A Newfound Love of Hiking

Human beings are merely mammals in more expensive clothing, so it's only natural that we have an innate need to connect with the earth, wind and water. If you are one of those people who yearn to get up close and personal with Mother Nature every chance you get, hiking can be the perfect activity.

Hiking is considered by some to be a recreational pastime. To others, however, it's much more than that. Some people begin a lifelong love of hiking as very small children. They remember spending family vacations as endless hours spent tackling the trails with mom and dad. A child's newfound love of hiking will blossom into skills and memories that he or she will carry throughout their lives.

Many hikers develop their love of the sport much later in life, sometimes well into the senior years. Older kids in scout troops embark on weekend journeys. Teenagers traipse through the woods to find a secluded spot to hang out with their friends. Stressed-out executives can't wait until five o'clock, so they can kick off their wingtips and strap on a pair of hiking boots.

A newfound love of hiking can happen at any age and for any reason. The one thing that's constant is that hiking is the perfect way to shake off modern worries and enjoy all of nature's wondrous gifts.

Hiking for beginners can be tricky, and you can always spot a first time hiker. Rookies hobbling under fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. A backcountry pack overflowing with a ten pound tent, a dozen bagels, two spare pairs of shoes and loads of whatcha-macallits carefully packed "just in case".

The truth is every professional hiker was a beginner at one time. We all need to make mistakes and learn from them. Don't worry about making the same mistakes. You'll soon be confident enough to pack a little lighter and in no time at all you'll be traveling a little easier. As you lose bulk from your pack, you'll log miles on your hiking boots. Your skills and experiences will grow with time, and soon you'll be the experienced hiker on the trail.

While you're honing your craft, here are some helpful tips that can help to clear the trail:

Be Prepared

There is nothing like the freedom of hiking, but there are basic safety rules that you must always follow. Remember, anything can and will happen in the great outdoors. If you don't prepare for your "anything-goes" journey, you can find yourself at the centre of backcountry disasters and near-misses. Bad judgment calls, inadequate clothing and a poor sense of direction can all contribute to potentially life-threatening hiking situations. Knowing what to bring, understanding what you need to do, and following through are all important first lessons for beginning hikers. Check the weather forecast before you plan your trip. You'll need to know the conditions and pack appropriately. Bring a lightweight rain jacket in case the weather turns unexpectedly. Be aware of the trail and remain in tune with your surroundings. When hiking a national park or conservation area, ask park management for advice on the local conditions and any permitting procedures. Research online or check your bookstore for hiking guides and maps. Learn how to read them properly, and use them during your hike.

Know Your Equipment

Hiking for beginners leaves no room for vanity. No one cares what you look like, or whether you're coming across as a hiking "dork". Outdoor temperatures can drop quickly after the sun sets, so make sure your sleeping bag is insulated. Staying warm is infinitely more important than looking cool. And it's a lot smarter. Hiking equipment is not about coordinating your ensemble. It's about staying safe -- and it can save your life.

Relax and Have Fun

If it wasn't fun, countless people wouldn't be doing it every chance that they get. While hiking can be physically demanding, it's also a great way to relieve stress. To a hiker, hitting the trails is an experience that no resort vacation can match. Those who really love nature feel that hiking is worth every scratch, bug bite and sore muscle.

While trying to remember everything you'll need to bring on your hike, you must remember to leave your stress behind. Take your time. Enjoy the journey. Relax and watch the clouds drift by. Feel the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air. Take a picture, smell a flower, catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Appreciate your hidden animal and enjoy your time with nature.

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