A hike can be as easy or as challenging as you make it. Some days call for a relaxed walk through a local trail, while others push you a bit further and test your endurance.
No matter the route, being prepared matters. Taking a little time to think ahead can help you stay safe, avoid common setbacks, and enjoy the experience from start to finish instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
As we age, we face an increasing number of potential health problems. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before deciding whether to go on a hike or start a new exercise routine. Your doctor will assess your overall health, including your joints, heart, and muscles, to determine the level of hiking difficulty appropriate for you or whether you are fit enough to hike in the first place. It's better to understand your risks and limitations at the outset rather than getting stuck halfway up a hill or mountain.
Even if your doctor gives the green light, you should still test yourself by taking a short hike first. A hike that isn't too steep and does not last long will give you a better idea of your health, physical fitness, and flexibility. Once you understand this, you can determine whether your body is ready for a more challenging hiking trail.
There are many short hikes available in every region. Do your research, and you will find many short hiking trails in no time with a quick Google search. Another approach to assess your fitness is to walk around your neighborhood, or even on a treadmill, before you commit to an actual hiking trail.
Most hikes are safe, but there are risks with any recreational activity, especially if you’re going on a solo venture. As a prudent precaution, let your friends or family know your expected hiking route and timing. That way, if you run into trouble and cannot communicate your predicament, someone will be aware that you’re not where you planned to be at a certain time. Then, they will either know where to look for you or be able to tell the authorities your approximate location.
Inexperienced hikers often underestimate how much water they’ll need. A good rule of thumb is about one-half liter of water per hour of moderate activity. This recommendation also assumes moderate temperatures, so if you’re going on a vigorous hike in warm weather, bring more water. If you plan to hike for over an hour, replenishing electrolytes might make sense. Try mixing water and beverages like Gatorade half-and-half, since such drinks contain excessive sugar.
Water is heavy, so consider using a hydration pack so you can easily sip water as you amble down the trail.
On the other hand, winter calls for warm hiking clothing to protect you from the cold conditions. Wet weather calls for suitable rain gear, perhaps a hooded, waterproof jacket and pants. Once you dress for the appropriate weather and conditions, your hike will be safer and more comfortable.
In any weather, be sure to wear quality footwear. The trails can be rough, and it's important to have sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots to protect your feet and ankles.
Hiking trails are full of uneven terrain, rocks, roots, and tripping hazards. The risks are high because a fall can also mean a twisted knee or ankle, or even worse. As a result, keeping your balance while hiking is critical. One way to provide more stability is to use a walking stick or a pair of trekking poles. This equipment gives you additional points of contact with the ground, making it easier to catch yourself and prevent falls. They also provide a good way to push off the ground, reducing strain on your legs when walking up and down hills.
Turn everyday spending into support for your next outing. Cash back can help stretch your budget for the equipment and purchases that make hiking safer and more comfortable.
Also, be sure to rest and take breaks so you don't overexert your muscles. If you don't stop when you need to, you’ll get tired too quickly, and your joints will have a hard time recovering once you return from the hike.
It is easy to get lost on a hiking trail, especially if it's new to you. Not all hiking trails are well-marked, so having a paper map and a map on your phone is essential. You may be tempted to skip bringing a paper map and rely exclusively on your phone. That could be a costly mistake. Phones can run out of battery power, be damaged, or get lost. It’s also common for mobile phone reception to be poor or non-existent in remote areas. A paper map is an invaluable tool for keeping you on the right track when modern technology fails.
That being said, today’s hikers should always carry a fully charged phone. At the very least, you can use it to call someone in an emergency. There are also many great phone apps that can make your outing more enjoyable and safer, like GPS tracking, a compass, interactive trail maps, and wayfinding apps that record your route and provide a step-retracing function to direct you back the way you came. Such apps are also often available on smart watches. Finally, consider bringing an auxiliary battery and compatible cables to reduce the risk of ever running out of phone power.
If you are going on a short hike in a well-populated area, there are likely to be fewer risks of incidents that threaten you physically or cause anxiety. However, longer hikes in remote areas or in less-than-ideal terrain or weather conditions require more preparation. Some additional items to bring may include:
The best hikes are the ones where everything feels under control. You know where you’re going, you feel prepared, and you can focus on the trail in front of you. That kind of experience starts before you even leave the house.
Stay ready for your next adventure. Accessible savings can support everything from trail essentials to larger outdoor plans while helping your balance grow.