8 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL DAY HIKERS
Day Hikers are those of us who enjoy roughing it by day and having comfort at night.
If you enjoy playing in the wilderness for hours, then heading home to a hot shower and a nice bottle of wine, my friend, day hiking is for you! While I have enjoyed some long camping adventures, I love the ease of a day hike that ends with a bubble bath and fresh sheets at home or in a warm Air B&B.
From many mistakes, blisters and downright painful hikes, I have learned a few tips and am happy to share!
Here are my top 8 Tips for successful day trippers:
Tip #1 - Do your research!
It’s so important to know your hike before you begin so you are prepared mentally and physically. Know what to anticipate as far as difficulty, length and altitude climb. Remember 3 miles uphill is not equivalent to 3 miles at the park after work. Consider if this hike requires poles, additional clothing for altitude changes, any specialty equipment. Also have a general understanding of how the hike flows so you know when you are on track and what to anticipate.
Check the Ranger Station or Board prior to the hike.
This is typically where the trail map is posted and any updates on trail closures or animal activity to be aware of before you hit the trail.
An easy, breezy tip for every hike:
Take a pic with your phone of the trail map and even the description of the hike before you begin so you can refer to it on the hike.
Tip #2 – Check the weather!
Check the weather on the day you are hiking. If your intention is to summit and enjoy a spectacular view, be sure there is not a fog or storm rolling in that afternoon. I’ve done some amazing hikes only to reach the summit and have 10 foot visibility. The journey was still fabulous, but as a day hiker, those summit views are often the great reward!
Remember it can be hot at sea level and snowy conditions at 6,000 feet at the same time!
Mother nature can feel as soft and kind as Aunt Bea when you’re walking through a meadow of wildflowers and then as brutal as an angry rugby player when an anticipated storm rolls in unexpectedly. Be prepared for both! If you are climbing significantly, do yourself a favor and pack a winter hat, gloves, and jacket so you can enjoy your time at the summit.
Tip #3 - Wear the right shoes for you
This is a tip near to my heart. I had plantar fasciitis for years and take shoes very personally. So much so I must repeat it: wear the right shoes for you and for the hike. If you have the wrong shoes on an otherwise perfect day of hiking, you will be miserable. Blisters and bitchin’ backpackers are no fun!
Quality hiking or trail shoes are a necessary investment. I recommend waterproof shoes with ankle support for rough terrain. Be sure to wear good quality socks that will wick moisture – you want your feet to stay dry and happy. My choice for socks is always smart wool.
If you are wearing new shoes, put duck tape on the backs of your ankles to prevent blisters.
This is an “old school hiker trick” because it works. Tape the backs of your ankles prior to starting the hike. Trust me on this one – it has saved me many times!
Tip #4 - Bring Extra Clothes
Dress in layers and pack for unusual circumstances if you are headed into mountains. Remember that mountains can make weather unpredictable as they force air up and over the barriers often causing storms. If you are gaining any significant altitude, pack gloves, a winter hat and rain jacket or water resistant outer layer. Be certain your first layer is a wicking material to keep you dry. Remember it’s usually cool when you summit and that is picture taking time so you want to feel and look fabulous – not exhausted, cold and wet.
Tip #5 - Bring plenty of water
Pack at least one liter of water per hiker. I generally take at least 3 liters as I am a big drinker. Consider a camelback system so you can hydrate the entire time you’re hiking. Or if you want to use water along your hike, get a water bottle with a filter pump (or pack iodine tablets or crystals) so you can safely utilize water from streams.
Tip # 6 Pack Your Backpack Right!
The goal with your pack should be to carry as little as possible – BUT choose that little with great care. Be sure your gear is in working condition, is effective and reliable.
By packing right (and light) be sure you bring:
Nutrition Source – food that keeps gas in your tank!
Sunscreen Sources
Navigation System
First Aid Kit
A fully charged phone battery
Bring snacks Proper nutrition is important but it is also a welcome relief on a long hike. I make my own trail mix for all hikes and sandwiches for the summit. On tough hikes, I may throw in a few surprises for that summit time (Not champagne but some serious chocolate!)
Sunscreen options include sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat (if fitting for weather) Know that higher altitudes have less atmosphere to protect you from the sun. So lather up, doll!
Navigation System You can choose from a variety of options – a compass, a GPS system, a topographic map. I recommend you at least take a photo on your phone of hiking trail map.
Because you likely won’t have reception deep into the woods, put your phone on airplane mode at the beginning of your hike.
This will save your battery life and enrich your experience by allowing only the sounds of nature to ding you for a few hours! I usually take a backup battery too.
Tip #7 - Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.
You don’t want to end up on that show “I Shouldn’t be Alive” with a story of waiting in the deep wilderness for a daring rescue. Tell a reliable friend where you are hiking and just text that friend when you return. This tip alone has saved lives.
Tip #8 – Pack the “Just in Case Items” and hike like a Pro!
I set up a small, watertight kit with these essentials that I hope I never have to use:
· Flashlight or headlamp
· Fire Source
· Emergency Blanket
· First Aid Kit
· Knife
· Ziplock bags
· Tissue
Flashlight or headlamp. Yes, you have a flashlight feature on your phone but I would bring an additional flashlight just in case or a back up battery for your phone. Remember it gets dark in the woods before the sun sets so be prepared if your hike runs long.
If you wear prescription sunglasses, bring your regular glasses in case your hike runs long.
Fire source can be waterproof matches, a flint stick, a lighter. Whatever it is, be sure it works.
Emergency blanket These are small to fit in your backpack and useful in any emergency situation. These tiny little inexpensive items were derived using NASA technology. C’mon, if it is good enough for an astronaut, it can surely help a hiker! These mylar looking blankets are effective in keeping your body warm in case you are out in the cold longer that anticipated. These can serve as an additional layer or even a makeshift tent in an emergency.
Pack first aid kit even if a homemade one! Consider a zip lock bag with bandages and Neosporin if nothing else. I haven’t been on a hike yet without a bruise, cut or slight injury. I carry a kit with bandages, antiseptic, tweezers at a minimum. On a long hike, I throw in advil or Tylenol just in case.
A Knife has too many purposes to list. At a minimum it helps with snacks such as apples.
Ziplock bags for trash or treasures along the way. I tend to hunt for heart shape rocks so an extra bag comes in handy.
Tissue – Yes, we girly hikers like to be clean! If you need to relieve yourself out there, it’s nice to have tissue - and a bag to use it and then pack it out!
And a last tip consideration…
Bear Deterrent This could include a whistle, bell or mace if the area is known for bears. I have a bell on my backpack just to let all critters know I am coming. Bear attacks are unusual in the Olympics but I just feel better knowing I won’t be sneaking up on anyone.
Ok more more tip…
Enjoy the journey and don’t make it a race.
The beauty of hiking is being in the wilderness! Take your time to notice the wildlife, the flowers along the way and all the sounds – the wild wind, the ripples of the steams and rivers, and the incredible silence. A nice steady pace will conserve your energy and get you into a rhythm with nature. Relax into it!
As John Muir so eloquently put it:
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”