{"id":16136,"date":"2018-09-21T12:32:20","date_gmt":"2018-09-21T11:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=16136"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:59","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:59","slug":"hiking-beginners-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/hiking-beginners-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking for Beginners on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you love the great outdoors, chances are you\u2019ll love hiking<\/a>. The wide open spaces, beautiful scenery, and fresh air — what\u2019s not to like? Whether you spend all your time on the trails or you\u2019ve never hiked before, hiking is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. But getting started can be tricky. From knowing where to hike and what gear to invest in, starting this new hobby can be confusing — and expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Travel to: <\/em>Mount Kilimanjaro <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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If you\u2019re interested in hiking, here\u2019s everything you need to know about getting started on a budget. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is hiking?<\/b><\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t need to be a fitness expert or wilderness champion to become a hiker. For the most part, hiking is really just walking. Hiking is typically defined as the experience of walking along manmade trails or roads that are well-marked and well-maintained. While hikes do range in difficulty, they often aren\u2019t too strenuous and if you take your time, they can be completed by anyone in good health. A hike can be anything from strolling through flower-filled valleys to steep inclines up snow-covered mountains. It all depends on your fitness level, interests, and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Once you get the hang of things, hiking becomes immensely rewarding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to prepare for a hike<\/b><\/h2>\n

Prepping for a hike is easy as long as you prepare. Without the necessary research, gear, and planning, a simple day hike can turn into a nightmare. So make sure you\u2019re prepared for your trip and follow these tips:<\/span><\/p>\n

Do your research<\/b><\/h3>\n

Where are you hiking? What\u2019s the weather like? Are there public restrooms along the trail? One of the biggest mistakes you can make (especially as a beginner hiker) is heading out without doing some research. Read some blogs, call the park you\u2019re visiting, and please, always check the weather!<\/span><\/p>\n

Pack the right gear<\/b><\/h3>\n

Different hikes require different gear. For instance, sometimes you may need to layer up to stay warm, while other times you\u2019ll want shorts and a t-shirt. It\u2019s entirely dependant on where you\u2019re hiking, the season, and your own preferences. Regardless, it\u2019s always wise to bring a raincoat, a compass, and a map. <\/span><\/p>\n

Have a plan<\/b><\/h3>\n

Hiking is supposed to be a relaxing adventure, so while it\u2019s nice to clear your head and walk, always have a plan in place. Know where you want to start and end, always inform someone of your trip, and have an idea of what you want to see.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Why not bring some friends out on the trail with you?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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See Also: <\/em>We Rank the Best Hikes for Beginners in Scotland<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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What do you need to pack on a hike?<\/b><\/h2>\n

As mentioned before, every hiking trip is different and will require different gear. But there are a few items every hiker should have if they really want to dive into the hobby:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Basic hiking clothes (quick-dry shirts, lightweight hoodies, thermal leggings, convertible pants, and a really great raincoat)<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Hiking boots or sneakers<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Walking sticks (if you feel they\u2019re necessary)<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. A backpack (the size will depend on the length of your hike, but typically something small and comfortable is ideal)<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Sunscreen and bug repellent<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. A hat<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Emergency thermal blankets<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Toilet paper (biodegradable is preferable)<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Mini first aid kit<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Enough food and water for your trip (plus some extra for emergencies)<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. Camera (if you also have an interest in photography)<\/span><\/li>\n
  12. Binoculars (if you want to watch the wildlife)<\/span><\/li>\n
  13. A compass<\/span><\/li>\n
  14. A map <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Make sure to pack light when you’re hiking<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Great places to try hiking<\/b><\/h2>\n

    As a beginner, you\u2019re going to want to ease yourself into hiking. There\u2019s no point in trying to tackle a highly difficult trail on your first go, so take it easy and consider these \u201cbeginner perfect\u201d hikes:<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Bruce Trail – Ontario, Canada<\/b><\/h3>\n

    The Bruce Trail spans over 850 kilometres from the Niagara River to Tobermory, with over 400 kilometres of side trails. While the whole span might not be good for beginners, there are dozens of stretches with amazing views that make perfect day trips for any beginner.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Yosemite National Park – \u00a0California, USA<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Yosemite National Park has become somewhat of a legend to hikers thanks to its range of scenery, trails, and difficulty levels. For beginners, the park offers a number of day trips that will give you a feel for the landscape without bruising your feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Hiking is an all-seasons activity: enjoy the trails at Yosemite National Park in the winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Fairy Pools – Isle of Skye, Scotland<\/b><\/h3>\n

    This hike is great because it\u2019s beautiful, easy, and only takes about three hours. Great for anyone visiting Scotland and looking to hike, it won\u2019t disappoint on photo opportunities and is a great way to test your hiking skills before tackling a more challenging trail. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints – Thailand <\/b><\/h3>\n

    This beach has become one of the most iconic travellers stops in Thailand, and for good reason: the views are spectacular and the water is crystal clear. For the best views, you\u2019ll have to hike up to the beaches viewpoints. Only 25 minutes in each direction, it\u2019s a short hike that won\u2019t challenge a beginner.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Make sure you stop and enjoy the views, like these ones on the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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    See Also: <\/em>Best Day Hikes in Kyoto<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Tips for your budget<\/b><\/h2>\n

    <\/b>While hiking has become a popular pastime for many, it would be a fib to say it\u2019s the cheapest hobby on the planet. By the time you purchase your gear and get ready for the trails, it\u2019s amazing how much money you\u2019ve invested. Before you commit yourself to the hobby, try hiking with these budget friendly tips. Later, if you decide it\u2019s right for you, you can start spending the big bucks.<\/span><\/p>\n