Are you planning your first real hike? Great! Nothing beats the feeling of reaching the summit after a climb and enjoying pure freedom. But to make sure your hiking adventure is a success, today we're going to reveal the most common mistakes made when hiking - and, of course, how you can avoid them.
The most common beginner's hiking mistakes at a glance
1. choosing the wrong footwear
Hand on heart: Who among us hasn't thought "Oh come on, my normal sneakers will do"? But believe me, your feet will thank you if you invest in sensible hiking boots. The wrong shoes are one of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiking.
Sure, good hiking boots aren't exactly a bargain. But if you're sitting there two hours later with aching feet and soaked socks, you're guaranteed to wish you'd invested more in your equipment. A robust sole with a good profile is particularly important - it gives you the necessary grip on slippery surfaces. You shouldn't underestimate a waterproof membrane either, because wet feet are simply no fun.
What you should do instead:
- Invest in high-quality hiking boots
- Wear the shoes at least 2-3 times before your first tour
- Combine your shoes with special hiking socks
- Take blister plasters with you on longer tours
- Learn how to lace your hiking boots correctly to avoid pressure points
- Take blister plasters with you on longer tours and find out about first aid for blisters
2. underestimate the route
"Ten kilometers? I can do that easily!" Well, but hiking kilometers are not the same as city kilometers. In the mountains, it's not just the distance that counts - the elevation gain is at least as important. Poor preparation when planning a route often leads to hikers completely overestimating themselves.
Imagine walking only uphill for an hour. That's a completely different number to your walk through the park! The nature of the path also plays a major role here. A rooted forest path or a stony mountain trail will challenge you in a completely different way to a well-maintained hiking trail. Less is definitely more to start with. Choose a manageable route and enjoy the tour in peace. You don't have to prove anything to anyone!
What you should bear in mind when planning your route:
- Elevation gain (add one hour for every 300 meters of elevation gain)
- Nature of the path (gravel, roots, rocks slow down your pace)
- Breaks (15 minutes every 1-2 hours)
- Photo and viewpoint stops
- Time of day (avoid the midday heat in summer)
3. take too little to drink with you
Water is life - this is especially true when hiking. Your body sweats more than you think, especially in the mountains. You should have at least two liters with you for a day hike, and more if it's hot. It's best to find out beforehand whether there are any refill points along the way. Many hikers completely underestimate their fluid requirements. At altitude, you often don't even realize how much water your body is losing. That's why it's better to pack one bottle too many than one too few. The extra weight is definitely worth it.
This is how to plan your drinks:
- Basic rule: Min. 2 liters per person for a day tour
- 3 liters or more in hot weather or on strenuous climbs
- Take additional electrolyte-containing drinks with you
4. ignore the weather
Sure, the sun is shining and you are extremely motivated. But mountain weather is really unpredictable - and sometimes really treacherous. Poor preparation when checking the weather is one of the most common mistakes when hiking. We have often seen the most beautiful summer day turn into a real storm within minutes.
That's why it's best to not only check the normal weather report, but also special mountain weather reports. These are much more accurate and warn you of dangerous weather changes. A windproof jacket and rain protection should always be in your rucksack - even if the sky is bright blue. That may sound overly cautious, but trust us: you'd rather sweat a little more because of the extra jacket in your rucksack than have to come down the mountain soaking wet and freezing.
This will keep you safe:
- Check several weather sources (general weather forecast, specific mountain weather reports, local thunderstorm warnings)
- Pack emergency equipment (windproof, waterproof jacket, warm spare clothing, emergency poncho, headlamp)
- Plan B for bad weather
- Learn to interpret weather signs
5. do not plan any breaks
Hey, a hike is not a competition! Many beginners make the mistake of trying to push themselves when hiking - but you're really not doing yourself any favors. Give yourself a breather regularly. Find a nice spot with a great view, unpack your snack and let nature work its magic on you. These moments make a hike really special!
You should take your first break after about an hour, and then whenever you notice that your body needs a break. And don't forget the lunch break - you can take a longer one. Use this time to relax, take photos and, of course, enjoy the treats you brought with you.
How to plan your breaks properly:
- First break after 45-60 minutes
- Then every 1-2 hours
- Min. 30 minute lunch break
6. wear the wrong clothes
Now it's important: cotton is absolutely taboo when hiking! We know, your favorite cotton shirt is super comfortable, but as soon as you sweat, it becomes your biggest enemy. Cotton retains moisture like a sponge and dries slowly. The result? You'll freeze like crazy as soon as there's a little breeze.
Instead, rely on the legendary onion principle: wear a functional shirt made from merino wool or synthetic fibers as your first layer, add something warm like a fleece sweater on top, and pack a windproof and waterproof jacket as your top layer. This allows you to adapt perfectly depending on the temperature and exertion. And don't forget your headgear - it protects you from the sun in summer and from the cold in winter.
The optimal clothing concept:
-
Onion principle with three layers
1. Base layer: functional underwear, ideally made from merino wool or synthetics
2. Mid layer: fleece or softshell for warmth
3. Outer layer: Wind and waterproof jacket - Also important: light hat or cap against the sun/cold, sun protection, light gloves (even in summer!)
- Special hiking pants: Quick-drying, with freedom of movement, possibly zip-off
7. not being able to orientate yourself
"It'll work out somehow" is definitely not a good hiking strategy! Sure, we all have our smartphones with us these days, but what if the battery runs out or you have no reception? Poor preparation when navigating can be really dangerous. That's why it's important that you familiarize yourself with the route beforehand.
Download a good hiking app and save the maps offline. But to be on the safe side, take a real hiking map with you - it will never break and doesn't need a battery. A power bank is also worth its weight in gold. Not only can you use it to charge your cell phone, but also your headlamp if you run out of power later than planned.
You should have these orientation aids with you:
- Hiking app with previously downloaded offline maps
- GPS device as a backup
- Power bank (at least 10000mAh)
- Physical hiking map of the region
8. packing your rucksack incorrectly
A chaotically packed rucksack can ruin your entire tour. Imagine it suddenly starts to rain and you have to empty out your entire rucksack to get to the rain jacket at the bottom. So always pack the things you need frequently at the top or in the outer pockets: Water, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen - you get the idea. The heavier items go in the middle and close to your back, which is better for your balance. A small first aid kit also belongs in every hiking rucksack. Hopefully you'll never need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you have it with you.
This is the best way to pack your hiking rucksack:
- Basic principles:
Keep heavy items close to your back
Frequently used items within easy reach at the top
Waterproof equipment in separate bags - The right distribution:
Bottom: Change of clothes, sleeping bag (for multi-day tours)
Top: Rain jacket, first aid kit, snacks
Outer pockets: Map, sunscreen, smartphone
You can find more information on how to pack your backpack correctly in our blog article: Packing properly for backpacking - tips for your travel adventure
9. don't pack snacks
Hiking makes you hungry - really hungry! Your body burns a lot more energy than normal and if you don't refuel regularly, it can be really unpleasant. Feeling hungry while hiking is no fun. So pack plenty of provisions! Muesli bars are great, as are sandwiches, nuts and dried fruit. A bar of chocolate isn't just good for your mood - a quick energy boost can sometimes be worth its weight in gold. And remember: eat several small portions throughout the day rather than one large meal. This keeps your energy levels constant and you avoid the dreaded midday slump.
The ideal hiking food:
- Basic nutrition:
Complex carbohydrates: wholemeal bread, muesli bars
Proteins: Hard cheese, nuts, dried meat
Healthy fats: avocado, nuts - Quick energy: dried fruit, bananas, dextrose or glucose, dark chocolate
- Electrolytes: Salty snacks, electrolyte powder to stir in
10. start hiking alone
As a beginner, you shouldn't go on your first hikes alone - not because you can't, but because it's simply more fun and safer if you have company! Look for experienced hiking partners who are happy to share their knowledge with you. These can be friends, but organized hiking groups or guided tours are also a great way to get started. Not only will you learn the most important basics, but you'll also have someone to talk to if you're unsure. What's more, it's simply more fun to share the great moments of a hike!
Conclusion: Your path to hiking happiness
So, now you know about the typical mistakes when hiking and can avoid them. But don't let the whole list put you off - on the contrary! With the right preparation, your hike is guaranteed to be a success. Simply start with short, relaxed tours and then slowly build up. With each hike, you will gain valuable experience and develop a better feeling for what you need and what is good for you.
The mountains won't run away from you, so take your time to learn and enjoy them. And most importantly: have fun! Because that's what hiking is all about - experiencing nature, clearing your head and simply being in the here and now.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and off you go - the mountains are calling!
Are you looking for more tips and tricks about the most beautiful hobby in the world - hiking?
Then take a look at our other articles now and get inspired for your next adventure!
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