Only beginners imagine hiking as something simple, exciting and carefree – songs at the campfire with a guitar, a cheerful company in a tent camp, booze, laughter, and interesting talks that keep you from noticing traveled kilometers – enjoyable stay in the bosom of nature.
In fact, in any campaign, both physical and spiritual forces of a person being tested. Whether it’s a 2-day “walk” with tents at the weekend or a week-long ascent to a peak, leisure rafting on a flat river or getting through a thick forest, a simple cycle ride or a full-fledged bike trip with a large set of heights – hiking experience fortitude, endurance, emotional stability, willpower, and many other qualities.
Tips below will make you ready for a hike in a mental way and help you easily overcome difficulties you may face in wild nature.
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Don’t Isolate Yourself
Outside the concrete jungle and without usual benefits of civilization, an understanding comes: how vulnerable people are to the forces of nature. And since we are social beings, it is much easier to bear all the difficulties (and sometimes the dangers) of a hiking life together.
That’s why you should not isolate yourself from other members of a group. In a hike, it is possible to establish really strong spiritual communications, find real friends for life, and check how strong your friendship is (though it may be really tricky).
In difficult situations, always try to give others a helping hand and accept it from others with gratitude.
Take Care Of Yourself
Weather conditions and various circumstances (such as the tick bites described in this article on thehomedweller.com) that people face in nature on a hike can disrupt even the most enduring spirit.
However, no matter how uncomfortable you may be (tired, hungry, cold, etc.), always take care and responsibility for yourself. Looking back at the previous advice, at the same time, do not abuse the help from others.
Need to set up a tent and it’s already raining hard? Don’t count that someone will do that for you, other participants of a campaign certainly have their own not less responsible camp duties.
Do everything properly, not just fast, be in charge of your own comfort and safety.
Don’t Be Picky
If your camping trip has to be unconditionally comfortable, then you most probably won’t like camping life. In the wild, there are no amenities that we already take for granted. They are not provided.
Even on popular hiking trails, there’s no shower with hot water or a chemical toilet. And even if you run out of toilet paper, do not show your inadequacy and capricious nature (if any), and try to enjoy the unity with nature 🙂
Expand Your Knowledge And Skills
All the participants are on an equal footing. Even if you are traveling with a guide, do not expect him/her to do everything for you.
You are supposed to, at least in theory, know how to provide first aid, make a fire, cook on it, etc. And most importantly, all that is supposed to be without the help of the Internet at your fingertips, where you can quickly find all the answers you need.
Accept Reality
Hiking doesn’t always go smoothly. Sometimes you may get caught up in heavy rain, thunderstorm or even snowfall.
Got soaking wet? Too late to curl up! Better think about the best way to dry wet things at the next resting point.
Get experience (not negative emotions and memories) from any hiking situation. For example, do not recall that time you were soaking wet and felt horrible, better protect your stuff from getting wet in advance and get a suitable raincoat!
Express Your Gratitude
Did a soup kitchen chef serve undercooked or overcooked pasta today?
At home you would certainly express your dissatisfaction to such a “cook”, wouldn’t you? But in hiking conditions, everything is relative: after a tiresome day’s transition, and in the fresh air, any dinner will seem delicious to you! Take with gratitude all that you have at the moment, because next time you may be the one to blame.
Don’t Be Afraid
In a hike, wildlife will most definitely provide you the opportunity to get scared or even panicky: wolf howling in the middle of the night in the woods, crossing the river on a shaky log, etc.
However, you should not give in to fear, let alone panic. The brave one is not the one who is not afraid. Fear is a natural reaction, so be brave, overcoming your fear instead of being ashamed and hiding it.
Believe In Yourself
The human body is capable of more than it may seem. Of course, we are not superheroes, but sometimes the only thing that often stops us from achieving greater goals is our own uncertainty. On a hike, look for hidden forces to continue your journey, even if you think that everything is lost.
Recharge With Positive Emotions
A camping trip is not only a reason to challenge yourself, but also a great opportunity to experience a real adventure and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Don’t be too serious and focused on the route only. Have fun with your mates and get positive emotions, play games, but always remember about security.
Take the Most Important Things
Heavy backpack will bring not only physical but also emotional discomfort during your hiking trip. How can you enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature when you have to carry a heavy load of your stuff on the shoulders?
Getting ready for a hike, learn how to highlight the essentials and give up some things at the expense of your comfort. That’s right! You will get back to them once you are at home again. Go on a light trip, or else you may regret that the “extra” things taken are never useful.
