Mountain Hiking As A Couple – 5 Tips You Need To Know!
If you love mountain hiking alone, you’re really going to enjoy it as a couple. Maybe, you never thought about how much fun it can be with someone else, too!
Either way, it’s important to be aware of certain things when mountain hiking and we’re going to cover some of them in this article.
Why You Need To Start Mountain Hiking!
Ideally, living in PA allows us the luxury of living close to the Adirondack mountain trails and the views are spectacular.
And, while a romantic getaway is a nice way to take a much-needed break from your day to day life, a hiking trip is a great way to bond with your partner and get your adrenaline pumping.
There are so many reasons why mountain hiking the perfect way to spend either a day or several enjoying the beauty of nature.
With versatile terrain and challenging trails, you get a phenomenal holistic workout. And it doesn’t just make your stronger—it makes you happier, too.
When you immerse yourself in nature, your mind decreases what psychologists call “rumination”— an intense hyper-focus on things that aren’t going right in your life and all the pain points that caused it.
More so, according to the research, improved memory, increased energy, and boosts in creativity are just some of the benefits associated with hiking.
Now that we convinced you, below, you’ll find five tips for taking an overnight mountain hiking trip with your partner.
1 – Leave No Trace™
The “Leave No Trace™” concept is a set of principles that helps us collectively protect our natural spaces.
The Great Outdoors attracts millions of nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike each year.
And, due to heavy foot traffic on these beloved ancient paths, it’s important to leave your surroundings just as you found them.
After all, we don’t want to dilute the longevity of these protected spaces. We must ensure the principles below are a part of our outdoor education.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace™:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Some of the most important “Leave No Trace” guidelines include not collecting parts of the earth you find—just imagine if everyone collected a piece of rock they found along a mountain trail.
Additionally, you should always respect wildlife, and make sure to dispose of waste properly.
Moreover, make sure you learn the local campfire regulations (some parks strictly prohibit campfires so always check locations)
2 – Bring the Right Clothing Gear
It’s always surprising to see many folks not fully prepared for a hiking trip.
More so, all hiking circumstances vary depending on the trip you’re taking, but for the most part, multi-day mountain hiking trips require a versatile set of clothing options.
One thing you don’t want to do is overpack—remember, you’re carrying everything you’ll need on your back, and as such, keep your load to a minimum.
More importantly, A Merino wool base layer is essential. This type of material is breathable and versatile; no matter what type of weather you’re in.
Additionally, it can absorb moisture from sweat to keep you cool, while also keeping you warm in cooler weather.
Also, make sure you bring extra hiking socks to protect your feet and keep them warm, especially in the colder months
Of course, you will need top-quality hiking boots, windbreakers, and waterproof jackets as well. Always be fully prepared even if you are mountain hiking for the day.
3 – Always Plan Ahead of Time
This tip seems obvious but there are many folks out there who don’t plan ahead. Spur of the moment plans are fun but they can lead to trouble too especially when it comes to mountain hiking.
Simply scheduling flights and choosing a trail isn’t enough planning for an overnight hiking trip in the mountains.
If you and your partner fail to make the necessary preparations, you could find yourself in frustrating or potentially dangerous situations.
For example, always prepare for emergencies and extreme weather scenarios.
Use standard maps, a topographic map, and a multifunctional compass to determine where you’re going, and research your path well in advance.
This is even more important on off-the-beaten trail paths and will help you avoid leaving “markers” along your trail that disrupt Leave No Trace ™.
And lastly, if you’re a little apprehensive or haven’t found much research on your desired trail, post on forums like Reddit and popular hiking websites to learn more from the hiking community.
4 – Share Responsibilities When Mountain Hiking
You and your partner should agree on dividing up responsibilities, from early planning stages and cover all your bases once you’ve hit the trail.
After a long hike, decide on who will pitch the tent, and who will start putting together the meals.
In the morning, decide who will make the tea or coffee, who will fetch water from a nearby water source, who will start packing the bags and tent, etc.
Sometimes you’ll share responsibilities, while other times you’ll agree to take on dedicated routines.
5 – Walk Your Pace
Chances are, you aren’t always going to be on the same walking pace as your partner, and this is something you should discuss ahead of time to avoid frustration.
Ideally, you’d have taken shorter day hikes prior to a multi-day hike to gain a better understanding of one another’s pace.
However, it’s important to understand that hiking should be a comfortable experience and walking at your own pace is crucial.
If you’re the faster hiker, don’t be afraid to go ahead, stopping every so often to peek over your shoulder and be sure the other person is within distance.
If you’re a slower hiker, don’t push yourself to the point of overexertion to catch up. If you can see your partner ahead of you, you’re in good standing.
If it makes you comfortable, bring a whistle to signal your partner to stop when it calls for it.
Ideally, next time you and your partner decide to go mountain hiking, both of you will know the road ahead and be fully prepared for a fun time ahead!
Be sure to read The Comfy – A Blanket Sweatshirt Designed To Keep You Warm All Winter!
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Last nature hike we did was to Lake in the Clouds in Michigan.
I love nature hikes. We try to go as often as we can. Ollie loves them too!