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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Hiking tips for beginners

Enjoy the great outdoors. - by Laura Barry
  • 29 Aug 2018

Spring is on the way and with it good weather. Get out and about in the great outdoors by going on a hike with friends, family, your dog, or even just by yourself for a little alone time. While the word ‘hiking’ conjures up images of steep mountain-side climbs and traipsing through the underbrush, hiking is a physical activity that can be adapted to suit all sorts of fitness types and levels. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Start at the bottom and work your way up

Being a ‘hiker’ doesn’t mean doing 265km circuits through a national park. Spend some time researching the trails in your local area and pick something on the smaller side, one to five kilometres, that has a clear, easily walkable path. Once you’ve conquered that, move up to the next level.

couple hiking
Getty

Pack light

When packing your bag for a hike be sure to include all the essentials, like a map, water, some snacks (or meals if it’s a longer hike), a raincoat, bug repellent, first aid kit and sunscreen. What you pack may expand to camping gear if you decide to tackle multi-day hikes. Keep your day pack as light as possible for a comfortable walk.

 

Use trekking poles

If you’ve advanced to more difficult downhill terrain, trekking poles will help you with balance and reduce the impact of the walk on your knees.

man walking on path in countryside
Getty

Check the weather

Always check the weather forecast for the area you plan to hike in. While it may look lovely and sunny now, it may not be by the time the afternoon rolls around. Be prepared for any forecasted weather, and always pack an extra layer for warmth and a raincoat. When it doubt, layer up to suit any weather changes, and keep covered up to avoid any bug bites or brushes with poisonous plants.

Get shoes that fit

Spend some time shopping around outdoor stores and trying on difference kinds of hiking shoes. You want a pair that fits comfortably and provides traction on a range of different surfaces. If you’re just starting out, a pair of heavy-duty runners should do just fine.

person walking on path into rainforest
Getty

Let people know where you’re going

One of the most important things you should do when going on a hike is let someone know where you are going, what time you expect to be back and what trail you plan to take, just in case something unfortunate should happen.

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

8 of the best hikes close to Melbourne

8 of the best hikes close to Melbourne

This is Australia's Town of the Year for 2021

This is Australia's Town of the Year for 2021

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This small Aussie town has become an Instagram tourist attraction

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Australia’s number one beach for 2020 has been announced

{headline}

{headline}

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10 of the best hikes in and around Sydney

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Australia’s first underwater accommodation option is here

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Little-known Aussie town ranks 4th in top 20 destinations to visit 2020

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This Aussie island was named best in travel by Lonely Planet

This Aussie island was named best in travel by Lonely Planet

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