{"id":715,"date":"2024-10-09T17:42:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T15:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/fri.land\/blog\/?p=715"},"modified":"2025-05-15T16:38:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:38:08","slug":"trekking-for-beginners-essential-tips-to-get-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/trekking-for-beginners-essential-tips-to-get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Trekking for Beginners: Essential Tips to Get Started"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Trekking<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Starting trekking is very simple and will give you great satisfaction, but to learn how to do it without any issues, you\u2019ll need some advice.<\/strong>&nbsp;That\u2019s why we\u2019ve gathered the most useful tips and created this beginner\u2019s guide to trekking. By following these suggestions, you\u2019ll embark on an experience that, besides helping you start hiking in the mountains without problems and awakening your senses, will take you through wonderful landscapes and unforgettable moments in a world waiting to be discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-1200x800.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-716\" title=\"Starting Trekking\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Why Go Trekking?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking in nature is a great way to stay fit and recharge! Besides breaking the routine, it can benefit both your body and mind. Let\u2019s look at some of the reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Exercise while having fun:<\/strong>&nbsp;You\u2019ll see, it\u2019s better than going to the gym! Captivated by the beauty of the landscapes, you won\u2019t even notice that you\u2019re in the middle of a great workout. It will be toning for your muscles and rejuvenating for your nerves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improve your mood:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sunlight increases serotonin and vitamin D, while cortisol levels, the stress hormone, decrease. Plus, in nature, your senses awaken. The scents, colors, and sounds connect you with your surroundings, making it easier to forget daily stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discover wonderful landscapes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Needless to say, trekking will take you to some of the most beautiful places on Earth! There are truly untouched natural corners that can only be reached by trekking. And now, you can discover them all!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Feel part of something bigger:<\/strong>&nbsp;Observing nature and animals makes you feel part of something greater. It\u2019s an experience that can create a strong connection with the world and help you remember that maybe some of the things that stress you out aren\u2019t that important, and that right there, at that moment, you\u2019re really okay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make new friends or strengthen the ones you care about most:<\/strong>&nbsp;Along the way and at rest stops, you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities to chat with new people and start new friendships. If you go with friends, you\u2019ll find that walking a trail together can lead to completely new conversations, from light-hearted banter to deeper topics that can strengthen your friendship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boost your self-esteem:<\/strong>&nbsp;I know, reaching the top of a mountain may seem like an impossible task at first! But it all starts with the first step, and before you know it, you won\u2019t even notice the distance you\u2019ve covered and how close you are to your destination! It will be a great satisfaction and a nice boost to your self-esteem!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Find inspiration:<\/strong>&nbsp;Walking in open spaces frees your mind, leaving room for creativity. It\u2019s not uncommon for a hike to bring new ideas and perspectives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Choosing the Right Hike to Start<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first time you go trekking, you might be tempted to choose a trail based solely on the final destination. However, here are some important aspects to consider when choosing your first trail to avoid difficulties along the way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What\u2019s your fitness level?<\/strong>&nbsp;Do you walk regularly to get around even in the city, or do you try to avoid exertion as much as possible? The advice is to be honest with yourself to evaluate the time needed and the elevation gain you can handle the first time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start with short trails:<\/strong>&nbsp;In general, it\u2019s recommended to start with a short and simple trail the first time you go hiking, maybe just a couple of hours, so you can ensure that you\u2019ve chosen comfortable clothing and shoes that don\u2019t hurt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evaluate the elevation gain:<\/strong>&nbsp;Before setting out, it\u2019s important to know how steep the trail will be and how much time it might add to your hike. First, ask yourself: do your knees struggle with ascents and descents? If so, it\u2019s better to choose flatter trails or equip yourself with trekking poles. Keep in mind that an elevation gain of 300-350 meters generally requires about an hour of walking, but this can vary depending on your fitness level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t focus only on the destination:<\/strong>&nbsp;When trekking, much of the time is spent on the journey, so the advice is not to choose based only on the final view. When selecting a trail, also consider the trail\u2019s features: for example, does it pass through a shaded forest or an open meadow exposed to the sun? On a very hot day, you might regret not considering such aspects beforehand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Planning the Itinerary<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-719\" title=\"Trekking for beginners\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/2.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/2-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Following mountain trails is simple, but it\u2019s just as easy to get lost if you\u2019re not careful. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the hike without getting lost:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get informed before you go:<\/strong>&nbsp;Besides the photos of the trail and destination, it\u2019s very useful to consult a map of the trail and check if there are any junctions you\u2019ll need to navigate, and if so, which path to take.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follow the signs:<\/strong>&nbsp;Always stay on the trail and follow the signs and markers. Sometimes trails can be marked with colored signs on rocks (not so easy to spot if you don\u2019t know in advance). Also, learn about the signage before heading out to avoid unexpected situations like these.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan for breaks:<\/strong>&nbsp;Pack snacks in your backpack along with a water bottle. During the trek, you\u2019ll soon be surprised by hunger pangs and the desire for a refreshing sip of water. Find out about the best spots to stop: having a picnic or taking refreshing breaks at scenic points will make the journey even more enjoyable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allow time for the unexpected:<\/strong>&nbsp;If you want to plan an arrival time at your destination and a return time, keep in mind that there might be unexpected events during the hike. This way, if you want to take more breaks or unexpectedly find a stream to cross, you\u2019ll have plenty of time to enjoy the experience calmly. Similarly, if you\u2019re bringing children, consider that they may need more breaks. Remember that in the mountains, the sun might set at different times than you\u2019re used to. By checking ahead, you can plan your day\u2019s schedule more accurately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Learning to Listen to Your Body<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy the journey and don\u2019t rush. To avoid getting sick in the mountains by overexerting yourself, here are some tips you can follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stay hydrated:<\/strong>&nbsp;Remember that even if it doesn\u2019t feel strenuous, you\u2019ll be doing physical activity and could lose a lot of fluids. Remember to drink regularly to stay hydrated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start slowly and try to maintain a steady pace:<\/strong>&nbsp;Even if everyone is passing you and you feel slow, let them pass. To cover long distances, especially when you\u2019re not yet aware of your limits, it\u2019s crucial to go slowly and maintain a regular breathing pattern to avoid suddenly running out of energy and finding yourself out of breath and dizzy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stop when you need to:<\/strong>&nbsp;After a while, you\u2019ll learn the right pace for you and might even find that you don\u2019t need to take breaks to catch your breath. In any case, listen to your body and assess when you need to take breaks to rest your legs and knees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Try to keep your head in the shade:<\/strong>&nbsp;Even if you\u2019re in the mountains and the climate feels cooler, remember that it\u2019s best not to expose yourself to the sun for too long.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Clothing and Equipment<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dress in layers. Nowhere is this more essential than in the mountains. You don\u2019t need to start with super technical clothing, but there are some items and tools that are essential to have with you when packing your trekking backpack for the first time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Comfortable trekking shoes (and make sure they\u2019re trekking shoes, not sneakers, as these might be slippery and cause nasty falls)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A hat to protect you from the sun<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A waterproof jacket in case of wind or sudden bad weather<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A sweatshirt for cooler temperatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A trekking backpack to store the clothing layers you\u2019re not wearing at the moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A bottle of fresh water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tissues or wet wipes. They will come in handy in more than one situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunglasses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trekking poles if you need to help your knees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technical socks to avoid blisters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A blanket to lie on for a rest in the meadow or for a picnic if the grass is a bit wet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunscreen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Going Alone or with Company<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing whether to have company on your first hike or to go alone depends on the experience you\u2019re seeking. Going alone can be very enjoyable and can help you focus better on nature and yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for the first experience, it might be helpful to follow the trail with someone, even better if they\u2019re experienced, so you can approach this world with the guidance of someone who can show you how to follow trails and navigate effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a>Preventing Risks and Dangers in the Mountains<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you\u2019re almost ready to pack your backpack and choose your first trail, it\u2019s important not to overlook one last aspect. Every hike is an adventure, and trekking in the mountains is a wonderful experience, but it\u2019s always good to be cautious to avoid dangers. Here are some actions to prevent them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the weather:<\/strong>&nbsp;Getting caught in a storm on a trail can be very dangerous. Don\u2019t set out without first checking the weather forecast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check for shelter points:<\/strong>&nbsp;If, despite the forecast, you\u2019re caught in an unexpected storm, or if you find yourself running late and caught in the dark, it\u2019s good to know where to take shelter. Along the trail, you\u2019ll find refuges: by checking their location in advance, you can be prepared even for situations like these.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>First aid kit:<\/strong>&nbsp;Getting blisters on your feet is very common if the shoes aren\u2019t suitable. Always having blister bandages with you can be useful. Likewise, it\u2019s better to have basic medications on hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Watch out for ticks:<\/strong>&nbsp;In the mountains, you may encounter ticks, insects, or animals that could be dangerous if underestimated. It\u2019s better to set out informed and equipped with repellents to prevent bites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emergency contact numbers:<\/strong>&nbsp;Before setting out, check the local phone numbers to call in case of need, and consider downloading a life-saving app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inform someone:<\/strong>&nbsp;If you decide to go alone, inform a friend or someone who knows the area about your intentions, even better if they\u2019re an expert in the area, so they can assist if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Great! Now you know all the essential tips to start your first trekking adventure, and you can choose your first trail.<\/strong>&nbsp;Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/\/fri.land\/it\/giornale\/articolo\/4-scopri-la-val-saisera-percorsi-escursioni-e-cultura-gastronomica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Val Saisera<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/\/fri.land\/it\/giornale\/articolo\/6-valli-del-natisone-tribil-cascate-kot-e-villaggio-di-topolo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Valli del Natisone<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/\/fri.land\/it\/giornale\/articolo\/9-sauris-nelle-alpi-carniche-percorsi-nella-natura\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sauris in the Carnic Alps<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/\/fri.land\/it\/giornale\/articolo\/5-guida-alla-val-d%E2%80%99arzino-natura-escursioni-e-relax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Val d\u2019Arzino<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"\/\/fri.land\/it\/giornale\/articolo\/3-zoncolan-avventure-outdoor-e-panorami-incredibili-nella-natura\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zoncolan<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy the journey and have fun!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Trekking Starting trekking is very simple and will give you great satisfaction, but to learn how to do it without any issues, you\u2019ll need some advice.&nbsp;That\u2019s why we\u2019ve gathered the most useful tips and created this beginner\u2019s guide to trekking. By following these suggestions, you\u2019ll embark on an experience that, besides helping [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":716,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"powered_cache_disable_cache":false,"powered_cache_disable_lazyload":false,"powered_cache_disable_critical_css":false,"powered_cache_specific_critical_css":false,"powered_cache_disable_ucss":false,"powered_cache_specific_ucss":false,"powered_cache_disable_css_optimization":false,"powered_cache_disable_js_optimization":false,"powered_cache_disable_js_defer":false,"powered_cache_disable_js_delay":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-relaxing-experiences"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1534,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/1534"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fri.land\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}