Exploring the outdoors is something that is suitable for everyone and if you have just started taking short walks or hiking as a more regular thing, we have some great tips outlined here that can help you enjoy it as much as possible.

You can read things from the most appropriate clothing to safety precautions and thirst - Nothing is too difficult, but some things can be easily forgotten.

What to wear?

The first question everyone will ask themselves before going on their first hike is definitely - What is the appropriate outfit?

If you have no experience with hiking and outdoor activities in general, it can also be daunting to try from scratch. We have put together a great guide to hiking clothing and accessories so you are all set before you go!

Upper half

Your first must-have is clearly a waterproof jacket that will keep you protected, dry and comfortable as you walk through forests, hills and along lakes.
We all know how quickly the weather can change and sudden changes in weather can be a pain, especially if you are not prepared. That is why it is a great idea to look for the waterproofness level combined with breathability, which can really help you stay dry and comfortable. (Outer layer)
Your mid layer is almost as important as the outer layer we just wrote about. The mid layer insulates the heat inside and is used as a light jacket/sweater when the weather is nice. We would recommend using, for example, a fleece jacket, as it is a garment that can be used for many purposes but also provides good protection against cold winds and lower temperatures.

Last but not least, you need to wear a base layer (the inner layer) that should remove moisture from your body, so you stay warm but not damp from sweat, etc. Here it is important to insulate body heat to the body without sweating. This can be done, for example, with a t-shirt with coolmax that transports moisture away from the body.

Lower half

Just think about how sore your feet get when you walk a lot in brand new shoes; add gravel roads, small hills and uneven terrain! These are reasons enough to choose a pair of top-notch socks!

We recommend that you choose a pair of sturdy and thick socks, preferably not made of cotton, as this accumulates moisture without drying properly, which can cause painful chafing and blisters. It can be a really good idea to wear a pair of very thin inner socks under the thick merino wool socks as this gives an even better chance of keeping your feet dry!

After choosing your socks, you need to add a good pair of hiking boots to ensure your feet are able to tolerate the strain, especially over longer distances and varying terrain. Regular sneakers etc. just won't do when you're hiking. You need a pair of boots with a good, reasonably slip-resistant sole, good support around your ankles, and perhaps a waterproof outer layer to keep your feet from getting wet!

Finally, you need a good sturdy backpack that can hold all the different things you need to take with you on a trip! A backpack between 25 and 33 liters is a reasonable size for a hike, as it gives enough space for all your things, but it is not too big so that you cannot move and perhaps most importantly, you do not get too much stuffing, which makes it hard to walk and can hurt your back!

One last tip is that you can choose to walk with hiking poles - Although they may not be the sexiest to walk with, they only do you good when you're out. They ensure that the strain on your feet and body is less - and provide some extra support.

10 good tips for the hike

As a first-time hiker, you can often forget some important things that may not be the end of the world, but still make the trip a little more uphill and tedious. Therefore, it is a good idea to remember the following:

1. Take plenty of water with you.
2. Make sure your phone is fully charged - And bring a Powerbank!
3. A good old-fashioned map that doesn't let you down (Alternatively - Download Google Maps offline map)
4. A packed lunch and/or snacks that provide a much-needed energy boost
5. Pack a first aid kit with bandages, plasters and an emergency blanket in case of an accident.
6. Bring WetWipes - They can do so many things
7. Remember your hiking shoes - leave your sneakers at home
8. Bring an extra sweater or fleece in case it gets cold.
9. Tell someone where you are wandering.
10. Remember to go at your own pace - No need to sprint forward!

Where should I go? 🤔

Before you set off on a trip, ask yourself the questions below to find the perfect route and be 100% prepared.

• How far do I want to hike?
• Am I going alone or with friends/family?
• Do I know the route?
• Will I be back before dark?
• Does anyone know where I've gone and where I am?

These questions should help you choose the right trip for you and ensure that safety is top notch! The last question in the list above is also the most important: Before you leave civilization, remember to tell someone where you are going and how long you will be gone in case of an accident. This will help both your family and the authorities.

It is always important to choose a route or challenge that suits your current level. If you have not hiked before, start with something you can handle. You can always train yourself up for longer hikes with hills and more weight.

A good tip is to take notes about your experiences, both good and bad - especially the good ones so you can always add a little to it and thereby have an even better and cooler trip next time. Practice makes perfect.