People who love hiking love it for the fresh air, gorgeous views, and integrated exercise. However, the activity isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! To be fair, there are a lot of things about hiking that aren’t so pleasant, including bugs, dirt, sweat, and sore feet.
Still, hiking remains a popular activity that’s worth engaging in every once in a while. If you don’t love hiking, try these tips for a better experience.
Limit Yourself To Short Hikes
Here’s a secret: most people, even avid hikers, don’t enjoy the exhaustion that comes with long treks. Therefore, don’t feel obligated to dive off the deep end. Start small, sticking to trails of no more than 5 miles round trip. Choosing shorter trails allows you to experience nature without feeling overwhelmed or too tired.
Go With Friends
Only go hiking when you have people to go with. Not only is this safer, but it also provides on-trail entertainment and bonding time. The shared experiences, laughter, and conversations can lighten your mood and help you enjoy the hike more. With friends by your side, you’ll find motivation and inspiration to keep going.
Pack Food You’re Actually Excited About
You might feel obligated to bring trail mix and granola bars, but do these snacks spark joy? If not, that’s okay! Though it’s smart to bring lightweight foods that don’t require refrigeration, that’s not a hard-and-fast rule, especially for shorter day hikes.
So if you want to bring a pastrami sandwich, do it! Or do you have leftover spaghetti? As long as you don’t mind eating it cold, it could make for a great carb-loaded energy boost. Good food makes every adventure better!
Don’t Be Unprepared for Anything
A lot of people have bad experiences hiking simply because they went unprepared. Whether they forgot bug spray or didn’t pack enough water, these oversights lead to uncomfortable treks. So make sure you or your friends have the following:
- Enough water
- Enough food
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Sanitizing wipes
- Mini first aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Anti-chafe sticks
- Any medication, like an inhaler, if necessary
Wear Comfortable Clothing
You might think a cotton T-shirt and loose jeans make for great hiking gear, but think again. These materials hold sweat and feel heavy against your skin. Likewise, those raggedy tennis shoes you’ve had since high school will leave your feet sorer than necessary.
Instead, wear athletic clothing that wicks moisture away from your body. Your shoes should have ample support, and though they don’t need to be hiking shoes, that helps. Additionally, bring a hat for sun protection and moisture-wicking socks.
Take In the Views
Lastly, remember to appreciate the nature around you. It’s easy to get caught up in your discomfort or boredom, but the fact is that hiking immerses you in beautiful scenery—take advantage of that! If you can truly enjoy your scenic hiking experience, you’ll be one step closer to understanding why the activity is so popular.
Hiking doesn’t ever have to be your favorite activity, but it doesn’t have to be your least favorite, either. If you don’t like hiking, we hope these tips help you have a better experience.
