by Nicky W. Small

Created on: November 01, 2009

Hiking is a pleasant and memorable activity and carefully selected routes could fit for nearly all ages. To make it safe and pleasant the key word is planning. You should know your fitness level as well as the other's who are going on the trip with you. If you only start hiking, you might consider begin with a shorter and easier route to get a taste for it maybe near your home town. Go for a long walk in the forest on the weekends before you go on a serious hiking trip. You will see that soon enough if you are able to increase the length and the difficulty of your walking trips.

Most importantly you must have good, comfortable hiking shoes. You don't have to buy the newest and most expensive design for your hike, just make sure the one you choose is suitable the area you are planning to go. Also comfortable clothes are a must. Long trousers are the best for all condition. Again you don't have to invest brand new clothes, your old jeans and jumper will do at the beginning. Also very important is a good rucksack. It size and shape would depend on your type of your trip. Obviously smaller one would be enough for a day trip, and you would need a professional one if you are planning to spend days out carrying your tent and sleeping bag as well as a couple of day's food supply. No matter how long you are going for you will have to choose your rucksack almost as carefully as your shoes, there is nothing worse than an uncomfortable backpack to carry. You should pack a waterproof jacket as well as plenty of water and food for a day trip.

Plan your route carefully and study the area's weather forecast as well as its wildlife and altitude difference. Pack some sun cream when you are planning to hike where no shade and also it is really important when you are in the mountains, as the sun could be more dangerous there. Take an updated map of your route and a small fist aid kit and a torch with you. Torch can come in handy in some trips even if you are not planning to stay after dark. You might need to cross tunnels or you can peep into small caves along your road, or something might hold you up (getting lost etc) in the forest after dusk. If you are counting on unseen circumstances you will be well prepared.

Sometimes mobile phones don't get a signal in mountains and forests, so if you are planning to go some lesser known areas you should let someone know about your trip. Don't forget to pack your camera with the necessary memo cards and batteries as probably you would like to take a few snapshots while you are discovering a magnificent region. Carry a plastic bag so you can easily take all your rubbish with you.

If you prepare with care and respect for the beauty of nature you will have a great experience of hiking.

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