Tents can be shared, but sleeping bags cannot be borrowed
When going on outdoor trips, it’s common to camp overnight en route. For camping, you’ll naturally need to bring items like tents and sleeping bags. However, many newbies, due to lack of experience or concerns about carrying too much weight, may not bring all the necessary equipment. Some might even think they can just borrow what they lack from others.
Even if some kind-hearted hikers are willing to share a tent with you, your personal sleeping bag is generally not something they’ll lend out. Sleeping bags are items worn close to the body. After a long day of hiking, your body will sweat a lot, and since it’s often impossible to shower on the trail, you’ll end up sleeping in the sleeping bag at night. So, sleeping bags usually carry a lot of “personal scent,” and naturally, they aren’t meant to be shared. Moreover, some people try to save money or don’t hike often enough to justify buying their own sleeping bag, so they consider borrowing one. It’s best to dismiss that idea too. Nowadays, sleeping bags come in a wide variety, including lightweight models that aren’t a significant burden to carry.
Bring your own water, don’t ask others for it
As the saying goes, “Water is the source of life.” When engaging in outdoor activities, water is extremely important. However, those new to the hiking community may not have a clear idea of how much water to prepare for a trip. In contrast, experienced hikers will plan their water supply based on the type of activity, distance, terrain, and whether they can replenish water along the way.
Some novice hikers casually pack just a little water before hitting the trail, guzzle it down after a short walk, and then ask others for water when they run out. But in such cases, other hikers usually won’t share their water because they’ve only brought enough for themselves.
Asking other hikers for water during an outdoor trip is not only unhygienic, but water is also crucial for outdoor survival. Unless you’ve reached your destination or found a water source, you should ensure your water bottle never runs dry when the path ahead is uncertain. So, drink only when you’re truly thirsty.
Additionally, during outdoor trips, you’ll often pass through deep forests. Even if you find natural water sources along the way, it’s best not to drink them casually, as it’s safer to avoid untreated water unless you’re certain of its cleanliness.
Use nicknames, don’t ask for personal information
In the hiking community, many people go by nicknames and rarely share their real names. Indeed, there’s an unwritten rule in the hiking circle: don’t ask about personal privacy. For example, you shouldn’t ask someone’s real name, age, workplace, and certainly not their income or marital status.
So, what can you ask when you first meet someone in the hiking community? It’s recommended to chat about outdoor experiences, such as how many years they’ve been hiking or where they’ve been. If you meet someone well-known in the hiking circle, you could also ask about their “notable achievements,” like which mountains or trails they’ve conquered, or what famous cycling routes they’ve completed. During these conversations, newbies can also ask seasoned hikers for tips on getting started, gaining useful insights to help integrate into the community more quickly.
Prepare thoroughly before the trip, and don’t rely on others
Even if you’re a newbie going on your first outdoor trip, you should make every effort to prepare in advance and take warm-up seriously. A common “unspoken rule” in the hiking community is that you’re responsible for yourself and shouldn’t depend on others.
Therefore, if you’re planning to take on a more challenging outdoor activity, start adaptive training at least half a month to a month in advance to improve your stamina and endurance. You should also prepare your diet and rest, ensuring adequate nutrition and sleep. If possible, do some light warm-ups before each outdoor activity—for example, if you’re hiking 100 kilometers, try a few short hikes of 20–30 kilometers beforehand to gauge your physical condition.