The Beginner's Guide to Hiking Mistakes: What NOT to Do Your First Time on the Trails

Hiking is one of America's favorite pastimes. It makes sense since the landscape we live in is so diverse, and wandering through it on foot gives you a chance to really take in its beauty. America has an incredible variety of hiking spots you can experience, from some of the world's tallest mountains to some of the world's whitest sand desserts. 

If you have never hiked before, it pays to spend some time learning about the process and getting some advice about what you need to make your gaming experience enjoyable and successful, and what you can forget about and leave behind because you really won't have time for it when you're out trekking through nature.

So, we're here to help. We are outlining the most common mistakes that novice hikers make—mistakes that often ruin the experience for people and turn them off from the experience of hiking. Instead, consider reading our article about camping mistakes, then trying your best to avoid making any of these errors. If you can avoid doing anything of the following missteps, you will surely have an adventure in the outdoors that you'll never forget. And, also, it may just be the very start of a long, enjoyable, and successful hiking career.

Read on to learn about common and totally avoidable hiking mistakes you just really don't want to make.

You Don't Consider Footwear

When it comes to doing a hike right, footwear is essential. You need to find sturdy boots that support your ankle and protect your toe when you hike because you'll likely be walking up and downhill and over very uneven ground. You'll also need proper socks (like waterproof ones that wick away water) so that you protect yourself from blisters. You want the most blister protection you can get because blisters can become so painful or infected that they'll actually stop you in your tracks, and you won't be able to continue hiking.

You Don't Wear Gaiters

Gaiters are a piece of vital hiking equipment. They are worn on your legs and go over your shoes, covering both the top and front of your foot and all the way up to your calf. Essentially, gaiters protect the opening of your pants and boots, so no debris can get into your clothing while you hike—nor can water, snow, sand, pebbles, or annoying bugs.

You Don't Bring Anything to Sit Down On

Sometimes, you're just gonna want to sit down and take a breather while you hike. But unless you're on a long hiking expedition, there's no need to carry a camping stool or folding chair through your hike. Instead, invest in a pocket blanket. When you want to stop, you can take the pocket blanket out of its small pouch, spread it on a flat surface, and sit and rest.

You Don't Prepare for Wildlife

When you're out in the wilderness, you're likely going to encounter a lot of wildlife that you don't at home. There will be everything from bugs to snakes. If you are potentially going to encounter snakes (that like to live in brush and often like to be near water), consider wearing snake leg guards as you hike. That way, you won't have to worry about getting bit.

You Don't Shop at Pike Trail

One certain beginner's mistake you don't want to make when you start hiking for the first time? NOT buying your stuff at Pike Trail! Pike Trail is an online retailer that is known for selling high-quality, durable outdoor goods. In their store they offer a range of items you'll need for hiking—and some you could use for camping if you choose to do that, too. There are two key reasons you don't want to skip shopping at Pike trail.

First, Pike Trail is known for its affordability. The company believes that everybody should be able to be safe and comfortable while exploring the outdoors without having to spend a fortune on equipment. They've priced all of their items so that they won't cause undue stress on your wallet and make you experience financial woes instead of thinking "WOAH" when you see the beauty of nature.

Second, Pike Trail only sells goods that have been well-researched, tested, and are known to be trusted. You won't buy something from Pike Trail that falls apart before you ever use it. You won't end up with something from the store that's just a one-and-done purchase. Instead, the stuff you buy from Pike Trail will last you through your first camping trip and then through the one after that and the one after that. Get real-life out of your purchases when you buy from Pike Trail. You're going to have a lot of hiking ahead of you (if we had to bet), so you'll want to buy gear that's going to last.