There are several hiking tips for active enthusiasts to consider when enjoying the great outdoors. From bringing the proper supplies to learning how to navigate the terrain, hiking tips and tricks can help make your experience even more enjoyable!
The GoHikeIt.com team has learned several tricks from the diverse trails it has explored! Here are our top 10 hiking trips to help make your next hiking and outdoor experience the best yet!
10) Be Prepared And Print It Out! If you are doing a hike for the first time, particularly a long hike more than 7 miles, the GoHikeIt.com team recommends printing out the trail map and directions. Although it can be tempting to rely upon your smart phone or GPS device, having the trial directions printed out can help you navigate the terrain at any points – regardless of whether you have cell service. Sometimes cell phones do not receive reception on the trails, which may interfere with your hiking directions, or you may run low on batteries and not be able to access the map anymore.
9) Bring A Snack! From an apple to handful of almonds, it’s important to bring a snack on longer hikes, especially if a hiker in the group tends to get h-angry. Sometimes, hikes can turn into a longer experience or you may want to explore more trails, which requires extra calories and fuel. Having an extra snack in your Camelback will help you feel nourished and keep you charged! The GoHikeIt team recommends LARABARS or Honey Stingers to help keep you going strong – plus they’re gluten free! These products have a long shelf life, which make them perfect for storing in your backpack for period of time.
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| Strava GPS Hiking Map |
8) Track Your Distance! Using a GPS device, such as Garmin GPS Enabled Sport Watch or a mobile application like Strava, will help you keep record of your distance, time, and keep a historical map of your progress for the next journey. The GoHikeIt teams enjoys using GPS devices to help accurately record their hiking experiences, as well as using the distance tools for appropriate break and resting times. Plus, if you go for a longer distance, it gives you legit bragging rights!
7) Start With The Uphill! If you are new to hiking, we typically recommend starting with trails that have the incline in the first section or half of the trail – like going up a mountain – instead of down a valley. This way, you will not be as tired on the second half of the trail when you have less energy. Trails such as Cowles Mountain Hiking Trail in San Diegol or Dartmoor Hiking Trail in Laguna Beach are excellent Southern California hikes that feature the hardest part first – the mountain.
6) The Early Bird Gets The Warm – Especially In The Summertime! Sometimes, it pays to wake up earlier on the weekend and hit the trails, particularly if you are driving a distance to your trailhead. Getting there early makes it easy to find parking and allows you to see less crowded trails. Plus, in the summertime, Southern California can get very hot in the late morning and early afternoon, causing heat exhaustion for some hikers. Get there early for the cooler weather too (your body with thank you).
5) Camelbacks Are For Water Only! It can be tempting to put a sports drink, such as Gatorade or Powerade, into your Camelback, but keep only water. This will keep you hydrated, while preventing mold from forming in your Camelback. Anything but water, if not cleaned properly, can lead to mold. If you want to bring Gatorade for its electrolytes, keep it inside the packaged bottle.
4) Safety First! Even if you don’t have enough room in your hiking gear, we strongly recommend keeping a first aid kit in close proximity to your hike, such as in the car. There are several first aid kits on the market, which can make it difficult to select the perfect one. We recommend a more active-based first aid kit, which includes bandages, burn, and sting relief. It can sometimes be beneficial to add a bee sting kit, snake bit kit and also Polysporin to the kit. A flashlight is also good to have, in case you start the hike near sunset and are returning at dark.
3) Bring An Extra Pair Of Socks! It’s common to remember an extra pair of clothes to change into after a hike, but it’s also important to remember to take an extra pair of hiking socks along, especially if you are doing any boulder dashing across rivers. If you’re feet get wet (or ladies, if you can’t find a bathroom), you’ll be happy you brought them along. We recommend wearing anti-sweat socks.
2) It’s Not A Race, It’s A Journey! There are several outdoor activities, where time and distance traveled are important – like triathlons and marathons. Hiking is NOT one of these activities! Take time to enjoy the scenery, the fresh air, and your company. Take plenty of pictures to document your hike, because if you’re far away from home, you may never have the chance to do the same hike again.
1) Bring Water And Don’t Forget The Sunscreen! … No more explanation necessary. We all know sunburns are the worst! Enjoy your hiking adventures and HAVE FUN!
Did we miss any important hiking tips or tricks? What are your favorite tips? Let us know.