Exploring and hiking

Adventure Styles
1

I really love to explore places and do a lot of physical activities, but I have never done a hiking adventure. What advise can I get before doing my first one?

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2

I actually did my first hike in Austria a few weeks back and it was great! It was a 2hr uphill hike and honestly all I needed was good hiking shoes (good grip and ankle-support), a bottle of water and an energy bar. The route is important too, so do a bit of research. My hike was relatively short and perfect for new hikers. Depending on the weather, it helps to wear layers so you can layer up/down easily. I definitely want to do longer ones and stay overnight in those cosy huts. Happy hiking :slight_smile:

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3

Time outdoors in nature is the best thing ever - so the less barriers in your way to getting started, the better. My wife and I have been hikers for years - from short city walk, to longer day trips and a wide range of week-long multi-day hikes either camping or staying in huts. The most important advice I can think of before your first one is:

  1. It’s not a race. Take your time - soak in the big views, but also the small. Notice the different tree types, the mini-wildlife or plants you see along the way. Don’t be in a rush to finish
  2. On a practical note - don’t do your first hike in brand new shoes. There’s plenty of time to get all the fancy kit as you get more experienced, but for a first hike wear something which you are already used to (but which has grip!). Getting blisters or falling over all the time isn’t a great way to fall in love with hiking
  3. Plan your route - there’s so much info online about hiking routes. Pay attention to the elevation (how much uphill it will involve), and pick something which will be easy for you to begin with. These days I go to the extent of using an app (I use Strava, but there are plenty of hiking apps out there like AllTrails and Komoot and more), and this helps you see trails other people have done and to give you inspiration for more.
  4. Take a rain jacket. It always rains when you don’t have one!

Have a great time outdoors!

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