Hiking, the real thing, is not going to a safe route in the middle of a natural park or next to the river that connects two villages, taking the dog out of the trunk, a table and setting up a picnic for the family and then going for a walk. That is spending the day in the countryside, and we refer to hiking as true professionals.
Throughout this text we are going to give a series of tips to make a hiking route in conditions, with good equipment, good preventive measures against possible inconveniences, how to eat, how to walk, etc.
Prepare and know the route
We should not go anywhere, park and start walking without direction or weather forecast or anything. The most correct thing is to inform us about the route , which towns it joins or crosses, the distance, the degree of inclination, the terrain, if it has rained, if it is very sunny, if it is the passage of animals, if it is near a hunting ground, etc.
Currently, with the Internet in the palm of our hand, knowing all that information is just one click away. That is why it is easy to know the route in advance and even locate points where we can rest or points of interest where there may be basic supplies, a rescue or rescue point, or tourist guides.
Once we know the exact point where we leave and how far we want to go, we have to know the regulations, if we can take animals, if we can make fires for barbecues, if there is call coverage, how long does it take on average, the hours of our tour, etc.
Everybody must know where we are
No, we do not mean that we broadcast it on Instagram, that each one do what they want, we mean that our family and friends must know at all times where we are in case something happens, that they can notify the rescue services and come for us.
Currently there are dozens of mobile applications to know the exact location of another person . We are not saying that we monitor the location of third parties, we simply recommend giving that power in a timely manner to someone you trust so that they can help us in case we get lost, have an accident, take a long time to arrive, get caught at night, etc. .
Let’s not forget to carry an external battery to charge electronic devices in case we run out of battery in the mobile phone, the GPS, the meter clock or other technological accessories that facilitate our hiking route, being in contact “with the outside” and keep us located on the road.
Minimun 2 persons
Nothing to do a hiking route alone, always at least 2 people, and if it is 3 better. In addition, all the members of the group must be equally well prepared physically and mentally , apart from knowing each other and having a good vibes.
It may seem silly, but let’s imagine for a second in the middle of a mountain with someone who does not stop talking all the time and makes derogatory comments or does not respect our decisions and opinions. Not cool, right?
It is key that there is respect and rapport between the members of the hiking group, only then will we enjoy the experience and it will make us more enjoyable, instead of creating unnecessary bites and teasing an environment that will already be physically and mentally exhausted by the effort.
Meteorology
The climatic conditions are basic in order to do a hiking route. For example, you have to take into account the weather forecast for the day of the route , but also for the previous days to know what we will find if there will be mud, water, cut areas, streams, cold or sun and a lot of heat.
Based on the weather, we will make our kit and from now on we say that it is best to dress in layers and in an orderly way and with a head.
Another key detail is the hours of natural light, it is not the same to do a route in February than in June, the hours of light are not the same, so our useful time will be shortened or lengthened. We do not recommend doing night routes , unless we are a very large group specialized in hiking and with experience in night routes and sleeping outdoors.
Clothes and shoes
Not just any clothing or any sports. We must flee from the jeans, the flip-flops, the old sneakers “to go to the country”, extremely fine clothes, no short-sleeved garments, not go without socks, etc.
It is best to wear hiking boots and, failing that, to wear trail running shoes. The best option, we repeat it, are mountain boots since they are resistant, they keep our feet more protected against kinks, they are usually waterproof, their fabric is usually quick-drying, they have a good sole capable of avoiding all the obstacles, etc.
With regard to clothing, you have to dress in layers , use technical garments that are thin and thermal, and put garments until you reach the down jacket, but no more than 3 layers before the coat. The raincoat, which also has a windbreaker function and has a hood for the rain and to avoid the cold on the head, will be our first barrier against the weather conditions, so we better not skimp on expenses.
The outermost pants should be made of a waterproof material and if they are wide and the temperatures are low on the hiking route, put some technical thermal pants underneath.
Technical clothing is made without cotton, they are light garments prepared to protect from the cold and sun, quick-drying, anti-tear, that do not degrade easily, with specific seams to allow perspiration and not hinder circulation, etc.
Backpack, the nerve center of the routes
The equipment of the backpacks, as well as the type of backpack is key to enjoying the route. Choosing a bad backpack translates into back pain, discomfort, a feeling of weight, lack of space, etc.
The hiking backpack is perfectly designed for the anatomy of an adult man or woman , so that the weight is distributed, it has padding the entire area that hits our back, they are waterproof and some even include a kind of poncho or raincoat for us , they usually have bright colors and areas with reflectors, many pockets and zippers, closure at the waist and lumbar support, etc.
Inside the backpack we must respect each space and put in the outer areas what we are going to need more often, such as food and drink, a knife, a map, insect repellent, sunscreen, moisturizer against the cold , the hat, a compass, the mobile or tracker with GPS, etc.
Trekking pole
These types of poles are beneficial because when walking the blood accumulates in the hands, so when using the cane we avoid that annoying sensation, we exercise the arms and on top of that we improve the balance, the support of the body and we accelerate the step.
These poles are usually inexpensive, lightweight, and essential for walking and hiking.
By making use of them we manage to unload and balance the weight of our body , in the climbing areas it is best to take small steps and lean on the poles. Likewise, this tool can also be a defense weapon, to eliminate possible obstacles such as branches or help us jump streams, check the depth of a river, etc.
Hydration and fast energy always at hand
You have to bring pieces of fruits, nuts, energy bars, cookies, isotonic drinks, water, drinks with sugar, natural fruit juices, nutritious shakes, etc. always at hand in case we need to quickly replenish energy and continue the route
Let us remember that we only have to carry what is essential and what does not need cold or heat to be consumed, since we are talking about fast energy.
Likewise, the stops we make should be short of about 20 minutes maximum, just enough to get situated, have a drink, change clothes, take a photo, chat, stretch, lie on the grass, admire the landscape, etc. If we stop to eat, these meals should not be copious , but light and loaded with nutrients to replenish energy.
We must protect the environment
It is the last tip, but not the least. Walking and walking a path does not have to be synonymous with incivism. Each waste that we generate will be duly deposited in its container , or failing that, in our backpack until we find a bin.
No leaving papers on the floor, plastic cans, glass, clothes, bandages, emptying cans in the water, etc. with the excuse of “I don’t want more weight,” nobody sees it here “,” nothing happens “, and many other comments that put biodiversity at risk.
If we find an injured wild animal, we have an obligation to notify the rescue services , so that that animal has the right to recover from its injuries and be returned to its natural habitat. Even if it is a snake, a rabbit or a hedgehog, everyone has the right to enjoy this natural setting just like we do.
Likewise, if we witness an accident, an illegality, an attempted fire, if we see that others have left garbage or glass, cigarette butts, or things that can lead to fires, please clean everything, for the good of all .
