Hiking is a fantastic way to explore a new place and enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, going on a hike for the first time can be daunting, with questions about what to wear, what to bring, getting lost, fitness, and more! But rest-assured hiking is for everyone and this guide will cover all the helpful hiking tips you need to make your next hike a safe and enjoyable one!
Leave No Trace
Before getting onto the big list of hiking tips, I wanted to mention ‘Leave no trace’ – a widely known principle applicable to almost any outdoor pursuit, including hiking. If there’s one ‘unofficial’ hiking tip to take away from this blog post, let it be this one!
This advice largely summarises the key aspects when partaking in any outdoor activity and provides a framework of things to consider when exploring the great outdoors. There are 7 principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimise campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
As the name suggests, there should be no sign that you have been there. But this principle also focuses on respect, consideration, minimising impact, and safety – aspects that many of the helpful hiking tips in this list relate back to.
So let’s get into it!
Tips for Hiking Etiquette
1. Be polite and say hello to passing hikers
There’s no particular order for this list, but I have put this tip first because saying hello and being friendly is one of the simplest things you can do to create a positive hiking experience for everyone. Whilst you’re out enjoying the benefits of the fresh air and nature, share your positive energy with others on your route to make it a wholesome experience for all.
Whether they’re fellow walkers, locals, or just passers-by, a smile goes a long way!
2. Give way to those going up
Though paths are often wide enough for hikers to pass each other easily, there is a right of way when hiking which should be followed. If you are on a slope, the walkers going uphill have right of way and those descending should allow them space to pass.
If anyone is catching up from hiking behind you, you should step aside to let them pass.
Cyclists should give way to walkers, who should give way to horses on public bridleways. Though, if a cyclist is coming through quickly, as a hiker it’s often easier to simply step aside and let them pass.
Similarly, if you have a dog it’s polite to step aside and let those walking pass by. Particularly as some hikers may not like dogs.
3. Keep dogs on their leads
If you do go hiking with your dog, they should be kept on a lead. You don’t want them to damage local wildlife, nor let them get into trouble in unknown and potentially dangerous areas.
If your dog is well-trained and you’re familiar with the area, it may be appropriate to let them off the lead. This is a decision you should consider at each location depending on dangers; crowds; familiarity with the area; other dogs; and local regulations.
4. Don’t be noisy (unless you need help)
Lots of people venture into nature for its peace and tranquility. You should respect that and not impose your noise on others. This includes your own voice as well as music. Remember, there’s no need to shout.
If you want to listen to music (which can be great while hiking), wear headphones. Equally, if you’ve brought a speaker for a picnic, be aware of your surroundings and considerate of others sharing the same space as you.
5. Don’t litter – take your rubbish with you
Taking your rubbish with you is heavily covered in the 7 principles of Leaving no trace, but it’s worth reiterating to ensure that we keep our outdoor spaces as clean, pristine, and as healthy as possible so future generations can continue to enjoy them.
So when you unwrap your packed lunch, put your rubbish back in your bag. Don’t let the wind blow it away!
You may also want to bring a rubbish bag out with you on hikes for your own (and anyone else’s) trash. This means any rubbish can be kept separate from the rest of your belongings in your rucksack.
Rubbish also includes dog poo. Put it in a bag and attach it to the outside of your rucksack until you find somewhere to dispose of it properly. There’s nothing worse than walking along a trail to see bags dangling from tree branches because someone decided to leave them there.
Tips for Staying Safe While Hiking
6. Tell someone where you’re going and how long you’ll be
If you do get lost or injured, this tip could drastically improve your chances of being found. Before you leave for your hike, message a friend or family member telling them where you’re going and how long you expect to be. That way if you’re not back in time, they know that something could be wrong and at least one person knows where you might be.
The more specific you can be, the better! Ideally, you should provide a route map.
Alternatively, you can go one step further and share your location with others using other apps or devices. Find My Friends is great if you have signal, whereas using a GPS device would be more reliable to send out satellite signals. What3Words is another great app to provide your exact location.
7. Don’t rely on technology – bring a map and compass
Batteries and signal fail! And unfortunately, it’s often when you least want them to…
Ensure you have backups in place for navigation and have a physical map and compass (that you know how to use).
8. Stick to the trail
Trails are mapped out to direct you on the safest route to your destination. Sticking to these will prevent you from getting lost and reduce the risk of any unwanted encounters.
Additionally, staying on the path will minimise any impact of you disturbing wildlife (through trampling or noise) or contributing to natural erosion.
9. Watch your step
There are a variety of hazards to look out for while hiking including rocks, tree roots, loose ground, as well as animals and plants.
Make sure you’re aware of where you’re walking, even when you’re looking out at the views; chatting with friends, or tiredness is kicking in.
If it’s starting to get dark, bring a headtorch so you can see where you are going.
10. Take plenty of snacks
This is really important! A hungry hiker is not a happy one.
Bring more food and snacks than you think you will need. Particularly if it’s a long hike, it’s better to spread out food throughout the day to top up your energy levels, and so you don’t feel slow after eating everything at once.
Snacks like nuts, fruit, seeds, and energy bars are all great hiking foods, but bring what will make you happy and keep you fueled throughout the walk.
11. Stretch
Hiking is no different from any other physical exercise. You should stretch and loosen up before you start walking to avoid giving yourself an injury.
Equally, it’s all too easy to forget to stretch at the end of your hike! After all that physical exertion sometimes all you want to do is sit down. Make sure to gently stretch your muscles to avoid feeling stiff the next day (or two).
12. Choose popular routes
If you’re a beginner hiker, hiking well-trodden routes can help build your confidence. Knowing that there are other hikers on the trail that you can ask for assistance will put you more at ease. Also, busier routes are often better maintained and easier to follow.
One extra benefit of selecting routes with more people is that you can learn from other hikers. Whether it’s the clothes they’re wearing or the way they walk, you might pick something up!
13. Listen to your body
Throughout your hike, your body may react to different stimuli. These responses are your body’s way of telling you how it’s coping with the hike. Just remember, your body knows best.
If you’re feeling tired or fatigued, you may want to take a rest or slow the pace down before you become exhausted.
If you’ve got an ache or pain, consider what is causing it before plowing on. For example, if you feel a blister developing, take a moment to adjust your sock or shoe and apply a blister plaster.
As with each of these scenarios, review what your body is telling you before anything deteriorates.
14. It’s never too soon to turn back
You can always return to a trail and try again another time. Don’t feel like you have to force yourself through it, otherwise, you could make things worse.
There is no reason to continue if you think it’s unsafe. Whether that’s because of dehydration, lack of light, an injury, weather, or any other reason.
15. Research your route beforehand
It’s always helpful to be familiar with your hiking route. Not only will you be more prepared for the trail and have a better idea of what to expect, but it will give you that peace of mind and allow you to relax more while hiking.
Here are a few things to research:
- Check distance, elevation, and altitude to ensure the hike is within your capabilities.
- Understand the terrain so you can pack appropriately.
- Note any intersecting trails in which you could take accidental wrong turns.
- Be aware of any dangers on the route such as animals, plants, and crevices.
- Find a potential lunch spot, either with shelter, or good views.
16. Don’t risk yourself for the perfect Insta shot…
I really wish I didn’t have to say this, but it’s not worth it. You don’t want to be that headline in a newspaper where some hiker has fallen off a cliff…
17. Going up for sunset means coming down in the dark
One of the great things about hiking is the incredible views you can get, particularly at sunset.
It’s easy to get carried away watching the sun go down and forgetting you have the remainder of your hike still to go. Just remember, once the sun goes down, conditions change. It can get very dark and very cold, very quickly. So if you’re planning to stay out beyond sunset, be prepared with a torch and more layers.
Tips for Hiking Comfortably
18. Bring the right gear
You may be wondering: what’s the right gear?
The essentials you’ll need are:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Walking socks (sometimes double-layering sports socks can also prevent blisters)
- Comfortable backpack
- Comfortable clothing
- Water bottle
19. Pack light
You don’t want to be carrying around unnecessarily heavy gear as it will detract from the enjoyment of your walk.
Bring only what you need or might need. Don’t carry around anything that was in your bag anyway because you can’t be bothered to take it out.
Think smart when saving weight. For example, pack travel-size suncream rather than a whole container, or pack lightweight layers rather than heavy jumpers.
20. Pick a hike appropriate for your level (distance and difficulty)
If you haven’t hiked much before, start small. A good distance to start with would be under 5km with minimal elevation. This should give you an indication of your physical capabilities for distance and elevation. From there, build up your endurance and work your way up to tougher hikes requiring more fitness and experience.
Remember 10km flat is a very different hike to 10km with lots of elevation, so you should factor this in when selecting the right hike.
Walking apps such as AllTrails often grade walks (e.g. Easy, Moderate, Hard) to give you an indication of difficulty.
21. Pace yourself, it’s not a race
Unless you’re hiking to set a new personal record, there’s no reason to rush. Pick a pace that you can maintain for the duration of your hike. Hiking at your own pace will stop you from burning out and actually increase your endurance.
For me, the whole point of a hike is getting outside in nature, enjoying the fresh air, and taking in the scenery. If you’re racing along, you won’t enjoy this anywhere near as much. You might even miss out on wildlife because you’re concentrating on your feet. You’ll end up back at the car much earlier ready to go home again…
Particularly if it’s a long hike or there are large uphill segments, setting off too fast will only cause you to burn out and crash harder later on.
As the old saying goes: ‘slow and steady wins the race’. (Even though it’s not a race).
22. Hike with friends
Hiking with friends not only adds to the fun and enjoyment of hiking, but it may also make you feel more comfortable heading out on an adventure with someone that’s done it before.
23. If you start as a group, stay as a group
Once again, this comes down to pacing. Hike at the pace of the slowest walker.
If you do decide to split up, plan on specific meeting points so that you can link up again.
24. Bring a refillable water bottle
Water is a MUST for any hike so make sure to bring a water bottle (or multiple) so that you can carry all the water you need for the day. Personally, I prefer taking a bottle that keeps my water cool. Alternatively, some hikers prefer to use a camelback so they can drink while walking.
A rough guide for how much water to take is 500ml per hour of hiking. However, this varies depending on temperature, fitness, and general exertion. After a few hikes, you will begin to work out how much water you consume and until then, it’s better to have too much than too little!
25. Get a good sleep the night before
Ensure your body is fully rested for the exertion of the next day. You want to have as much energy as possible so you can enjoy the hike and be in a good mood. Getting an early night the day before can also help with an early start so you can be one of the first hikers on the route.
26. Fuel Up
Have a carb-heavy meal the night before to store energy for the following day. I personally go for a big bowl of pasta which can also be used for packed lunch the following day!
Have a good breakfast before you go. Easily digestible carbohydrates are your best option here, so bananas, toast, and oats are great, but have whatever you’re comfortable with.
You’ll be burning a lot of calories on your walk, so eat enough to keep you going without overfilling yourself to the point where you’re too uncomfortable to walk!
27. Go to the toilet before you head off
There’s nothing worse than needing the toilet on a hike and not being able to go.
Trying before you leave is really all you can do.
And maybe a couple of cups of coffee in the morning might help too!
Tips for Hiking Gear and What to Bring On a Hike
28. Wear comfortable, worn-in hiking boots
Wearing the appropriate footwear for a hike is essential.
You want comfortable shoes with good grip, solid cushioning, and support in the right places. Ideally shoes that are waterproof in case of rain or streams.
For shorter walks, trainers or hiking shoes may be appropriate if you don’t have hiking boots.
It’s important to wear-in your shoes to avoid them rubbing on the first long walk you do. Try wearing them around the house or taking them for a short walk around your neighbourhood.
29. Pack for the conditions
If it’s sunny and hot, make sure you bring suncream, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself. And of course plenty of water.
If it’s colder, make sure to bring a hat, scarf, gloves, and other warm items.
When conditions are in-between, it can get a bit trickier to decide what to bring. Zip-off trousers are always helpful for versatility, while layers with a front zip are handy for staying at the right temperature.
30. Bring layers
Having layers of clothing rather than a couple of thicker items means that you have more flexibility.
Also, if you do get warm, it’s far easier to fit several thin layers in a rucksack than one thick coat.
Even if it’s really hot, it’s handy to have a spare layer with you should the weather change or you end up getting stuck.
31. Bring a waterproof
Pretty self-explanatory. The weather can be changeable (particularly in the UK where I’m from), so it’s always worth packing a lightweight waterproof that you can pull out in a time of need.
32. Bring a battery pack
It’s always helpful to have that bit of extra juice that will make your phone battery last those few extra hours.
Often you won’t need your battery pack, but you never know if you or other hikers may need to use it.
33. Bring an emergency kit
There are lots of miscellaneous items that can help you out in an emergency. You won’t necessarily need all of them, but it’s good to be aware of these things so you can plan effectively.
These include:
- Headtorch
- Penknife
- Emergency blanket
- Makeshift shelter
- Blister plasters
- First aid kit
- Tissues
- GPS device
34. Have a rucksack that’s comfortable (that can fit your layers in should you need to take them off)
You’re going to be wearing your bag for the full distance of your hike. Whether that’s a few hours or multiple days, you need to take this into consideration.
As mentioned before, you should pack light so that your bag isn’t too heavy and uncomfortable. But the bag itself should also be functional.
If you have more things or are hiking a longer distance, a rucksack with waist straps will take the pressure away from your shoulders and is often more comfortable.
35. Pack your bag appropriately
This depends on how much gear you’re taking but generally:
- Heavy stuff at the bottom
- Valuables (keys/phone/wallet) in a hidden pocket
- Things you need quick access to at the top
- Food double-wrapped or somewhere where it doesn’t matter if it leaks
- Drink stored somewhere easily accessible, sometimes on the outside of the bag
36. Take a camera (if you’re into that)
This tip is for the photographers out there. But remember, only take it if you will use it! Cameras can be heavy and there’s no point lugging a heavy camera for 4+ hours if you’re not expecting the conditions that you’re hoping to shoot.
If you don’t have a DSLR, take some snaps on your phone to share with others, and remember the awesome hike you’ve completed.
Other Important Hiking Tips
37. Time it right (crowds and weather)
There’s no ‘right’ time to do a hike. As a general rule, earlier is often better to avoid the crowds and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the hike at your own pace.
However, there are other things to consider besides crowds, including weather, purpose, and sunrise/sunset times.
Weather can change a hike completely, so timing a hike to avoid rain or strong winds is often worthwhile. Whereas, ice hikes or glacier walks are better without the sun to avoid more dangerous melted ice.
Equally, the purpose of the hike is a consideration. If you’re looking for particular wildlife, they might only appear at a particular time of day. Or if you’re looking for the perfect sunset shot, you will want to time your hike to get to the viewpoint with plenty of time to prepare.
38. Do your homework ahead of time (permits, parking, packing)
Before you start hiking, you should check a number of things.
- Make sure that the route is open. National park websites are helpful for this.
- Does the route need a permit? If so, ensure you have one. Remember, some hikes take a long time to get permits (e.g. in Taiwan) so give yourself plenty of time.
- Check the weather forecast in advance so you know when to go and what to pack. Regional forecasts tend to be more accurate.
- Check the parking situation in advance so you know where you’re heading to. I know I’ve been guilty of putting a mountain into Google Maps and realising there’s no parking anywhere near…
39. Factor in delays
You don’t want to be rushing a hike or worrying about getting back in time for your favourite show on TV…
Therefore, factor in delays throughout the day into your plan.
This includes delays in getting to the start of the hike because of traffic, road closures, or getting stuck behind a tractor for 10 miles… (speaking from personal experience here…)
Make sure to factor in time for breaks, food, layer changes, looking at scenery/wildlife, and any other reasons to stop during your walk. As well as delays due to a slower walking pace (you always want wiggle room to adjust your pace depending on how you’re feeling).
40. Be open to enjoying yourself
Don’t go into a hike thinking that you’re not going to enjoy it. More often than not, a bit of fresh air and some exercise will sort you out!
The weather may not always be exactly how you’d hoped. Or you may not be feeling as fresh as a daisy after your shenanigans the night before. Or you may have told yourself that, “hiking isn’t for me”. But that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt your walk, make the best of the situation, and give it a try. You never know, you might enjoy it!
After all, I’ve still never returned back from a hike and wished I hadn’t done it, so there must be something good about hiking!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide on helpful hiking tips for beginners. If you have any more suggestions from your own experience, please let me know in the comments!
If guides, tips, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Happy hiking!
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