Hiking: 12 things with aha-moments that improve your general knowledge

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👉 The key facts from this guide

Hiking is incredibly diverse, and today I would like to answer a few questions to give you a comprehensive overview.

And I assume you will learn news about hiking that you did not know before.

Let's get started with the first question.

Who invented hiking?

No one knows the exact year when hiking began. One could say that hiking as an outdoor activity developed in the Stone Age about half a million years ago. Just as humanity learned to stand upright and walk. Hiking and walking - once a means of hunting and survival, now a source of fun and relaxation.

How much water do I need to take for hiking?

A good general recommendation is about half a liter of water per hour of moderate activity at moderate temperatures. You may need to bring more if the temperature and intensity of the activity increase. For example, strenuous hiking in hot weather may require drinking a liter of water or more per hour.

Reading tip: What food to take for hiking? - 5 delicious recipes for backpacking

How much do I have to hike to lose weight?

In general, hiking burns more calories than walking because you overcome differences in elevation. 500 grams of fat is approximately equal to 3,500 calories. So, to lose 500 grams per week - a healthy goal according to experts - you would need to burn 500 calories per day. This means you should aim for about 10,000 steps per day, which is equivalent to 8 kilometers.

Which muscles are trained during hiking?

In addition to improving cardiovascular and pulmonary health, hiking engages many of the major muscle groups in the body. When climbing uphill, the glutes, quadriceps, thighs, knees, and calves are engaged, while downhill hiking also involves the ankles, feet, and hips. In short, hiking is a complete leg workout.

What is the ideal heart rate for hiking?

Beginners should train at 40-60% of their maximum heart rate. Intermediate/advanced hikers should hike at 60-80% of their maximum heart rate.

The heart rate can be determined by placing the fingers on the wrist or the carotid artery.

Here's how to calculate your maximum heart rate and target range: Subtract your age from 220. For example, if you are 27 years old, your estimated maximum heart rate would be
220-27 = 193 beats per minute. If you aim for a heart rate at 60% of 193 beats per minute, an ideal heart rate in the range of 116 beats per minute (193 * 0.6 = 116) is recommended.

From when can you go hiking with a dog?

When your puppy turns one year old, you can take him on shorter hikes. The older your puppy gets, the farther you can hike. A 12-month-old puppy can hike for about 60 minutes at a time, which is usually enough to cover 3 to 4 kilometers.

From when is walking considered hiking?

Walking is done on flat and hard surfaces without obstacles, while hiking is done on the Rocky Mountains, hills, and terrain with rough surfaces. A hike involves going uphill and downhill and covers a distance of at least 3 km. If there is practically no difference in elevation, it is not considered a hike. Hiking also requires more effort than walking because the path is more complicated.

From what age can you go hiking with children?

If a child is 6 to 14 months old, it can be taken hiking with me. It is important to have a good child carrier. It is safe to use a child carrier when your child can sit independently. Normally, children can sit independently when they weigh at least 7 kg and are 6 months old.

When is hiking possible after giving birth?

Some doctors give women permission to start running two weeks after giving birth. However, hiking is one of the most dynamic and effective sports. The pelvic floor muscles are definitely not ready to support this type of activity so quickly.

A good general rule is to wait at least six weeks. During this time, focus on quick, hilly walks and rebuild leg and core strength.

How do I train for hiking?

Hiking is not just a walk in the local park - it requires strength and endurance. Every major hiking trail is a fitness test - from trekking on the Inca Trail to hiking to Everest Base Camp. Therefore, you must complete the proper training beforehand.

Generally, I recommend that you increase your basic endurance. So go jogging once or twice a week (slow endurance running), ride a bike, and do strength training.

How to avoid ticks while hiking?

Tall grass and bushes are risky as ticks like to sit there and can easily climb onto hikers. It's best to wear long and light clothing! Furthermore, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in light colors. Lighter colors attract fewer ticks and make it easier for you to spot the ones that end up on you.

Also read: Ticks: How to protect yourself and remove them

What is the longest hiking trail in the world?

The longest hiking trail is the "Great Trail". It used to be known as the "Trans Canada Trail". It stretches over a quite daunting length of 24,000 km and is currently the longest hiking trail in the world. There are also some breathtaking opportunities to travel through Italy, Japan, and even along the coast of England.

And how was it for you? Was there anything that you didn't know about hiking?