Here at the Adventure Junkies, we understand the persistent tug and call of the thru-hike. We know what it’s like to want to always be hiking. We also know that planning and completing a thru-hike is a daunting, life-altering challenge, especially when you’re just starting out. In this article, we answer your questions about getting started thru-hiking, defining the fundamentals and explaining the risks and rewards.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. WHAT TURNS A REGULAR HIKE INTO A THRU-HIKE

Completing a “long trail” in a single hiking season, which is generally March or April through September or October — that’s the short definition of thru-hiking. But there’s no fixed definition of what exactly makes a trail “long.”

Some say a trail becomes “long” at the 50-mile mark, but most experienced thru-hikers would consider that a brief stroll. For most who do it, thru-hiking is truly defined by its legendary top end: Thousands of miles, up to half a year on the trail, and hiking experiences from which you never return unchanged.

2. WOW. SO I GUESS I NEED TO BE AN ELITE ATHLETE TO DO IT?

Not at all. Ideally, you should already be an experienced hiker before taking on a thru-hike but more important to success on the long trail is a strong mind, a solid will and a flexible nature.

Thru-hikers are often middle-aged or retired, even elderly. They’re often at a crossroads in life, looking for new challenges and new answers. Hikers who complete a 2,000-plus mile thru-hike typically have one thing in common — they really, really wanted to do it.

3. WILL I BE ON THE TRAIL FOR MONTHS?

Yes, if your ambition is to thru-hike one or more of America’s classic long trails. A typical south-to-north thru-hike along the Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,190 miles across 14 states, takes five to six months.

But there are other long trails on which a thru-hike could take far less time. The 800-mile Arizona Trail, for example, could take less than two months to complete, crossing the state from Mexico to Utah.

Hiking a state-traversing or state-looping long trail close to home is a good way to get thru-hiking experience before taking one of the big multi-state hikes.

4. HOW WILL I FIND MY WAY?

Most of the long trails popular with thru-hikers are well marked and well traveled, and there’s a kind of thru-hiking subculture on the three big U.S. trails that looks out for its own. But you still need to take a compass or GPS, trail guides and maps just in case.

5. SHOULD I GO ALONE, WITH A FRIEND OR A GROUP?

Those who thru-hike alone, especially on the most popular long trails, aren’t always alone. There’s a thru-hiking social scene and sub-culture on the big trails, and one of the many rewards of the thru-hiking experience is meeting new and interesting people and creating close friendships strengthened by adversity and joy.

If you’re thinking about hiking with friends, relatives or your spouse, think again. Is your relationship strong enough to withstand the trials and petty annoyances that are sure to come up during several months in the wilderness? The company you keep on the trail can easily become the cause of your failure, just as it can be the main cause of your success.

6. AM I GOING TO BE SAFE OUT THERE?

That all depends on you and your decisions, your planning and your stamina. Are you starting your thru-hike at the right time to avoid dangerous weather? Do you have the right gear and the right attitude? Have you trained enough to safely complete this grueling walk?

That said, many long trails pass by towns with medical services and all the other comforts of civilization. You can always take a break and stay a few nights in a hotel. Also, along with the three big thru-hiking trails in the U.S., a network of “trail angels” gives thru-hikers aid, advice, necessities and treats.

THRU-HIKING GEAR

7. WILL I HAVE TO BUY A BUNCH OF EXPENSIVE NEW GEAR?

Maybe. The tools of the thru-hike are essentially the same as those of a standard backpacking trip, so if you already have gear that you like there’s no reason to replace it. It all depends on how much weight you want to carry. Many thru-hikers use lightweight or ultralight gear, carrying only essentials and sleeping under tarps or in hammocks rather than tents.

8. WHAT’S THE ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR THRU-HIKING?

You’ll need a backpack that you’ve tested and grown to love; you’ll need a lightweight but warm sleeping bag and pad; and you’ll need a lightweight, durable and waterproof tarp or tent.

9. WHERE CAN I FIND ADVICE ABOUT BUYING GEAR?

Browse online and check out the many blogs, articles, posts, and podcasts by successful thru-hikers.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we offer gear reviews and guides. Here are a few of our gear articles to get you started.

Backpacks

Backpacking Tents

Backpacking Tarps

Backpacking Bivy Sacks

Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Backpacking Stoves

Backpacking Food

READY TO GO

10. HOW DO I PLAN A THRU-HIKE?

Carefully. You will spend more time planning than hiking. You’ll have to gather multiple permits, find and test your gear, save money and work through a long list of other details. You should start researching and planning for your thru-hike at least a year out.

11. HOW DO I TRAIN FOR A THRU-HIKE?

In the year before your hike, follow a training schedule for as long as you can keep it up. You’re going to have to be driven, disciplined and tough-minded to complete a thru-hike, so you should start getting used to it. Also, spend as much time as possible day hiking and backpacking.

The important thing to remember is that this is your journey and your decision. Do you want it bad enough to work out and eat right?

12. WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR THRU-HIKING TRAILS?

The three big thru-hiking experiences in the U.S. are the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail and the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail. Thru-hikers who complete all three are called “Triple Crowners.” There are also many similarly long trails around the world on which thru-hikers test their mettle and search for answers.

13. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THRU-HIKING?

The websites for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition have a lot of information on thru-hiking, including advice and tips from successful thru-hikers. There are many blogs by thru-hikers that feature stories, lessons, wisdom and tips from the trail.

There are several good guidebooks on thru-hiking as well. One of the best is Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide To Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking (Falcon Guides, 2013) by Triple Crowner Justin Lichter.

The post How to Get Started Thru-Hiking – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Solo hiking is such a great form of relaxation but it does come with some unique challenges. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we understand you might be hesitant. That’s why we’ve put together this fantastic FAQ to answer all your questions and get you out on the trail by yourself in no time at all!

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. WHAT IS SOLO HIKING?

Solo hiking is no different at all to regular hiking, except you’re out there doing it by yourself! It doesn’t matter whether it’s a quick jaunt through your local nature park or a 12-day trek out in the wilds. If you’re hiking alone, then it’s a solo hike.

2. WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT SOLO HIKING COMPARED TO NORMAL HIKING?

The physical act of solo hiking is not really any different to when you hike with your partner or a group friends. You put on your boots, strap on your pack and follow that trail.

The difference lies on your mindset and approach to managing risk. When you’re hiking by yourself, you don’t have a support network.

There isn’t someone else who can provide advice or seek assistance in an emergency. You are entirely reliant on your mental strength, experience and practical skills to get yourself from point A to B safely.

But you know what? It’s exactly that challenge that makes solo hiking so rewarding. It is such a feeling of accomplishment to know you’ve tested yourself and emerged a stronger, more resilient person!

3. WHY SHOULD I GO SOLO HIKING?

There are many reasons why you might consider solo hiking. It may be to escape the rat race and enjoy the quiet and solitude of the backtrail. For some, it’s the enjoyment they get out of successfully challenging themselves physically and mentally.

Then there are those who simply prefer their own company to that of others — the introverts of the world. All are equally valid explanations, and there is no doubt there are many other reasons out there!

4. WHERE CAN I GO SOLO HIKING?

Anywhere! If you can hike it as a group then you can hike it by yourself. Of course, there are a few extra considerations when hiking alone but there are very few trails out there that you won’t be able to overcome by yourself.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

5. IS IT SAFE TO GO SOLO HIKING?

Yes, absolutely! But…there are a few extra things to consider.

TELL SOMEONE YOUR PLANS

Sadly, many hiker injuries and fatalities could have been prevented if only they told someone of their plans before setting out. Let a close friend know which trail you’re hiking and that if they haven’t heard from you by a certain date or time, they should get in touch with the authorities.

REGISTER YOUR HIKE

Some of the longer trails will have a registration form that can be filled out at the trailhead or at a ranger’s station. This is a great way of letting rangers know of your planned movements and expected return date.

CHECK THE WEATHER

When you’re by yourself, you don’t have the benefit of another hiker to help you erect a tent in stormy conditions or to help find ways to keep warm in an emergency. If you know the weather forecast, then you can ensure to pack the right gear to get you through the worst of it.

KNOW YOUR ABILITIES

If your cell phone battery died, would you know how to navigate with a map and compass? Could you ford that river safely by yourself after heavy rains? Have you ever hiked a trail as long as this before with a group?

It is critical that you don’t overestimate your own abilities, and that you have the confidence you will be able to handle any eventuality.

PACK SMART

You can’t share the load, so the key to a fun solo hike is to pack as light and as smart as possible. Take reusable items, buy gear made of lightweight materials and pack only the minimum you’ll need while still staying safe.

PLAN FOR THE “WHAT IFS”

Before deciding to tackle a trail in solo mode, do your research and think about everything that could realistically go wrong. Is your tent waterproof?

What would you do if a snake bit you? Would you know what to do if you got lost? Thinking these scenarios through and writing up a response plan is an effective way of assuring yourself that you can handle the hike.

6. HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A SOLO HIKE?

There are some essential skills that every solo hiker needs to have a safe hike.

Knowing how to navigate with a map and compass is critical. Your cell phone may die on you, or you might find there is no GPS signal on the trail.

Do you know your gear inside out, and can you use it in adverse conditions? Putting up your tent at home in the dark is an excellent way of practicing and honing these skills.

Rather than tackle a trail by yourself for the first time, why not hike it with a friend first and get familiar with the challenges that might come your way? While you’re at it, don’t go thinking that your first solo hike should be a three-week monster. Start short, and build from there!

7. DO YOU NEED TO BE YOUNG TO GO SOLO HIKING?

No! Anyone with reasonable mobility can go solo hiking. The key isn’t in age, but in experience and preparation.

8. DO YOU NEED TO BE SUPER FIT TO GO SOLO HIKING?

Definitely not. The key here is in your trail selection. Understanding your own physical capabilities, and then choosing a trail at the right time of year that doesn’t exceed those capabilities is really important.

9. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET LOST?

Getting lost is a real concern that many of us have.

Firstly, don’t stress, that feeling is completely normal!

Second, do the preparation to stop yourself from getting lost in the first place, and make sure you’ve got the skills (ie. use of a map and compass!) to get yourself back on track with a minimum of fuss. For more help with this, we strongly encourage you to read our Backcountry Navigation FAQ.

10. ARE WOMEN AT GREATER RISK WHEN SOLO HIKING?

No. While there aren’t a lot of statistics available on crimes specifically targeting women in the backcountry, there are studies that show the chances of anyone experiencing a crime while hiking is thousands of times lower than if you had gone for a walk through your home town.

GEAR

11. DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR TO GO SOLO HIKING?

If you’ve got the right gear to go hiking in a group, then that’s all you need. However, from a safety perspective it is critical that all your gear has been inspected and confirmed to be in good condition.

We recommend as a minimum that solo hikers invest in a whistle, first aid kit, cell phone with GPS, a quality topographic map and a compass. For multi-day hikes in a remote terrain, you should also purchase or hire a personal safety beacon as this can direct emergency services to your exact location when an injury is time critical.

In addition, you may want to think about purchasing a GPS unit.

LEARN MORE

12. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLO HIKING?

The easiest place to find information on solo hiking is on the internet. There are dozens of hiking websites and outdoors magazines with plenty of great tips and advice for the solo hiker.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we love hiking and we’ve put together this guide on How to Plan a Backpacking Trip that we recommend you read.

Wherever you find hikers, you will also find solo hikers! Get in touch with your local hiking club or outdoors association and find out whether there are any events or educational sessions planned. There are so many seasoned professionals out there and they all have fantastic real-world experiences to share with you.

The post Solo Hiking – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Of course, every trail is unique and there are many different ways in which you can build your ability to safely navigate the backcountry. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we know you’ve got questions and through our responses, we know we’ll put your mind at ease and get you out on the trails in no time!

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. WHAT IS BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

Backcountry navigation is all about knowing where you are, where you need to be, and how to get there. In other words, not getting lost!

Sometimes it’s easy to stay on the trail, yet there may come a time when you find yourself in a situation where that little voice in your head starts whispering, “Where am I…?”

Being prepared and understanding the different navigation tools at your disposal are the best ways of preventing a bad case of “geographic uncertainty” when you’re out exploring the backcountry.

2. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

There are three types of trail you’re likely to encounter in the backcountry, and your navigational needs will be different for each.

SIGNPOSTED

When the trail is clearly signposted and well-traveled, backcountry navigation may be as simple as reading the map at the trailhead, watching for signs at each fork in the trail and packing a simple “not to scale” trail map in your day pack as a backup option.

NO SIGNPOSTS AND WELL-TRAVELED

These are the trails that most of us will be exploring on day hikes or those close to populated centers. An awareness of major landmarks together with a basic map and the GPS on your cell phone are likely to be good enough for navigational purposes.

NO SIGNPOSTS AND INFREQUENTLY TRAVELED

Off-trail hikes, multi-day hikes, remote regions or challenging terrain all require a much higher level of navigational certainty. At the same time, the risk of getting lost can be greater as there are likely to be fewer people in the area and electronic communication may not be available.

For these hikes, you will need both a topographic map and a compass. Most importantly, the skills to use them together to navigate through unknown terrain, possibly during challenging conditions.

Every trail is different so do your research but if in doubt, take a map and compass.

3. I’M GETTING OLDER, IS BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION STILL AN OPTION?

Definitely! In fact, the older you are, the less risks you’re likely to take and the more experience you have to get yourself back on track if necessary.

4. DO I NEED TO BE SUPER FIT?

Not at all. Backcountry navigation is all about brains over brawn. A good plan, the necessary skills and a cool head under pressure are all that is needed to be an excellent backcountry navigator.

5. I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, WHAT ARE THE COSTS I CAN EXPECT?

You’ll be extremely pleased to know that the most reliable tools for backcountry navigation, your map and compass, are very affordable.

Depending on where you intend to hike, you may need to invest in hiking gear. We’ve got some great tips on this further down the article.

SAFETY

6. IS BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION SAFE?

Yes!

Of course! By taking yourself into the wilderness, you do need to respect your environment and the challenges it may pose. Training is the key here. If you go into your hike prepared, particularly when going off-trail, then there is very little risk at all.

7. WHAT CHALLENGES WILL I ENCOUNTER WHEN NAVIGATING IN THE BACKCOUNTRY?

For most hikers, navigational challenges will come in the form of fog, snow, remaining daylight or perhaps unexpected obstructions that require you to leave the marked trail. Battery failure is also common, so you should also have a backup to your GPS, just in case.

If you’re going off-trail, then you’ll need to be prepared for a greater variety of challenges such as difficult terrain and thick vegetation.

8. WILL I GET LOST?

As they say, “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”

Every hiker has experienced that feeling in the bottom of their stomach when things don’t look right, or the trail takes an unexpected deviation. Would you really call that “lost?” Probably not and with the right training, you’ll be back on track in no time.

As for getting REALLY lost, it’s only likely if you haven’t done your preparation or you didn’t respect your environment. Both of which are completely under your control.

9. HOW CAN I PREVENT MYSELF FROM GETTING LOST?

Preparation is the key. Don’t go jumping into multi-day, solo hikes or off-trail from day one!

On your typical day hikes, it may be as simple as brushing up on the route before you start and then keeping an eye open for junctions and signposts on the trail.

If you’re thinking of going off-trail, then you’ll be wanting to complete shorter hikes in the local area to get a feel for major landmarks (rivers, mountaintops, electricity lines, etc). Start with day hikes with plenty of time before it gets dark.

Take a friend. Practice your map and compass navigational skills on marked trails first. There are so many things you can do to ensure you’re ready to navigate the backcountry.

GEAR

10. DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL GEAR FOR BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

There are a number of different pieces of gear you could purchase to help with your backcountry navigation, with costs varying from very little, up to a whole lot.

A cell phone and its in-built GPS signal will prove sufficient for most hikes that are near populated areas. For greater accuracy, you could consider purchasing a dedicated GPS unit.

At its most basic, if you’re going to go off-trail or into remote areas, the purchase of a map and compass is of critical importance. High-quality topographic maps and compasses can be purchased online or from your local camping store. To protect your map from the elements, it’s also a good idea to purchase a waterproof map case or sleeve.

Of course, simply hiking in the backcountry requires you to have the right gear for the conditions. This is a topic in itself, but the best place to start is this Multi-Day Hiking Packing List.

11. WHERE CAN I GET ADVICE ON THE RIGHT GEAR?

Your local camping store is a great place to seek advice about the gear needed for backcountry navigation. There is also plenty of information online for anyone wanting to do gear research.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we love putting together gear guides to help you make the best purchase. You’ll find these two articles to be useful:

Top 10 Best Hiking Compasses

Top 7 Best GPS Units for Hiking

LEARNING MORE

12. HOW CAN I IMPROVE AT BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION?

As with any physical activities, the best way to improve your backcountry navigational skills is to practice! You don’t need to be in the middle of the wilderness either; even your local park or suburb can be used to practice your map and compass skills.

It’s also worthwhile to read as much literature online as possible. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ve written guides on How to Read a Topographic Map and How to Read a Compass, and these are the perfect places to start!

Another fun way to improve your skills is to join your local hiking or orienteering club. These clubs are always looking for new members and are extremely knowledgeable.

COMMUNITY

13. WHERE CAN I MEET A COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE?

No matter how urbanized they may be, most large towns and cities will have a hiking club that you could join. If you’re finding it difficult to track one down, remember to check the local college or university as they often establish hiking clubs to cater to students with a passion for the outdoors.

14. IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN DO COMPETITIVELY?

Yes! Some of us enjoy taking things slowly and independently, others like to have an element of competition to keep pushing us to improve.

The sport of orienteering started with the Swedish in the late 1800s but due to its popularity, it has spread across the world. At its most basic, the sport of orienteering involves each competitor being provided with a backcountry course that needs to be completed in the shortest amount of time.

Checkpoints are designated along the way to make there aren’t any sneaky shortcuts, but most importantly, the only navigational aids that are permitted are a map and compass. The sport of orienteering is the perfect way to not only satisfy your competitive spirit but to rapidly improve your backcountry navigation skills at the same time!

The post Backcountry Navigation – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

No worries, you’re in the right place. One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to inspire you to get out and have new adventures and outdoor experiences. We know getting started is the hardest part so we want to get you all the info you need to get you on your way. 

Luckily for you, hiking is one of the easiest ways to get outdoors. You just need decent shoes and a pack to hit the trails for a day. Are you letting a burning question hold you? That’s why we put together some of the top questions about how to get into hiking and answered them for you.

Have a question you don’t see on this list? Leave it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer it. 

ALL ABOUT GEAR

1. WHAT GEAR DO I NEED FOR HIKING?

First ask yourself two questions: how many nights am I going for and what’s the weather going to be like?

For day hikes you don’t need much, just some comfortable shoes or boots and a backpack to carry water, layers and sun protection.

For longer multi-day hikes, you’ll need to bring camping and cooking equipment. Checkout our Ultimate Hiking Packing List to make sure you don’t leave any essentials at home. 

2. WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR HIKING?

To determine what kind of shoes you need for hiking you need to consider how much weight you plan on carrying and what the trail conditions are like.

It also comes down to your personal preference, some people just aren’t comfortable wearing heavy hiking boots. It’s something you’ll figure out as you go, but here’s some guidelines to give you a place to start:

For day hikes, hiking shoes or trail running shoes are best. Since you aren’t carrying a heavy backpack, boots are overkill. 

For multi day hikes, mid cut boots and full boots are the best option. These will help support your ankles. Having said that, if you have strong leg muscles, you can probably get away with wearing hiking shoes.

For multi day expedition treks with tough trails and bad weather, those heavy duty, waterproof boots come in handy. They’ll support your feet and ankles while carrying a heavy back and help you grip on rough terrain.

Don’t forget to check out our post on how to choose hiking boots for more in-depth information.

3. WHAT CLOTHES ARE GOOD FOR HIKING?

This also is dependent on the weather. For hiking, it’s best to dress in layers, that way you’re never too hot or too cold.

Basically you’ll want a thermal layer on the core, an insulating layer like a fleece for around camp and a waterproof outer layer to protect you from the rain and wind.

As far as materials go, merino wool and synthetic fibers are the best options.

Merino is soft on the skin, light weight, odor resistant and dries quick. Performance synthetic clothing also dries quick but it’s not as odor resistant as merino.

4. EVERY TIME I’VE TRIED HIKING I END UP GETTING BLISTERS, HOW DO I PREVENT THEM?

It’s much easier to prevent blisters then have to deal with treating them. If you have new shoes make sure to break them in, you can do this by going on a shorter trail before taking on a big one.

A little trick you can use for multi day hikes is to rub a light layer of vaseline on your feet before you put your socks on in the morning. This helps prevent your socks from rubbing and creating a blister.

5. SHOULD I USE HIKING POLES?

Hiking poles aren’t just for grannies, they help you carry a heavy load and keep your balance while trekking. They’re also knee savers for steep up hills and downhills.

Some people love them and others don’t bother, so it’s really up to you. I’ve done an 8 day hike carrying a heavy pack without poles but I would have appreciated them. So while they aren’t always an absolute must, they’re a piece of gear worth bringing.

Want to get a pair for yourself? Find out what are the best hiking poles out there. 

6. WHAT SIZE BACKPACK DO I NEED?

The size of your backpack will depend on how many days you plan on hiking. Also, you need to consider if you’ll be camping or will you be staying lodges/ huts. Pack capacity is measured in volume (liters). Here’s some sizings to give you a place to start:

Weekend Trips: 1-3 nights = 35-50 liters

Multi-day: 3-5 nights = 50-80 liters

Longer Trips: 6 nights+ = 70 liters+

7. I’D LOVE TO GET INTO MULTI-DAY HIKING BUT I CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY ALL THE EQUIPMENT JUST YET, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?

Multi-day hiking is gear intensive and you’ll eventually have to invest. But, to get you started, you have some options.

Team Up: You can buddy up with a friend who has some gear. 

Huts & Lodges: Look for trails that huts or lodges along the way. This will cut out the need to have a tent and sometimes a stove (if they serve meals).

Rent: If you are still testing the waters to see if you even like hiking, renting gear is a great option. Ask at your local outdoor store if they rent camping equipment. 

8. DO I NEED SPECIAL HIKING SOCKS?

The simple answer is no, you don’t need hiking socks but, they will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. They provide cushioning and help keep your feet dry (which helps prevent blisters). 

9. WHERE’S A GOOD PLACE TO GET ADVICE ON BUYING OUTDOOR GEAR?

When it comes to choosing hiking gear, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the models and features out there. Local outdoor shops can be a good place to start, but keep in mind that the salesperson probably has sales targets to meet and might earn a commission on certain gear. They also tend to spend more time drooling over gear than actually using it (I know, I used to work as a sales girl in an outdoor store). 

Another option is to browse the internet. You can check out the gear reviews and guides we do here on The Adventure Junkies. We talk about the hiking gear we personally use as well as some other great products. Here’s a few articles to help get you started.

10. WHAT SHOULD I PACK IN MY FIRST AID KIT?

When it comes to preparing your first aid kit, consider the length of your trip, the size of your group, and your medical knowledge. 

You can buy a pre-assembled kits or put together your own. 

Basic first-aid essentials for most hiking adventures should be: adhesive bandages (various sizes), medical tape, moleskin, sterile gauze, ibuprofen, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, and alcohol wipes. 

11. HOW DO I STAY DRY WHILE HIKING?

To stay dry while hiking be sure to carry a good quality, fully waterproof rain jacket and rain pants. Fully waterproof clothes have a breathable liner and seam sealed zips. If they don’t have these two features, it’s water resistant not waterproof.

It’s also important to keep your backpack dry so you don’t arrive to camp with wet clothes and a wet sleeping bag.

I recommend putting your sleeping bag in a dry bag and using a pack cover (which fits around you backpack). Another option is to use a pack liner, which is a bag that you first put in your backpack then pack everything inside that bag.

FOOD & MEAL PLANNING

12. WHAT ARE SOME QUICK & EASY HIKING MEALS?

Meal planning is one of the most important skills to have as a hiker. It’s about finding the balance between taste and what’s practical to carry (weight and expiration).

The easiest option is bring along some freeze dried meals, Mountain House is a good brand to start with. They’re light, surprisingly tasty and super simple to prepare (you just have pour boiling water into the bag). The downside is they’re expensive (around 8 bucks for a meal for 2).

If you don’t want to splurge on these, here’s some ideas to get you started.

Breakfast: Oatmeal, fruits (fresh or dry), granola bars, bread, honey, jam, tea, coffee, juice (mix or fresh).

Lunch: Sandwiches (salame holds up the best for multi-day trips).

Dinner: Instant rice, pasta (with sauce), instant potatoes. a personal favorite of mine is pasta with garlic olive oil topped with fresh tomatoes. 

If you want more inspiration, don’t forget to check out the best camping food ideas for your outdoor adventures.

13. WHAT ARE SOME TASTY TRAIL SNACKS?

Nuts (almonds and cashews), dried fruit, chocolate, fruit, granola bars, cookies, trail mix cheese and crackers and jerky all make for good snacks. 

14. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TREAT WATER?

If you’re going to drink from a river, lake or stream, you should treat it unless a ranger tells you it’s safe to drink.

There are a few ways to treat water: Boiling, tables, pump filters and UV light filters.

Boiling is the cheapest way to purify water. The downsides are you’ll have to light up your stove on the trail to get water during the day and you have to wait around for it to cool down before drinking it.

Water purification tablets such as iodine or chlorine dioxide are super easy to use but you have to wait for them to work and they can have a bad taste. 

Pump filters work by of squeezing water through a ceramic or charcoal filter. Some modern models can pump up to 2 liters a minute but most are much slower than that. The downside is the tend to be bulky and they require you to use a pot to collect the water (which can be annoying during the middle of the day).

UV light filters are simple to use, you just press a button, swirl it around in your water bottle for 90 seconds and then you have safe drinking water. These tend to be the most expensive option but can be worth while if you spend a lot of time outdoors. We always go hiking with our beloved SteriPen Ultra.

15. WHAT DRINKS ARE GOOD FOR HIKING?

Just drinking water every day can get boring but carrying extra drinks like juices aren’t alway practical. The best option is to go for a drink power like Nuun or Tang.

Bringing drink mixes are also a good idea for incase you get sick. Even if you can’t hold any food down, at least the drink will give you some calories to hopefully get you through.

FEARS & CONCERNS

16. WHAT ABOUT BEARS & OTHER WILD ANIMALS?

Bears and pumas can be a real concern on some hiking trails. Luckily, having a run in with one of these creatures rarely leads to any aggressive behavior and attacks are even rarer. 

Before you hit the trails, do your homework and find out how to avoid bears and what to do if you’re attacked and what to do if you meet a mountain lion. 

17. I’M OUT OF SHAPE & NOT FIT ENOUGH TO HIKE FOR LONG HOURS, WHERE SHOULD I START? 

The best way to get in shape for hiking is to get out on the trails.

Start small, you don’t want to just jump right to the toughest trail and end up hating hiking. Perhaps, look at doing a local trail that’s relatively flat, one that you could tackle in an hour or so on the weekends.

18. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO STAY SAFE WHILE HIKING?

Compared to other adventure sports hiking is one of the most safest activities, but there are still some risks involved. The best ways to avoid these risks is to know what they are how to avoid them. Here’s 3 of the most common.

Being underprepared: You never know when the weather will turn bad, so be sure that you’re prepared for the worst. Read up on the right gear to bring while hiking.

Getting Lost: Bring a map AND learn how to read it. 

Not telling anyone: No matter how safe you think the trail will be, let someone know that you’re heading there and when they can expect you back. 

19. NONE OF MY FRIENDS ARE OUTDOORSY, HOW DO I FIND PEOPLE TO GO HIKING WITH?

If you don’t have any friends or family members you can drag outdoors, there are still plenty of ways to find hiking buddies.

Open up google and type in hiking clubs near (your city or town). There are some websites and clubs that help connect hikers. Try Meet Up, Sierra Club, American Hiking Society, South American Explorers Club and Trekking Partners.

The post How to Get Into Hiking – The 19 Most Common Questions Answered appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.