Hiking is an enjoyable and enriching activity for people who appreciate the simple joy of spending time in nature. Spending time outdoors offers many benefits, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air, get some exercise, and appreciate your natural surroundings. However, certain beginner mistakes can put a damper on your experience or even put you in a life-threatening situation if you aren’t careful. To prevent avoidable rookie mistakes from ruining your hiking experience, familiarize yourself with these most common hiking mistakes to avoid.
Overpacking
The most common hiking mistake many new hikers make is overpacking. The thought of not having enough equipment while you’re out on a hike can be scary, but overpacking can also be dangerous. If you pack too much, the extra weight may quickly fatigue you, which can be dangerous on long hikes. To avoid finding yourself in this situation, aim to pack only the hiking essentials, and avoid stuffing too many extra items into your backpack.
Forgoing essential safety gear
Although you don’t want your backpack to be too heavy, forgoing essential safety gear to lighten your pack is a big mistake. Optimism is generally a good personality trait, but you should always plan for the worst when it comes to hiking. You must have the supplies necessary to effectively deal with an emergency should one occur. This equipment can help you avoid infection in the case of injury. Always pack a first aid kit and other necessary safety gear.
Hiking beyond your capabilities
Many new hikers are eager to tackle exciting and challenging trails, but it’s important not to be overconfident when you’re choosing your path. Hikers put themselves in a lot of danger when they hike beyond their capabilities. In some cases, hiking beyond your abilities simply results in an unenjoyable hiking experience. In others, it can put you in life-threatening situations. For example, you could get lost, become too fatigued halfway through the hike to make it back, or sustain injuries. If you’re new to hiking, try tackling easier trails geared toward beginners before you test your abilities on more difficult hikes.
Not checking the weather forecast
Getting caught on the trail in inclement weather can pose a serious safety hazard. If you’re in the middle of your hike when a storm emerges, you risk not making it back, getting lost, or getting injured from debris blown about by the storm. Check the weather forecast before embarking on a hike, and take a rain check if the weather looks dismal.
Not breaking in your hiking boots
Avoid purchasing a brand-new pair of hiking boots and immediately hitting the trail at all costs. Not taking the time to break in your shoes before embarking on a hike will almost always result in painful blisters caused by the stiff material of your shoes. To avoid wincing in pain during each step of your next hike, break your new boots in first. Simply wearing them while walking your dog or running errands will help them adjust to your feet and prevent you from experiencing such pain.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
