Getting outdoors is something everyone can enjoy, and if you are just starting to go for short walks or want to hike more regularly, we have put together some good advice to help you enjoy it as much as possible.
You can read about everything from the most suitable clothing to safety precautions and staying hydrated – none of it is difficult, but some things are easy to forget.
What to wear?
The first question everyone asks before their first hike is definitely: what is the right outfit?
If you have little experience of hiking and outdoor life in general, starting completely from scratch can be off-putting. So we have put together a guide to clothing and accessories for hiking, so you are fully prepared before you set off!
Upper body
Your first must-have is a waterproof jacket that keeps you protected, dry and comfortable as you walk through forests and hills and along lakes.
We all know how quickly the weather can change, and a sudden turn in the weather is miserable if you are not prepared. That is why it is a very good idea to look at the waterproof rating combined with breathability, which really helps you stay dry and comfortable. (Outer layer)
Your mid layer is almost as important as the outer layer we just described. The mid layer keeps the warmth in and works as a light jacket or jumper when the weather is fine. We recommend a fleece jacket, for example, as it is a garment you can use for many purposes that also gives good protection against cold winds and lower temperatures.
Last but not least, you need a base layer (the innermost layer) that wicks moisture away from your body, so you stay warm but not damp from sweat. The key is to keep your body heat in without the sweat – for example with a Coolmax T-shirt that transports moisture away from the body.
Lower body
Think about how sore your feet get when you walk a lot in brand-new shoes – then add gravel paths, small hills and uneven terrain! That alone is reason enough to choose a pair of top-notch socks!
We recommend sturdy, thick socks, preferably not made of cotton, as cotton holds moisture without drying properly, which can cause painful chafing and blisters. It can be a very good idea to wear a pair of thin liner socks under thick merino wool socks, as this gives you an even better chance of keeping your feet dry!
Once you have chosen your socks, add a pair of good hiking boots, so your feet can handle the load, especially over longer distances and varied terrain. Ordinary trainers simply don't work for hiking. You need boots with a reasonably non-slip sole, good ankle support and perhaps a waterproof outer, so you don't get wet feet!
Finally, you need a good, sturdy rucksack that can hold all the things you need to bring! A rucksack of 25 to 33 litres is a sensible size for a day hike: it gives you enough room for everything, but it isn't so big that it restricts your movement – and, perhaps most importantly, you won't pack so much that walking becomes hard work and gives you back pain!
One last tip is to use trekking poles. They may not be the coolest thing to walk with, but they only do you good when you are out there: they reduce the load on your feet and body and give you extra support.
10 tips for your hike
As a first-time hiker it is easy to forget some important things – not the end of the world, but they still make the trip a bit more of an uphill struggle. So it is a good idea to remember the following:
- Take plenty of water with you
- Make sure your phone is fully charged – and bring a power bank!
- A good old-fashioned map that won't let you down (alternatively, download offline maps in Google Maps)
- A packed lunch and/or snacks for a much-needed energy boost
- Pack a first aid kit with bandages, plasters and an emergency blanket in case of accidents
- Bring wet wipes – they are useful for so many things
- Remember your hiking boots – leave your trainers at home!
- Bring an extra jumper or fleece in case it gets cold
- Tell someone where you are hiking
- Walk at your own pace – there is no need to sprint ahead!
Where should I go? 🤔
Before you set off, ask yourself the questions below to find the perfect route and make sure you are 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 I have gone and where I am?
These questions should help you choose the right hike for you and keep safety at the top of the list! The last question above is also the most important: before you leave civilisation, remember to tell someone where you are going and how long you will be away, in case of an accident. It helps 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 manageable. You can always build up to longer hikes with more hills and more weight.
A good tip is to take notes on your experiences, both good and bad – especially the good ones, so you can keep building on them and make the next hike even better. Practice makes perfect.
