Hiking is an amazing way for you to interact with the outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while you get familiar with the environment. Hiking is also a great way to work out and keep fit. That said, it’s important to find the right way to hike because doing so can let you enjoy the moments to the fullest. Thanks to the fact that you may not be able to predict what awaits you beyond the next hill or around the corner, it pays to stay prepared. Here are some of the ways in which you can prepare for your first real hike.

Don’t Be Overambitious

The most important tip for you is that you need to remember that if you’re a beginner, it’s best to avoid biting off more than you can chew. This means that you need to pick a trail that won’t overwhelm you. This should be a kind of practice for you so that you don’t end up in need of assistance on your first hike. On this note, you should also know some of the emergency numbers to call if you develop an issue. This includes roadside assistance numbers if you’re taking your car on the hike. Note that the average American car is going to spend 95% of its lifetime parked, according to Fortune Magazine. If you haven’t used your car in a while, it’s a good idea to have a professional service it before you head out for the hike.

It’s Never Okay to Litter

While hiking, you may take some snacks and drinks with you. What you should not do is become a litterbug and deposit the wrappers and bottles of everything that you take with you everywhere you go. For the best experience, you should consider packing what you need in reusable bottles and containers. Simply pack everything you go on the hike with back into your bag once you’re done with it. Remember that the quality of indoor air can be two to five times worse than that of the outdoors, according to the EPA. That’s why everyone should do their best to keep the outdoors clean by not polluting. By doing so, it’s possible to keep the air fresh and clean as time goes by.

Pack Enough Bug Repellant

Keep in mind that the mosquito spreads more diseases than any other type of insect. It’s also single-handedly responsible for several million deaths and hundreds of millions of illnesses every single year, according to the World Health Organization. This is enough to remind you to pack enough bug-repellant to keep the insects away. The duration of your hike will affect the number of times you need to reapply it and thus tell you how much you need to take with you. You’ll enjoy your hike a lot more when you don’t have to keep swatting flies off your face and other exposed areas of your body.

Ensure That Someone Knows Your Itinerary

Finally, before you set out, share your hiking itinerary with a loved one. This should have all the details of the spots that you intend to visit during your hike. This way, in case of anything, you know that there will be someone who’s aware of your location. Talk to them when you get a chance and inform them of any changes to your plans. This will make the experience much better for you as you’ll have the peace of mind that you need during your outdoors experience.

Use these tips to help you prepare for your first real hike. When you do, you can enjoy being outdoors and may just discover an amazing new hobby. Over time, you’ll discover other hacks that will enable you to get the most out of your hikes every time.