One of the main reasons we love hiking so much: simply getting out on the trail is always worth it, whether for a short stroll around a neighborhood park, a weekend day hike, or a full overnight. And with a little forethought, those benefits compound. We tapped hiking ambassadors for their best advice on getting the most out of your time outside.
Connect with the Environment
There鈥檚 no wrong way to enjoy nature, but it can be rewarding to tune in and really notice your surroundings, says an avid hiker and hike leader at , an L.A.-based group that works to empower Black women through outdoor meetups. For that reason, Snell always leaves her headphones at home. 鈥淔or me, to be mindful of nature is to be listening鈥攖o hear the birds, the wind, and the trees.鈥 And because connection is often forged when we understand something on a deeper level, it pays to read up on the area鈥檚 indigenous peoples, local plants, animals, and geology before hitting the trail.
Plan Ahead
Planning might not be the most fun, but it can make a hike much more enjoyable. Snell always makes sure she knows the poisonous plants that grow in the terrain she鈥檚 going to, the animals living in the area, and the appropriate response to each. Researching the trail and weather conditions is a crucial piece of planning largely because it鈥檒l tell you the right things to pack.
Liselle Pires, co-founder of聽, an organization that empowers women of color in outdoor sports through its mentorship program (and events like聽), agrees. 鈥淜now the weather forecast, and check Facebook groups or Instagram for trail conditions and beta,鈥 she says.聽 is a great resource for point forecasts so you can figure out exactly what you should prepare for. Then there鈥檚 the basics: bring extra layers, food, and water; make sure someone knows where you鈥檙e going; and have a map. Or two. 鈥淚 download an offline map on Google so I can get to the trailhead, as well as an offline trail map on Gaia and AllTrails.鈥
Get the Right Gear for You
Emphasis on for you鈥攖he right gear doesn鈥檛 necessarily mean the fanciest. 鈥淪ometimes there鈥檚 pressure when you see people with super-expensive gear and people think to be a hiker you need all that,鈥 says Snell. 鈥淛ust put on your shoes and go walk on a trail. That鈥檚 all it takes,鈥 says Snell.
To that end, Snell suggests adding and upgrading gear as you progress. She slowly acquired different items as her hikes got harder, longer, and more technical. But one piece of kit she recommends investing in right away: quality trail shoes or boots. These days her come with her on every trail because they make her feel as if she鈥檚 鈥渨alking on a cloud,鈥 they provide plenty of grip when the going gets steep, and they keep her feet dry in wet conditions.
Keep It Fresh
For some people, that might mean making an effort to hike in a new place once a week or once a month. In 2015, when Snell was starting to get more into hiking, she made it a goal to hike every trail in L.A.鈥檚 Griffith Park. Since then she鈥檚 found joy in solo hikes. 鈥淚t just brings me such peace. I love not having to worry about anyone else, and I enjoy it so thoroughly,鈥 says Snell. And while hiking solo can be rewarding, so can bringing a friend along.
Don鈥檛 overlook the effect that fun snacks can have on your experience either (have you heard of pocket bacon?). Pires is a big foodie and makes her own date-and-nut balls to bring on the trail as well as a mix of other sweet and salty options. If you鈥檙e feeling stagnant, try going longer or faster. And if all else fails, get up early to watch the sun come up. 鈥淎t the end of the day, if you鈥檙e just putting yourself out there, you鈥檙e going to have a good time and feel the healing and enjoyable parts of nature,鈥 says Pires.
is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the Earth. For more information, visit聽聽or follow @hokaoneone. #TimeToFly