Getting involved with hiking.

bigpanda

So I'm going to take advantage of the Northwest while I'm still out here. I'm going to start hiking this spring and summer but don't really know how to get started. I've got a buddy that's helping me get some of the gear together that I'll need, but should I just go out by myself or are there hiking groups out here that I can get started with.

I'm not the most physically fit person right now (I'm not the worst either) but I can't run a mile or anything yet and don't want to end up holding these groups back.

BoomShake

bigpanda wrote: »

should I just go out by myself or are there hiking groups out here that I can get started with.

In short, no.
In long, nooooooo.

If you're just starting out, and especially if you're not in good shape, you do not want to be out there sans buddy. Stuff can go wrong, whether it's a twisted ankle or bear mauling. If you're alone, you have to pray someone else is using the trail and going to pass by very soon. Only those that are experienced, and more importantly, familiar with the area (or very similar enviornments) should venture out alone.

I'm sure there are some beginner groups in the area, and if not, just try to get a friend to go. Start with something fairly easy, not too many steep inclines, not too long, etc. When you're comfortable handling that, find another trail or branch with a bit more to it. Not only will you be getting to better trails, but you'll be getting in shape at the same time

[Michael]

Are you talking about a few hours of hiking or a day or two or more? I've done overnight trips by myself a few times (lots of parks and trails where I live), but I think I'd want to go with another person if I was going for several days, just in case something went wrong. Then again I'm a pansy, and I've got the whole "buddy system" thing permanently branded on my mind from being in scouts until I was 15ish. Hiking by yourself can have its advantages though (nice to be completely alone every now and again, you do whatever pace you like, stop to check out whatever you want, etc.).

My mom is 50+, overweight, has hypoxia and a host of other medical problems, and she's taken up hiking recently, and she's seen lots of improvement in her physical fitness, so I don't think you'll have to worry about taking too long to "shape up" if you're going a group.

mts

step 1. buy a hiking book
step 2. tie up a good pair of shoes. sneakers are fine for everything but heavy duty stuff and are better for the trails than hiking boots.
step 3. walk.

starting out pick some easy stuff and just go. if you are heading into the backcountry defintiely have a buddy, but many parks have hiikng trails and are populated so its "ok" to go by yourself.

if you are just going out on nature trails/walks by all means go alone.. but if you are thinking longer more out of the way/chances of running into people is less then its probably safer having someone with you