Have the right hiking partner(s)
This isn’t a necessity unless, like me, you prefer hiking with someone.
My significant other is a rock climber. A very fit rock climber. He regularly hikes long, steep distances with a 40 lb pack strapped to his back so when he and I would go on a hike, I’d get stressed trying to keep up with him and he’d get impatient because I couldn’t. This happened often enough that I grew to dread hiking.
Until that is, an acquaintance that I recently met and hit it off with invited me to go on a short hike. My long-held fear of being a turtle-paced hiker came rushing to the forefront of my mind and I let her know about it. I told her yes, I absolutely wanted to go but felt inclined to let her know that I was a slow hiker and that my brother (who used to be a personal trainer) advised that I lacked fast-twitch muscles. This girl, bless her kindness, declared that she also lacked fast-twitch muscles and assured me the hike would be leisurely.
There ended up being three of us. Once we got to the canyon (I’m fortunate enough to live in a state that has many beautiful canyons that are readily accessible and well-maintained), my hiking companions, having been to this particular canyon before and being familiar with it, chose a hike that neither one of them had ever done. The posted trail map said it was a two-mile trek (one way). Apprehensive that I was the least fit of us three and despairing that I would once again cause impatience, I nevertheless agreed to the trail (I’d never been to this particular canyon before and didn’t have an alternative to offer).
I needn’t have worried. The hike was very enjoyable. Yes, it was a two-mile trek with quite a bit of elevation gain but we had good conversations the entire way up and the pace was one that I had no problems whatsoever keeping up with. I marveled at how pleasant the experience was and realized that I didn’t hate hiking. In fact, I had such a great time that the following week, I went with one of the girls on yet another hike. This one was the same distance and definitely seemed steeper but it was equally as enjoyable and gratifying. Again, the conversations were very pleasant and I felt no pressure whatsoever to quicken my pace for fear of upsetting someone.
Bring snack(s)
Once we reached the hike’s destination and stopped to admire the view , my two hiking companions each had an energy bar to enjoy . No offense to energy bars, I’m sure they’re great, but I snacked on wasabi and soy almonds, turkey jerky, and pieces of dark chocolate.
For the next hike, I’ve already planned the menu. It’s going to involve an actual sandwich and maybe a dessert that will require a spoon.
Yes, I am a foodie.
Have the right gear
I had a small daypack that I kept a 24 oz. water bottle in it. If I wanted a drink, I needed to take my backpack off, retrieve my bottle, open it up, take a drink, recap it, put it back in the pack, put the pack back on, etc.
My hiking companions both had Camelbaks that had bladders attached to drinking tubes that hooked neatly into their backpack straps. When they wanted a drink of water, they’d simply put the drinking tube in their mouth. Guess what I’m now in the market for?
Also, have a pack that is big enough to carry not just the water (or water bladder) but also extra clothing, snacks, a small first aid kid, your cell phone, keys, and your wallet.
Dress Appropriately
I hike predominantly in the summer and early fall, at high elevation.
Dressing appropriately means layers for me. My typical uniform involves a sweat-wicking tank with a built in sports bra, a long-sleeved, sweat wicking shirt or thin sweatshirt, and a lightweight running jacket or puffer, depending on the season. I also bring along a thin raincoat that folds into the pocket of itself just in case. For bottoms, I wear yoga pants. When it’s a bit cooler, I put yoga pants over a warming base layer, like this one. I prefer pants to shorts because bugs like me but the feeling is not mutual. Trails can also be overgrown and since I’m not familiar with poison-insert any plant name here – I prefer that foliage not touch my skin.
The third layer (lightweight running jacket or puffer) is typically in my pack when I start on a hike. It may be a bit nippy in the beginning but I know, from experience, that my body temperature is going to rise by at least 10 degrees.
Of course, I also bring a hat. I prefer wide brim hats that have vents and a sweat band built again. And my hair is not as long as it used to be but I make sure I have a couple of rubber bands around my wrist anyway.
A smart tip I picked up from a fellow hiker is to pack an extra T-shirt or long sleeved shirt to change into for the hike back down. This is especially refreshing for someone like me as I sweat ALOT on the way up.
girl seeks bliss 