|
|
Rich & Elaine's Overseas Adventures
Hiking Tips for Beginners
We are experienced hikers with many years of hiking safely in the mountains and valleys. We bring you these 'hiking tips’ to help you enjoy, as we do, the comfort of travelling light and well equipped.
‘Hiking Tips’ for beginners is designed to help you have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable hiking trip. The more effort put into researching your trip the more rewarding it will be. Starting out is an excellent point of entry into what could be a lifetime of enjoyment.
Our Bookstore on Hiking Information
Hiking tips #1 – Check List
Have a check list of hiking tips and requirements as once you are out there in the wilderness it is not easy to return for that warm hat and gloves or forgotten items.
Hiking tips #2 - Documentation
Check that you have passport, visas, permits, travel insurance with adequate medical cover and the necessary vaccinations, keep copies of these documents along with credit card information in a separate location, in the event the originals are lost or stolen.
Hiking tips # 3 – Practical Skills
A sound knowledge of navigation, map and compass reading, survival techniques and a practical knowledge of basic first aid is essential. Being physically fit and mentally prepared will definitely enhance your outdoor experience.
Hiking tips #4
Equipment - Keep it simple and light as you have to carry everything. Don’t compromise on quality equipment as it is your safety and comfort at risk.
Back pack - A good, well fitting, comfortable, adjustable back pack is essential. There is plenty of choice available and the range is immense, keeping in mind that the size will depend on the length the of hikes you will be doing. Always line it with a pack liner giving extra weather proofing.
Cooking stoves - These come as liquid fuel or containerised gas. Gas is safer, slower and you have to carry the containers out for disposal, but liquid fuel is highly efficient and recommended for longer hikes.
Tents - These vary depending on the conditions you are hiking in, they are light and efficient and easily carried, get the best for hiking safely.
Sleeping bag - Your choice will depend on the climate and season you are using it in, get advice from experts. A warm sleeping bag is essential for a good night’s sleep. Encase your sleeping bag in a dry bag to ensure it keeps dry in your back pack.
Trekking poles – These are adjustable and will certainly help keep the weight off your legs and knees, especially great for down hill.
Hiking tips #5 - Footwear
This is the single most important item you will be taking and the selection depends on the type of hike you are undertaking, boots and hiking shoes should be well fitting and comfortable, try them on with the socks you will be wearing. Good wool mix socks with shaped soles make a huge difference to your comfort and always take enough with you to ensure you have a dry pair available.
 Hiking tips #6 - Clothing
For extreme conditions layering is ideal, the full system is thermal underwear and shirt, trousers or shorts, outer shell overtrousers and jacket with hood should be water and wind proof, warm gloves and hat. Avoid wearing cotton garments such as jeans as they cling and are cold when they get wet. Moisture wicking thermal clothing is recommended. Put all clothing in waterproof bags in your pack.
Hiking tips #7 - Essential extras
Torch or headlight – sunscreen – sunglasses – sunhat – insect repellent - water bottle – digital camera with spare batteries and a first aid kit.
Hiking tips #8 - Food
Your choice of food depends on your taste buds, keep it light and nourishing, there is a wide variety of dehydrated foods available. Snacks such as nuts, chocolate, muesli bars, dehydrated fruit are great, always take extra food for emergencies.
Hiking tip #9 - Packing
Put all food and clothing in plastic bags to ensure waterproofing. Put your sleeping bag at the bottom of the back pack, and rain coat, over trousers, hat and gloves at the top for quick access. Keep the heavier stuff towards the top. Respect the environment, have fun and keep safe.
Rich & Elaine's Home Page ---> <--- Hiking in New Zealand
|
