The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Hike — Tips and Equipment

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Hike — Tips and Equipment

A hike can be anything from a short walk on a weekend to a proper adventure spanning over a period of weeks. Planning a hike properly will allow you to make the most of the time you have and help you start training for a bigger endeavor in the future.

 

Planning a Hike Route

Before you start planning your hike, you need to figure out how you’ll reach the starting point. If you’re revisiting a spot or heading out to somewhere near you, this is easy. However, if you’re hiking to a new place, there are extra considerations. For instance, if you’re not driving, you’ll need to find out how much transport costs and whether you’ll need to pay extra to bring your equipment.

Once you’ve figured all this out, it’s time to start planning a hiking route and look over your hiking gear list. Decide on how much ground you can expect to cover — and be realistic. Many places have several trails of different lengths, meaning you can find one that best suits your needs. Remember to bear in mind the type of terrain — you’ll be able to cover much more ground when the trail is flat than when it’s mountainous.

 

Researching the Weather

In advance, research the average temperature and weather for the time of year. This will give you time to purchase all the gear you may need. Then, you can check the forecast the day before and take just what is most appropriate.

If the weather is likely to be cold, you’ll need extra provisions. Heat warmers are excellent for keeping you comfortable. Depending on the temperature and whether you’ll be camping, consider if you would benefit from hand, body, or foot warmers when planning a hike. They are especially necessary for the winter cold, however, if you are hiking overnight they will help keep you warm. The large body warmers will protect you from the harsh outdoor weather.

Another thing to keep in mind in mind if you’re camping is the warmth of your sleeping bag. Note that it will become less warm as your trip progresses due to the accumulation of moisture.

 

Booking Accommodation

When backpacking long-trails, you may need to book accommodation. Even if you plan to sleep wild most nights, you’ll probably want to use the facilities at a campsite on occasion. Plus, those who prefer to sleep in comfort need to research B&Bs when planning a hike. Whatever you’re doing, it’s a good idea to book in advance to ensure that where you want to stay will be open and will have space for you.

 

Being Flexible

When planning you plan a hike, remember that it may be necessary to adapt your schedule as you go. You must be willing and prepared to be flexible. For instance, you may find that you’re unable to walk as far as you planned or the climate may be more challenging than you expected. It’s particularly important to be flexible when hiking if you’ve never undertaken a similar venture before.

Part of planning a hike involves making a list of all the equipment you need to stay safe and comfortable. Invest in quality gear to make your hike more enjoyable and remember to stay warm, especially during cold weather camping!

 

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  • Caroline Mayou
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