{"id":4239,"date":"2018-03-08T12:18:06","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T11:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pjuractive.com\/mag\/?p=4239"},"modified":"2019-06-05T12:57:30","modified_gmt":"2019-06-05T10:57:30","slug":"hiking-for-beginners-what-to-keep-in-mind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pjuractive.com\/en\/blog\/hiking-for-beginners-what-to-keep-in-mind\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking for Beginners \u2014 What to Keep in Mind"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the days start to get warm again, hiking season also begins. Countless people are drawn out into the fresh air and onto the best-loved paths and trails. If you would like to join the legions of people taking up hiking, there are a few points to bear in mind – hiking is a sport to be taken seriously. In this article, we reveal what it\u2019s all about.<\/p>\n

Take it easy at the start<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Long hiking trails and bulky bags should be avoided at the start. Just like other types of endurance sports, it\u2019s a good idea to let your body get used to the physical demands slowly. At the beginning, the hiking routes you choose should not be longer than ten to fifteen kilometers. You should also make sure you choose relatively flat terrain. This ensures the demands placed on the body are not too high. At the beginning it is also worth being aware of what walking pace and breathing rhythm feels comfortable\u2014and trying to stick to it.<\/p>\n

Hiking equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although you don\u2019t need much equipment for hiking, there are still a few things you should get hold of before you start. First on the list is a pair of hiking boots and hiking socks. Heading out for a hike in normal sneakers is not advised as they don\u2019t offer any support for the ankles. So a well-fitting pair of hiking boots is indispensable. Hiking socks are also worth having. Not only are they thicker than normal socks, they also keep your feet properly warm. Another advantage of hiking socks is that they are breathable and dry faster than normal socks. On long walks, it\u2019s also a good idea to take some provisions with you. But how to transport them? That\u2019s why you should also buy a hiking backpack. There are also a number of things to bear in mind when choosing your backpack\u2014but we\u2019ll look at that in more detail in another article.<\/p>\n

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Choosing a hiking trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The route you choose for your hike is also crucial. There are plenty of hikes that are suitable for beginners and others that should only be attempted by seasoned hikers. When you\u2019re looking into hiking trails, you will find they are often given a difficulty rating. It\u2019s best to pay attention to these ratings. As already mentioned, your hiking trail shouldn\u2019t be too long at the beginning. Roughly ten kilometers would be a good starting point. However, if at some point you find you\u2019ve overreached yourself with the route you\u2019ve chosen, there\u2019s nothing wrong with turning around. Quite the opposite\u2014it\u2019s essential that you do. After all, you don\u2019t want to lose your appetite for hiking on your very first hike, do you? And it\u2019s not just the length that\u2019s important\u2014it\u2019s vital to plan your route, too. Most hiking trails are signposted, helping you find the right way. Even so, you should also consider having a map and a route planner. If you\u2019re still unsure about hiking at the beginning, you could find a guide to accompany you on your first hike. It may well make hiking a little easier for you at the beginning.<\/p>\n

Other important hiking tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n