Hiking top tips
Here at Columbia, we understand how fun and important hiking is. We also know it’s important to be prepared, so we’ve compiled a list of hiking top tips. That way, you can start your next adventure full of knowledge, adequately equipped, and ready to go.
1. Pick a trail
Picking a trail may seem like a no-brainer (no trail = no hike), but it’s not. Anyone can pick a trail and decide to hike it, but it’s another story to pick one appropriate to their fitness level and experience.
The type of hiking you can do depends on whether you’re a beginner or physically active. For instance, you probably shouldn’t do a long mountain hiking adventure without prior training for your first-ever hike. Instead, build up your experience and start with easy ones. Then, gradually build your experience with slight elevation gains.
Online resources are available to show you a list of nearby trails, and they’re usually sorted by difficulty.
2. Pack the essentials
What you bring on your hike depends on what you have planned, but it’s usually good to include these essential items in your backpack as a minimum:
- Water (bring more than what you think you’ll need)
- First aid kit
- Extra set of hiking socks and clothes
- Portable power bank for your devices
- A hat to keep the sun away from your face
Some experienced hikers also like to bring snacks (for example, dry food like raisins and cereal bars) to treat themselves with at the end of a great long hiking day.
3. Sort out your hiking gear
If you haven’t got your gear ready yet, now is an excellent time to shop Columbia’s wide selection of all-terrain shoes, hiking clothes for women, hiking jackets, hiking sandals, and waterproof hiking shoes. We have items designed for every experience level, built on decades of expertise and research.
You want to pick garments with excellent wicking and cooling capabilities when shopping for clothes. Our Omni-Tech™ and Omni-Freeze™ line of products will keep you dry and cool, no matter how hot it gets.
If you need outerwear, our excellent selection of warm and waterproof coats will keep you going regardless of the weather. Our coats feature one of our Omni-Tech™ or Outdry™ technologies to keep water out whilst keeping you dry. And if staying warm is your priority, our range of Omni-Heat™ products will keep you comfortable.
Next, let’s talk about your hiking shoes. You want to choose hiking shoes that fit well and are appropriate for your planned activity. Grip and traction are paramount when hiking, so our hiking soles are engineered with Omni-Grip™ technology to maximise performance. Browse through our excellent selection of footwear, then make sure you pick the right hiking boot size:
4. Know your destination
Before hiking, make sure you know some things about your trail. Download an offline map of the area on your phone and carry a printed version with you. Check the map and identify potential landmarks you could use in case you get lost.
If you’re a beginner, you could also invest in a handheld GPS unit to take with you on your hikes. Unlike smartphones, which could lose reception the further outdoors you go, a handheld GPS keeps its signal. That way, you can keep track of where you are at all times. You could also go on a few guided experiences before going on your own.
5. Pick the right time for your hike
This tip works hand in hand with the previous one. If you know your terrain, you can estimate how long it’ll take you to cover the entire distance. And when you know how long it takes to hike, you can plan the ideal time to start your trip. The last thing you want is to hike uphill when the sun is at its peak.
6. Let someone know where you’re going
When going on a hike, especially as a solo hiker, always be sure to let someone else know where you’re going. For longer hikes, try to provide periodic updates on your location and safety whenever possible. That way, rescuers can find you more easily if something goes wrong.
7. Have fun!
Here’s the last of our hiking tips for you: have fun! Enjoy your hike and your time with nature.