Photo reference
Sunglasses
During hikes, to protect your eyes from sunlight and reduce the risk of misjudgment due to glare, it's advisable to bring a pair of sunglasses. They also lower the chances of accidents caused by bright light, reducing overall hiking hazards.
Gloves
While hiking, you may need to hold onto rails or climb rocks. To prevent hand abrasions or cuts, bringing a pair of gloves is essential. Some gloves even have anti-slip palms to improve grip, which is very helpful when climbing.
Knee Pads
Whether going uphill or downhill—especially downhill—your knees need protection from impact. The pressure on your knees is particularly high when descending, so wearing proper knee pads is highly recommended.
Camera
You won’t want to miss the stunning views along the way, so a camera is naturally one of the must-have items for hiking—and also one people rarely forget.
Towel
You’re bound to sweat during a hike, so it’s best to carry a towel for wiping sweat. Using tissues creates waste and can easily lead to littering in mountain areas. A towel is more eco-friendly, absorbent, and can even be soaked in water to cool you down.
Specialized Hiking Clothing
This includes proper hiking shoes, thick cotton socks, and remembering the “loose shoes, tight socks” principle. As you walk, your feet will swell, so your shoes should have a bit of room. Socks should fit snugly to avoid blisters from prolonged friction. Also, wear well-fitted clothing made of scratch-resistant material.
Band-Aids
Bring some Band-Aids for minor scrapes—they can be a quick fix. Some suggest carrying a full first-aid or medical kit, but personally, I think just the essentials will do.
Common Medications
If you're hiking with elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions (like high blood pressure or heart disease) who need regular medication, be sure to bring their daily prescriptions. Issues may be manageable at the base of the mountain, but they can become critical at the summit.
Hiking Poles For smaller hills, they may not be necessary—but for bigger ones like Mount Tai, it’s better to bring them. Hiking poles can make the climb more comfortable and make ascending and descending slopes easier. Big backpack. Of course, you’ll also need a larger backpack as mentioned earlier for the items listed above.
[Hiking Knowledge]
Warm up properly
If you’re climbing a relatively high mountain or don’t often engage in climbing activities, warming up beforehand is essential. Spend 10–20 minutes doing muscle stretching exercises to relax your body, which will make the climb much easier.
Add bouncing movements
When ascending, try to incorporate slight bouncing motions with each step. This not only saves energy but also makes you feel more energetic and lively.
When hiking, don’t keep looking up at the summit—especially at the beginning—because the trail won’t yet reveal its full beauty, and constantly staring upward will only make you more tired. Generally speaking, when ascending a slope, it’s best to stay close to your left or right side. If the slope is too steep, you can try climbing in a zigzag (“Z”) pattern, which is more energy-efficient.
Shift your focus
While hiking, never keep thinking about how high the mountain is or how much longer it will take to reach the top. Stay calm, walk at a leisurely pace, and take breaks along the way to truly enjoy the experience—you won’t miss the beautiful scenery. When feeling tired, take in the surrounding views or even sing a song to distract yourself, which can help reduce fatigue.
Relax when descending
When going downhill, always control your steps and avoid descending too quickly, as this can easily lead to injury. Also, remember to relax the muscles around your knees—keeping them too tense puts extra pressure on your leg joints and causes muscle fatigue.
[Mountain Hiking Tips]
1. Hike in a group so you can help each other along the way.
2. Choose your hiking destination carefully. Ask local residents about the area’s terrain and weather conditions, select a safe hiking route, and mark it to avoid getting lost.
3. Bring proper hiking shoes, ropes, dry food, and water. In summer, be sure to carry enough water, as hiking causes sweating. Without sufficient hydration, you risk dehydration or heatstroke.
4. It’s best to carry first aid supplies such as Yunnan Baiyao and adhesive bandages in case of falls, scrapes, or sprains.
5. Plan your hike for the morning or early afternoon, and head back to your base camp by the afternoon. Never alter your hiking route or schedule without good reason.
6. Don’t carry your backpack in your hands—wear it on both shoulders to keep your hands free for climbing. You can also use a sturdy walking stick to assist you.
7. Never take photos near dangerous cliff edges to avoid accidents.
8. For group hikes, consider purchasing short-term group travel accident insurance.