THE ULTIMATE TEN TIPS FOR HIKING BEGINNERS
1. the right footwear
Hiking is only fun when your feet don't pinch and your toes have freedom. Hiking is cool when you can rely on a non-slip sole on muddy sections of the trail.
2. the right clothing
If you realize that hiking is my thing, you should buy good functional clothing. Functional means that you won't boil when it's hot, you won't freeze when it's cold and you won't get soaked down to your underpants when it rains. So quick-drying, moisture-repellent, material with a breathable membrane.
3. tick vaccination
Unfortunately, ticks are spreading more and more in German forests and many tick bites go undetected. Especially if, like me, you prefer to hike in shorts when the weather is nice, you should get a Lyme disease vaccination from your GP.
4. the right path
Hike on beautiful paths. Yes, you can measure the beauty of hiking trails. Few asphalted paths, lots of variety (views, forests, rocks, secluded valleys), enchanted paths, castles, benches. This is the perfect hike.
5. don't pack too much in your rucksack
I am amazed at many hikers at what they carry in their rucksacks for a day hike. Do you want to lift a parade or enjoy hiking? Why don't you save the weight? And instead of rucksack food, I recommend stopping off at a restaurant along the way.
6. Don't leave any garbage behind
There is a simple reason why there are no litter garbage cans on many beautiful trails: the trails should remain beautiful. Many litter bins in the forest are overfilled and plundered by wild animals. So take your garbage back with you and dispose of it at home.
7. travel by public transport if possible
Hiking is sustainable and becomes even more sustainable if you travel by public transport. The advantage of this is that you can look forward to the hike from the moment you arrive. And you can enjoy the reward beer or wine after the hike without any regrets, because you can take the bus or train back home again.
8. take your time (plan plenty of breaks)
You are not on the run. Hiking is not a competition. Take your time. Take breaks, lie down on a flower meadow, relax on a sensory lounger, let your feet cool down in a stream. Stop off at a beer garden along the way. Take a half-hour break for every hour of hiking. Then it becomes a shoe!
9. take enough water with you
Water should be an absolute must in your rucksack. This prevents dehydration. And water quenches thirst better than any other drink.
10. walk in good weather
Yes, you read that right. I am a self-confessed fair-weather hiker. Raise your hand if you enjoy being out in pouring rain or hail or a snowstorm. I prefer dry, warm weather, that's when hiking is the most fun. Just check the weather app before you go hiking.