If you are planning on going mountain hiking and you’ve never done it before, there are some things you should think about as you plan your hike, for your own safety and for better enjoyment. Here are some tips to help you plan.
First, make sure you research where you are going. Know what type of clothing and gear you will need. Are you rock climbing? Do you need snow shoes? You will always need good, sturdy hiking boots, and even if it’s summer you should carry a sweatshirt or jacket as temperatures are cooler in the mountains, and sometimes the wind can be very strong.
Get some expert advice if you have never been hiking before. Take a map, and talk to a guide or someone who works in the park you are hiking in to make sure conditions are safe. Tell someone when you leave and when you expect to be back. This way if you get lost or have an accident, emergency services can be contacted. Consider carrying a long range radio with you. This may work for longer than your mobile phone, depending on your location.
Take a camera and some binoculars. You will want to get some great photos of the scenery, and binoculars are great for getting a better view of some of the scenery. Some people even take telescopes–if you want to hone in on some landscape features telescopes are very useful, or if you are camping on the mountain top and want to look at the stars. (First make sure you have permission to camp there.)
Take enough food and water to last you overnight, just in case. It’s always a good idea to have extra food and water when hiking in case you get lost, or you come across another hiker who may have forgotten to pack a lunch.
