Welcome to our Hiking 101 page. Here, we’ll try to give you more tips and tricks so you can more easily prepare for your next hiking trail. Hiking is a perfect way to explore nature, stay fit, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re trekking your first long-distance trail, thru-hiking a country, or going for a day hike in your neighborhood, hiking is always a good idea! We’re here to bring your next trail one step closer, whether you’re new or an old pro. Together with a handful of hikers, we dove deep into the world of hiking, trying to make it as easy as possible for you to get out there. Happy Trails!
What is hiking?
Hiking is so much more than just a physical activity; it's a way to nurture the soul and connect us with the natural world and the hiking community.
How to start hiking?
We’re happy you’re here! Why? Because this is your call to start hiking. The first step is, as always, the most difficult one but with the information in this article we hope to get you on the way.
How difficult is hiking?
A common question we get asked a lot is: how difficult is hiking? And of course, there’s no simple answer to this. There are easy hiking trails in technical aspects, but they can still be difficult depending on your fitness level, and we must keep in mind the mental aspects.
Hiking is an activity that we believe is for everyone. Regardless of age or fitness level, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs, there’s a hiking trail for everyone. Besides that, hiking brings plenty of health benefits, stress relief, and the happiness of connecting with nature and other hikers.
8 tips for your next hiking trail
It’s more fun on the trails when you’re prepared! To help, we’ve outlined 8 tips for a relaxing and safe trail experience. And the most important? To enjoy!
Leave No Trace
Hiking allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, traversing untouched landscapes, ascending peaks, and crossing the great outdoors. While hiking is an eco-friendly activity, particularly long-distance or thru-hiking, it's always crucial to consciously minimize our environmental impact.
How to: hut-to-hut hiking in Europe
A great way to discover the hiking trails in Europe is to go on a hut-to-hut hike in the Alps, Pyrenees, or Scandinavia. They are also known as a hut-to-hut tour or hut-to-hut trek. Europeans know this as a huttentour, huttentocht or randonnee. One of the most asked questions we get is: how can I start with hut-to-hut hiking? It’s time to dive into this topic with all your questions about hut-to-hut hiking, mountain huts, and other related topics answered.
While on the trail, it’s important to follow basic guidelines to ensure safety and respect for the environment. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the ecosystem and getting lost, practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, and respect wildlife by observing animals from a distance. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and fueled, and be prepared for changes in weather and trail conditions. Safety tips include knowing your limits, hiking with a buddy, staying aware of your surroundings, and being prepared for emergencies with basic first aid knowledge and a whistle for signaling help.
Hiking gives numerous physical and mental benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, strengthened muscles, enhanced endurance, reduced stress, and can boost your mood in a great way. It is a great break from technology and daily life, allowing you to unwind and reflect. By preparing well, choosing appropriate trails, and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy the many positive aspects of hiking. Whether you’re hiking a peaceful walk in nature or a challenging mountain trek, hiking provides an opportunity to explore and appreciate the great outdoors while connecting with the hiking community.
Happy Trails!
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