When someone says the words “hiking trip,” we immediately conjure up images of bearded, crusty guys with a walking stick hiking on a trail 200 miles from the nearest phone. The description is pretty much accurate, but only when you’re referring to a hiker in the purest form. It should be noted however that it is not how most of us hike! When you are on a hiking trip in the ordinary sense of the word, what you really are is an adventurous walker.

Below are some tips to make your hiking trip an experience to remember:

Plan Ahead

The difference between a great hiking trip and a trip to the hospital is really up to you! Majority of the dangerous situations encountered during hiking trips are due to lack of preparation and foresight on the part of the hiker. That’s why to avoid experiencing the same mistake other hikers have committed, plan ahead.

If your hiking trip is only a day hike, there are typically no permits required. This means that you are entirely on your own. This makes it all the more important for you to prepare and practice self-reliance and common sense.

In fact, hiking alone is not for first-time hikers. And even if you have a few hiking trips under your belt, it is still recommended that you always have a hiking buddy with you to help you in case of an emergency or you get injured.

As part of planning ahead, knowing what your destination will be like is a good idea. This will give you some idea as to what you ought to bring and what kind of possible situations you may get into during the hiking trip. What you shouldn’t do is overestimate your capabilities. Many hikers have learned this the hard way. Hike intelligently.

Be a Lightweight

The less you carry, the more enjoyable your hiking trip will be. That’s what lightweight hikers always say, and it’s true for very obvious reasons. Who wants to go on a hiking trip with 50 pounds or so of provisions on his back? No one. So travel as light as possible. The heaviest items in your pack should be your food and water.

Below are some recommended equipment for day hikers on a hiking trip:

• Water bottles
• Flashlight (hiking late and long hikes)
• Moleskin
• Comfortable hiking clothes
• Hiking shoes (NO open toe shoes)
• Water
• Salty foods
• Trail mix
• Hard candy
• Electrolyte powder or drink

Avoid Huffing and Puffing

You are walking the perfect speed if you can talk while you are walking. But when you huff and puff, your legs, your digestive system, your whole body in fact does not get enough oxygen to function efficiently.

Speed walking can use up your energy reserves pretty quickly. What’s the hurry? The whole point of hiking trips is so you can enjoy the great outdoors, so slow down and smell the flowers along the way. Not only will this greatly experience the experience of hiking trips, it will also help relieve the soreness of muscles that results from long time walking.