Hiking: Great Exercise and a Fun Summer Activity

Summer is a great time of year to go hiking. It's an excellent form of exercise and is an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon. Check with your local park service to see what hiking trails are available in your area. They usually list them on their website. Some parks offer a discounted season pass if there is a price to enter.

Personally, I like to go hiking in the early morning, when the sun is still mild and I have lots of energy. It feels awesome to start your day in the fresh air doing some scenic exercise. It's a great way to either meet new people or spend some alone time if you just want to get away from it all. I like to go on a hike at least once a week during the summer months. It is very physically refreshing and mentally renewing.

If this is your first time out, I suggest you start with the basics. First, pack accordingly. You'll want to bring lots of water. Even if you don't feel like you're sweating, you still need to stay hydrated. A backpack water pouch is perfect for this. I use a CamelBak hydration system, but you don't have to buy a name brand pouch. Dress with loose-fitting, light clothing so you don't overheat. Taking care of your feet is also extremely important, especially if you're sweating. Bring an extra pair of socks and change them halfway through. You'll want to wear either hiking boots if your terrain is rocky or some reliable sneakers if your trails are flat. Your local camping or sports store will be able to guide you to the proper shoes and equipment you will need. Energy snacks are also in order. I like to bring a mix of nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews) and some dried fruit in a re-sealable bag. If you're going for the day, pack some sandwiches or protein bars with an ice pack. You'll probably be able to fit all of this into a small backpack.

On my hikes, I always make sure I bring a point-and-shoot camera. You never know what you will find. I've seen cave paintings and wild animals. Depending on how far away from civilization I'm going, I usually bring my cell phone just in case. Lately, I've been bringing my mp3 player and a set of ear buds so I can listen to music while I'm hiking. If there are going to be good vantage points on your hike, bring a small set of binoculars so you check out the area.

As fun and invigorating as hiking is, I must depart with a few words of caution. If you are going by yourself, let someone know where you are going. Additionally, if this is your first hike, start slow! Don't overexert yourself. Just enjoy the scenery and the hike itself. If your area has a lot of dangerous animals, you might want to bring some sort of mace or walking stick. Also, bring a whistle in case you get lost or stuck somewhere. I throw a small first-aid kit into my backpack as well.

Enjoy your hike! It is a great summer hobby with a ton of benefits. Every time I go on a hike, I have a different adventure. Bring a friend, meet new people, or have some alone time. You never know what you're going to see!