While some basic fitness training is an excellent start for the novice hiker, there are one or two additional things that you really need to do before you set out on your first hike.
Even with the right pair of hiking boots, and a good pair of hiking socks to go with them, it's a wise idea to 'toughen up' your feet a little bit and, in particular, to concentrate on conditioning your soles. This isn't essential, but it's a sensible precaution to avoid problems.
Walking around the house barefoot for a few days before your first hike will help to some extent and many people believe in rubbing witch hazel onto their feet two or three times a day. There is also a cream known as Benzoin which can help with sores and will also toughen your feet …show more content…
Build yourself up gradually. Even if you're in great shape, you should limit yourself to no more than five miles to start with and, if you're not quite so fit, then starting out with just a mile or two is fine. Hiking often entails walking over rough and uneven surfaces and you'll find that it requires a lot more effort than simply walking around town on paved paths. At this point, take only what you need with you and don't carry a backpack.
Once you're feeling comfortable and have made it up to around five miles you'll want to start getting used to hiking with a backpack. Again, take only what you absolutely need to start with, including water, and gradually add more 'convenience' items as you get used to the backpack.
You should always carry some form of mineral replacement food with you or, at the very least, a sports drink. Avoid sports drinks with lots of sugar though as, although sugar isn't necessarily as bad for you as many would have you believe, the form of sugar contained in many sports drinks doesn't always provide you with energy that you need for the best
Even with the right pair of hiking boots, and a good pair of hiking socks to go with them, it's a wise idea to 'toughen up' your feet a little bit and, in particular, to concentrate on conditioning your soles. This isn't essential, but it's a sensible precaution to avoid problems.
Walking around the house barefoot for a few days before your first hike will help to some extent and many people believe in rubbing witch hazel onto their feet two or three times a day. There is also a cream known as Benzoin which can help with sores and will also toughen your feet …show more content…
Build yourself up gradually. Even if you're in great shape, you should limit yourself to no more than five miles to start with and, if you're not quite so fit, then starting out with just a mile or two is fine. Hiking often entails walking over rough and uneven surfaces and you'll find that it requires a lot more effort than simply walking around town on paved paths. At this point, take only what you need with you and don't carry a backpack.
Once you're feeling comfortable and have made it up to around five miles you'll want to start getting used to hiking with a backpack. Again, take only what you absolutely need to start with, including water, and gradually add more 'convenience' items as you get used to the backpack.
You should always carry some form of mineral replacement food with you or, at the very least, a sports drink. Avoid sports drinks with lots of sugar though as, although sugar isn't necessarily as bad for you as many would have you believe, the form of sugar contained in many sports drinks doesn't always provide you with energy that you need for the best