Whether you want to take a break from everyday stress, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, a hike can be the solution.
If you’ve never hiked before, don’t let that put you off. One of the best things about hiking is that it doesn’t require any experience or expensive equipment to get started. All you need is a little time, a sense of adventure and some preparation.
Ready to hit the trail? Here are 9 tips that can help you:
- Know your route. The first step on a great hiking trip is choosing your trail. Chances are you can find a trail nearby that will make a great day hike. But if you̵7;re looking for a multi-day trip or impressive scenery, you might want to travel to a state or national park. (Some parks may be closed due to coronavirus restrictions, so be sure to check before you go.) Sites like REI’s Hiking Project let you search nearby trails and read reviews, too, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Choose the right shoes. Shoes can make the difference between a pleasant hike and hours of pain. For relatively flat and easy trails, a pair of running shoes should do. But if you’re tackling rough and rocky terrain, you’ll appreciate the ankle support a tall hiking boot offers. Whatever you choose, prevent blisters by making sure your shoes fit properly and are well broken in.
- Play safe. When you go on a hike, safety should be your top priority. Walk with a partner from your household if you can, keeping social distancing guidelines in mind. Be sure to let someone else know about your hiking plans. It’s a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary in the car too – in case a search and rescue team needs to find you. There are also plenty of outdoor apps available that can provide everything from first aid tips to GPS tracking.
- Dress in layers. The weather can be unpredictable when hiking – especially at higher altitudes. Always check the forecast just before you go and dress accordingly. Wearing multiple layers can help you stay comfortable throughout the day by adding and removing clothes.
- Be ready. Just like the weather, nature can be unpredictable. So even if you’re only planning a short day hike, it’s good to be prepared. Bring some essentials such as water, snacks, matches, a flashlight, a pocket knife and a small first aid kit. Hopefully you won’t need these things. But if something unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you brought them.
- Get in shape. Preparing for a hike requires more than packing a bag. You also want to prepare yourself physically. Before your trip, increase your cardio by walking or running to get in shape. Exercises like squats and lunges can prepare your legs, while planks and situps help strengthen your core.
- Know your limits. When choosing a hiking trail, it’s best to start small. Pay close attention to the difficulty level of your chosen track and be realistic about your limits. An average hiking pace is about 3 miles per hour, but you must add an hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Remember, choosing a hike with too much distance or elevation can leave you sore—or worse, stranded.
- Pack light. It’s important to be prepared, but a heavy backpack can make hiking feel like a chore. Avoid overpacking by sticking to the essentials and saving weight where possible. For example, a travel-sized sun visor is a better choice than its full-sized counterpart. And if you’re hiking along a clean water source like a stream or river, you can filter water instead of carrying it all on your back. Read tips for filtering water from the American Hiking Society.
- Know the rules. Each park and track has its own rules. Do your homework before your hike so you know what’s allowed. All hiking areas will ask you to follow the Leave No Trace principles. This means you leave the hiking area as you found it and unpack all the trash. Most parks prohibit feeding wildlife, and there will be additional rules about camping, straying from marked trails, and building campfires.
Hiking offers great opportunities to experience nature while spending some quality time with friends and family. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to plan a perfect hike with the people you love.
At Erie Insurance, we know that planning is smart… but life is rarely predictable. That’s why we’re with you on the journey, no matter what lies ahead. We are flexible when circumstances change, stable when the unexpected happens, capable when help is needed and optimistic about what the future holds. Contact us today to ensure your home – and everything it stands for – is protected.
Whether you want to take a break from everyday stress, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, a hike can be the solution.
If you’ve never hiked before, don’t let that put you off. One of the best things about hiking is that it doesn’t require any experience or expensive equipment to get started. All you need is a little time, a sense of adventure and some preparation.
Ready to hit the trail? Here are 9 tips that can help you:
- Know your route. The first step on a great hiking trip is choosing your trail. Chances are you can find a trail nearby that will make a great day hike. But if you’re looking for a multi-day trip or impressive scenery, you might want to travel to a state or national park. (Some parks may be closed due to coronavirus restrictions, so be sure to check before you go.) Sites like REI’s Hiking Project let you search nearby trails and read reviews, too, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Choose the right shoes. Shoes can make the difference between a pleasant hike and hours of pain. For relatively flat and easy trails, a pair of running shoes should do. But if you’re tackling rough and rocky terrain, you’ll appreciate the ankle support a tall hiking boot offers. Whatever you choose, prevent blisters by making sure your shoes fit properly and are well broken in.
- Play safe. When you go on a hike, safety should be your top priority. Walk with a partner from your household if you can, keeping social distancing guidelines in mind. Be sure to let someone else know about your hiking plans. It’s a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary in the car too – in case a search and rescue team needs to find you. There are also plenty of outdoor apps available that can provide everything from first aid tips to GPS tracking.
- Dress in layers. The weather can be unpredictable when hiking – especially at higher altitudes. Always check the forecast just before you go and dress accordingly. Wearing multiple layers can help you stay comfortable throughout the day by adding and removing clothes.
- Be ready. Just like the weather, nature can be unpredictable. So even if you’re only planning a short day hike, it’s good to be prepared. Bring some essentials such as water, snacks, matches, a flashlight, a pocket knife and a small first aid kit. Hopefully you won’t need these things. But if something unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you brought them.
- Get in shape. Preparing for a hike requires more than packing a bag. You also want to prepare yourself physically. Before your trip, increase your cardio by walking or running to get in shape. Exercises like squats and lunges can prepare your legs, while planks and situps help strengthen your core.
- Know your limits. When choosing a hiking trail, it’s best to start small. Pay close attention to the difficulty level of your chosen track and be realistic about your limits. An average hiking pace is about 3 miles per hour, but you must add an hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Remember, choosing a hike with too much distance or elevation can leave you sore—or worse, stranded.
- Pack light. It’s important to be prepared, but a heavy backpack can make hiking feel like a chore. Avoid overpacking by sticking to the essentials and saving weight where possible. For example, a travel-sized sun visor is a better choice than its full-sized counterpart. And if you’re hiking along a clean water source like a stream or river, you can filter water instead of carrying it all on your back. Read tips for filtering water from the American Hiking Society.
- Know the rules. Each park and track has its own rules. Do your homework before your hike so you know what’s allowed. All hiking areas will ask you to follow the Leave No Trace principles. This means you leave the hiking area as you found it and unpack all the trash. Most parks prohibit feeding wildlife, and there will be additional rules about camping, straying from marked trails, and building campfires.
Hiking offers great opportunities to experience nature while spending some quality time with friends and family. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to plan a perfect hike with the people you love.
At Erie Insurance, we know that planning is smart… but life is rarely predictable. That’s why we’re with you on the journey, no matter what lies ahead. We are flexible when circumstances change, stable when the unexpected happens, capable when help is needed and optimistic about what the future holds. Contact us today to ensure your home – and everything it stands for – is protected.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home office: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to do business in all states. See the company’s licensing and business information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are effective as of July 2022 and are subject to change at any time.
Insurance products are subject to conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long-term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based on applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer any questions you may have before you buy.
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