Summer is fast approaching. Which to a lot of people is the perfect time to book a Camino de Santiago to look forward to. There is so much enjoyment to be had from a hike in the sun. You get to be outside breathing in the fresh air. And you’ll see many beautiful landscapes. Also, you get to take on a challenge at the same time. But, you must know what it takes, preparing for the summer hiking season.
As just touched upon, with all the fun that hiking brings. It’s still a challenge. But an addictive one (once you’ve gone on one hike this summer, we are sure you’ll go on many more). And for this reason, it’s important you are prepared. So, today we have put together a quick guide on four ways for preparing for the summer hiking season as it approaches.
If you follow these 4 tips for preparing for the summer hiking season, we are sure you will have not one but many successful hikes this summer. Without the harshness of the weather dampening your spirit. Or, adversely affecting your health as you chase hike after hike. So, without further delay, lets get started.
Find a friend
Hiking in the sun is one of the best experiences you can have. But, if the sun is harsh, it might feel exhaustive. Happened with us as we explored the caves of Ajanta in Aurangabad. Or, I was scaling the stairs to the Pandavleni Caves in Nashik. With the heat, sweat and the harsh sun, you might feel more exhausted than you truly are, if, you lag a good company.
So the secret is to enjoy the experience of hiking with a friend. A hike can be any distance. Essentially it has to be a long walk. Which means you have plenty of time to catch up and enjoy your time together. If you have a friend joining you for the hike. Now, if your friends have not been on a hike, you can start with an easy one. And then once they have the bug, work up to a bigger, more challenging one. For instance, Abhishek completed the hike to Tigers Nest in Bhutan in almost record time (As per our Bhutan guide). Maybe because he was accompanied by a friend. And as they went walking and talking, enjoying the trek. They didn’t even realise when the time passed. And didn’t even feel the exhaustion that a lonely walk or hike often brings!!
Research the route you are taking
This point applies to any hike you ever go on. Before setting off do your research on the route you are taking. The world is your oyster, with an uncountable amount of hikes that you can challenge yourself to. To make sure you are safe, get the most enjoyment. And know you can complete the hike. And spend a moment learning the route you are taking before you set off. Particularly, if it’s considered a risky route, let others know you are doing it. In case you need help or there is an emergency. Every time we go on a hike, or any long route, we always make sure close friends and family are aware of our route details, hike details and date and time.
Also, if you are hiking with family and kids, it’s very important to understand if the route is suitable for all of you. And for the age group of all the people. And, don’t hesitate to take a call if you feel midway through the hike that it might not be comfortable anymore. The time when we went hiking on Nandi Hills, the route was really good till we were half way up. Post which the steps continued to get steeper and steeper. And beyond a point I realised that it was no longer the easy route that we had started on. And then, myself and kids had to stop the hike. And return back. Thats completely fine!!
Check the weather conditions
The weather is a very unpredictable component in determining whether one can have successful hike or not. One minute it will say sun and blue skies. And the next minute it’s windy with rain pouring down. When preparing for your summer hikes, start to pay attention to the forecast as the days approach your adventure. This way you can pack accordingly – It may be that you have to quickly switch from your summer hiking gear to your winter hiking gear. Remember it as a very crucial tip for preparing for the summer hiking season.
Bottomline – Being prepared for the rains or thunder really helps with a summer hike.
Wear the right gear
If you’ve been hiking in the winter season. Then it’s time to put that gear away and get out your summer gear. Some things crossover. But hopefully, if the weather stays nice you no longer have to wear your hiking coat anymore. Instead, you can wear your hiking shorts, your hiking sunglasses, a sun hat and your summer hiking shoes. If you want a reason to shop, now is the time to buy some new bits for your adventures.
As the summer hiking season approaches, have you got any hikes booked? What advice would you give to someone hiking in the summer? Which of the above tips did you find most useful? Let us know in the comment box below, we would love to hear from you.
Bonus tips for preparing for summer hiking season
Last but not the least, here are some bonus tips for preparing for summer hiking season –
- Time your hike right. Aim for early morning hikes. They are really pleasant in summer. With the cool morning breeze and the fresh air. If you can wake up really early, you get to see a beautiful sunrise in the clear summer sky as well.
- Carry water bottle with you.
- Wear comfortable walking and hiking shoes depending on the trail that you plan to hike on.
- You can also go for overnight hike in summer months. They are really pleasant. You don’t need to worry about the heat. And, you get to see stargaze at the end of the hike. Because in summer, night skies tend to be clearer than winter.
- If going for night hike, do carry a torch or source of light with you.
- Always carry bug bite medicine, bug repellant and a handy first aid medicine kit with you when hiking in natural trails.
- Don’t go hiking in reserve forest areas or unsafe zones without due permission.
- Also, don’t go hiking on a trail without guide, if guides have been mandated for those hikes. Because more than anything the guide will be essential for your safety and security. As they are often local people who are very well versed with the region.