Part 1 - Day Hiking 101

NOTE: This is an original document, authored by me (Hiking in Arizona blog owner). I am an experienced bacpacker and hiker of many years. All copyrights apply! If you would like to use this document or any information posted on my blog on your hiking-related website, etc. please contact me.

Day-Hiking 101 For Newbies
(Part 1)

Index:
1. Things to Remember
2. Be Prepared
3. 10 Essentials
4. Map & Compass Reading

1. Things to Remember:

Wilderness day-hikes are not the same as taking a leisurely walk in your local park or around the neighborhood block. It is important to be properly prepared, in good health and good physical shape. All too often inexperienced hikers find themselves in unexpected and dangerous situations because they were ill-prepared and ill-informed. Hiking in the wild can be a truly enjoyable and life-enhancing experience; however, if you are not properly prepared nature can be very unmerciful indeed.

This document is composed of the most basic know-how and tips for day-hiking in order to equip the new hiker with the necessary knowledge so that he or she may have a truly safe and enjoyable experience.

Without further ado, the following advice is thus recommended:

Ø There is no better piece of equipment to take on a hike than your own good common-sense. Please do not take unnecessary risks and do not take shortcuts – stay on the trail!

Inexperienced hikers often underestimate distances and terrain, thereby getting themselves into a right pickle of a mess when not following the common-sense rule of ‘stick to the trail’.

Taking shortcuts while hiking is one of the most dangerous and common mistakes new hikers can make not to mention that it is damaging to the environment, thus it is not advised. Truly experienced hikers know, and obey this rule at all times.

Ø Never hike alone. Two people are OK, three or more is best.

Ø Always let your friends or family know where you are going, who you are going with and your estimated time of return. Leave a note detailing the same information in your car where it can be seen by park-rangers or rescue personnel.

Ø Always bring an up-to-date map of the hike with you. Learn how to use a map and compass! Knowing how to use a map and a good directional compass is an invaluable skill, and could save your life.

Ø Please respect the environment. A basic rule of hiking etiquette states “Carry out what you bring in”, i.e. please don't litter. Here is a little interesting f.y.i. in this regard:

The time it takes for debris to decompose in the environment:

Glass bottle = 1 million years
Monofilament fishing line = 600 years
Plastic beverage bottles = 450 years
Disposable diapers = 450 years
Aluminum can = 80-200 years
Foamed plastic buoy = 80 years
Rubber boot sole = 50-80 years
Foamed plastic cup = 50 years
Tin can = 50 years
Leather = 50 years
Nylon fabric = 30-40 years
Plastic film canister = 20-30 years
Plastic bag = 10-20 years
Cigarette filter = 1-5 years
Wool sock = 1-5 years
Plywood = 1-3 years
Waxed milk carton = 3 months
Apple core = 2 months
Newspaper = 6 weeks
Orange peel = 2-5 weeks
Banana peel = 2-5 weeks
Paper towel = 2-4 weeks
Source: Pocket Guide to Marine Debris, The Ocean Conservancy © 2003 pg. 10

2. Be Prepared:

a) Wilderness trails vary in distance, difficulty and completion time. Be sure to read up on the hike you are interested in – note things such as weather conditions, trail visibility, distance and difficulty rating (0 = easy, 2.5=moderate, 5=difficult).

b) Hiking is not the same as walking, nor is it a marathon or a race to see who can reach the end of the trail first! A mistake even some experienced hikers make, until they learn that it is wiser to set a consistent pace which accommodates both the most inexperienced and experienced hikers in any given group.

Usually it is a good idea to hike with groups of people of your own experience and fitness level. Some people prefer to finish a hike in record time, others prefer to take it slower and enjoy the surroundings within a reasonable amount of time. It is up to you to decide which group you fall into, however, as an inexperienced hiker, you will most likely fall into the latter (slower) group until your ‘hiking fitness’ improves.

Hiker’s wisdom: “The only way to get fit for hiking is to go hiking!”

How many hours per mile? Generally, for inexperienced hikers of moderate fitness, you will cover a distance of between 1 or 1 ½ miles per hour. When hiking on a steep ascent or descent, or over rough terrain, this time can be even slower. For hikers who are fit and experienced, hiking times vary between 1 ½ to 2 ½ miles an hour.

A tip for anyone in the position of leading a mixed-experience group on a hike: Rule of thumb (and etiquette) is to place the most inexperienced hiker in front of you (the leader) on the trail, and lead the group at the inexperienced hiker’s pace. It is important not to lose sight of any members of the group, so placing an experienced hiker in the back of the group is a good idea too (someone who doesn’t mind a slower pace). This way the group remains together and does not split-off into separate groups (which is foolhardy and dangerous).

Another solution for hike-leaders is to rope-in the most experienced hiker of the group and put this person in charge of leading a secondary group of more experienced hikers who would like to set a faster pace.

Make sure the second leader is conversant with hiking safety, has a map of the hike, and is contactable either through mobile phone or walkie-talkie. Such reasonable compromises avoid frustration and can lead to a more enjoyable, safe experience for the whole group.

b) Wear the right gear! Your backpack, footwear and choice of clothing can make a world of difference to your comfort level:

Backpack:- Should be of the right size according to your build (tall, short, broad, slender, female, male, etc.). It should also be lightweight and provide additional support (adjustable waist and/or chest straps) and be roomy enough to accommodate the ’10 essentials’ of hiking.

Boots:- The most important investment in hiking you will ever make! Athletic shoes and sneakers do not provide enough support on most hiking trails. Invest in a good pair of well-made mid-height hiking boots, suitable to the type of hiking you are most apt to participate in. Staff at stores such as REI are trained and usually experienced outdoors enthusiasts as well and can give good advice on the type of footgear best suited for your purposes.

Socks:- Don’t take this item for granted! The socks you wear are just as important as your boots, and can really help prevent getting sore blistered feet. Hiking socks come in different weights and are made either from synthetic fiber or wool (‘smart-wool’ is a good choice). Your socks ‘weight’ should match the type of boots you are wearing, and also fit your feet properly (don’t wear them oversized or too small).

Hiker’s Wisdom: Wear a pair of thin, fine-weave no-cotton synthetic fiber socks (to wick away moisture) beneath the thicker pair of hiking socks. This way the socks rub against each other instead of against the skin of your foot, preventing blistering.

Clothing:- Wear protective clothing appropriate for the environmental and weather conditions you may encounter. Avoid wearing any cotton next to your skin. In fact, try to stay away from cotton fabrics in your choice of hiking-clothing as much as possible. Instead wear synthetic fibers designed to wick moisture away from the body.

A good floppy hat with a full brim which adequately protects your face, ears and neck (no ball-caps) could turn out to be your most treasured item for blistering hot days! Finally, take along a good lightweight water and wind resistant hooded poncho/jacket to protect against unforeseen weather emergencies.

.... more to follow later! Part 2 will continue with the "Be Prepared" header and will include items such as hiking-poles, food, water, first-aid, etc.