Many young people enjoy trying out new things. When it comes to sports, for example, bungee jumping, wilderness survival, hiking, and so on. What is hiking? What should we pay attention to during a hiking trip? Let’s take a look together.
What Is Hiking
The term "hiking" originally referred to excursions in Nepal during the 1860s. Hiking tourism is a flexible and free activity suitable for all ages.
Hiking is divided into short-distance and long-distance hiking. Both involve walking as the primary method of travel, engaging in mid- to long-distance walks in suburban, rural, or mountainous areas with a specific purpose. However, short-distance hiking requires relatively simple gear, while long-distance hiking demands better outdoor knowledge, skills, and equipment—such as hiking boots, tents, windproof jackets, backpacks, emergency tools, maps, compasses, and more.
Hiking differs from what we typically refer to as tourism, walking, race walking, or mountaineering. Hikers walk, explore, and sightsee at their own pace, unrestricted by time or season. It is a relaxed and liberating experience, especially popular in economically developed Western countries.
Compared to traditional tourism models, hikers have a clearer sense of purpose, and their travel plans can be more flexible.
Due to the high participation level and simplicity of hiking, travelers not only gain strong experiences from natural and cultural landscapes but also improve physical fitness and strengthen willpower as a form of exercise. Based on hiking resources and route types, it is categorized into: nature-based leisure hiking, cultural hiking routes, and special comprehensive hiking routes (e.g., the Silk Road, Ancient Tea Horse Road, etc.).
Hiking Precautions
Hiking precautions include planning your walking route, preparing necessary items, maintaining your own pace, staying in touch with teammates, and being prepared for emergencies. Specific hiking precautions are as follows:
I. Pre-Hiking Considerations
1. Plan a reasonable route: Choosing a suitable route is key—safety first. It's best to avoid “no-man’s-land.” Traveling alone is not recommended; it's better to go with a group.
2. Gear preparation: Depending on the length of the hike, essentials such as a backpack, sleeping bag, water bottle, compass, sunglasses, flashlight, trekking poles, map, rain gear, and hiking shoes are indispensable. In addition, do not pack anything unnecessary in your backpack; wear proper shoes with tightly tied laces for good foot support; wear thicker socks and bring extras; use a sunshade and breathable hat and apply sunscreen; carry a soft towel for wiping sweat.
4. Do not carry too much water or food. Only bring what you can’t replenish along the way. Avoid foods that make you thirsty. Many young people enjoy trying out new things, such as bungee jumping, wilderness survival, hiking, and these activities have been highly regarded since becoming popular. Today, we’ll focus on giving you a detailed introduction to hiking. What is hiking? Many may only understand it literally, but is that the full picture? What should we pay attention to during a hiking trip? Let’s take a look together.
3. Medicine and food preparation: It’s important to prepare essential medications based on your usual needs, such as cold medicine, anti-diarrheal pills, and essential oils like Tiger Balm. For food, prioritize chocolate and sugar for sustained energy, as well as purified water.
4. If hiking in summer, be sure to carry extra food and water.
II. Precautions During the Hike
1. Once everything is ready, start your journey. During the hike, always prioritize safety. Rest appropriately when tired, and help each other among fellow hikers.
2. Stay hydrated. Summer temperatures are very high, and travel itself consumes a lot of energy, so it's essential to drink water; otherwise, your body won’t hold up for long.
3. Keep your shoulders relaxed and back straight, breathing deeply using your diaphragm.
4. Maintain your own pace. The ideal speed is to walk without getting out of breath; avoid frequently changing speeds or alternating between walking and running—try to keep a steady pace.
5. If your toes or the soles of your feet hurt, avoid walking only on one side of your foot. This causes localized pressure and can become extremely painful over time.
6. If you’re going somewhere far and plan to camp in the wild, choose your spot carefully. Observe your surroundings to ensure safety.
7. Methods of seeking help in dangerous situations: First, try to help yourself with whatever you have. If self-rescue isn't possible, call the emergency number promptly, provide your exact location, and use smoke signals, lights, or arrange SOS signs with nearby items.
8. When hiking in the wild, enjoy the beautiful scenery nature offers—but never pollute the environment. Take all your trash with you and be mindful of fire safety.
9. The daily hiking distance should be determined by your physical condition. A general guideline is about 4–5 kilometers per hour. After each segment, take a 15-minute break in the shade or under a pavilion to recover your energy.
10. For long-distance hikes, it's best to do several adaptation training sessions before setting off, gradually increasing your activity level to build endurance. When walking, land on the whole foot with moderate force to maintain balance.