Hiking For Beginners: What To Prepare + Mountains To Climb For The Most Breathtaking Views
Respect the environment, have fun, and stay safe!
As travel restrictions are gradually being lifted, many have taken the opportunity to go outdoors, unwind, and appreciate the beauty of nature. One outdoor activity that has been gaining popularity these days is hiking. You might be wondering, why are so many trying it out lately? What’s the big deal?
According to an article on Harvard Health Publishing, one of the benefits of hiking “may be the restorative and stress-relieving powers of being outside in nature.” It is something you can do at any age, even on a small budget. Hiking also opens opportunities to reconnect with people or just to recenter yourself and, with COVID-19 in the picture, hiking is the ideal outdoor activity.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a hike for the first time.
Where to go
As a beginner, choosing the right location is very important, as you also factor in your own fitness level. A short day hike is a great starting point to build up your experience and confidence.
Rein Morales, a hiker for 6 years now and who also works as a freelance tour organizer, says, “Sa hiking, mayroong [tinatawag na] Meters Above Sea Level (MASL), so kapag beginner ka i-search mo muna kung ‘yung pupuntahan mong bundok is good for beginners.“
She suggests no more than 600 meters above sea level for beginners.
“Aside from knowing the MASL, for beginners [dapat] hindi gaano matarik, hindi maputik, and may guide dapat na maayos dahil ‘yung iba kahit mababa [ang trail], dahil hindi maayos ‘yung guide, nahihirapan pa rin,” she added.
Although some may want to go solo hiking so they could meditate, it is not advisable for newbies to go hiking alone. You either look for a group of hikers to join or find an experienced guide to accompany you along the way.
What to wear
Comfort is the next crucial thing you should take note of. Getting suitable footwear will not only help you have a better grip; it will also protect you from blisters. According to Rein, “Hindi mo pwedeng gamitin ‘yung mga [running] shoes kasi medyo mas madulas [sila] compared sa hiking shoes na ginagamit talaga, kasi magkaiba sila ng spike sa ilalim.”
When planning what clothes to wear, the location and duration of your hike should be considered. Rein suggests wearing dry-fit shirts for a day hike on warm or sunny weather. If you are going to a spot with a lower temperature, you might need to bring a windbreaker jacket which is made of a light material but designed to protect you from extreme temperatures and light rain. For your bottoms, you can wear leggings or invest on convertible hiking pants.
What to bring
To be able to enjoy your first hike, choose a small backpack to carry all your essentials.
Ferlyn Avila, a hiker for five years, shares what a starter’s backpack should contain:
- Meals and snacks. Go for food that will give you energy during your hike, like peanuts, gelatin, boiled eggs, and chocolate.
- Enough water. It is advisable to prepare 1 liter of water for every two-hour hike, although this may vary based on the temperature and location.
- Flashlight, first aid kit, power bank, and extra shirt for emergency purposes.
- Camera or Go Pro for your memories to keep.
- Cash, if you want to buy souvenirs.
Ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged as your phone apps may come in handy during your hike for different purposes: as a compass, mapper, camera, clock, and distance tracker.
Rules to follow
It is important to be familiar with the basic rules, or trail etiquette, before going hiking. Awareness of such important information can either make or break yours or someone else’s experience.
Here is a list of rules to follow when going on a hike, according to Ferlyn:
- Always listen to your tour guide and respect the rules.
- Leave No Trace (LNT).
- Stay on the trail, and if you’re hiking in a group, remain in a single file.
- Be friendly and greet other hikers.
Rein, on the other hand, reiterates, “Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but memories. Kung ano man ‘yung makita mo sa daan, hindi mo sila pwedeng kuhanin. ‘Yung mga basura, of course, bawal magtapon o kung may nakita ka man, pulutin mo at huwag mo nang dagdagan.”
What to do pre- and post-hike
Pre-hike
- Condition your body. Do some jogging a week before and be sure to do some stretching the day before your hike.
- Focus on your leg workouts and make sure that your back is strong enough to hold your bag for hours.
- Get enough sleep.
Post-hike
- Do some stretching because you’ll surely feel stiff the next day.
- Hydrate and have a good meal.
- Don’t forget to dry out your used hiking clothes.
- Of course, plan for your next hike!
Mountains to climb for beginners
1. Mount Manalmon
Location: Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan
MASL: approximately 196 meters
2. Mount Gola
Location: Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan
MASL: approximately 192 meters
3. Mount Sawi
Location: Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
MASL: approximately 595 meters
4. Tila Pilon Hills
Location: Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan
MASL: approximately 235 meters
5. Mount Samat
Location: Pilar, Bataan
MASL: approximately 545 meters
6. Mount Ayngat
Location: Tanay, Rizal
MASL: approximately 585 meters
This article originally appeared on OneLife.PH
