November 24th marks the day that John Knox died, in 1572. (He was born in 1514.) AtheistAgendaPedia says: “Born near Haddington Scotland. He was influenced by George Wishart, who was burned for heresy in 1546, and the following year Knox became the spokesman for the Reformation in Scotland. After imprisonment and exile in England and the European continent, in 1559 he returned to Scotland, where he supervised the preparation of the constitution and liturgy of the Reformed Church.” — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 85 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The more than $12,000 …
Tucked into Angeles National Forest away from the crowds, this loop hike to Mt Islip from Crystal Lake offers a little bit of everything in a very doable package. Starting at one of the only natural lakes in Angeles National Forest, Crystal Lake, the hike follows well-marked trails, offers spectacular views, and summits Mt Islip at 8,250 ft. After soaking in the sweeping views from Catalina to the Mojave, you have a long, gradual downhill cruise back to the Crystal Lake Recreation Area.
But, you’ve never hiked before. Maybe you’re
nervous, lost, or confused about how to get started.
Don’t worry. We’ve all been there, and no one
is born a hiking expert. We all have to develop our skills from scratch.
In this article, I’ll give you some pointers on how to get started hiking. These tips will create the bedrock of your hiking experience.
Always hike with a partner.
Don’t Go At It Alone
Although solo hiking is an excellent way to
clear your mind and get some alone time, the truth is that most beginners should
find a hiking buddy.
The reason why? Safety. You never know what
will happen when you’re out in the wild. You might get bit by a snake, you
might sprain your ankle, or you might get lost.
These situations are tough by themselves, and
they’re even harder when you’re alone in the middle of nowhere with no cell
service.
That’s why you should hike with a partner or a group. Your comrades will be there for you to make sure you finish the hike in the same condition you started it in.
On top of that, a hiking buddy can provide motivation when you get tired. They’ll also give you fun banter and hearty conservation, which is always a plus in my book.
Plan ahead and choose your perfect hiking trail.
Choose The Right Trail
Now that you’ve got your hiking squad
selected, it’s time to decide where you’re going to hike.
This is probably the most critical puzzle
you’ll face when preparing for your hike. You don’t want to get stuck on a trail that’s too hard, and you
don’t want to get bored by a flat, uninspiring trail.
The best trail for beginners is a “Goldilocks”
trail – not too hard, not too easy, but just right.
What distance, difficulty, and elevation this
equates to is difficult to define. Everybody has different levels of experience
and fitness, so there’s no “one size fits all answer.”
For a beginner, I recommend you start with a
hike that’s longer than 2 miles but less than 5 miles. This length will give
you a challenge, but won’t risk you getting caught in the forest.
If you’re struggling to decide, err on the side of caution and start with a shorter trail. The good news about small trails is that you can do them twice! There’s nothing wrong with picking a 2-mile trail and doing multiple laps. This is a simple way to tailor the length to your skill level.
How To Find The Right Hiking Route
You know what to look for in a trail, but
where do you find the right path? There are a million places to find hiking
trails, but I figured I’d mention some of my favorite resources.
REI Stores
– often have experienced guides who’ll share knowledge with you
Browse these sites, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find the perfect trail for your next adventure.
Take precautions ahead of time so you don’t wind up lost on your hike.
Don’t Get Lost
Once you’ve chosen the right trail, make sure
you’re prepared to navigate it.
There are a handful of apps out there that
allow you to download hiking maps to your phone. But, your phone battery might
die, or you might be stuck without cell service. That’s why it’s essential to
bring a map.
There are two options for getting a hiking
map. You can either buy one in advance from an outdoors store or pick up one at
the trailhead.
Most American parks have free maps available
when you enter the park. Make sure you pick one of these up and familiarize
yourself with the trails.
Another old-school tip for staying on the path – bring a compass. You can get a quality compass for a few dollars. With that small investment, you’ll now always be able to find your way. A compass and a park map will go a long way!
It’s important to have proper gear for the hike you choose.
Bring The Right Gear
At this point, you’ve got your hiking partner
and trail picked out. Now it’s time for everyone’s (least) favorite activity –
packing.
Contrary to popular belief, packing for hiking
is not that difficult. For day hikes, the most necessary items to bring are:
Water – bring more than you think
Snacks – non-perishable,
high-calorie foods like nuts, granola, or beef jerky
Sun protection – hat, long
sleeves, and sunscreen
Regarding clothes, don’t feel like you need to
go overboard. For short hikes, a pair of sneakers and some gym clothes will be
acceptable. Just make sure you’re ready for the sun (with long sleeves) or cold
(with warm layers).
Also, consider elevation gain might change the
weather. Higher altitude increases the odds of precipitation and frigid cold. A
sweater and rain-jacket are crucial for high-height hikes.
On top of that, consider the following
emergency precautions in case things go south. These aren’t entirely necessary,
but if you have them, they’re definitely worthwhile to bring:
Compass
Map
First-aid kit
Matches/lighter
Emergency Shelter
Once you’ve got all your gear lined up, throw it all in a high-quality daypack. A comfortable backpack that fits a lot of stuff is an affordable way to make sure your back doesn’t ache after hours of hiking. My favorite is the Osprey Daylite Plus.
Putting It All Together
Whew, that’s a lot of tips. I hope they’ve
been helpful.
If you take away one thing from this article,
remember that: “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Everyone feels great when you start hiking, and you don’t want to burn all your fuel in the first hour. There’s nothing worse than being tired and hungry stuck in the middle of a long hike. Be patient, be prepared, and above all – enjoy yourself!
If you liked this article, make sure you check out my in-depth guide on hiking for beginners.
Mike Miller is the editor-in-chief of WildernessTimes.com – a site designed to make the outdoors, fun, easy, and accessible. After getting tired of wasting away in front of a computer screen, Mike decided to make hiking and camping his life’s passion.
Barry Naismith of OHSIntros has provided excellent independent analysis of Victoria’s occupational health and safety (OHS) data for many years. His latest “Deaths at Work” report (available publicly for a limited time) includes a detailed discussion on the social context of Victoria’s proposed Industrial Manslaughter (IM) laws.
But of more immediate interest is Naismith’s longitudinal analysis. One of his graphs showing death statistics back to the commencement of Victoria’s modern-era OHS laws in 1985 supports the statement popular with politicians that the rate of work-related deaths is declining over that time but Naismith points out that the five-year trend to 2018 is reversed and that this is part of the justification for the IM Laws.
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Let’s start out with a simple fact: Contrary to what you may have heard, ammunition does have a shelf life and will go bad eventually. Here’s another simple fact: Ammo is not cheap and adds up quickly, especially when you purchase ammunition in bulk. If you want to protect your investment, you’ll want to extend […]
Increasing talks of climate change and global warming has sparked fear in many people to change their way of life. You may not think your individual contribution will change anything. However, if every person...
During a long emergency, anything that is sweet is going to be a welcome sign of normality. At the moment we take it for granted that we can get something as basic as sugar no matter where we are at. … Continued
Spending time in nature has multiple health benefits. Time spent outdoors improves our physical, mental and social well-being. Being exposed to nature reduces stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, a Japanese study shows.
Another research study has indicated that nature has restorative influences on our mental health, such as affecting a more positive emotional state.
When it comes to outdoor activities, hiking is a popular option. It improves cardiovascular fitness, engages the muscles, and provides stress relief, according to Harvard Medical School. And, let’s not forget all these spectacular sights.
So, there are no excuses for wasting your time scrolling different social media channels all day long! But before you immerse yourself in hiking adventures, you need to prepare well and prevent unpredictable elements from spoiling your fun outdoor activities.
The first thing every newbie hiker asks themselves is how to dress appropriately.
Your hiking outfit greatly depends on weather conditions.
Nevertheless, there are two general rules when it comes to hiking attire: dress in layers and always wear moisture-wicking apparel that doesn’t retain moisture and allows it to evaporate faster.
Next-to-Skin Layers
There is no need to put on heavy base layers when you are hiking in summer. If you are planning to hike in cold weather, putting on heavy base layers makes sense.
Cotton and other natural fabrics are a big no-no when they’re right next to your skin as they hold onto the excessive moisture leaving your clothes damp. Cotton is inefficient when it comes to wicking and drying.
The same goes for hiking in rainy weather. You should avoid cotton as it soaks up sweat and moisture, stays wet and makes you feel cold.
When choosing hiking gear, keep in mind moisture-wicking materials. Opt for synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon and natural ones like merino wool. What sets them apart from other fabrics is their wicking and quick-drying ability which makes them ideal for next-to-skin layers.
Insulating (Mid) Layer
Layering is the best choice as it allows you to remove the excess clothes when you warm up and to put some extra clothes when it gets chilly.
Always pick the hiking wear that keeps you warm but dry.
Again, moisture-wicking materials are essential.
Short sleeves and shorts are a great option when hiking in warm weather.
Also, when things get a bit chilly a warm top or jacket like polyester fleece works great. In case it gets really cold, have a lightweight puffy jacket ready!
These jackets compress well and therefore fit easily in your backpack.
Outer Shell Layer
To be properly prepared for any hike, one of the most important items are high-quality hiking boots or trail shoes. The right pair of snow boots should withstand the harsh weather and protect your feet from freezing.
If you’re in for rugged terrain, sturdy footwear will protect you from rocks and roots while providing support.
When it comes to the shell layer, think warm, waterproof and windproof.
Also, you want outdoor apparel that won’t tear easily. Zip-off pants are popular among hikers as they can have both pants and shorts depending on the temperature.
Cargo pants and shorts with functional pockets allow stashing things.
If there is a chance of rain pack a waterproof and breathable rain jacket.
A Few More Tips
Protect the head.
A brimmed hat shields your face and neck from the sun in hot weather, while an insulated cap defends your body from losing heat through your head.
As for socks opt for wool or synthetic, high-tech materials that wick away moisture.
Waterproof gloves are your best friends when hiking in biting cold.
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Staying close to nature and being active undoubtedly has many health benefits. A positive impact on vitamin D levels, improving metabolism rate and building a more positive outlook on life are just some of them. Make sure to include waterproof, breathable outdoor apparel with moisture management abilities to keep you comfortable in a variety of conditions and you are good to go!
