If you have never hiked before, this post is for you. I have learned so much from hiking, mentally and physically. My first hike was the highest peak in New York State, Mount Marcy. I wish I had a post like this to read before I went on that adventure. Before this hike, I considered myself pretty active and capable, and then the mountain basically beat my ass (lol). Upon getting back to the car, my legs felt like overcooked ramen noodles, and my feet felt like cement blocks. Marcy also robbed me of three toenails (gross, I know). This post will give you the basics of going on your first hike, how to prepare, and what to wear.. So you don’t end up like I did!
AllTrails
A great app to get you started is AllTrails. I love this app, it gives you so much great information about what you’re getting into. It provides you with photos, a set distance, a general description, and user reviews of wherever you’re headed. Make sure to check out your peak on AllTrails before setting out on your adventure, because it will also give you directions to your trailhead.
Prepare your body
First, I recommend preparing physically depending on the length, altitude, and time you’ll be hiking. A good timeframe is at least 3 weeks in advance. 6 to 9 weeks is ideal, but 3 weeks is minimal in my opinion if you want to be in shape for the hike. If you want to just go for it like I did, that’s fine, just make sure you know what to expect. If I could go back in time, I would’ve practiced on a few smaller hikes before taking on Miss Marcy just to get my legs and feet used to climbing. If you don’t have many hikes near you, you can literally just set out on a walk and find some inclines and hills to warm your legs up. Since AllTrails provides the mileage of your hike, you can work on walking or hiking that specific distance. I have a gym membership, which allowed me to utilize a stair climber which increased my stamina substantially. If you have access to a stair climber or a treadmill with an incline, these are two great ways to get ready for your hike.
You’ll also want to work on stamina. The hike doesn’t seem hard in the beginning, but as soon as you hit some inclines it’ll be a lot more difficult to catch your breath. By no means am I saying train for a marathon, but general endurance will definitely help. I work on stamina and endurance by going outside for walks with Luna, running, and keeping my lungs healthy. Also, allotting time for frequent breaks will give you a moment to rest in between sometimes treacherous inclines.
Prepare your mind
I also recommend preparing mentally. One of my favorite parts of hiking is how quiet and peaceful the trail is. It really gives you time to release daily stresses and overthinking. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned hiking is that your hike will not be perfect. I am a chronic organizer and list maker, so I have a hard time when things don’t go the way I plan. But, nature is beautiful because it isn’t perfect. There might be a few moments where your legs are burning and you’re so out of breath you think you won’t make it. Hiking has taught me to embrace these imperfect moments because that correlates with life. Nothing in life is perfect and if it was, it’d be boring. To prepare mentally, think about how amazing you’ll feel once you conquer this hike. When you are on the trail, take time to look around and appreciate nature and all it has to offer. Think about how lucky you are to be able to push your body to achieve something of this magnitude. Those thoughts will push you through the hard parts of the hike, and elevate your experience.
Safety is key!
Obviously, safety is arguably one of the most important aspects of hiking. Hiking can be dangerous and unpredictable. You want to be prepared for any curveballs the mountain will throw at you, so you can have fun while being safe. These are just some basic safety measures to get you started, but you can find a full list of my safety measures here.
- Waterproof shoes and extra socks. Please bring plenty of extra socks on your hike. Your toenails will thank you. Most trails can be muddy and wet, and weather can change rapidly at higher altitudes. A good pair of waterproof shoes with ankle support should keep your feet dry, but extra socks are a great idea for those “just in case” moments.
- Dress accordingly. Raincoats are light and easy to pack. This tip corresponds with tip #1, due to unpredictable weather. If you get caught in the rain, you don’t want to be cold and wet. Even if the weather advisory doesn’t call for rain, pack it anyway. You’ll thank me later. Make sure you’re aware of the weather conditions at the time of year you’ll be hiking, and wear layers. Layers are great because you can add or subtract a layer to keep you comfortable at all times.
- Med Kit. Investing in a med kit was the best thing I could’ve done for myself and my dog. I found a great kit on Amazon that is meant for dogs and humans, and saved us a few times from some really uncomfortable hiking. It comes with wound dressings, aspirin, an emergency blanket, etc. I also added paw wax to my kit to keep Luna’s paws moisturized and safe against the terrain (it’s a lifesaver!).
- Food and water. Depending on the duration of your hike, pack accordingly. You are going to be burning calories like crazy, so you’ll want to have plenty of snacks to keep you going. Water is essential, so make sure to bring enough to sustain you, even if you’re expecting to find water along the way. If you do refill your water bottle in a stream or lake, there are plenty of options for water filtration. If you plan to bring your dog, don’t forget ample food and treats for them too! I purchased a great collapsible bowl that’s easy to pack and use whenever Luna needs it.
- Plan out your timing! AllTrails also gives you an estimate of how long the hike will take. Planning how long it’ll take to get to your trailhead, how long the hike will be, and accounting for rest and snack breaks will help you to be safe and have fun along the way! I usually account for ample breaks to enjoy the views and swim wherever possible.
- Navigate your state’s website. There are important rules to follow on state land, so you don’t want to disrespect mother nature. For example, hiking in the High Peaks of New York, most months require a bear canister to store your food if you plan on camping. There are also rules on where you can and can’t have a fire. Most times there aren’t any garbage cans so you must carry out all of your garbage yourself. Make sure you are educated on these rules so we can all enjoy nature to its full extent.
Hiking with Friends
Bring your friends! Hiking with your friends is such a great way to make your hike more enjoyable. It is also a great way to pace yourself by having a few different fitness levels in your group. I am generally a fast walker, which results in me getting tired quickly if I don’t have someone ahead of me keeping a good pace. This also contributes to safety, there is always safety in numbers in almost any situation. If you are a solo camper or hiker, make sure to check out some of my other safety posts to stay safe while having fun.
Another great part of hiking with your friends is splitting up weight. My boyfriend is much stronger than I am, so he always packs the bear canister and food in his bag, which makes my hike a lot easier, without putting too much strain on him. You can also split the weight of a tent if you are sharing. I usually carry the tent (which is lighter but takes up a lot of space), while my boyfriend takes the heavier items that take up less space.
Hiking with your friends also gives you an opportunity to spend quality time together. I know that sounds corny, but you’d be surprised how much you learn about someone when you don’t have any phone service. Bring a deck of cards or another game to play. Whether you’re with a significant other or just a friend, the time you are spending together is more genuine and just more fun in my opinion.
These are my basic tips on how to enjoy your first hike to the fullest! For more information, check out my other more in depth posts. Everyone is different, so modify these tips to best fit you for the most personalized experience. As always, I’d love to hear your opinions and ideas! Feel free to reach out to me with your experiences and first hike stories.
Keep your sole and your soul happy, talk soon!
