How to Take a Hike

Anywhere that you can get out of the city, you can hike.
For starters, buy a handbook about the trails in your area. These books will supply the location of trail and tell a little more about the hike's terrain and difficulty. If you don't have a book, just look in a map and find a nearby State or National Park. Parks like these almost always have trails for hikers to get out and enjoy the views.

Beginners should stick to trails that aren't too steep or reach high altitudes, while more advanced hikers can discover back-country hikes and even stay overnight at a primitive campsite.

Always keep your endurance level in mind and don't push yourself. It's much more satisfying to finish a 2 mile hike than to have to turn around after collapsing halfway through a 5 mile hike with a 4000 foot climb. Start slow and work up to the more strenuous trails. Even experienced hikers have to warm up over the season. Remember that the first hike of the summer is always the hardest.

Never hike alone. It's possible that you'll get attacked by a bear, fall off a cliff, or get lost. In that case it's always best to have someone to call for help. Always hike in a group.

You can't go on a real hike without a backpack. A backpack will carry your food and supplies for the hike. If you get lost or stranded while hiking, you should have all supplies needed to keep you alive and help you get back on track. Also a backpack will protect your back in the case of a bear attack. If you are lying on the ground the bear won't be able to tear your back off because of the barrier of the backpack.

A good backpack won't rub on your neck when adjusted properly. If you're a woman, it won't hurt or constrict your chest. A well fitted backpack is not uncomfortable.

When you're hiking the best backpack to look for has a mesh layer laying on your back so that the sweat won't soak into the pack. The mesh will wick away moisture. A backpack with a titanium frame is the best, since those are lighter. Look for backpacks with plenty of roomy compartments to carry all your gear in.

• Emergency Blanket
  Get a reflective emergency blanket that will protect you from the elements and could also reflect the sun and help you get rescued in an emergency.
  
  
• Rain Poncho
  
  
• Whistle
  Inexpensive and lightweight. You will be happy to have it if you get hurt or lost to let other people know your location.
  
  
• Light stick
  A backup to your flashlight.
  
  
• Flashlight
  
  
• Water
  
  
• Warm sweater or jacket
  
  
• Gloves and hat
  
  
• Snack
  A snack will keep you energized. Even if you don't plan on being out long enough to get hungry you might need food in an emergency.
  
  
• 2-way Radio
  Since hikes often take you to places without cell phone service, a 2 way radio will enable you to keep in touch with the other members of your party.
  
  
• Optional items:
  
  Binoculars
  Gum or Mints
  Magnifying Glass
  Bear Bells

It can be hard to find the right clothes to wear when hiking since so often hikes take place in high elevations where there are cold winds and snow even in the summer. When you pile on the heavy clothes, you sweat from the vigorous exercise, take off the layers, and wind up freezing anyway.

The trick is to wear sweat wicking clothes that are suitable for the weather. In the photo above I'm wearing jeans. That was a huge mistake. Jeans are hot in summer and in winter they can be deadly. They are made of cotton and if you get wet, they won't dry out fast enough.

For Hot Weather
Wear any fabric like polyester or nylon that wicks away moisture. Hiking pants work well, as they are thin, loose and breezy. The best kind are the ones that you can unzip to remove the bottoms and transform into shorts. If you wear shorts, make sure to use mosquito repellent. Tank tops are the best choice for shirts as they allow unrestricted movement of your arms. Be careful to make sure that your backpack doesn't rub against your shoulders. In blistering hot weather, wear a hat to protect from the sun.

For Cold Weather
Layers are the most important thing here. Wear a quality pair of long johns as a base layer, then put on your shirt and pants. Never wear cotton. In winter, getting wet can kill you. Wear a mid length waterproof jacket. If you'll be walking through snow, snow pants are great. Always wear a hat. Most of your inner heat escapes from your head and you want to lock that in. In addition, a good pair of gloves and mittens are essential so that your fingers don't have to be amputated due to frostbite.

Hiking boots are the best, but it's ok to wear a quality pair of walking shoes if the terrain isn't that rough. Always wear a proper pair of hiking socks that wick away moisture and support your feet. Don't be cheap and wear thin Walmart socks hiking. You'll end up with blisters and a lot of pain.

I constantly see men practically running up a trail and hurting themselves just to look macho. I can see the sweat pouring down their faces, hear their wheezing breaths, and know that by the end of the hike they will be miserable. Setting a proper pace is one of the most important things to bear in mind while hiking.

Beginning hikers should stick to a slow and steady pace, taking short breaks every 20 minutes or so. You shouldn't take a hike that's too long. The best distance for a new hiker who's in good physical shape is about 3 miles round trip without too much of an altitude change. If you start to feel extremely winded or your legs start to feel weak, it's crucial that you rest. Once you find a comfortable pace and stick with it, you'll find that it's easier for you to tackle higher peaks, walk faster, and take longer hikes.

When the weather is hot, it's especially important not to overexert yourself. If you experience muscle cramps, excessive sweating, headaches, or mental confusion you may have sunstroke. In that case get into the shade immediately and find treatment.

In truth most of hiking is mental. If you have a bad attitude most likely your hike is going to be excruciating and not a lot of fun. Before going on your hike, make positive affirmations. Say: "I will complete this hike feeling happy and refreshed." Keep this thought in your mind throughout the entire hike. Instead of thinking about the burn in your legs, inhale the fresh air and look at the wildlife. If you don't like how hard it is, think about how good this is for your body.
I've taken hikes with a bad attitude, and I've hiked with a good attitude. When I had the wrong outlook, the hike was painful, boring, and I just wanted to get home. When I had a good attitude I finished the hike feeling energized. I could have just run up the trail!

After you complete a hike you should be proud of yourself. You've done something good for yourself and seen a side of nature that you usually don't. Maybe you saw some majestic wildlife or picked some fragrant blooms off of a hillside. You've connected with your inner self. How great is that? Reward yourself and take it easy.

A simple stretch routine will help to prevent soreness the next day. I always touch my toes after completing a trail to preserve flexibility.
After stretching a bit, slip off your hiking boots and socks. A shower is always great after a hike and will help soothe any aching muscles. After changing into your fleece or airy shorts, fix yourself some food. After hikes, I like to drink a can of Peace Tea with a bowl of warm chicken chow mein. This meal is healthy and delicious.

Spend some time with family or read a book, then snuggle into bed and sleep deeply. May you have pleasant dreams of many joyous hikes and that you will go hiking many more times in the future.