4 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers: How to Prepare for Your First Hike

Have you ever been invited to join hiking for the weekend and you turned it down because you're scared for dear life?

"Do not be afraid," says your experienced hiker friend who just invited you to conquer a mountain near the city. In case he or she has forgotten, you have never ever gone mountain climbing before—not even a leisurely walkable day hike on a less than a thousand metres above sea level (MASL) mountain. But having been put under peer pressure, you gave in . . . praying you'll make it back home in one piece.

Before you head on to the dreaded weekend trip with your friends (or if you're going with a joiners group where you most probably don't know a single person but you are up for the challenge and the experience), here are some essential reminders for you. First things first, let me echo what they said to you: do not be afraid.

1. Condition your body beforehand

Above The author looking at the sprawling landscape of the Sierra Madre mountains from Mt. Cayabu

On my first time hiking a mountain in Batangas, I was unprepared physically and mentally. It was on my calendar but I had an engagement the night before the hike that I had no option of cancelling. So, I arrived at the bus terminal without any sleep, lacking some essential items in my bag like water and trail food, and wearing pants and shoes that are definitely not what you should wear when hiking any terrain.

It was a lesson learned. Though I made it alive after, I knew that I could do better because what was supposed to be a five-hour-long reach to summit, we did it almost the entire day (thanks to my close friends who were patient enough to care for me).

So, it's important for you to really prepare the day or night before. Sleep well and do some exercises, preferably walking, running, or jogging for weeks prior to your trip. This is because you need to keep your body and mind in good condition when doing these kinds of strenuous activities. For some who are aiming Mt. Pulag and the likes—really high altitude mountains that have beginner trails—you still need to prepare physically and mentally as if you're climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! More importantly, you need to test your endurance, depending on the type of mountain or forest hills you have chosen to be your first adventure. Believe me, elevation gain in training is important and you can't achieve that by just walking your village's paved sidewalk.

2. Pack lightly with all essential items

Above The author on his second hike at Mt. Batulao in Batangas. He came back, more prepared than the last time.

If it's just a day hike, you can just bring water and food, as well as your change of clothes. Remember, you're not going to a four days-two nights stay at a resort! Some expert hikers would also bring emergency toolkits like flint for making fire, metal rope for cutting wood, a compass and Swiss army knife. It would be good if you also have this, even just a tiny box. Make sure that you or someone in your group know how to use these tools.

A First Aid Kit is a plus, in my opinion. You would need to check the type of mountain you're going to and if it seems rocky, would require you to climb in ropes, or anything far more strenuous than simply walking, then having a kit of medicines, disinfectants, and bandages would be great. What I would suggest more from this category is alcohol and insect/mosquito repellant.

For your water supply, carry a six-litre bottle that you can buy in a nearby convenience store and have a small jug or bottle for your drinking use. It should be handy and easy to carry in the side pocket of your bag. Food can be any canned goods that are ready to eat. But if your group chooses to have a long lunch before you reach the summit or you're going for overnight camping, make sure you have stocked up easy to cook or ready to eat meals that cannot easily spoil. Don't forget to bring also a portable butane gas stove and a small pot or pan if you're assigned to do the cooking!

3. Research on your destination to know what to wear, bring, and expect

Above The author on his way down from Buscalan in Kalinga, where he met Whang-Od, "The Last Mambabatok"

Make sure to wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Wear something breathable and expandable, especially if you need to do scrambling in some areas. Check if the mountain trail has some river crossing then you would know if wearing durable sandals is better than wearing shoes or hiking boots.

Don't forget to also check if there are any gears needed. You may opt to bring a trekking pole instead of snapping a dead twig in the forest. Wearing a bandana or a cap can also be good for you if you're not used to having your long hair being swept away by the wind in every direction and you want to protect yourself from the sun. Bring a headlamp if you're hiking through the night. Speaking of gears and night hiking, don't forget the tent and sleeping mats, unless if you are relying on your partner's or friends'.

4. Embrace nature, be kinder to people, and leave with nothing but memories

Photo 1 of 3 Mt. Batulao, the author's baptism on hiking

Photo 2 of 3 The author sitting on the bench atop the Dragon's Back mountain ridge in southeastern Hong Kong

Photo 3 of 3 The author at one of the rolling holls of Mararison Island

Hiking is a really fun way to bond with your loved ones and dear friends. So make sure to bring a camera to remind you of the special memories you will be making. Bring also some cash in small bills as some mountains would require some payment at every checkpoint. It would also be helpful if you hire a guide when signing up at the jump-off point.

Going out to the big outdoors is also one way to meet other people. Don't forget to be polite towards the locals and other hiking groups. There is also this unwritten rule of greeting "good morning", saying friendly remarks, and words of encouragement to the people you encounter on the trail when they are heading on their way back or towards where you've been. This is to show respect and trust, as well as to practice care towards friendly strangers who might need your help or would need yours later.

Above The author at Mt. Maynoba

One thing you should never forget in going out to these nature trips is to be responsible with your trash. Hiking activities, as well as glamping and camping, would open your eyes to the world out there—its beauty, charm, and mystery. Make sure to leave without a trace of garbage but with memories you will cherish forever.

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Credits

Images

Courtesy of Franz Sorilla IV

Tatler Asia

4 Essential Tips for Beginner Hikers: What to Bring, What to do, and What to Expect?

1. Condition your body beforehand

2. Pack lightly with all essential items

3. Research on your destination to know what to wear, bring, and expect

4. Embrace nature, be kinder to people, and leave with nothing but memories