Beginner's Guide! First-Time Hiking Preparation Guide, Easy to Understand, All-in-One Place
ชินวัจน์ จิรานันทน์นนท์
Ever scrolled through your social feed and seen friends striking cool poses on a mountain peak, surrounded by thick mist and amazing air, making your heart yearn to grab a backpack and head into the forest to heal your soul too?
But wait! Hiking isn't just like walking in a mall. Entering an area with no 7-Eleven, no power outlets, and no comfortable flush toilets means the only thing that will prevent your dream trip from becoming an agonizing ordeal is "preparation". Today, we've compiled a First-Time Hiker's Preparation Guide for you to check step by step. You can't just go empty-handed, so what do you need to prepare? Let's find out!
🏃♂️ 1. Get your "body" ready before the real challenge
No matter how strong your will, if your legs give out from the first kilometer, the trip will immediately lose all its fun. Especially for steep trips, you need to get your body fit at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
Cardio for stamina: Running, cycling, or incline walking on a treadmill to get your lungs and heart used to strenuous activity.
Life-saving Squats: Focus on building thigh and core muscles, as you'll be carrying a 5-10 kg backpack and walking up and down hills for extended periods.
👟 2. "Essential" Gear (Choose Wrong, Change Your Life)
You absolutely need it... and you need to choose wisely! Here are 3 crucial items you shouldn't skimp on.
Hiking Shoes: This is the most important! Absolutely do not wear fashion shoes. Choose shoes with deep treads that grip well on soil and rocks, and most importantly, you should buy them 0.5 - 1 size larger (to prevent your toes from hitting the front when walking downhill). And don't forget to break them in before the actual trip!
Backpack: For a 2-day, 1-night trip, a size of about 35-45 liters is good. Choose one with chest and hip straps to help distribute weight and prevent your shoulders from bearing too much load.
Quick-dry clothing: Say goodbye to thick cotton t-shirts or jeans, because if they get wet from sweat or rain, they'll be heavy and very slow to dry. Opt for lightweight, breathable synthetic fabrics (Quick-Dry).
🏕️ 3. Packing: The Four Necessities, Miniaturized
The principle of packing is to be "as light as possible, but as complete as possible"
Sleeping system: Tent or hammock (according to your preference), sleeping bag (check the mountain's temperature to know how cold it will be), and sleeping pad (helps keep your back warm and prevents pain from small rocks).
Provisions and energy: Focus on lightweight, high-energy foods such as protein bars, nuts, instant meals, and indispensable items like a water filter system or water purification tablets for emergencies.
Medication & First Aid: Personal medication, adhesive bandages, electrolyte powder (to prevent cramps and heat exhaustion), and mosquito repellent (Soffell/Kayari).
🗺️ 4. Do your homework: Know your enemy, know yourself, and you're sure to survive
Before setting off, always thoroughly research information about the destination.
Contact officials/reserve rights: Many national parks require advance booking through an application or a guide.
Check weather conditions: Is the weather favorable? What's the temperature? This will help you prepare the correct rain gear or warm clothing.
Download offline maps: In deep forests, there's often no mobile signal. Downloading maps to your device in advance will help you stay on track.
💚 5. Golden Rule: Leave No Trace (Leave nothing but footprints)
To be a good hiker, we must respect nature with these simple rules:
"Pack out everything you pack in. Do not break branches, do not make loud noises that disturb wildlife, and allow nature to remain beautiful in its own way."
📝 Quick Checklist Before Zipping Up Your Pack (Screenshot this now!)
Category: Essential GearHiking shoes, backpack, headlamp (with spare batteries), power bankSleeping GearTent/hammock, sleeping bag, sleeping padClothingHiking outfit (quick-dry fabric), sleeping clothes (focus on warmth), rain jacket, thick socksPersonal ItemsWet wipes (a comforting item when you can't shower), personal medication, sunscreen
Your first hiking trip might be so exhausting at times that you'll want to give up, but trust me, the moment you reach the mountain peak, sit down with a warm cup of coffee, and gaze at the sea of mist and the morning sun... all the fatigue will instantly vanish.
Ready? Prepare your body and mind, then grab your pack and hit the trails!
