Can one master hiking in a short time? Does the skill require lots of time of practice? Wouldn’t it take time to become a pro in the sport? Remember the 10,000 hours rule? Let’s dispel these fears, and say that hiking is an excellent sport, which you can master in a few short steps. If you’d like to hike like a badass, keep on reading.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Pro Hiker?
Read on to find out how you can master hiking skills:
Do your research to understand hiking mechanics
If you’re reading this, congratulations on taking the first step in becoming a master hiker. After all, the best hikers should have a clear understanding of the mechanics of the movement. Consider using these hiking techniques the next time you go out to increase your enjoyment and hike for longer miles.
- Shorten your stride as you move uphill and downhill.
- Maintain your center mass above your lead foot.
- Properly close your shoes.
- Use hiking accessories to minimize the impact on your knees.
Train for day hiking
If you want to become a better hiker, you’ll need to spend more time training. Moreover, training will teach you to protect certain body parts, including legs from injury. Furthermore, you’ll be increasing your lower body strength and lessen fatigue. Consider building up cardio, as this will decrease the number of breaks you’ll need while hiking. Also, try practicing yoga to prepare your body for the hike. You can also run trails to build up your overall skill set.
Develop special skills for hiking
Provided a little effort and it is possible to develop particular skills which can be useful in hiking. In essence, these skills will allow you to hike farther, for a longer time, and comfortably. But first, take time to identify your pitfalls, and come up with a plan to avoid them. For example, you can work on curbing unrealistic expectations. After you decide on what success means to you, do the following:
- Practice climbing techniques.
- Learn how to read maps and use a compass.
- Identify your limits.
- Understand basic first aid.
Eventually, hiking will be more of a walk in the park after some time.
Plan your hike and gear up to hike all-day
The only way to get through long hiking hours and many miles is by planning. Select your route according to your abilities and limits. Identify the challenges and prioritize areas where you can cover more ground. Remember only to carry hiking essentials. You should also consider mileage and follow professional guides in order to match your selection of gear.
Navigate as it matters
No one ever plans to get lost, they do. Improve your navigation skills through practice. For beginners, organize for social support to ensure that you don’t wander off beyond your hiking trail. Besides, try to become more proactive by identifying and creating navigational aids to help you stick to your paths. You can also use GPS as a backup.
Establish your safety protocol
Above all, you need to hike your hike. Thus, don’t allow yourself to fall for the pressure of conforming to the hiking style and standards of other hikers. As such, establish a safety protocol, which will ensure that you remain safe from injury during your hiking trip. And remember, everyone has their limitations.
Recover properly
After a long day of hiking, you are bound to end up with sore muscles and aching joints. Hence, once you get back home, ensure you allow your body to recover. For instance, you can:
- Rehydrate your body with water, and other fluids, as well as recovery aiding fluids.
- Use a foam roller to relieve the aches and pain.
- Pamper your muscles with heat and ice.
However, the more you practice your hiking skills, the quicker you’ll recover after each hike.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and practice these seven ways to help you gain master hiking skills.
Author’s bio:
Kevin Nelson is a professional writer who is genuinely passionate about hiking and trying his wings out in outdoor activities. Kevin has sharpened his skills in hiking in diverse and breathtaking spots, sharing his experiences with people. He is on his curiosity voyage to seek out peculiarities in challenging movements like camping, climbing and surviving in the wild.