Hiking

Hiking refers to walking through the bush, along beaches, near and in fact, just walking anywhere. Hiking is another cheap sport which can provide much entertainment for those of various skill levels. It is desirable however to have kids above about 10 years old, unless your hiking trip is short and sweet. Hiking is usually done on specific trails that are designed to tour the area on foot. It is not advisable to make your own trails when hiking, as you damage the environment and make it easier to get lost.

Hiking usually incurs at least one night camping, because it is otherwise known as just a day walk. These are also good fun, and the amount that you need to bring is significantly less; no tent, sleeping bag, pillow, warm clothes etc. Like any outdoor sport, in hiking it is essential that you are thoroughly prepared when you leave. If you don’t bring a waterproof tent and it rains, or if you don’t bring warm clothes and its cold, your trip is instantly less pleasant.

I have enjoyed hiking over various parts of WA, in Australia. There is some amazing thing to see in life, and one of the best ways to see them is to go hiking. Many places in WA are only available to see through hiking, so you need to get out there and check it out! Hiking for me is a way to get out from the business of life and the city, and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

When hiking there are a few things which should be remembered:

•    Bring plenty of water. Bring more water than you know you will need, but not too much that your hiking backpack is too heavy. Through experience you will know how much you need, but they recommend that you bring 3 liters of water for each individual, including cooking.
•    Bring the right clothes: hiking becomes unenjoyable if you bring too many clothes, too bulky clothes, or too little clothes. Does some research on the weather before you leave; is it going to be warm, cold or wet.
•    Ensure the weight of your hiking backpack can be carried easily. There is nothing worse when camping than getting to camp with extremely sore shoulders and hips, because the bag that you are carrying is too heavy. They recommend that you carry a maximum of just under a third of your body weight. Remember, as you go on, your bag will get lighter, but you shouldn’t rely on this for hiking.
•    Ensure that the bag you are using for hiking is comfortable. Investing in a properly structured bag will make your hiking trips well worth it. You can hire hiking gear from various camping stores, so do some shopping around and find what works.
•    Plan your food for hiking intelligently; canned foods, heavy fruits and bulky items are not what you want to take hiking. You will find that if you are hiking for over 4 days, you need to be very smart with the way you pack, and what you take. Food should contain little water; bring that along separately, and take dry pasta’s and other dry foods with you.
•    Pack your equipment for hiking properly. The heaviest items should be located at the top and closest to your body, to help maintain your balance. Items which you will need should be available, but don’t compromise by hanging a big bottle of water off the back of your hiking bag. You will struggle when balancing.
•    Plan your route for hiking so it’s safe, achievable and fun. You don’t want to be arriving at the campsite when hiking when it is dark, because it makes it harder to set up camp for the night.
•    When hiking, buy your equipment to suit your needs. You don’t want to buy a 3 person tent if you only need a 2 person tent; it’s a waste of weight. Hiking equipment is often set apart in camping stores, because it is a lot less heavy. Hiking equipment is designed to take up minimal space, and to weigh the least possible.  Hiking clothes for the cold are usually many layers of thin material, such as thermals and cotton jumpers.
Hiking is truly an awesome sport, but again, start slow, and build yourself up. It’s easy to lose your confidence when hiking if you try something beyond your experience levels. Hiking is cheap, fun and great in groups. Get out there and take a look at hiking.