Going on your first hike? Prepare your mind, body and set of hiking gear with tips for beginner!

Going on your first hiking trip can be daunting. What hiking trail should I choose? What shoes should I wear for hiking? So worries not, as today we will sharing the tips and essentials before you go for a hiking.

1. Choose the Right Hiking Trails

First of all, if you’re a beginner, it is important to research the trail. You can easily find the information online or on social media. Some hiking trails are specifically designed for beginners to advanced hikers. You can also understand the type of difficulty and the estimated time to reach the peak. Start with a hike that has a low altitude, minimal slope, and a difficulty level best suited to your current fitness level.

You can read : Hidden Gems: Where to Find the Best Hiking Trails in Singapore here

2. Bring Hiking Essentials

What are the most essential needs for hiking? Don’t overpack—keep it simple but functional. Your lightweight backpack should carry water or liquid supplements, light snacks, a waterproof jacket in case of rain, a compass, an extra t-shirt, and a small self-medication kit. Wear light and breathable clothes, and a pair of compression socks for better blood circulation and to prevent blisters. Don’t forget a pair of protective sunglasses to shade your precious eyes. And, of course, comfortable hiking shoes.

Hiking Essentials For You :

3. Wear the correct shoes and test them first

The best hiking shoes should be light, and one that wraps around the foot, providing stability with a flexible sole that ensures that you are able to roll through correctly with each step. The upper must be breathable and comfortable, while the sole should have ample cushioning and ankle support. The Salomon hiking shoes combines all these features, and is also designed to improve balance, posture and increase muscle activity.

Got a pair of new shoes? It is better to break them in with some workouts before setting off, even if they are of high quality and with soft material. You should try to get used to the feel of the shoe, as well as its response on various surfaces — dry and wet. This will help you to test out the shoes’ performance against various climatic conditions.

4. Train both your mind and body

Before attempting your first trail, it is important to prepare your body. Go for at least six fast-paced walks for an hour each on simple routes, or even flat roads. To strengthen the muscles around your ankle, try walking on your toes or heels for a few metres, or working in ankle rotations to improve the joint mobility. Stretching before and after the hike will also help you build strong and reactive muscles and prevent any possible injuries. Try these five calf stretches or yoga poses aimed at giving you better flexibility.

5. Hike with a friend

Hiking alone can be very important for self-esteem and for physical and mental training, but tackling a trail with others is just as beneficial. Besides safety, helping each other along the way and learning about teamwork, your hiking buddies will be a great source of motivation too.

6. Research about the place

Going for an impromptu hike can sound like a great idea, but if you’re not familiar with the place, it’s better to understand and do some research before starting your hike. Lots of people give reviews and create vlogs to help you understand your trekking trail better. Be better prepared for whatever happens!

Read also : 7 Reason You Should Go For A Hiking