Home | Leisure & Hobbies
Have you ever felt an urge to bask in the sun, feel the wind in your hair and get a little dirt under your fingernails? It's natural to want to spend a little time in the wilderness, because human beings are just animals, after all. That's why learning to hike is the perfect sport for our stressed-out society. Hiking is considered by some to be a recreational pastime. To others, however, it's much more than that. Some people begin a lifelong love of hiking as very small children. They remember spending family vacations as endless hours spent tackling the trails with mom and dad. A child's newfound love of hiking will blossom into skills and memories that he or she will carry throughout their lives. Others discover the joys of hiking later in life. Older kids journey with scout troops. Packs of teenagers search for the perfect spot to hang out. Frenzied professionals seek refuge from the demands of home and business. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: People go hiking to shake off our contemporary hassles, and enjoy all that nature has to offer. It can be a little tricky when you first begin hiking. You may struggle with bulky packs loaded with too much gear, too much food and too many pairs of shoes. You'll set off on a two-day trek, but pack for a week. Seasoned hikers can always spot the rookies as they struggle along the trail. Seasoned hikers can snicker at the rookies, but let's face it; every one of us has painted this same picture at one time. Newbies take heart: it won't take long for you to shake the excess pounds from your back, and clock enough miles on your boots to have you traveling lean. As time goes, you'll find yourself learning the ropes and fine-tuning your art along the way, until your pack decreases in size as quickly as your appetite for bagels. In the meantime, here are some hiking tips and advice for you live by, as you work toward your Experience degree from On-the-Trail University: Be Prepared Hiking is all about freedom, but that doesn't mean that there are no rules. Safety always comes first, and safety guidelines should always be followed. The most important rule to remember is that you need to be prepared for anything. Consider all of the mishaps that can occur in the wild, and assume that they will happen. Prepare for every situation and you'll be able to handle any potential accidents. Packing inadequate clothing, ignoring your map and making a bad judgment call are all invitations for disaster. There are potentially life-threatening situations waiting around every corner, so you need to know what to pack, understand how to handle dangerous situations and be able to keep a clear head as you deal with any difficulties. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave on your hiking excursion. Knowing the conditions of the trails will also help you to pack the right gear. Weather can turn without warning, so bring along a lightweight rain jacket at all times. Know the trails and stay in tune with your surroundings at all times. If you plan to hike in a conservation area or national park, speak with the park managers about necessary permits and local conditions. You can find maps online and at the book store. Bring the maps along, and make sure that you know how to read them. Get in Gear With the Right Equipment Forget the coordinating hiking outfit. No one cares what you look like on the trail, so leave your ego at home. It's more important to be safe and comfortable than to simply look good. Temperatures can plummet after the sun sets, so pack accordingly with warm clothing and an insulated sleeping bag. This is a sport that requires proper equipment, and nature is a force that must be respected. Buy and bring equipment that will help you to stay safe on the trail. No one will care if you seem like a "newbie" on the trail, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Have Fun In the end, hiking is all about having fun. Otherwise, no one would do it. To a hiker, lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness is a luxury vacation. Mosquito bites and scratches are five-star amenities. If you're hardcore about your love of nature, all the trouble pays off in fun and freedom. Remember, there's no stress in hiking. Take your time and enjoy your journey. Watch the clouds drift by. Breathe in the fresh air and drink in the sunshine. Catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Hiking for beginners isn't difficult -- it's the start of a beautiful friendship.
Provided by ArticleGOLD: Articles Directory - Article Directory
About the Article Author
Writer Nadia Eshott writes for a variety of online magazines, on hiking and recreation and creative recreation topics. Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
