How to hike like proffessional

Hiking is an excellent low-impact workout. Studies show it offers multiple physical and mental benefits. From reducing anxiety to preventing osteoporosis, hiking is an outdoor activity delivering benefits beyond scenic and fun. Unlike walking on a treadmill or paved path, hiking involves more, sometimes unpredictable, variables. Of course, these variables are part of what makes it so enjoyable! Use the following hiking tips to make your first treks successful: 1. Start small and choose the right trail for your fitness level. Select a hike a little shorter than the distance you can normally walk on a level or paved surface. To estimate the time required to hike the trail, figure a pace of roughly 2-miles per hour. Next, review the elevation changes and add an hour to your estimated hiking time for every 1000 feet of gain. After you’ve been out once or twice, you’ll have a sense for what distance and elevation changes work well for you. 2. Familiarize yourself with the trail.

Please note that these lists are intended for summer hikes. If you stick to forest and/or coastal trails, you can get away with a lighter load. Remember to bring extra warm clothing if you are going any other time of the year. Clothing • wool or synthetic underwear • wool socks/stockings • windproof jacket/anorak or all-weather jacket • hiking trousers • T-shirt and/or light sweater of wool or fleece • hiking shoes or boots In your backpack or pockets • rain jacket (if your jacket isn’t all-weather) • rain trousers (if your trousers aren’t all-weather) • cap/hat • scarf/neck warmer • gloves/mittens • shorts • water • food Sleeping outside? Don’t forget your camping gear • tent • sleeping bag • sleeping pad • portable cooking stove, fuel, and cookwear • matches • plate, cutlery, and cup Other essential hiking gear • first aid kit • map • map case (with pencil and paper) • compass • headlamp/flashlight • extra batteries • sitting pad • thermos • emer