A feeling of loneliness, a feeling of escaping from the modern world, an opportunity to test oneself in the ruthless wilderness-everyone can get something different from a hiking adventure. No matter what the reason you are striding towards the unknown, if you are not prepared, you will not go too far. These tips and tricks will not only help you get off to a good start on your hike, but they will also ensure you come back unscathed.
1. Stay hydrated
The importance of drinking plenty of water during the journey cannot be overstated. Everyone’s water needs are unique, depending on factors ranging from temperature to hiking intensity, but during hiking, you should drink at least 2 liters of water a day. It is best to drink small amounts of water frequently, rather than swigs every few hours.
If you’re hiking for more than a day, you need some water treatment methods, from filtration systems to chlorine dioxide tablets, so you can purify water from natural sources. Even for a day’s hike, it’s a good idea to bring a water treatment device in case of an emergency.
2. Don't challenge your limit
Pushing your body to the edge of a cliff is never a good idea, but it becomes more dangerous when you are in the forest away from rescue. Fatigue, heatstroke and injuries have forced many otherwise healthy hikers to withdraw. Listen to your body and rest when it tells you to rest.
If you are going on a long backpacking trip, it is especially important to adjust your rhythm when you are just starting. You may meet some other backpackers who like to talk about the long trips they are doing, but don't let it affect you-if you do it gradually, you will be able to handle the 20-mile day.
3. Treat your feet well.
Your feet have hard work to do, so treat them well. First, choose a pair of hiking shoes that are light, durable, comfortable, and most importantly, fit your feet. The choice of lightweight shoes such as trekking boots and trail running shoes depends on various factors (travel running shoes tend to be more waterproof, and trail runners are usually more comfortable in hot environments), so choose shoes that you feel comfortable. Regarding shoes, there are some additional suggestions:
- Before you start a long hike, take a few short hikes.
- Socks are also very important. Wear a pair of comfortable, fast-drying and cushioning socks. Bring at least one extra pair of shoes in case the first pair gets wet.
- When you have lunch or snacks, take off your shoes and socks, let them cool down, and let the air out.
- On long hikes, take a minute to soak your feet in a cool, clean stream to relieve heat and swelling.
4. Don't overpack
Over time, a heavy carry on backpack will cause damage, so try to make it lighter. Remove anything that is not absolutely necessary from your backpack. You may want a book to read, but do you really need it? A lot of extra clothes is a good thing, but is it really necessary? When you buy necessities such as tents and sleeping bags, you should also consider weight; lightweight The models are usually more expensive, but it is worth it.
The longer the hike, the more important it is to pack your luggage wisely. If you pack too much for the afternoon walk, it’s no big deal — you’ll learn your lesson, and you’ll pack smarter next time — but if you bring a lot when you start hiking in the Appalachian Mountains Unnecessary equipment, you may be in trouble.
5. Eat well
You can’t prepare delicious food on the go, but you shouldn’t starve yourself either. Choose foods that are easy to prepare and provide enough protein and carbohydrates to supplement energy. It’s also important to pack foods you really like. Good choices include granola bars, assorted nuts, nuts, dried fruits, beef jerky, or one or two candy bars. Avoid heavy perishable foods such as canned food, meat and fresh produce.
If you are going on a backpacking trip for a few days, you may want to add some hot foods, such as rice, oatmeal and pasta. A variety of freeze-dried foods are available at most hiking and outdoor stores. Their advantages are light weight and easy preparation. Remember, eating hot food means you need a way to boil water, and a variety of utensils.
