{"id":7,"date":"2016-01-12T03:04:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-12T07:04:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-11-16T03:52:52","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T07:52:52","slug":"hiking-preparation-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.halifaxtrails.ca\/blog\/hiking-preparation-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Preparation 101"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hiking Preparation Tips For Beginners<\/h2>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Throughout countless hours in the woods, I’ve learned a few basic principles for staying safe and comfortable.\u00a0 Each mistake is a lesson learned, and every outing comes with a new lesson.\u00a0 I’ve learned these lessons the hard way, but you don’t have to.\u00a0 Below are what I consider the most important hiking preparation advice.<\/p>\n

1) Prioritize Comfort<\/u><\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0This may seem like it should rank low in importance, especially if you fancy yourself a no-frills adventurer who can overcome obstacles with teeth-gritting. \u00a0Unfortunately, that little strap rubbing against your shoulder and that tiny pebble in your shoe are enough to bring down Paul Bunyan himself after a couple of hours. \u00a0Quadruple the degree of discomfort you feel when you start off on a hike and you’ll have an idea of what it’s going to feel like further down the trail. \u00a0When you stop for your first break you will be surprised how small discomforts have suddenly morphed into handicapping pain.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Before you begin, it’s a good idea to have everything adjusted. \u00a0Even if it means holding up your companions, spending time getting everything adjusted at the outset always pays off by not getting held up making repeated gear adjustments further down the trail. \u00a0Make sure your socks don’t have an annoying wrinkle in them, tighten up your laces and double knot them, perfectly adjust your backpack, and eliminate anything that may cause blisters<\/a> and chaffing.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Less Is More<\/u><\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bringing that massive beach cooler seems like a great idea when you picture yourself living the good life at your destination.\u00a0 The mental and physical battle endured getting it there can quickly outweigh any benefits. \u00a0A heavy pack is never worth a twisted ankle.\u00a0 A twisted ankle can quickly turn into a survival situation when you’re far into the wilderness.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0When you pack for your excursion, always start with the most important items and work your way down (Water >Food >Warmth>…Bottle of wine).\u00a0 Every ounce counts when it comes to hiking, so even the smallest item warrants careful consideration.\u00a0 Experienced hikers will often weigh their gear by the gram.\u00a0 It’s the reason that “ultralight” gear<\/a> can be significantly more expensive than cheaper, heavier counterparts.\u00a0\u00a0 Pack your heaviest items low in your pack to ease pressure on your shoulders and always have water easily accessible.<\/p>\n