Hiking for Beginners on a Budget

Learn the Basics of Hiking, While Effectively Saving Money

Jun 22, 2009 Rebecca Wrenn

These fundamentals of hiking can help a novice hiker successfully acquire the skills required while not breaking the bank.

Enjoying the great outdoors is something that every one of all ages, and all levels of ability, can benefit from. One of the simplest yet more gratifying ways to take in the beauty of nature is by hiking. Hiking can be defined as taking a long walk outside, and can take place in many different environments all over the world.

From the Sequoia National Forest in California to the Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio, hiking provides that unique and natural way to appreciate the environment. If you would like to hike, but don’t know exactly where to start, there is no need to worry. By following simple steps, you too can be on your way to discovering the wonderful outdoors through hiking.

Advice for Beginners, from a Lifelong Outdoorsman

Eric Nestor is a lifetime outdoorsman in Cleveland, Ohio, who is studying for a Bachelors of Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science at Lake Erie College. He insists that “hiking for beginners does not need to be a world full of Gore-Tex membrane waterproofing, fancy names and labels, or the heavy duty equipment that many think of.”

For the beginner, Nestor suggests a few ways to save money while preparing for a hiking trip. He says that, “Many discount stores carry cheaper priced gear that will serve the newer hiker, and then can be upgraded as the hobby becomes more serious.” Quality clothing for hiking can be found at places like Old Navy. He also suggests the Army Navy Surplus Stores which is “a treasure trove of useful items cheaply priced”. A further way to save money, “check into National, State and City Parks for free hiking areas.”

The basic equipment for beginner hiking includes “a pair of shoes for temperate weather, which need to have a good rugged sole to give traction.” Nestor suggests dressing in layers to keep comfortable. He also recommends carrying a decently constructed bag, which is “handy for bringing along snacks and drinks, along with any treasures that might be found along the trail.” Weather-wise, most beginning hiking should be done in good weather, but Nestor suggests bringing along a cheap poncho which may come in handy, and “can be used as a seat on wet ground”.

Essential Dos and Don’ts of Hiking

• Do stretch before you begin, in order to lower risk of muscle cramps and soreness.
• Do start hiking at a slower pace, with shorter trips and work your way up to a faster pace or longer trips.
• Don't burn yourself out on a long, grueling excursion if you are not fit for one.
• Do dress in layers, and shed layers or add them to keep the sweating to a minimum depending on environment and season.
• Don’t litter, keep the trail clean for the animals and other hikers who would like to enjoy that trail. Bring a plastic bag to keep your garbage in.
• Do research the environment you will be hiking in, distinguish the animals and planets that inhabit the area and take caution if they are dangerous.
• Don’t forget to bring an emergency kit; bring extra water, a cell phone, matches/lighter, and maybe a foil "space blanket" along with a poncho.
• Do open your eyes, mind and spirit and enjoy the great outdoors at your leisure.

Turn a Curiosity about Hiking into a Lifelong Hobby

Hiking can be a fun, cheap and easy way to enjoy the amazing environments Earth has to offer. Hiking can stay at the easy level or be increased to a more advanced level in extreme terrains. Hiking’s versatility, satisfaction and health benefits have made it a popular passion that anyone can do.

Source

Personal Interview with Eric Nestor, 21 June 2009.

The copyright of the article Hiking for Beginners on a Budget in Backpacking, Hiking & Camping is owned by Rebecca Wrenn. Permission to republish Hiking for Beginners on a Budget in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hiking Trail, Ohio