Going on your first hike is exciting. Now that you’ve decided to go hiking, you need to find the best trip for you.

Choosing the right trip will fill you with a sense of pride after you’ve completed it but picking the wrong trip will put you off hiking for a long time!

Here’s how to choose a trip for your first hike:

1. Think About The Terrain, Distance and Elevation

There are three main factors that you will need to think about when going on your first hike: the distance you’ll be covering, the elevation and the type of terrain you’ll be walking on.

Hiking beginners should take things slow. Opt for a short trail that can be covered in a few hours. Avoid uphill trails with uneven terrain.

For newbies, it’s best to start from well-established paths that are marked for hikers. Avoid trails where hikers need to find their way, those are for experienced hikers who are comfortable in the outdoors.

2. Go For Hikes That Take Less Time

The distance, type of terrain and elevation will all determine the amount of time you take to cover the trail. Since it’s your first time, stick to hikes that you can cover in 6 hours or less. Hikes that last 6 hours can be tiring for seasoned hikers too, depending on the terrain.

On average we get 12 hours of daylight in the USA, rookie hikers should give themselves a few hours as a buffer in case something goes wrong.

When you have an idea of how long your trip will take, leave a detailed itinerary with a loved one and a park ranger just in case things don’t go as planned.

3. Stick to Familiar Weather

You don’t want to make yourself uncomfortable with unfamiliar weather. If you like the humidity of the east-coast then stick to trails near you instead of taking on the dry heat of the desert on the west coast. The unfamiliar climate will only add unnecessary stress to your body.

4. Think About The Amenities You’ll Need

As an inexperienced hiker, you don’t want to be panting in the middle of nowhere with no water to be found. If you’re going hiking in the backcountry, some campsites have built restrooms, picnic tables, and shelters; they also have bottled water.

As a rookie hiker, opt for trails that have campsites, in case, you need to rest and freshen up along the way.

Take a large backpack that comes with multiple compartments and offers plenty of room for your essentials.

Light Hiking Gear’s award-winning backpacks were made specifically for hikers. Whether you’re a rookie hiker or a seasoned hiker, our backpacks will give you the support you need on the trials.

Check out our collection of quality Ultra Lites, Daypacks, and, StrongLites and place your order online. We offer free shipping across the US!