Hiking
For some, it started on a family vacation to some
town in the backcountry when to keep themselves occupied for the
whole eight-hour drive, their parents or family members must have
handed them a copy of Backpacking: One Step at a Time. Or it could
be that they've been doing it for so long it was hard to remember a
time when they haven't been strapping on boots and walking for
miles in the wild outdoors.
Whatever's the case, one thing is certain: We go hiking for only
one reason. And that reason is to enjoy what Mother Nature has to
offer.
You always recognize a first time hiker the minute you see him or
her approach, hobbling under at least 50
pounds on the back (for a two-night trip!) comprised
of a backcountry pack that is the equivalent of the Beverly
Hillbillies' flatbed, a 10-pound tent, a pair of running shoes, a
dozen bagels, and lots more watchamaccallits which he insists might
come in handy during the trip.
It's an amusing picture, to be sure, but true for almost every
hardened backcountry veteran out there the first time they started
hiking. Not to worry though. If you're one of the newbies to
hiking, it won't take long for you to put enough miles on the
boots. As time goes, you'll find yourself picking up some decent
sense of fine-tuning your art along the way, until your pack
finally no longer resembles a truck and you no longer carry nearly
as many bagels.
In the meantime, here are some hiking tips and advice for you live
by before you decide to learn under Experience when your degree
from On-the-Trail University.
Have Fun
That's what hiking is all about. Sure, there are a number of
reasons why you put on those boots, but in the end, all of that
boils down to one thing - fun. Without that, then it's not worth
it. Who wants to endure so much the hardships of hiking when all
they get out of it are countless bug bites and maybe a few scrapes
here and there? If it wasn't fun, would anyone even bother?
So take this advice: have fun. Take your time. Watch a cloud form.
Breathe the air. The number one rule in the woods is "No Stress."
Breaking that rule is not an option.
Be Prepared
Just because hiking is fun doesn't mean that you can forget about
safety all together. Remember: this is the outdoors. Anything could
happen. Ill-preparedness is the cause of too many backcountry
disasters and near-misses. Inadequate clothing, lack of
route-finding ability, bad judgment calls - all of these have led
to life-threatening situations in hiking.
The best way to be prepared while backcountry hiking is knowing
what conditions you're going into. Once you do, figure out a way to
deal with them and pack accordingly. You may also inquire at park
management who could give you valuable advice on local conditions
and permitting procedures.
Know Your Equipment
Being a trail dork isn't so bad, especially if your life is on the
line. And knowing which insulation your sleeping bag uses doesn't
ruin your "cool" image in anyway if it turns out a storm is brewing
and the night is going to be most likely freezing cold.
Knowing your equipment is always a good idea because your gear may
well be called upon to save your life one day.
Hiking Trip
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Hiking Backpack
By the far, the question most often asked by hiking newbies is:
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Hiking Tours
Hiking tours are the best way to enjoy the outdoors. Just ask
anyone who has put on hiking boots and went backcountry backpacking
in the wilderness. A big measure of risk is involved, but the fun
and excitement and appreciation of nature you get in...
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