HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE HIKING WORLD!
It’s so great that you’re here and want to know more about hiking. Whether you are thinking of walking, have done some hiking before or you are an experienced hiker, I am sure that there is something here on the blog for you. I have gathered my best tips and created practical guides about everything needed to get started with hiking. From finding friends to hike with, to finding the right boots, training and taking care of your feet, as well as choosing clothes and equipment.
Explore using the links below and visit the archive for even more about hiking. Enjoy!
A FEW FIRST WORDS ON (HIKING-)WAY
Plan your trip beforehand at home to get the most out of your walk when you’re out and about. On this page, I collect some of my best tips for those who want to get started with hiking.
Do not overestimate how long it will take you to hike a trail, even if you can run the same amount of miles in 45 minutes and walk comfortably on a treadmill at 6 km / h, there are lots of things to take into account that will slow you down. Just over 3 km / h is more realistic, especially if the trail you are walking is very hilly. You need to plan enough time to appreciate a nice view, take shelter from the wind or sit by a lake in the woods. There is nothing that recharges your batteries more than spending time enjoying these moments in the wild.
Make sure you test your gear before you leave home. It is best to get to know your equipment during a day trip and not when out in the mountains. Make sure you do not leave parts behind and practise lighting your stove and putting up your tent P>
PEOPLE TO WALK WITH AND PLACES TO GO
How can I find fellow hikers and a good place to walk?
Often there are lots of places to discover in your own neighbourhood. Download the Nature Map app and get lots of great hiking suggestions on your phone. Otherwise, the County Administrative Board or Tourist Information may have good information. If you want to wander with an experienced leader, Svenska Turistföreningen and Friluftsfrämjandet have a lot of trips, both day walks and multi-day walks.
Then, of course, do not miss the Vandringsbloggen Hiking Blog Community – our own hiking community that allows hikers from different parts of the country to plan meetups as well as get inspiration, tips and discuss equipment along with other walkers. A fun way to get involved with like-minded people.
PREPARE FOR HIKING
Do you need to be really fit?
The great thing about hiking is that the length, speed and terrain can be easily adapted so that you can participate regardless of background or ability. Listen to your body, the most common injuries are caused by too much weight, resulting in a sore back or sore knees, blisters and dehydration.
Prevent damage by going at your own pace and try to keep your backpack as light as possible. Walking poles are a good aid on hilly terrain, they help you keep your balance and take the pressure off your knees when going downhill.
BOOTS FOR HIKING
Proper hiking boots reduce the risk of injury and discomfort. Hiking boots should have a thick and stable sole – if you try to twist the sole with your hands, it should not give. A sturdy sole supports and protects your feet as you climb over rocks and roots.
On flat terrain and when you do not need to carry much, you can get away with trainers. Easier day trips, dog walks and forest walks will be much more comfortable if you wear walking shoes. When you walk in more demanding terrain, like a mountain environment, you need a sturdy boot with high ankle-support. Wandering with a heavy pack on the back in rugged, demanding terrain puts pressure on the knees and joints. The boot helps to support your feet so you put less of a strain on your legs, knees and back.
BLISTERS AND SORE FEET
Tips on how to cope with blisters and sore feet
- Break in your shoes before using them for a long hik
- Wear two pairs of socks to reduce friction against the skin.
- Air your feet during your walk, dry feet do not get blisters as easily
- Choose a bigger shoe size than you normally wear because your feet will swell while walking.
- Do you know that you easily prevent blisters? Prevent them by taping your feet at home before you walk
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR HIKING
What do you need for a day trip? Does it need to be expensive? Rule number one: Do not buy items you do not need or invest in expensive gear from the outset. Start using what you have and build from there, once you have an idea of what you want from time spent out there.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR HIKING
A really good basic tip, for all types of outdoor activity, is that you dress in layers. A base layer, warm wool mid-layer and an outer layer that protects against wind and rain. The clothes should fit well and not rub or be too tight.
CHOOSE A BACKPACK FOR HIKING
How big should your backpack be? Backpacks are available in sizes ranging from 20 litres up to over 100 litres. The important thing is that the backpack holds everything you need to take with you during the hiking trip. If you are covering long distances and need to carry a lot, you will need a durable backpack with a good back system. Choose a backpack that is comfortable on your back and has all the straps, pockets, accessories and details you may need. Some backpacks have built-in drink holders, others have a seat pad included or padded section for fragile items such as laptops. Think about when and where you will use the backpack and think about which backpack to buy after that. For a multi-day trip into the mountains with a tent I go with a backpack that can hold about 60-70 litres, for a day trip or easy trail walk where I don’t need a tent, 30 litres is often enough.
LITTLE EXTRAS : MY SEVEN BEST TIPS
My checklist of things I always have with me in my day pack.
- Water bottle, the body needs to stay hydrated on any walk
- A thermos of coffee or what I need to make coffee over a fire
- Warm fleece or wool sweater
- Seat pad to sit on to protect from cold or wet groun
- Something to eat – sandwiches, nuts, energy bars or chocolat
- Hat and gloves for when it feels col
- Map of the area I am hiking in and a compass
