Instead of just thinking about it, how about doing it?! There are many beautiful mountains to climb not too far out of reach from where you are. But before climbing, you need to check whether you are ready, and if you are a beginner who has never hiked before, preparation is even more critical. If you climb a mountain fearlessly thinking that all you need is to be physically fit, you could get seriously injured. To hike, especially for beginners, you need to consider a few things.
First, there is the issue of clothing. Since hiking is an outdoor activity, it is highly dependent on the weather. Therefore, preparing a light, water-repellent, and waterproof jacket is recommended. You won’t panic when you encounter unpredictable weather, like unexpected rain that results in a sudden drop in body temperature. If you continue ascending, your body sweats, and the range of body temperature changes will increase. That’s why having a water-repellent and waterproof jacket is useful. You can quickly put it on, take it off, to better adjust the body temperature.
It is good to wear functional clothes under the jacket while hiking, as well, that help expels moisture well even if you sweat and dry quickly even if you get wet. It is also good to wear thin layers of clothes to respond rapidly to changes in body temperature. Furthermore, it is also recommended to wear active pants with good elasticity so that you do not feel uncomfortable performing large movements while hiking.
Many people wonder, “Are hiking boots necessary? Can I just wear sneakers?” Long story short, hiking boots are essential for hiking. Unlike general sneakers and running shoes, hiking shoes have excellent traction, so they do not slip easily, even when stepping on slippery rocks or fallen leaves. The shoe’s surface is firm, protecting your feet from getting hurt even if stones or sand are everywhere. In addition, hiking boots support the ankle and reduce the burden on the ankle when walking uphill and downhill. Hiking boots are essential items for hiking safely without injury. The criteria for selecting hiking boots and regular shoes are slightly different. When wearing hiking boots, you must choose a size that allows space in the back and front of your feet. If the shoes fit too tightly, blisters may occur. It is also better to leave a little room because hiking socks are thick.
So how could you protect your hands? Wearing gloves will prevent scratches on trees or rocks. On an inclined course, wearing gloves is helpful to prevent slipping when you need to grab a handle or rope. In addition, you will be exposed to the sun for a long time. So, if you bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water or ionic drinks to hydrate, and light snacks, such as candy and chocolate to replenish your energy, you will have completed the essential preparations.
Now that you have all the items you need for hiking, you should prepare a backpack to store them. It would help if you chose a suitable backpack for what you will be carrying. Choosing a backpack is as essential as knowing how to place things into it. If you put things in your backpack randomly, you won't be able to store them effectively, placing a lot of strain on your shoulders and back. Heavy items should be placed in the center of the pack closest to the back, medium-weight items on the bottom and sides, and light items on the top. The overall weight is evenly distributed, and unnecessary strain on the body can be avoided. When carrying a backpack, you can reduce the burden on your back by carrying it tightly without gaps between the bag and your back.
With paths being narrow when climbing, it is common for people coming from opposite directions to run into each other. In situations like these, since the person coming up is likely out of breath, it is better for the person going down to get out of the way first so as to not break the climber’s rhythm. Also, when several people climb the mountain together, each person climbs the mountain at a different speed, so a group of people may fall behind. However, it may not be possible to catch up with the preceding party, and people may get lost entering the wrong course, so it is important to climb together. Remember that the goal is not to climb quickly but to enjoy the meaning of climbing itself.
Sometimes, some people turn on the radio or music or shout loudly, thinking, "It’s okay, we’re on a mountain.” This can cause discomfort because people get tired of the city’s noise and go to the mountains to recharge. In addition, there are more wild animals than one would assume, and noise can be a great stress to them. So, it would be best if you take a quiet walk while reducing unnecessary noise.
Furthermore, take pictures at hot spots, but do so in a quick manner, so others don’t wait too long, prepare your beverage or drinking water, bring your trash home, and refrain from smoking. If you remember the basic etiquette, then it's safe to say that your climbing preparations are complete. Lastly, if you do not exercise often, you should devote sufficient time to warm up before climbing to avoid injury due to the sudden stress on the body.