Learn the tips and tricks for trail hiking with these long distance hiking tips.

It includes general hiking tips as well as what to do in different terrains and weather.

When you go hiking, to get the most benefit, incorporate navigation training.

Find Your Hiking Pace

Your pace is how fast you walk. Develop a pace that you can maintain for a long time without requiring a break.

Take a series of 5-minute walks and concentrate on maintaining pace length and speed. Find a pace that raises your breathing a little but does not make you sweat.

Walk a known distance at this pace, e.g., from your home to the corner store, and time how long it takes. Make the walk between 15 and 25 minutes. Repeat the same walk daily until you are covering the distance at a consistent time. This is your steady pace.

Maintaining Your Hiking Pace

This is mental. Sing a song in rhythm with your steps, count your steps, breathe in time with your steps, etc.

Breathing

Use slow, deliberate, deep breaths from your stomach. On flat ground use a 3-2-3 breathing rhythm. Inhale for 3 steps, e.g., right, left, right, then exhale for 3 steps.

Taking Breaks when Hiking

Use breaks to stretch, refuel your body, go to the toilet, and fix any problems with yourself or your gear.

Unless having a meal, keep breaks short to prevent your muscles from stiffening up.

Hiking with a Pack

Carry your pack with your legs. Fasten your hip belt and adjust your shoulder straps so the bulk of the bag's weight rests on your hips.

Beware of the Environment

Hiking is an outdoor activity. Watch out for dangerous plants and animals. Protect yourself from the sun. Don't freeze, overheat, or dehydrate.

Hiking Uphill

Before ascending refuel your body and keep some snacks and water handy for during the climb.

Take smaller steps to maintain your pace. Avoid obstacles that need large steps.

For very steep ascents zigzagging will reduce the gradient, but adds distance.

Use a two-to-two breathing rhythm, i.e., inhale for two steps and exhale for two steps.

If your pack straps are constricting you, loosen them.

Hiking Downhill

Keep your center of gravity over your legs, i.e., don't lean forward or back. Stay light on your feet and keep your leg s little bent as you plant it. Tightening your pack will improve balance.

You may get tired from the ascent, but pay attention to your foot placement.

If very steep, stand side on and lower yourself down one step at a time. Zigzagging will help to slow your pace.

Off Trail Hiking

Look for the path of least resistance. Check your bearings often and do not rush. If possible, do not strap things to the outside of your pack.

Crossing Water

Triple waterproof your gear. Take your hiking shoes and socks off and keep them dry.

Wider crossings usually bring shallower water, especially where ripples begin. Ripples also indicate rocks or faster flowing areas. Crossing downstream of larger rocks has less current and often an even floor.

Keep slow moving water below mid-thigh and fast-moving water below the knee. Plan where you will place each step. Face a little upstream and slide your foot forward through the water.

Use a pole on the downstream side. Place it firmly, make sure it is stable, and lean on it as you step forward.

Note: Water that is deep and/or fast may pull at your poles.

If you are crossing with your pack on your back undo your hip strap and remove one shoulder. If floating your pack across, have a tether as a back-up.

If swimming across, start upstream of your exit point.

If you get swept downstream in rapids, float on your back with your feet downstream to absorb crashes. Use your hands to steer and work your way toward shore.

When in a group put the strongest, biggest hiker on the upstream side.

Learn more about how to cross rivers here.

If possible, hike in forest land that follows a stream, or has stream crossings. Mountains are cooler than the valley.

Use electrolytes in your water at half the strength of the recommended directions. Eat salty snacks while hiking.

Break more. Blisters will occur faster in the heat.

Wear loose-fitting clothes. Polyester is better than cotton.

Use the layer system. Use thermals. Avoid cotton. Cover/uncover your head to regulate heat.

Adjust your pace. Take deeper breaths and smaller steps. Perform two-to-two or one-to-one rhythmic breathing to adjust to the thinner air.

Use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Be aware that the weather can change fast.

Don't count on finding water, even if it's marked on your map.

Watch for distant storms and beware of flash floods.

Wear light clothes that cover your whole body. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

I hope you got some good hiking tips from this article.

By applying the above hiking techniques you will increase endurance, reduce the chance of injury, and have a more enjoyable experience.

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