very important to bring on your trail to guard against the extreme hot sun. Ball-caps are good but brimmed hats are preferable as it also covers the back of your neck as well as your ears.

· Always plan to set out early in the morning when the sun is not extremely hot and choose short trails in order not to be out too long in the sun. If you really do not want to be hit by the sun, then head out early, so you can enjoy the sunrise and head back before the temperature gets uncomfortable.

· It is important that you bring water on your hike. How much water you bring with you when hiking in the desert really depends on the length, strain of the hike, the day temperature and your thirst capability. It is necessary to bring enough water and sports drinks as it is advisable to drink at least a liter per hour of hiking. Keep in mind that drinking soda or alcohol while hiking will dry you out.

· The best snacks for the trail are ones that will provide you with high energy, such as fruit, granola, peanut butter, bagels, power bars, fruit bars, trail mix, beef jerky, or even candy plus some salty nuts to replenish the salt you sweat out. For longer hikes, bring more protein snacks with you.

· Make sure you eat regularly because your body is functioning tremendously fast and needs to replenish energy quickly. So continue replenishing your body with salty and protein snacks.
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Well, it’s summertime again and that can only mean that for most of us it is a time to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun. Now, while many of you might head to the beach for that annual sunburn, most of us would prefer the fun and freedom of hiking and camping the great outdoors. No matter whether it is waking to the sounds of birds chirping on a crisp mountain morning or the being lulled to sleep by crickets on a starry night. Hiking and camping can be one of the nicest ways to really come to understand the wilderness. You might choose to hike in the mountains or valleys, visiting waterfalls or other famous landmarks and camp in the woods maybe near a river. Either way, just be certain to properly prepare for both and don’t make the same mistakes I have made in the past.

Camping and Hiking Tips

Now, once you determine on a specific site and time you are wanting to begin your hike, you will want to plan on what you need to take with you, how much you will need, and probably most important, what you don’t need to bring with you. Below are just a few simple tips that should prove very helpful.

Probably one of the first items to consider would be the proper footwear if you are planning on going hiking. The correct fit and comfort are vital for successful hiking trip. Based on the location of the hike, you will want to decide the weight, durability, and if you will need them to be waterproof or not. Remember, you will most likely be encountering uneven and rough terrain, so boot selection needs serious consideration, so do your research. In addition to the boots, be sure to bring along extra pairs of good hiking socks. This will not only help avoid you getting blisters, but in the event that your socks get wet, it will offer you some dry backup options.

Next on the, ‘what to bring list’, should be a good backpack. Based on the number of days you intend on hiking will largely determine the size and scope of the pack you will need. If you are camping along your hiking route, then you will need a larger pack that can accommodate not only your clothes, but also you tent and sleeping bag, food and cooking stove/utensils, and water and other necessities. If you are this during the colder months, you will need to plan for additional winter gear and garments. If it is the rainy season, then proper raingear would be a must.

Avoid The Same Hiking Mistakes I Made

Let’s dive into some of the specifics on what we covered above:

• If you plan on camping through your hike- Get a good quality tent. Be sure to consider the size and quality. You will want a good rainfly. Don’t make the mistake I made once and get a tent based on how it looked ‘cool’. You want function over fashion any day. You also will want a small tarp to place under the tent to help keep the tent floor dry. You can also use this as a rain cover should you get caught in a storm during your hike. A roll of duct tape and some seam sealer are always good to have should your tent form some leaks or a seam split. I learned that the hard way.
• For sleeping at night, a good sleeping bag and a roll to lay it on is great idea. Be sure to decide on what best fits your needs. Each bag is rated for various temperature conditions. The pad is to roll out under the under the sleeping bag to not only provide some comfort, but to create another moisture barrier. If you bag gets wet, it almost impossible to dry it out during your hike.
• For cooking food, you will need a small camp stove and something to ignite a fire. Generally, you want to refrain from starting an open fire as it can be prohibited in many national and state forests. Be sure you have a cooking pot, skillet, utensils, plates, and a good knife. Of course some zip-lock bags are great for not only storing food, but also rain proofing important items.
• For the food itself, planning out each meal is key. Bringing items like cereal, powdered milk, granola for breakfast and heat and eat freeze dried meals for lunch and dinners. Remember that weight is an important consideration, so bringing a lot of canned foods, may tend to weigh you down. Of course you will need plenty of water and a refillable container that you can use along the way. Don’t forget the water purification tablets either, again, learned that the hard way as well.
• As for general miscellaneous equipment, a compass, some light rope, a can / bottle opener, a signal mirror, and a first aid kit are very important. Extra batteries are a great idea as well, if you have devices that require them. Just be mindful about the added weight.
• Finally, clothing will need to be considered. If you are changing elevations, the weather can change quickly as well. What started out in the 70 and 80’s can quickly turn into the 40’s and below, especially as the sunsets. Don’t get caught without the proper sweaters or blankets. Likewise, in the heat of the day, having a good hat and sunscreen can prevent you from getting too much sun or even dehydrated. I also strongly recommend a good pair of sunglasses. Yea, you guessed it; I forgot those too.

Now that you are armed with these basic hiking and camping tips, my hope is that you don’t make the same mistakes that I have made. If you plan appropriately and are well-equipped, your experience should be safe and enjoyable. So, no more excuses, get out there and take on the great outdoors and have a blast doing it

1. Buying new boots – do your research.

New Boots – this is the best part of starting out. The trip to the store to buy those rather costly, very impressive leather hiking boots. Tried and tested on many trails, you will be beguiled with fancy terms like ‘upper,’ ‘split grain,’ ‘outsoles,’ ‘lowers,’ ‘midsoles,’ Gore-Tex® and ‘heel brakes.’ It may be worth brushing up on your understanding of some of the basic terms before you prepare to part with your well-earned dollars. Either way, the important thing is that the boots must be relevant to the hike. The key pointers to look for is that they must be waterproof, breathable, have good ankle support, a built-in ‘tongue,’ and good lug patterns on the sole with a solid heel brake.

1. Buy the correct size

This may sound really silly, after all, who would buy a boot that is the wrong size? You would be surprised! When you head off to buy your boots, take the socks that you will be wearing on your hike with you. Thin cotton socks that you wear to the gym are certainly not the correct sock to use to try on your new boots.

Having put on your new socks, take the inner sole of the boot out of the boot, place it on the floor and stand on it. You should have a good 1.5cm gap between your big toe and the end of the inner soul. The width of your thumb is also a good measure. Many people lose toenails on the descent of a climb because their boots are just too small.

1. Shop at the end of the day.

Saturday morning first thing is not the ideal time to buy your new boots, or any morning for that matter. It is better to buy your boots in the afternoon after you have been walking around all day, as your feet will swell a little.

1. Wear your boots in

Having bought your new boots, gets us to the first most important point, wear your boots in. Leaving them to stand on the mantle piece so that you can admire them daily is not going to do any justice to your feet come the big day. The first thing, is to put them on and wear them around the house for an hour. You will quickly learn if they are not entirely the right fit, giving you a chance to take them back before you wear them in.

Once you know they will be comfortable, wear them in. Take them on walks; wear them on weekends; wear them around the house. On the first few days when they start to hurt, take them off, give your feet a break and start again the next day. The last thing you want is to spend a fortune on a hike only to find you are riddled with blisters on day one, and many days still ahead of you.

1. Keep your boots clean

Just like an expensive car, boots need to be cared for, protected and serviced. Take the inner souls out to help the boots dry on the inside. This is also a good habit to get into at the end of each day of a hike.

On returning at the end of your hike, clean your boots with a soft brush and water and remove any mud buildup and dust particles. Then let your boots dry naturally. Putting them in a warming drawer or in front of a heater to speed up the process is the worst thing you can do. If the boots are damp on the inside, stuffing some newspaper in and changing it regularly will help to absorb excess moisture. Once your boots are dry, treat them to a leather care and waterproofing treatment. There are many different brands on the market such as Nikwax.

Introduction
Hiking is a broad term. To define it, hiking is simply walking, but for longer distances, and on trails and off-road (rural area, countryside, hilly or muddy regions). Since it involves a lot of walking, proper footwear play the most crucial role.

There is a wide variety of footwear available in the market and seldom do people make the right choice.

In this article we will discuss the differences between shoes and boots for hiking. At the end of the article, we hope you’ll have an insight on the differences which will in turn help you make the right choice to buy.

The footwear for hiking are really only two kinds: Shoes and Boots.

(Wearing flip flops of formal shoes, or other types will wear your feet. Nobody wants that!)

Whether to buy shoes or boots depends on the type of hiker you are. Do you prefer long, vigorous hikes, or short ones? Do you hike on trails or rocky regions?

Weather plays a deciding role too! If you mostly hike in rainy weather, you will be better off with waterproof shoes whereas if you like to hike on bright lit weather, you will be saved from the attack of nasty sweat by wearing shoes that have meshed upper.

Now let’s get into the stuff that make shoes not boots and boots not shoes.

Shoes
Shoes are lighter than boots. This is because they have less cushion and padding than boots – which works perfectly fine if you walk on well-defined trails.

The light weight, like mentioned before, comes with less support, meaning, there is less shock absorbed when compared to boots. Make sure you carry less weight. If don’t plan on carrying a lot of weight with you, shoes will do.

Shoes are low-cut at the ankles which allows for free leg movement, which in turn allows for fast movements. Speed and agility: if these are the aspects you are looking for in your hike, shoes are the best.

Boots
Are you a beginner? Boots are for you. Although they are quite heavy, (yes, even a few pounds on your feet makes a difference since you are walking for a considerable distance), but characteristic of being heavy comes with an advantage. It has plenty of padding. This provides a lot of support, which is a necessity for beginners.

Boots prove to be incredibly more better than shoes if you are hiking over rough terrains and hike for long distances.

Also, the support boots have allows a hiker to carry a lot of weight with them. Boots can take the weight better than shoes.

So, grab a bottle of water (because you dehydrate when hiking), maps and a compass (so you don’t get lost), a multi-tool, matches, and a torch light.

Hiking backpacking is a great leisure activity. It helps you lose weight and it improves your cardiovascular health. It strengthens your heart and it cleanses your lungs. Hiking also has a lot of mental benefits. It helps release stress and anxiety. Studies show that it can even help cure depression. It also helps you learn a lot about nature and the culture of your backpacking destination. Plus, it helps you meet new people and make new friends.

So, if you’re planning on going on a hiking backpacking trip in the next few months, here are some of the destinations that you should consider:

1. Torres del Paine (Chile)

This trail is around 62 miles that you can hike in about three days. It is filled with rocky mountains, exotic wildlife, wildflower fields, and blue glaciers. You can also find giant granite monoliths that are around ten thousand feet high.
This hiking haven is packed during the summer season so it’s difficult to book a hut around the area during the summer months. This is the reason why it’s best to go camping around the area during these months.

2. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii)

This trail is about 22 miles long. The trail is located along the coast of a beautiful island called Kauai. This trail has a rugged terrain, but it’s all worth it because it’s filled with breathtaking view of the Hanakoa falls.

3. Jomolhari Trek (Bhutan)

If you’re looking for a unique kind of adventure, you should definitely visit this hiking and backpacking haven. The Jomolhari Trek is located in Bhutan and it is in the sacred and glorious mountain of the Himalayas. You can find amazing Bhutan fortresses, beautiful Eastern buildings, museums, and the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery along the trail. This is a high altitude hike, so it’s important that you are physically and mentally ready before you take this trip. Also, you need to have a guide for this trek.

4. Inca Trail (Machu Picchu, Peru)

This is definitely one of the most popular hiking and backpacking trail in the world. The trail is about thirty kilometers long. You can find luscious forests, pre-historic stonework, and alpine tundra along the trail that leads to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu. Hikes are usually organized by the government.

5. John Muir Trail (California, United States)

This trail is around 210 miles long and takes more than 20 days to complete. This trail runs from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. You can find various national parks along the way, such as Kings Canyon, Yosemite, John Muir Wilderness National Park, Sequoia, and Sierra National Park.

6. Cinque Terre (Italy)

This trail is filled with beautiful pastel-coloured buildings. The Cinque Terre will definitely blow your mind. This trail is around 7.5 miles and takes only one day to complete. You’ll find charming villages such as the Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso along the trail.

The best path to good health involves exercise. This does not mean joining a gym and hiring a personal trainer. A brisk walk is great for a cardio workout. Best of all, it’s free to walk. After making several circuits around the neighborhood, it might help to expand the walking route. This is where the idea of hiking along a trail comes into play. The abundance of state and national parks means no one would be prohibitively far from a hiking trail. Just because someone has mastered the energetic walk does not mean they are ready to take on the next level of outdoor recreation that would be an intense hike. This is an exercise that should be approached much like the hike itself: Slow and steady. Here are some valuable tips to make sure a hike experience can be a winning one.

Leave the Denim in the Drawer

Check the label on a pair of denim jeans. It will read, “Made with cotton.” That’s great for casual wear but horrible on a mountain trail. Wet denim takes forever to dry out. It also draws out body heat leaving the wearer shivering. Embracing outdoor recreation means being prepared to embrace the elements and geological waterways. Cotton is not the clothing to be worn on these adventures.

Always Drink Water

Headaches, dizziness, and lack of focus are all signs of dehydration. The number one sign is when a person becomes thirsty. At that moment, the body is asking for water. On a hiking trail, the hiker needs to carry his or her hydration. Ideally, that would mean a six-ounce drink every twenty minutes. That keeps the hydration flowing before the body has a chance to get thirsty. Keep in mind that water is needed just as much on the way down as on the way up.

Break in Hiking Shoes Before the Hike

The first time a person goes on a hike is not the time to break in a pair of hiking shoes. Those shoes should be worn around for a few days before hitting the trail. It is also helpful to give the feet a break. During lunch or rest, remove the shoes and massage the feet. A nice foot cool down will help prolong the outdoor recreation.

Start Early

Hikes work best in the early morning hours. The sun hasn’t had a chance to reach its zenith for the day, and that means cooler temperatures. The longer a hiker waits to take to the trail, the less actual time they’ll have outdoors. Getting stuck on a trail after dark is not recommended even for the most experienced hikers.

Notify Friends

Despite all the preparation, an outdoor recreation adventure can go south in a heartbeat. Look no further than “127 Hours” for a prime example of that. There is nothing wrong with wanting to commune with nature by hiking solo. However, it is highly recommended that any hiker tells a friend where they are going and what trail they intend to use, just in case.

Hiking is all about fun, thrill, and excitement. All it requires is good stamina, a bit of patience, and a lot of energy.

Hiking with a lighter backpack can make your venture far more comfortable. You’ll be able to hike better and for a longer period. With a heavy backpack, you’ll soon feel tired and your back, knees, and feet will start aching and you lose all your stamina in no time. You won’t be able to enjoy the adventure.

A lightweight backpack is important for efficiency and enjoyment. So, it is important to pack everything intelligently. When you are on the trail, your backpack will carry everything you’ll need to sustain yourself in the wilderness.

Here are 10 tips that can help you lighten the load but still carry everything you need.

1. Examine current gear

Check every piece of your gear. Try to weigh them first. This will give you an idea of the weight of your load. You will be able to better decide which items to keep in the bag and which ones to skip.

2. Lightest equipment in bag

Select the lightest equipment for your bag. Choose the lightest sleeping bag, backpack, and shelter per your budget.

3. Keep yourself light

In summers, you can’t predict how the weather will treat you. It can be hot… or it can be too hot. Wear light clothes and soft boots on your hike as they’ll make you feel more comfortable.

4. Only select what you need

“Pack everything you think you will need, then get rid of half of it.”

This is the most important tip. Pack only what you need, not what might be useful. For example, a laptop is a luxury and not a must-have to take on a hike, skip it. Don’t carry things just because you think they can come in handy. From experience, most of the time those “handy” items are never used; but you end up carrying them all the way.

5. Consume the heaviest food first

Food and snacks take a significant amount of space and weight. Carrying them for a long hike will make you tired. To lighten your load, eat the heaviest and freshest items first.

6. Try light options for liquids

Try to take juices and other liquids in powder form. Carrying the liquid bottles will add a significant amount of weight. For soaps, you can go for dry, thin, paper soaps and other dehydrated alternatives. If you’re taking water bottles, place them in the side pockets of your backpack.

7. Survival skills

If you’re experienced, you’ll get to know how “survival” skills help you overcome many situations with minimal equipment or supplies. This reduces your backpack load. And if you are not experienced, don’t worry! Head out and explore! From small to big, each challenge will impart upon you the tactics you’ll need to deal with any difficult situations as expertise is acquired through experience. The more you hike, the more experience you gain, and the more innovative you become. The more experience you have, the more exacting you become on carrying the right “stuff”.

8. Don’t hang extra stuff

Always try to avoid hanging extra items from the outside of your pack. They will continue to move from one side to another while you hike. This can shake off your balance, can make unwanted noise, and can catch on tree branches or brush.

9. Distribute weight

* Start packing the hip belt and shoulder strap pockets first. These pockets are always easily accessible and great place to put small, important items that you’ll need throughout the day.
* You can put a few energy bars and snacks in a hip pocket as it’s important to have lots of small meals throughout the day.
* You can put your sunglasses, camera, lip balm, or sun block in your shoulder strap pouch.

10. Use common sense to pack

Have common sense of what you need to carry. You’ll see, this is a process that is mastered as you gain experience. Make a list of all the items that you think will be useful during the hike. Try to take along multipurpose items.

Before, during, and after every trip, take the time to learn about your packing habits and get to know what items you used. Taking the time to analyze what you packed and if it was useful will help to reduce the amount of unnecessary weight and help you become practical on your next outing.

A lightweight backpack plays a very important role for a successful and revitalized hiking adventure. Carrying light loads and minimum amount of gear makes your bag much easier haul and less time-consuming to pack.

As we keep traveling and viewing the country side or when we sit at home and watch documentaries on television, we are in awe of natures creation and beauty. We always wish to be part of that beautiful scenario and enjoy the wonders of nature.

Most people have a great hobby of experiencing the above by going on hikes to such destinations. Hiking not only gives you an enjoyable feeling but also is an exercise regimen for good health.

Doctors advise walking as a good exercise for one’s health. Once you develop the habit and stamina for regular walking, venture out to hike which generally is on uneven surfaces. Start with small walking excursions and gradually build it up for more challenging hikes.

One of the main reasons why most people go on hikes is to get away from the daily mechanical lifestyles and simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Some of them travel with friends for partying while some others enjoy the company of their family members for a picnic outing.

The following reasons should encourage you to pick up your backpacks and take a break from your daily rituals.

1. Outdoor Excercise: Hiking lets you get the much-needed exercise to keep your heart in good shape. Not only it helps you to control weight, but keeps you fit and energetic. The knee joints get the much-needed movement to keep it smooth and flexible.

2. Experience Natures Beauty: Imagine the smell of fresh air, the caressing breeze, the swaying trees and flowers with their magical fragrance. The warm sunshine, the chirpy birds and the crunchy sound of dry leaves under your feet. There is a joy in having your senses getting awakened to the wondrous world around you.

3. Freedom: Your body and mind relieve you of all anxiety and worry. You forget your office and business worries for those beautiful moments. It creates a feeling of spirituality and makes you liberated. Further, it helps you de-stress and rejuvenate.

4. Friendship and bonding: Going with friends or family members create a feeling of oneness. There is unity, love, and friendship that binds each one strongly. The destination and reasons are common as you trek along panting and laughing. A drink or a meal together on your journey can make your excursion a much more pleasurable experience.

Summer is probably the best time for hiking, but at the same time, you can often feel like it’s the worst possible time to go outside.

The clear skies and long, fresh daylight hours attract most hikers but these skies and long days can bake you in the heat. When the temperature rises, it gets tough to keep yourself motivated and calm.

You can still enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the same hot weather. You just need to take few precautions before heading out.

Don’t let the weather stop you from making some beautiful memories.

Here are few tips for hiking in hot weather that you should know before heading out.

1. Check Weather

Don’t just assume that you’d be fine on the trail. Hot weather comes with a lot of risks. It is important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip.

Humidity can be a sign of rainfall. Be prepared in advance.

Thunderstorms are also much more likely to occur when it’s hot. Keep yourself safe in all situations. So, check the weather before going out.

2. Start Early or Finish Late

Another good way to avoid heat is to start your trip early in the morning or in the late afternoon or evening. Skip the midday heat, don’t hike between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hike during the coolest time of day. Be an Early Bird or a Night Owl.

3. Choose Your Trail Wisely

Hiking in a shady forest is different from on an uncovered mountain pass. So, it’s important to choose your trail wisely. Your trail should include shady sections where you can rest for few minutes.

Try to find a trail that runs along running water/river.

You can get drinking water easily
You’ll be able to refresh yourself and cool down.
A trail at a lower height is preferred if the weather is going to be hot because a higher trail offers a lower amount of oxygen and stronger UV rays.

4. Light Apparel

In hot weather hiking, try to wear synthetic clothes as you’ll definitely sweat a lot and moisture-wicking clothes can prevent irritation.

It is better that you wear long sleeve shirts, hiking pants, and fine quality boots. The more of your body you can shield from the sun, the happier you’ll be.

Your boots should be made up of breathable fabric so wet feet won’t represent a problem during your hike. Your clothes should be in loose-fitting as it will allow for better airflow, which keeps you cooler.

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Staying hydrated is the key to every successful outdoor adventure. This is particularly essential when you’re hiking in hot weather.

Your body loses about one liter of water per hour on a regular hike. A challenging outing in hot weather can double that amount. Make sure you replenish, otherwise you’ll get dehydrated during a hike in hot weather.

6. Eat Salty Snacks

A hot weather hike will result in copious sweating. As water is essential to restore your body fluid levels, it’s equally important to restock the electrolytes lost through sweat. The most important ones are potassium and sodium. They play a major role in managing your energy levels.

Make sure to bring plenty of snacks that have complex carbs. Don’t go for simple carbs like sugary drinks and candy. You can have energy bars or fruit as they are great sources of complex carbs.

7. Take Regular Breaks

Continuous hiking in hot weather is near to impossible. Your tired body needs few minutes to relax. Regular breaks also allow your body to cool down and sweat to evaporate.

Put your backpack down, lay down, and give your body some much-needed rest. Drink water and have some snacks to restock your energy that will keep you going for the next few hours.

You may also want to take off your hiking boots and airing your feet and sweaty socks.

8. Be Aware of Heat Stroke

Be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke. Listen to your body and it will tell you when you can push yourself and when it’s time to coast. Eat when you’re hungry, rest when you’re feeling tired.

Common signs of heat stroke

Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Disorientation or confusion
Lack of sweating, despite hot temperatures
If you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms, immediately find shade and try to cool down as soon as possible.

9. Protect Your Skin

In such a hot weather, it is important that you take care of your skin.

Sunburns can damage your skin
They also affect body’s ability to cool itself, thus increasing risks of dehydration.
Apply a sunscreen with an SPF 30+, 30 minutes before heading out. Put it underneath your clothes as well.
Wear a hat or head covering to ensure that your head and neck area does not get too hot. Apply plenty of sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses
“Better safe than sorry” is always a good motto to live by.

Always carry a cell phone and let others know where you will be hiking. In case you run into trouble for any reason you’ll be able to make a call for immediate help. So, don’t just sit back thinking how hot the weather will be. Plan, prepare well, and head out!

If you have a lot of friends who love to travel or go camping, you’ve probably been invited to go hiking once or twice. It’s a fun activity for everyone whether you’re the outdoor type or not. Hiking allows you to see beautiful sights first hand and experience nature like no other. Most of all, it helps you disconnect from gadgets like your phone or laptop and bond with friends in an awesome way.

If you’re planning to go on your first hiking trip, here are 3 essential tips for first-timers:

Choose an easy trail

Like any other sport or outdoor activity, hiking can be done in various difficulties. It all depends on the trail you choose that should be appropriate for your level. As a beginner, choose one that is appropriate for your level of fitness. As you start to get the hang of it, you can opt for more difficult trails in the future. You should also do your part to condition yourself and get ready for the trip mentally and physically. Practice at a nearby trail, going as far as you can each time and resting when you get tired. If you don’t have a trail to practice on, the gym would do – try exercises like the elliptical and stair climber.

Get the basic gear

Since hiking is an outdoor activity, you should be ready for the outdoors in terms of clothing and gear. The most important one is the footwear that you’re going to use. A good, quality pair of rubber shoes would do (depending on the trail), but it is recommended that you invest in a good pair of hiking shoes/boots that offers ankle support and preferably one that is waterproof. It is crucial that you break in these shoes before your hike to avoid blisters. But just in case, bring a couple of blister band aids.

Eat well and stay hydrated

You’re going to need plenty of energy on your trip. Be sure to eat a good, solid meal before going and that you pack snacks with you (preferably light ones that contain lots of natural sugars and healthy fats). Dried fruit and nuts are highly recommended. Stay hydrated as well, so don’t forget your water bottle!

Keep in mind that hiking is both a mental and physical activity so you should condition both of these aspects of yourself before your trip. When it seems hard, just remember that what you’ll see at the end of your hike will all be worth it.

Daniel J. Smith is a survival expert. Having lived the outdoor life since he was very young, he loves sharing his expertise about camping, hiking, traveling, RV living and many more. He has also started his own company called OutBright, which will soon be selling products that cater to campers, hikers, travellers and all outdoor-loving adventurers.