Hiking is one of the best activities to exercise, de-stress, or explore trails while on an adventure.
Want to try it, but feel unsure where to begin? Here are just a few hiking tips for beginners to consider before hitting the trails, including what to wear and pack for your beginner hike!
Berty and I have been hiking in the Pacific Northwest for over a decade now, but we were beginners once too!
We wrote this post to be like a resource we would have loved to read when we were starting our hiking journey. We hope you enjoy it!
1. How to choose a beginner hiking trail
Before you hike, it’s important to choose a beginner-friendly trail to help make your trip as fun and successful as possible.
Choose trails under 2 miles long, with little to no elevation gain (under 200 feet).
This will give you an “easy” win, and allow you to gradually add more milage and elevation gain on your next hike!
2. Check the weather
Before you go, be sure to check the weather to make sure you stay safe while on the trail.
You can do so by checking your weather app on your phone or doing a quick Google search for your destination.
Hiking in the rain is usually fine, as long as there isn’t a storm warning for lightning or thunder.
Although, it can be dangerous if there’s heavy rain and you’re in a location with a high risk of landslides or flash flooding (this is particularly dangerous in desert conditions where dry ground doesn’t absorb water quickly).
Basically, hike another day if you think there will be a TON of rain; however, have some fun in the drizzle if you’ve got a good rain jacket!
TIP: We recommend researching reviews on your hiking trail posting on AllTrails or the Washington Trails Association (WTA) to see what season and time provides the best conditions for your hike. There’s tons of useful information in the description of the hike on websites/apps like AllTrails, in addition to reviews!
3. Properly Stretch
To ensure you don’t injure yourself and are limbered up before your hike, prioritize stretching. It’s one of the most important hiking tips for beginners–protect your body!
Tip: Some top stretches to do before hiking include dynamic stretches like leg swings or hip rotations to warm up your muscles. You can also do static stretches like a standing calf or hamstring stretch.
Don’t forget a solid cool down post-hike!
4. Pack enough Water
Stay hydrated on your hike by packing enough water. The general rule is that you bring 1 liter of water for every 5 miles of hiking. This means you should bring at least 32 oz. per person. (AKA a standard nalgene bottle size)
Bring a water bottle or water bladder, in addition to other hiking essentials. You can even pack electrolyte powder to keep you hydrated, especially if you’re planning on sweating a lot!
Going for a longer hike or hiking in the backcountry? Bring a Life Straw or water filter for ultimate preparation.
5. Choose Smart Snacks
The best snacks to bring on your hike are those that will keep your tummy happy and your energy up. This means selecting smart snacks that have a balanced amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and sugar.
Some examples for what to bring include nuts, dried fruit, trail mix (go figure!), peanut butter filled pretzels, and fresh produce like cucumbers, carrots, and apples.
If you make waste, follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and pack it out.
TIP: Eating a little, often, will allow you to keep your energy going and avoid the “post-lunch slump”! Snack as you go!
6. Download Offline Maps
Don’t get lost while on the trail! There are a ton of great hiking apps out there, and it all depends on your hiking and navigation style.
Download an offline map like Hiking Project Maps , FATMAP (paid service), or Gaia GPS.
AllTrails is another great option if you’d like to both follow your trail on your hike and access the offline map.
Familiarize yourself with your offline map before you go to be best prepared for your hike and know what to expect in unexpected situations.
7. Recruit a Hiking Buddy
Generally, it’s safer to hike in groups, because of wildlife safety (be bear aware in the backcountry!) and unexpected emergencies.
To recruit a hiking buddy, ask a friend, join Facebook hiking groups in your area, or go on a hosted group hike by local organizations like REI.
WARNING: If you do end up going alone, don’t listen to music on AirPods or headphones. There have been plenty of accidents because hikers can hear what’s going on around them! Be aware while on the trail!
8. Dress appropriately
Dress appropriately for your hike by ensuring you have reliable hiking boots and dressing in layers.
Wear breathable hiking socks, a UV-protective hiking top, and durable hiking bottoms for the best experience.
9. Wear Appropriate Hiking Shoes
If you don’t take ANY of these hiking tips for beginners, you need to take this piece of advice: Your hiking shoes are the most important article of clothing to have on the trail!
You want to make sure your hiking shoes are comfortable, durable, and will stay that way for the entirety of your hike.
Things to consider while picking your hiking shoes:
- Do you prefer hiking shoes or hiking boots?
- Do you want your shoes to be waterproof or breathable?
- What kind of traction do you desire?
Don’t forget to properly break in your hiking boots before you go, as to avoid blisters.
10. Pack the 10 essentials
While you might choose a beginner-friendly hiking trail and may not need gear like a shelter, it’s important to know what hiking essentials you may need to make your trip as safe and fun as possible!
The ten hiking essentials include:
- Sun protection
- Light layers / extra clothes
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
- Extra water
- Navigation
- Fire / heat source
- Knife or multi-tools
- Hiking snacks / extra meals
- Shelter
11. Don’t Overpack
Pack light! Every pound counts while on the trail, so make sure to only pack the essentials and bring lightweight gear.
12. Tell someone where you are going
Before you hike, tell someone where you are going as an added layer of safety and awareness.
To easily tell someone where you are going, send your activity to others on the app, Strava, or send out a quick text to a few local friends.
This way you can take extra safety precautions before you hike!
13. Know what wildlife are in the area
Depending on where you are hiking, wildlife encounters may look different. However, it’s crucial to know what wildlife is in your area and take the necessary precautions in case you come across one.
First and foremost, stay aware and research the area you’ll be traveling in. Look out for wildlife and give them space (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves; 25 yards from all other wildlife). Do not approach the wildlife or try to feed them!
Other tips when encountering wildlife:
- Make noise while you hike to avoid surprising wildlife
- Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk when animals are most active
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Properly store your food
14. Bring enough food and water
You should bring as much food and water as how long you’ll be out on the trail.
This means packing at least 1 liter, or ~32 oz., of water per 5 miles of hiking. Additionally, bring enough meals to keep you going and energized throughout your hike, especially if you’re going on a longer hike!
It’s helpful to snack as you go and eat a little often to keep you going, so plan to pack easily accessible and nutritious options!
15. Leave no trace principles
The 7 Leave No Trace principles are crucial to follow while hiking as to preserve the wildlife and forests we so dearly love!
16. Follow hiking etiquette
Once on the trail, be sure to follow proper hiking etiquette to ensure keeping the trails open, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others.
For instance, people going uphill have the right of way. Don’t play loud music while hiking, as to not disturb the environment. Prepare before you go and do your research to know the conditions. Lastly, stay on the trail and Leave No Trace!
Read more: The Complete Guide To Your Beginner Backpacking Gear List
What are some of your hiking tips for beginners? Did we miss any crucial advice? Tell us in the comments!