Hiking for beginners on a budget: useful tips for great outdoors

Quite often, experienced travelers or beginners prefer to go hiking. It allows you to see more interesting places. If you’re on a tight budget, there are a few basic rules you should know about hiking for beginners on a budget.

Features of hiking for beginners on a budget

Before proceeding to the features of hiking for beginners on a budget, you should familiarize yourself with the main activity. Hiking is in demand not only among outdoor enthusiasts. Even beginners can do it if they so desire.

The essence of hiking is that people walk with additional equipment through beautiful views.

Often, hiking passes through forests and mountainous areas, allowing you to enjoy beautiful landscapes and take a break from skyscrapers.

All hikes vary in difficulty. If you are just starting to get acquainted with this type of tourism, then you have many hiking options.

There are many reasons to do so. Some choose to hike to improve their physical and mental health, as well as enjoy the beautiful views.

How expensive is hiking?

This is not to say that hiking is very expensive. It is available to everyone. For a hike, comfortable and high-quality shoes, a backpack, and clothes are enough. You can make hiking expensive yourself if you so desire.

However, there is no need to purchase a large amount of equipment. In the case of a limited budget, you can use the equipment that you have at home.

Equipment options for beginners on a budget

Choosing the best equipment is not difficult if you decide to go hiking. It is available in almost all travel brands.

You can choose the items of equipment yourself; however, there is a clear list of necessary things. More about them will be discussed below.

Hiking boots

It is safe to say that this thing is considered one of the most important. After all, you will have to walk a lot, and thanks to the right hiking shoes, your feet will not be recognized. Even if you have a minimal budget, you can always find the best model.

If you are looking for quality hiking boots, there are several important factors to consider, namely:

• height. The boots must reach the middle of the ankle. This will prevent it from stretching;
• moisture resistance. This will prevent beginner hikers from catching a cold if the hike is in wet weather;
• type of boots. Choose hiking boots that will be optimal for a particular trail;
• size and design. The boots must fit your size and fit your design needs.

Hiking backpack

Be sure to prepare a high-quality hiking backpack, which will fit all the necessary equipment. It is not necessary to buy bulky models that will cause discomfort during the ascent or journey. However, the backpack must fit clothes, water, food, etc.

On average, beginner hikers will need a backpack, the volume of which is about 17-22 liters. You should also opt for models that are waterproof and dirt-repellent. It is also better to look for an option that will not wear out and is equipped with pockets for water bottles.

If the backpack is not waterproof, you will need to choose a model with a rain cover. You can also purchase an optional moisture protection spray or backpack cover.

For beginners, it makes sense to pay attention to small models because they often do not go hiking for several days.

If your journey takes up to 5 miles, you should not take a large backpack. On average, the journey will take up to 4 hours. Therefore, there will be enough things for this period. Backpacks for hiking and beginners are inexpensive. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on a purchase.

If you’re just starting with hiking, you might want to take a look at the Venture Pal 40 backpack, which has a 40L capacity. Inside there is a moisture-proof pocket where you can put wet things. There is a special belt that is fixed on a breast for greater convenience.

If you need a small backpack, check out ZOMAKE, which has a capacity of only 20 liters. This is the best solution if the hiking trip takes no more than one day, while it is inexpensive. There are many compartments to accommodate all the necessary equipment.

Raincoat

Be sure to prepare a raincoat if you plan to travel in case of rain or fog. Often these products are inexpensive, and very high quality for protection against moisture.

Down jacket

Choose a quality down jacket if you plan to hike in cold weather. Choose products that are quite warm, however, are light in weight.

Hiking socks

Good quality hiking socks will help prevent calluses and keep your feet warm. The best socks can be found in the Smartwool range. Hiking socks are very soft, waterproof, warm, and durable. The cost of one pair is about 20 dollars. However, they will last a long time, which pays for their price.

Water tanks

There are a large number of brands that produce water tanks. Select a bottle with a volume of at least 2 liters. This is the best solution if the hiking trip will last only 1 day.

Base layers

If you are just starting out hiking and are planning to visit colder regions, you should be conscious about the process of choosing your base layers. They will help keep the body warm, which eliminates the cold.

Choose sweatshirts made of cotton with long sleeves. Leggings are best taken from fleece. You can find similar things in the nearest clothing store at an affordable price.

Trekking sticks

This piece of equipment is considered optional. However, if you are planning to hike on a rocky or slippery hiking trail, these sticks will help you keep your balance.

Navigation tools

Yes, you can take short routes. However, you still need a navigator. You can opt for a classic compass, mobile phone, or portable GPS. However, you need to understand that at any time the network may disappear. Therefore, it is better to choose a regular compass that will save you in any situation and is inexpensive.

First aid kit

As you know, anything can happen on a hike. Therefore, you should have a first aid kit in your backpack with everything you need to provide first aid.

STANDARD kit

The standard first aid kit includes:

• sterile bandages and plasters;
• wipes soaked in alcohol;
• aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief;
• ointment against insect bites;
• ointment, which contains an antibiotic;
• gauze;
• medical tape.

On the market, there are ready-made first-aid kits filled with everything you need. If you want to save extra money, it makes sense to assemble it yourself. It is especially important to choose a high-quality and durable container where everything will be folded. It shouldn’t get wet. Choose options that will easily fit in your backpack.

I GO has released an excellent version of the compact first aid kit, which consists of 80 parts. It is only 6 inches long.

To save the internal space of the backpack, there is a special carabiner on the first-aid kit. Therefore, you can attach it to the outside of the backpack.

Communication devises

If you have several emergency communication devices with you, you will feel very safe. If you are a beginner, then a smartphone with a full charge will be enough. However, during a difficult journey, the connection may be lost. Therefore, additionally, take a satellite phone with you.

Don’t forget to bring your portable charger with you to stay connected. Some options are additionally equipped with a flashlight to illuminate the path at night. If necessary, you can attach the device to your backpack with a carabiner. If you get injured, you can use your phone to call the emergency services for help.

Cutting tools

Be sure to hike, will need a cutting tool. Initially, buying such a product may seem like a waste of money. Especially if you have already spent money on a first-aid kit. However, if you have a knife or tool with more functions, it allows you to save yourself if an emergency occurs.

As you know, there is always a chance to get lost on a hike. If this situation happens, then you will be delighted with the presence of a cutting tool.

The knife can be used to start a fire, which will keep you warm in cold weather until help arrives. If you plan a trip on the hiking trails for several days, you should buy a durable camping knife.

Tips for a budget hike

You need to understand that hiking for beginners can be affordable. However, you should not save money on the quality of things.

Before buying something for a trip on a hiking trail, you should study the market well to invest well in durable products. There are a few hiking tips that will help you save a lot.

Buy equipment in outlets

Often in such stores, there are sales of goods from famous brands. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to buy a quality product at an affordable price. Some customers buy quality down jackets from Patagonia for as little as $150.

Buy items that have already been used

However, you must first inspect them so that they are working and in good condition. Not the best solution would be to buy shoes or the water bottle that was in use. But backpacks and walking sticks are quite possible to buy.

Pay attention to sales

You should not make purchases of goods at full price. You can wait for the holiday, or seasonal sales when discounts can reach up to 50-70%. Many companies constantly hold sales of goods, so the main thing is to have time to make a profitable deal.

Refusal to buy famous brands

As you know, the more popular the brand, the higher the cost of goods. If you are just starting to get acquainted with the features of hiking, there is no point in overpaying for a brand.

There are many interesting things from little-known companies that are of high quality and cheap.

Savings

It is better to save a little and buy one quality item. You should not immediately purchase all the equipment, because it will significantly hit your pocket. Try to buy one thing every month.

Use of gift cards

You can ask friends and relatives to give you special equipment as a birthday or New Year’s gift. You can also ask for gift cards to the stores you need as a gift.

Camping preparation methods

If you want to make a good hike, then it is important to carefully prepare for it. You need to understand that preparation will increase your safety on the road. Detailed tips will be described below.

Physical training

You don’t have to be an athlete to go hiking. However, you must have a well-built body. If a person has an average build and no health problems, it will not be difficult to go all the way. Try to start with small workouts, gradually increasing the load.

You should also train on small hiking trails, after which the intensity and difficulty increase.

The approach should be the same as in the case of the gym. To cope with the planned long hike, it makes sense to start walking more. This allows you to understand how much exposure you have developed.

At the beginning of your acquaintance with hiking, it is better to refuse to climb a hill because it is extremely dangerous.

It is better to first enroll in special courses that are inexpensive and very effective. Once you start to feel comfortable at altitude, you can travel through mountainous and rocky terrain.

Research and plan

Try to study the hiking trail and make a plan in advance. This allows you to have a pleasant and safe time. You should also make a list of the necessary equipment in advance, and put everything in one place.

Be sure to buy a regular paper map and mark your path on it. You can put special marks that will help you return home if you get lost. This recommendation is relevant if you have long chosen the place you want to go to.

Essential hiking gear

The basic list of necessary things was described earlier. However, there are a few more important things that will come in handy on your journey.

The choice depends on the capacity of the backpack. If it is designed for 20-30 liters, you should take no more than 10 things.

This list includes:

1. Headlamp. This is a good investment that will come in handy during a hike that will take several days. Even if you go for 1-day hiking, you will return home in the dark, so this hiking gear will help light the way. Don’t forget to stock up on extra batteries in case of an emergency.
2. Sun protection. As you know, the sun hurts human skin. Being on the road for a long time, you can get badly burned. Therefore, you should take sunscreen and a hat with you. This hiking gear will help protect you from the sun.
3. Multitool. This is a must-have camping gear if you plan a hike.
4. Tools for making fire. It can be a lighter or matches. Yes, this is not the best option for a day hike. However, at night it will come in handy.
5. Map or compass. Take these things just in case. If the phone runs out of battery or loses connection, you can find your way back.
6. Shelter. The experienced hiker takes an emergency shelter with them. Such hiking gear would be appropriate for beginners. This is not to say that you will use it every time. However, for security reasons, it is better to have it.
7. Complementary food. As you know, during the campaign, a brutal appetite can appear. Therefore, in addition to the main meal, you should take some snacks. Choose food that does not require cooking. It can be jerky, protein bars, sandwiches, or fruit.
8. Additional water. Try to take plenty of water with you, especially if you plan to hike in hot weather. This will help you prevent dehydration.
9. Additional clothing. Take several sets of clothes with you at once. After all, the weather can suddenly change during the campaign, and you need to be prepared for this. Take a down jacket, raincoat, extra socks, a hat, gloves, pants, and a jacket made of natural fabric.

What food to take with you on a hike?

Many tourists try to have a hearty meal at home before hiking. This is the best solution if the budget is limited. However, while traveling, you may realize that you are very hungry. As you know, on the way a person burns a large number of calories, when compared with the usual way of life.

Therefore, the body will require additional food to make up for the lack of energy and nutrients. Beginners are allowed to take different types of food with them, based on their preferences. However, there are a few tips to help you choose the best option.

Avoid preparing snacks that need to be refrigerated or cooked. After all, along the way, you will not always have such an opportunity. If you will be traveling for only a few hours, then it makes no sense to take numerous pieces of crockery or cutlery with you. It’s just extra weight no one wants to carry.

The best option would be snacks that are high in protein and natural fat. Choose foods that will increase the amount of sugar and will contribute to the production of additional energy.

Almost all tourists prefer to take special bars with them, which are made from nuts, chocolate, and raisins. This is a great solution that helps to cope with hunger and get extra energy for a hike. Self-preparation of the trail mix is allowed, or you can buy ready-made options in the store.

How much water to take with you?

As you know, situations should not be allowed to dehydrate the body. Especially if you plan to go hiking for several days. Therefore, it is important to bring enough food with you. If you plan to travel in hot weather, take several times more water with you than usual.

On average, every day the beginner hiker needs to drink 1-2 liters of water, depending on the physique. However, during the journey, the feeling of thirst comes much more often. Therefore, you should have 2-3 times more water. If you plan to go camping with children, you should bring hydration children with you.

As you know, dehydration is quite dangerous. It can cause sunstroke. Body temperature will begin to rise, which has a very negative impact on health. This can be life-threatening. If you have enough water, you can prevent such situations.

It is important to choose the right water bottle. First, pay attention to the size. If the backpack has special pockets on the sides, then the containers should fit well in them. If you use a special clip or daisy chain, the containers may be slightly larger.

To save interior space in the backpack, you can store water outside of it. Choose BPA-free containers. This will increase the time the water stays in the sun. If the composition contains BPA, then under the influence of the sun, the water will be saturated with dangerous chemical components.

Do not take glass containers with you on a hike. They can beat you, which is not safe for you and other tourists. If you’re hiking the trip along the way, the bottle may shatter into pieces. It’s not only dangerous. You need to understand that you run the risk of being left without water at all. Choose bottles made of stainless steel.

FAQ

When it comes to hiking, people face a lot of questions. The answers to the most common questions will be presented below.

Results

As you can see, hiking for beginners on a budget is not uncommon. It is not necessary to spend a fortune to buy the necessary equipment, or to prepare for the journey. There are always opportunities to save. If you follow the tips in this article, you will succeed.

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