New to hiking? Hiking can be an exhilarating experience provided you do it right. The better prepared you are for your trip, the smoother it will be.

Check out these hiking tips for a seamless time on the trail:

1. Plan In Advance

If you’re going hiking for several days, you’ve got to plan in advance. Start packing a few days before you have to head out so that you have everything you need on the trails.

Packing all the essentials is incredibly important when you go hiking; don’t rush it.

2. Wear Layers

If it’s cold in your part of the woods, then dress in layers. You don’t want to be stuck in the cold with no clothes to keep you warm. It can lead to frostbite and pneumonia.

Because you’re bound to get hot as you hike, wear a jacket on top of layers of shirts made of moisture-wicking fabrics. A zipped jacket is much easier to put on and take off than a sweatshirt.

3. Protect Your Feet

When you’re feet are aching, hiking becomes incredibly painful. Blisters can be unforgiving, so take preventive measures and protect your feet by wearing shoes that fit properly, and comfortable moisture-wicking socks. You can also stick bandages on part feet that are prone to blisters.

4. Pack the Right Food

Even when you’re going on a short hike, you need to keep some healthful snacks in your backpack that will provide the energy you need without causing a slump. Bananas, nuts, power bars are all great sources of energy on a hike.

Also, don’t forget to pack some drinks. Natural fruit juices can provide hydration without flooding your body with excess sugar. Sports drinks help replenish electrolytes, so you can keep going without feeling dehydrated.

5. Know How to Read a Map and Use a Compass

Rookie hikers make the mistake of relying on their phones when they go on a hike. Yes, phones have GPS, but they need to be charged. Even if your phone has an awesome battery, you can’t depend on it when you’re in the outdoors.

Instead of relying on your smartphone, learn how to read and use a map and compass.

6. Get a Specialized Backpack

Hiking beginners make the mistake of undermining the significance of specialized hiking gear—especially the backpacks.

Backpacks play a huge role in a hiking experience. Not only do they need to be able to carry all the essentials, but they can also get too heavy and painful for you.

Don’t make the mistake of taking your old schoolbag with you; find a backpack that was made for hiking.

Light Hiking Gear offers high-quality, lightweight backpacks for all kinds of hikes. We spend heavily on R&D to produce backpacks that support hikers on trails. Our collection consists of the best daypacks, StrongLites, and UltraLites that distribute weight evenly and reduce the stress on the back, neck, and shoulders.

Check out our selection online and place your order.