I've been going on lots of local day hikes lately, so I thought I would share some of the ways I prepare myself - both mentally and physically. I hope this was helpful as you prepare for your own hikes this Summer! xo - A 💚
As a rough estimate, how many of your day hikes are done in areas you've previously hiked, versus being in areas that you have no past experience at. Do they tend to be areas local to you or from trailheads you've driven a considerable distance to arrive at.
My husband, at age 32, had a massive, unexplained heart attack in January. After the heart attack, we slowly got into walking and hiking with the intention of preparing our bodies for camping trips. Thank you so much Amanda for your videos. Last week, we went on our first dispersed car camping trip, and my husband was able to walk 6 miles! I watched most of your videos in preparation, and I am appreciative of both the solid advice you provide and your inspirational outlook on camping and hiking. This channel has really been pivotal in my husband's recovery. Thank you a 1000 times.
I am so sorry to hear about your husbands heart attack. I hope he is doing much better now. I'm glad that these videos have been helpful and inspiring during his recovery. 💚 Way to go getting out there and doing some dispersed camping! 💪 Sounds like it was an awesome trip!
This morning i learned the importance of having a good first aid kit and looking over my gear. My shoe ripped 3 miles from my car and i had to use tape in my first aid kit to put it back together. The tape ended up shredded after a mile and i had to hike the rest barefoot. If i had looked over my shoes i would’ve clearly seen the tear starting in the shoe
A month too late. Ha! I can do a relatively flat hike of 5-6 mile in about two hours. So when I went camping last I picked a hike that would be around that...but never looked at the topography. I did a trail that was better suited to do counterclockwise and hit the higher elevations early so I could breeze through the flatter part back to camp clockwise. I thought I wasn't going to make it back to camp because I didn't pack enough food or water for a hike that would take me 4 hours. Lesson learned.
Couple of my "must-do's" that I would want to add: 1) check if you need pass/permit already in hand and/or cash (exact change if needed) for parking permit at the parking lot, 2) I like to print a narrative description (paragraphs, like a story) of the hike--that is often a good help in addition to the map (e.g. they'll say right after the stone bridge, or make sure you hike another 50 yards to the spur after the summit as otherwise you'll miss the view, etc.), and 3) so so so helpful is to check recent dated trip reports, if available, from one of the trail descriptions online (people who recently hiked the trail leave comments online)--folks will tell you things like watch out for the washed-out bridge or beware of snow, you should bring your microspikes, or the biting flies were so bad yesterday we had to leave, etc. 4) I always print an extra map or two if I can--I always run into folks who need them on the trail and they are so happy to be given one!! I love that you said hydrate at home--best tip ever--even start hydrating the day before, if possible, and, also, when you hydrate that morning make sure to load up on liquids early enough that you'll be able to visit a restroom, if feasible, before you hit the trail.
The bird's eye view of major landmarks relative to your vehicle or a nearby house/town, for example, could be the difference between life & death should you get in an emergency situation. People have wandered for miles in the wrong direction when if they'd known to go the other way, they would've made it to help in a mile or two...
The elevation definitely does factor into my hiking plans. I'm always looking at the total elevation gain of a hike, but also the starting and peak elevation. For example, I have a local hike that has a peak of over 11,000 ft. That is high! I know that it will be more difficult for me to breath as I get closer to the top, and I make sure I'm aware of any altitude sickness symptoms that may set in. The total elevation gain of a hike along with the milage is also important to note because that helps me determine how strenuous of a hike I'm going on. If I'm traveling to a hiking destination out of my local area, I will factor in the elevation of where I live relative to where I'm going. For example, if I lived at sea level and then traveled to Cusco, Peru, there's a big elevation difference there, and that would need to be factored into my planning too. Lots to think about, but like I said in the video, the more prepared you are, the better!
I saw on another video you did where someone ask where you are hiking because it looks so nice. Please don't share this info online! Too scary....sounds like a creeper/crawler. Obviously you want to share with your family/friends your plans but strangers have no need to know where you might be.
Amanda you are an awesome genuine human being, I love watching your stuff. That being said, is there like 50 people on youtube whos sole job is to dislike random videos? How could anyone hit dislike on a video like this?
Good video again. I would add 'do you stretches and a warm up routine. Start slow then hit a steady pace. Work out your rest breaks, for me 5 mins every hour, but everyone is different' . Love your enthusiasm! Thanks
Just got back from Utah. Hiked all over and got so many tips from you. Went to Goblin Valley after seeing your video and loved it!. Went to Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Canyonland, Dead Horse. Amazing areas! Loved Utah!
That sounds like an epic trip! I'm so glad you loved Utah. It really is such a cool state with SO many things to see and do! Glad you had a great time 🤗
These tips are fantastic. We're just getting in to hiking. It's a great way to spend a Sunday with my wife. We live in north Georgia, and have dozens of trails near by. Headed to an AT segment this weekend. I would add hiking poles and appropriate footwear. We started sharing a pair of poles, but quickly realized that two each would be much better. For shoes, we are still learning ...
Thanks for another very professional video! I hope you're doing well. Just wondering, what do you think about all of the reports of increased dangerous animal/human encounters in the wild this year?
... With the increase in forest fires this past year (at least in the western states) ,, the wildlife is also displaced and confused ,, keep in mind of seeing or confronting even dangerous wildlife not normally found in your areas... Be Prepared ..
Hey Amanda! New subscriber here. I'll be hiking in the Yellowstone area this coming week. I truly appreciate your preparation advice because it gets me to double-down on my own preparation. Thanks for this video!
Great tips! I think I spend more time playing with my gear than actually hiking. I'm trying to get out more. My depression keeps me unmotivated, but I'm trying to find a friend that wants to join me.
@@HOLLAitisGilanne I am in one but it's a little awkward to ask lol. I just need to be more active, some try to do group events but I also have social phobia.
@@joeykerr5517 ooh yea I can understand how a social phobia can make things a little harder. Be gentle with yourself first and foremost. Solo hikes are nice too and maybe you can meet some cool people out on the trail!
Thank you Amanda, I cant wait to see yellowstone its been on my bucket list for a while, thank you for all that you do, look forward to more of your videos.
I love your videos. They are very informative and you have an easy listening speaking voice. But……..your hands and arms are constantly moving when you talk. Geez, very distracting from your high quality videos you make. Sorry,
