Beginner's Guide To Overnight Hiking

Overnight hiking is an incredible way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and find peace in the wilderness or enjoy quality time with friends and family. If you're new to it, starting with the right plan, mindset, and gear is key to a successful adventure. Here's a beginner's guide to help you prepare for your first overnight hike, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Planning Your Hike

Start Small
Begin with a short, manageable hike on a familiar trail. If possible, go with someone experienced who knows the trail or select a campground that’s car-accessible. This helps build confidence and allows you to ease into overnight hiking. 

Stay Connected
When starting out, it’s important to have a way to communicate. Make sure there’s mobile coverage on your trail or invest in a satellite communicator for areas with poor reception such as the Garmin InReach Messenger.

Check the Weather
Before heading out, check the forecast and pack accordingly. Being prepared for rain, wind, or temperature drops can make all the difference in your comfort and safety. 

Test Your Gear
Before you hit the trail, try out your gear at home. Make sure your tent, sleeping bag, and other equipment are easy to use and suited to your needs. The last thing you want is to struggle with setting up camp when you're already tired.

Emergency Plan
Hiking in nature means dealing with the unexpected. Always have a first aid kit and work out an emergency procedure. Share your plan with someone before you leave so they know your location and schedule.

Investing in Gear

Good gear is worth the investment for a more enjoyable and safer hiking experience. Here’s why:

• Comfort: Lightweight gear means less to carry, helping you move efficiently and rest better. Higher quality gear is also undeniably more comfortable and once you make the investment you certainly won’t regret it. 

• Durability: High-quality equipment lasts longer, saving you money over time and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Here at Trek & Travel we have close relationships with all of the brands we stock and are happy to address any concerns you have about the durability of your gear. 

• Safety: Reliable gear reduces the risk of accidents or failures, especially in challenging conditions, and let’s face it, health and safety is priceless. 

On the Trail

Once you're on the trail, it's all about pacing yourself and staying mindful.

Go Slow
Allow yourself extra time to hike at a comfortable pace. This gives you room to make any necessary gear adjustments, stay hydrated, and enjoy the experience. Don't skip meals—keeping your energy up is crucial.

Choose a Good Camp Location
When it’s time to set up camp, choose a flat spot away from large trees and branches. Clear any rocks or sticks from the ground and try to find a location that’s shielded from the wind. A little bit of site selection goes a long way for a good night’s sleep.

Set Up Camp Early
Don’t wait until dark to set up your shelter and sleeping system. Once your tent is pitched, set up your kitchen area, but keep food securely stored to avoid attracting wildlife. If you need to filter water or dig a cat hole for bathroom use, take care of those tasks before dark.

Leave No Trace

Respecting nature is a vital part of overnight hiking. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimise your environmental impact.

• Carry Out All Waste: Carry out everything you bring with you, including food scraps and packaging. try to buy snacks with minimal or recyclable packing and make sure to dispose in the correct bin after returning back from your hike.

• Stick to Trails: Stay on established paths to protect fragile ecosystems and avoid damaging wildlife habitats.

• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed or disturb them.

Ready to Get Started?

This beginner's guide is a great first step toward a rewarding overnight hiking experience. Remember to check back on our blog for an essential packing list and other helpful tips as you plan your adventure!

Happy hiking!

Photograph by the talented @phillipsage