Hiking is a great way to stay active and take advantage of all that nature has to offer. If you’re new to hiking, it’s important to pace yourself, pay attention to your body, and bring along the right gear. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re new to hiking.
When you’re just starting off, stick to a hike that’s less than five miles and build up from there as hiking puts a lot of strain on your body. You might expect the downhill to be easier than the uphill portion of your trek, but going down a mountain is actually harder on your knee joints than going uphill. By using trekking poles, you can reduce the stress on your knees and hips.
It’s also important to wear a midheight boot for ankle stabilization that’s lightweight, especially if you are carrying a heavy load or tend to roll your ankles. In regards to your backpack weight, carrying a heavy load while going down the mountain can cause knee pain, so try and only pack the essentials until you’ve build up strength and can carry other items.
If you’re new to shopping for hear, don’t be afraid to ask an expert for advice and when shopping for shoes, make sure you bring the socks you’d wear while hiking.
