Have you always wanted to immerse yourself in nature, but are you afraid of being caught unprepared? Read this article and you will find out how to prepare for a hike or walk.
Steps
Step 1. Find a friend to accompany you:
choose someone who enjoys hiking and is good company.
Step 2. Decide where to go
To choose, keep in mind the following things: the natural sceneries and the landscape, the accessibility, the presence of marked trails, the length of the walk according to your experience and ability. Also consider the type of terrain. Hills and mountains are certainly beautiful but even a short walk uphill can be too strenuous.
Step 3. Bring lots of water
You don't want to run the risk of getting dehydrated, even if the walk only lasts a couple of hours. Allow 1 liter of water per person for every hour of walking.
Step 4. Wear closed shoes that support your foot, and comfortable socks
Hiking boots are the best thing. If you don't have them, wear comfortable shoes with thick, sturdy soles. Be sure to bring spare socks, especially if the hike takes a long time.
Step 5. Wear comfortable, layered clothing that you can take off or put on as needed
If you go hiking in an area with variable weather, bring waterproof clothing as well.
Step 6. Put on a hat and put on sunscreen
Bring the pack of sunscreen with you.
Step 7. You'll be hungry at some point, so bring something like raisins and peanuts, or cherries, almonds, M & Ms, walnuts, blueberries
Non-perishable foods and small pieces are fine. If you have to eat along the way, bring light, leak-proof things. Sandwiches, chopped vegetables, dried fruit and apples are also fine. Also bring a bag to put the waste in. Don't leave litter on the path.
Step 8. If there are rocky and steep stretches along the route it will be good to have fingerless gloves
Even normal work gloves are fine. Walking or walking sticks are useful to help you along the climbs, especially if you have a heavy backpack or don't have much balance.
Step 9. Tell someone you are going out on a hike, where and how long you plan to be out
Say that you will be heard when you return, and remember to do so. If something goes wrong (for example, if you get lost), that person will know where to look for you or will call for help if you don't come back when expected.
Step 10. Bring a cell phone
[Remember that in many areas there is no signal - check if the area is covered by your telephone company.]
Step 11. Bring first aid items, including bandages, blister plasters, tweezers, and disinfectant wipes
Step 12. Bring your camera
Step 13. Make sure you are fit for long hikes
For example, if you have to walk about 15km, try hiking about 8km a week or two in advance, carrying the same things you will have for the longer hike. In this way you will get used to the backpack, and you will be able to remedy any imbalances in the weight of the luggage, as well as being able to adjust the straps well.
Advice
- Always carry enough water! If you go hiking frequently, it is worth buying some water bottles.
- If the weather is hot, leave early in the morning.
- While certainly the most frequent problems are caused by lack of water in the summer and inappropriate clothing in the winter, the usual things necessary for safety are a whistle, a map, a compass (GPS), a flashlight and matches. It is recommended that teens and children have a whistle in case they stray from the group (parents: it is up to you to keep an eye on your children).
- Remember the golden rule of hiking: just steal pictures, and leave nothing but your footprints (i.e. don't ruin the environment).
- Always go hiking with a buddy!
- Everyone has different water needs, and determining how much water you need is as important to a hike as being fit. A liter per hour is probably plenty for a fast hiker on a very hot day. If you keep in mind that one liter equals one kilogram of weight, few hikers would carry 5 liters for a 5-hour or 15km hike, unless really needed.
- Most healthy 8-year-olds (who play sports) can walk 8-10km without any problems. If there is also another child they will be more motivated. Of course, if you haven't been walking often with your kids it's best to start with 1.5-3km. Bring snacks like the ones described above (sultanas, M & Ms) to be given every hour to entice the little ones.
- There is no need to buy equipment for a day hike, unless you need a backpack to carry extra clothes (in winter or when it rains), snacks and water. For day hikes suitable for beginners (spring to autumn), trainers with thick socks are fine. Plastic bottles can be used for water, and apples or oranges, chocolate or dried fruit are enough for food. When you are more experienced you will know what you need or want. To finish the excursion in style, leave snacks and drinks in the car or hidden at the starting and ending point of the route.
- Only pack what you need in your backpack.
- A fairly fit person will be able to travel around 3km per hour on a variety of surfaces; add 5-10 minutes every hour to rest (or take pictures), and 1/2 to 1 hour for lunch. For comparison, brisk walking on a smooth, flat path or sidewalk takes you almost 5km per hour or 20 minutes for every 1.5km. Keep this in mind when planning your excursions.
- A sturdy backpack with front straps is great for carrying everything.
- If you are a beginner, look for free or cheap group hikes offered by local hiking groups, forest rangers, or nature conservation organizations.
- There are good descriptions of excursions for each country on the internet, and there are books dedicated to excursions in the regions, in bookstores or libraries. Not having a car is no excuse not to hike: almost everywhere there are trails in large parks, along old railroad tracks or close to them - all available.
