We’ve been doing hikes for a couple of months now and I’m still seeing attendees unaware of the basics of hiking. In the past, I’ve set up our hikes to start in spring and gradually increase in difficulty so that attendees can condition themselves. Aside from the physical preparation, however, is the knowledge that one should have mastered by the time the really difficult hikes come around. Here are some of the pet peeves I’ve noticed over the years and a gentle reminder to everyone to follow these suggestions as much as possible.
Clothing: There’s a saying that there’s no such thing as bad weather…only bad clothes. And nowhere is this more applicable than in our fluctuating Vancouver weather! Coupled with the ocean and mountains, the coastal weather can be a challenge to navigate and prepare for. So ideally, the main thing is to layer up. I’ve seen attendees with a big puffy jacket which not only adds weight, but is a challenge to wear as you start a hike and gradually burn up during the climb. Always wear thin layers which can be put on/taken off and of course rain-proof is an added bonus.
Footwear: If clothing’s a challenge, the footwear can be a make-it-or-break-it problem. Not only is it important to get the proper hiking shoes – with proper grip, ankle support, and being waterproof (preferable), but you need to break into a shoe before tackling a difficult hike. You can’t just buy a new pair of hiking boots and hike the Chief! This results in blisters and can even result in making one immobile during a hike. Try hiking shorter, easier trails with a new pair of shoes and switch to another pair if it doesn’t wear well. Before going to Garibaldi Lake!
Water: Again, I can’t believe this needs reminding but one absolutely needs to carry water. I’ve seen situations where people either don’t bring water at all or not enough. Everyone’s water intake is different so you must do easier hikes to see what a 2L water bottle, for example, does to your body. In the past, other members have spared their bottles in emergencies, but obviously this isn’t fair.
Food and breakfast: Just when I think I’d reminded every attendee of what to bring for a hike, you’d think eating breakfast and carrying proper lunch would be a no-brainer. I’ve seen people not having breakfast at all, or maybe an apple. And carry just a banana for lunch. While hiking Joffre Lakes! If you’re not properly fed, not only will it physically drain you but also mentally as you become fatigued during the course of a long hike. This can lead to careless accidents like tripping over rocks and roots. I always remind people to eat a healthy breakfast (perhaps even more important than carrying a heavy lunch), and we always stop at different stores before our hike in case one rushed in the morning and ‘forgot’ to pack lunch. Utilize these pit stops and fill up!
Of course aside from these tips are the usual physical preparations one needs to take. Stretching (before AND after a hike), proper conditioning exercises (squats, yoga postures) go a long way to avoid that “what have I gotten myself into!” cries one gets from various parts of their body. We’ll go over these stretches/exercises during our hikes so pay attention 🙂
Another important reminder is mindfulness while we’re hiking. We need to be pay attention to surroundings, especially the environment and habitat that are affected while we enjoy the outdoors, and the resources it takes to make our outings safe.
Here are some useful videos on hiking preparation: Clothing | Footwear | Packing for a hike |10 Essentials | Stretching.
I also find yoga, especially Yin, to be a perfect exercise as well as a compliment to hiking. I and many of our members regularly attend local yoga studios so feel free to join me, or you can attend or practice yourself.