How to plan a hike » tips & guidelines to keep you safe
Choosing the right hiking route
The first step when planning a hike is picking out the right route. Start by thinking about what you most want to get out of your adventure: Want to take a leisurely stroll in the great outdoors, soak in epic views, or put your skills to the test on challenging terrain? Depending on your own personal preferences, you can easily adjust your route to suit your needs. Digital tools like the Suunto App or Strava give you access to tons of hiking trails which you can quickly filter by difficulty, distance, and elevation gain. Don't forget about personal recommendations either – friends, family, or local hiking groups often know the most amazing trails that may not be on everyone's radar.
Timing: The key to a stress-free hike
If you're just starting out, stick to routes that don’t cover more than 6 to 9 miles, and only involve a moderate elevation gain. More experienced hikers can tackle longer distances with steeper inclines.
Here's a good rule of thumb: Plan for about 2.5 miles per hour of hiking time and add an extra hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Make sure to be completely honest with yourself: How much ground will you realistically be able to cover per hour – solo or with your crew? Time estimates in guidebooks are often way too optimistic or highly individualized. So check your personal fitness levels before you head out, and err on the side of caution when drawing up your plans to save yourself from nasty surprises along the way. On top of your actual hiking time, factor in breaks: namely 15 minutes after every 2 hours, plus a solid 30-minute break when you’ve made it all the way to the summit.
Just a heads up: Every stop along the way to adjust your gear, e.g. to throw on a rain jacket or fleece when it gets chilly, is bound to eat up precious minutes. Especially during shorter days in the fall, timing is everything. Give yourself plenty of buffer to complete your route before nightfall, and double-check the timetables of local cable cars. If your perfect hike includes bottlenecks like narrow trails with two-way traffic, expect delays. And if there’s one rule to live by when you’re up in the mountains: If you’re late to the party, darkness is sure to punish you dearly for it.
Flexibility over fixation: Plan B is your best friend
If you focus on nothing but getting to your destination when planning your hike, you may easily find yourself in a spot of bother on the trail. As all seasoned hikers know: it's all well and good to keep your eyes on the summit – but you also need to consider backup options. So when mapping out your route, take the time to identify tricky sections like steep inclines, river crossings, or exposed ridges. Also make sure to stay alert to weather changes: Even when there’s no mention of rain in the forecast, you should be able to adjust accordingly when conditions turn, and be able to abandon your plans if necessary.
Don't forget your checkpoints
It never hurts to consider alternate routes in case of an approaching storm – or if you simply change your mind along the way. So make sure to map out checkpoints before getting to the challenging parts of your trek, like difficult passages or spots that can become tricky to navigate in certain conditions.
This is the time to take a breather, assess the situation close-up, and decide whether to keep pushing forward. Staying flexible isn't a sign of weakness, but a tell-tale sign of experience and good judgment. Use tools like the SAC difficulty scale or local weather reports to get a realistic read on challenging sections. Because in the mountains, it's not about how fast you reach the top – your number one priority should always be making it back down safely.
What to pack for a hike
A well-packed hiking backpack contains everything you’ll actually need along the way – time to say goodbye to unnecessary extras. When planning your trip, the right hiking gear is key for your own comfort and safety. Keep an eye on the overall weight: For day hikes, experienced hikers recommend keeping a fully loaded backpack below 10 percent of your body weight, and at no more than 20 percent of your body weight for multi-day trips. You can find out more in our dedicated guide to how much your backpack should weigh .
Sturdy hiking boots with good tread and proper ankle support are a must-have as well. Just make sure to break in new boots before your trip to avoid blisters. Not sure what shoes you should get? Our tips for choosing the right hiking footwear are here to help!
The Top 10 essentials for your next hike
Whether you're planning a short or long hike, make sure to take these ten essential pieces of equipment with you:
Navigation: Even if you're kitted out with GPS, a map can be a true lifesaver in emergencies. Plus, a compass always comes in handy, too.
Sun protection: Sunscreen and sunglasses are your best protection against powerful UV rays to which you’ll be exposed at a higher elevation, in open terrain, or on snow fields.
Insulation: A high-quality insulation jacket is key to staying warm without overheating. Make sure to stick with the layering system – like the combination of functional underwear with a midlayer and rain jacket , for example.
Light: A headlamp or flashlight will help you safely find your way in sudden darkness or thick fog. Headlamps are particularly handy since they allow you to keep your hands free, and fully focus on the trail ahead.
Trekking poles: These are your trusty trail companions – not only do they give you extra stability and ease the strain on your joints, but they also go a long way in making even steep climbs feel like a casual walk in the park.
Repair kit: Pack a multi-tool, duct tape, or zip ties so you can MacGyver a quick fix for a torn strap, loose buckle, or broken trekking pole.
Food and plenty of water: Bring enough water (at least 1.5 to 2 liters per day) – a hydration bladder works great, or go lightweight with a water filter as a space-saving option. Load up on energy-rich snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars. More tips on what to bring can be found in our guide to ideal hiking foods.
Power bank: Stay connected for navigation and emergency calls without ever having to worry about a dead battery. Especially on longer trips, a power bank will give you peace of mind – and extra freedom.
Emergency shelter: Sleeping bags and bivy sacks protect you from wind, rain, and cold during unexpected overnights by trapping your body heat.
First aid kit: A compact first aid kit is your secret guardian angel when you’re out and about. Equipped with bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and an emergency blanket, you're all set for expertly dealing with blisters, minor injuries, or unexpected situations.
Staying safe – step by step
Whatever hike you’re planning, safety should always be your top priority. Check the weather forecast on the day of your trip. If there's even the slightest chance of thunderstorms or heavy rain, it's better to postpone your hike. Share your planned route and expected return time with friends or family. That way, someone will knows where you are in case something goes wrong. Also, save the number of the local mountain rescue to your contacts. If you're hiking with a group, make sure you set a pace that works for everyone. Nobody should be pushed beyond their limits, as this is a surefire way of increasing the risk of accidents.
Trail etiquette: How to show courtesy and respect along the way
On the trail, courtesy is king – and a friendly greeting will usually go much further than any GPS could ever take you. Hikers going uphill have the right of way – they're working their way up with limited visibility and at their own pace, so make sure you let them pass if you’re on the descent. When you happen to cross paths with mountain bikers, there's usually a code of honor: they slow down, keep their distance, and let you pass safely. However, as a hiker it's often easier (and sometimes safer) to just briefly step out of the way. If you come across horses along your route, move calmly to the side and stay at a distance as they get easily spooked. Dogs should always be kept on a leash to prevent them from startling wildlife or livestock – or put another person at risk. Also, make sure to approach any cattle on the trail with caution: keep your distance, avoid sudden movements, and keep your dog safely leashed. Avoid getting in between a mother cow and her calves to avoid unnecessary stress on the animals, and keep yourself safe as well.
That being said: Courtesy isn't just limited to your fellow trail users. Stick to marked trails to protect local plants and animals, and don’t leave anything behind – pick up your trash, including organic waste, and skip picking flowers or carving initials into tree bark. Reusable containers help avoid single-use waste, and make sure to leave your natural surroundings the way you'd want to experience them: clean and untouched.
Planning a hike is all about striking the perfect balance between freedom and safety. With a carefully planned route, the right equipment, and solid security measures in place, you’re all set to head out for your next big adventure. So lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and go explore the great outdoors! And if you're aiming for even loftier heights, check out our mountaineering guide for beginners which is packed full with all the information you need to kick off your outdoor sporting career in style.