If you’ve ever admired the seemingly effortless way that seasoned hikers seem to breeze through difficult terrain, it probably wasn’t because their boots or tauntaun sleeping bag were made of titanium. Sure, a quality set of boots is important, but the real key to hiking like a pro is knowing how to use 10 basic techniques. These 10 techniques are what make all the difference when you’re in for more than just a casual hike.
1. Carry More Food
For most hikers, hunger and thirst are a constant concern. On a hot summer day, the last thing you want to do is break out your pack and start eating. At the same time, you can’t get too comfortable with your food. You’ve got to be able to make the hike home if you start getting hungry or thirsty. This makes carrying more than one meal for the day a must for hikers of all experience levels.
You may also have to carry medications in case of an emergency or when water sources might be contaminated. It’s important to get the best hiking first aid kits.
2. Take A Garmin
If you want to conserve your mental energy for tough climbs, studies have shown that it’s best to stay off your phone and tablet. That’s why carrying a GPS watch is a great idea if you plan on going on long hikes. The Garmin Fenix 5 is one of the most popular GPS watches out there and has a battery life of around 50 hours without backlight and 20 hours with it. It should help you avoid getting lost when following a trail isn’t possible or feasible anymore. The watch also has advanced features like heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, etc. It also comes with a base map containing topographic information which means you can use it like a handheld GPS even when you’re not hiking. This watch is available for around $500 on Amazon.
3. Wear The Same Socks Every Day
Hiking socks are an example of exactly what hikers need and nothing more. They’re tight fitting, breathable, and have enough padding to keep your feet from getting too sore but not so much that they get in the way. Wearing the same pair of hiking socks every day will help keep your feet healthy and as close to 100% as possible for every hike, making it easier than ever to walk long distances without stopping.
4. Switch Up Your Shoes
The last thing you want to do is take the same shoes on and off every hike. It’s important to wear shoes with enough cushion. Bikes are great for getting exercise and staving off soreness, but they’re not good for long hikes. You don’t want to hurt yourself or your feet by using the wrong shoes too often.
5. Always Carry The Essentials
Just because you’re hiking doesn’t mean you should stop carrying necessary items even if you’re alone in the wild. In fact, having a first aid kit, a fire starter and water purifier are essential if you start off hiking in the morning or evening. You also should have a vest with extra layers and a warm hat so you can stay warm when the temperatures drop.
6. Bring A Hiking Stick
Hiking sticks are made to carry your back up, not your gear. They help you off of cliffs, into streams and onto slippery rocks without any problems. Being able to do all of these things is the reason why hiking sticks are so essential for hiking in the first place! If you want to achieve those feats on your first try, there are no excuses for missing out on a stick.
7. Take A Few Extras With You
You don’t have to take all of the necessities, but it’s important to take a few extra items with you that won’t fit in your pack. A first aid kit, compass, and LED headlamp are useful to have when you go hiking at night. You can also bring some extra food, water and a sleeping mat if you plan on camping overnight. Of course, you can also use these items if you need them but they add extra weight that may not be necessary.
8. Have Some Fun
Hiking is a great way to get in shape and bond with like-minded people all while enjoying nature as much as possible. You can find hiking trips at most national parks and a lot of hiking trails are marked by the trail crews. Have a great time on the trail with your friends or family and if you do stumble upon some wildlife, be sure to enjoy it as much as possible.
9. Take A Few Pictures
At the end of a tough hike, snapping a few pictures can not only provide proof that you did in fact hike through some rough terrain but also give you something to look at while waiting out bad weather.
10. Bring A GPS
Having a GPS can be an awesome way to ensure that you always get home safely and they’re also great sources of entertainment and items of interest. The Garmin GPSMAP 64st is one of the best handheld GPS devices on the market. It has a 3 inch touchscreen with a battery life of over 20 hours in typical use. It is waterproof, shockproof and wireless for easy connection to your smartphone or tablet. There are tons of great features, like a high-sensitivity.
