Essential Hiking Guide: Step-by-Step to Your Next Adventure

Discover the joy of hiking, one step at a time
Hiking is Fundamental is an informative celebration of all things hiking. Illustrated list-style chapters cover the core elements of getting into hiking, from preparation to pacing. This inviting overview will demystify the whole hiking experience and give readers the tools and skills they need to get started with confidence. Hiking is not exclusive to the wealthy, the athletic, or the experienced. It’s fun! And it’s for everyone.

From the Publisher

There is something about the idea of hiking—it appeals to most of us.

There is a romantic visual that pops into our mind when we hear or read about it. From a 1-hour urban hike to a months-long 1,000-plus-mile thru-hike, there is variety—in length, difficulty, weather, terrain, wildlife, scenery, and challenges. Very few other outdoor activities boast that rich a recreational buffet. Hiking Is Fundamental is a list book offering all the basic information pertaining to those factors. It is for everyone, from kids to those like me, 65-year-olds hiking for the first time. Because of the variety of options, it is easy to make hiking part of your life. For those of you who relish the idea of clambering through natural settings, this book will set you up nicely for safe and happy hiking!

CONTENTS

Introduction to Hiking

You have picked the perfect activity for enjoying the beauty of nature at whatever pace and level you are comfortable with! Hiking requires just a little planning and preparation: finding a hiking partner, choosing a hike, and gearing up.

Types of Hikes

There are many benefits to hiking alone. One is that you can go at your own pace. However, even if you are not afraid to hike alone, you might find it more fun with a good partner, group, or pet!

Preparation and Planning

Don’t leave packing to the last minute. Have a daypack or backpack with the basics in it, ready to go anytime. The night before, go through your checklist and make sure everything you need is packed. Anything you can’t pre-pack (food, water, watch), make a list! In fact, if you don’t have a day-hiking checklist, make one!

Skills and Fitness

When you become a hiker you also become a planner, a statistics analyst, a navigator, an environmentalist, and an improviser. Walking is simple, but as with any other exercise, good form is essential.

Navigation

If you lose your compass or your GPS/phone battery dies, how do you find your way back to civilization? You use nature’s indicators. The sun’s journey from east to west gives you one of nature’s most accurate navigational tools. But nature’s indicators, especially if you are new to reading them, are not infallible.

Safety and Health

The biggest beginner mistake you can make is Forgetting something important, like insect repellent, sunscreen, a snack, water, or GPS. You need the Ten Essentials!

Weather and Wildlife

It is impossible to know what the weather will do, even on a day hike. Your motto is to be prepared. The first things to bring are common sense and caution. If there’s any percent chance of rain, believe the meteorologists and carry reliable rain gear. If there’s wind or other factors that could alter your comfort, wear layers of clothing.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3QLQT9D
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Falcon Guides
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4.4 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1493063635
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,971 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store) #772 in Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Kindle Store) #4,332 in Hiking & Camping Excursion Guides (Books)
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