1. Plan ahead, and check the weather
For beginner hikers, even if you plan to do the hike rain or shine, check the weather ahead of time so you can prepare yourself with the gear you’ll need to stay dry and safe. Click here Gearing up for Hiking in the Rain for some tips for hiking in the rain.
2. Stay prepared by bringing the essentials
For our Beginner Hikes, here are some essentials you should keep in your backpack:
Water
Food (snacks on a short hike, include lunch for our day hikes)
Simple first-aid kit
Flashlight and batteries
Sunscreen and sunglasses in Summer and Beanie, Gloves and Raincoat if in Winter
3. Make sure you have the proper amount of food and water
Water supports life, so it’s the single most important thing to bring on a hike! You need an entire litre of water for every 2 hours of hiking, and it’s important that you don’t under-pack, as you could add unanticipated time if you get lost or have to detour. We recommend getting a reusable water bottle and decorating it with stickers from all your adventures or a water bladder if you plan on continuing to hike. You’ll save money, cut plastic use, and be proud to show it off on the trail!
For a day hike, its best to bring high-energy food that doesn’t need refrigeration or heating. Common choices include cheese and biscuits, dried fruit (we love mangoes!), trail mix, or energy bars. No need to over-do it on the food—just make sure you’ve got enough to fuel you on your journey. Then throw in another granola bar for good measure.
4. Choose the right shoe/sock combo
Blisters will ruin an otherwise perfect hike, and they’re likely to occur if your shoes and socks aren’t right for the trip! We recommend visiting your local outdoor shop and getting fitted for boots that are right for you. Ideally, they should be snug but not too tight, and match your unique fit and use case. Similarly, your socks can make or break the hike, so it’s important to think about the proper length in conjunction with your boot. Typically, a merino wool, crew-length sock is the standard general-purpose hiking sock, and a good pair is definitely worth the investment!
5. Pack your phone, and make sure it’s charged
You should always start your trip with a fully charged battery in case of an emergency or if on a long hike a powerpack. You’d be surprised how much service you can find way up on the top of a mountain if you need it.
6. Always carry a source of light
You should always plan to arrive at your destination with plenty of time before dark. If your hike takes longer than expected, getting caught in the dark without a light could put you in a bad situation, so carrying one at all times is a must! We recommend a headlamp for a hands-off approach, so you can focus on balance and getting to your final destination. Make sure to bring something other than just your phone flashlight, which could drain your battery and turn off unexpectedly.
7. Read up on basic first aid
It’s important that every hiker has some basic knowledge of first aid to help keep your group healthy and comfortable in the event of any type of injury, minor or serious.
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