Stress free hiking

By Allan Olingo

Hiking is one of those activities that will challenge you both mentally and physically. It’s also a fun group activity, and that if well executed, will leave lasting memories.

Here are ways to make your hiking experience worthwhile.

Travel light

Carrying a lot of weight will slow you down. Not only will it hurt you but wear you out as well. Carry clothes that are light and easy to dry too, in case you get rained on while hiking. When you are hiking, it is always advisable to put the heavier weight up toward the top so that it balances out more.

Medical kit

Carry a little med kit with you and be sure to  also carry a lightweight knife. A multi-tool knife is the ticket. Also carry some fishing string and a hook if you are on a deep mountain hike.

Water

Carry your water in the lightest container you can. Bottled water would work fine, but there are people who prefer boiled water. You also need to carry a good amount of dried food to keep you going. Avoid junk food while hiking.

Other items to be avoided include gums and sweets. Because of the sugar content, they will dehydrate you fast and that is not good for hiking.

Clothing

It’s advisable to scout out the weather before going out hiking because they determine what kind of clothing you will wear. If it too sunny, you can wear light clothes so that you do not get uncomfortable.

If it’s cold, you can wear not so heavy clothes because hiking involves a lot of energy use, so you will always be sweating. It is also essential to wear headgear because most body heat is lost through the head.

Right Footwear

Wear some ankle supporting boots as they are made for hiking. They will protect your feet from being pricked and all that, but they are also comfortable mostly because of the legroom. They are also specifically made for this kind of activity.

Map and compass

Always carry a map and compass. They can save your life! A GPS device and a cellphine are great to carry. When you go hiking, especially on mountains, most of the times you are bound to get lost.These maps will help you locate yourself and in case of an emergency, seek assistance easily.

Company

Hiking is always fun when done in a group. Choose interesting company that will ensure your spirits are up always.

Always hike with someone else! Never hike alone and if you do, let someone know where you’re hiking and when you’re coming back! The company will also be key in case of emergencies.

Guide

Hiking can be fun, especially when you are exploring a new place as strangers. One of the recommendations to any hiking team is always to have a guide. They should be someone who understands the place and terrain well.

When they are knowledgeable, you will enjoy in their wealth of experience and learn from it too. Ask questions and press for elaborate explanations so that this becomes a great learning experience for you.