Essential Hiking Skills Every Beginner Should Know

What Is Hiking, Really?

At its core, hiking is just walking outdoors on natural terrain. That's it. You don't need special certifications, years of training, or elite fitness to get started. If you can walk for a couple of hours, you can hike.

But there's a difference between walking on a sidewalk and navigating a mountain trail. The terrain is uneven, the weather can change, and you're often far from help if something goes wrong. That's where having a few basic skills comes in.

You don't need to master everything before your first hike. But knowing these fundamentals will make you safer, more confident, and a better trail companion.

The Three Core Hiking Skills

1. Navigation

Knowing where you are and where you're going is the most important skill on the trail.

Before the hike:

• Study the trail map and know the route
• Download offline maps on your phone (AllTrails, Gaia GPS, or Google Maps)
• Note key landmarks, junctions, and turnaround points
• Know the estimated time to reach the summit and return

On the trail:

• Pay attention to trail markers, ribbons, and signage
• Check your map regularly, not just when you're lost
• If the trail seems to disappear, stop and backtrack to the last clear marker
• Keep track of your pace and time to gauge how far you've gone

Getting lost is one of the most common problems on Philippine trails, especially on mountains with multiple paths. A few minutes of preparation can save you hours of confusion.

2. Pacing

A lot of beginners make the mistake of starting too fast. They're excited, feeling good, and burning through energy in the first hour. Then the trail gets steep and they're gassed.

How to pace yourself:

• Start slow. If you can't hold a conversation while walking, you're going too fast
• Take short, regular breaks every 30 to 45 minutes instead of long rests every few hours
• Eat and drink before you feel hungry or thirsty. By the time you notice, you're already behind on fuel
• Match the group's pace. If you're with others, the group should move at the speed of the slowest member

Good pacing means you'll still have energy at the summit and, just as importantly, on the way down. Descents are where most injuries happen because tired legs are clumsy legs.

3. Weather Reading

Mountain weather in the Philippines can shift fast. Clear skies in the morning can turn into heavy rain by afternoon. Knowing how to read conditions helps you make smart decisions on the trail.

What to watch for:

• Dark clouds building on the horizon or above the summit means rain is likely coming
• Sudden temperature drops can signal an incoming storm
• Fog rolling in reduces visibility and makes navigation harder
• Strong winds at exposed ridgelines can be dangerous, especially with rain

What to do:

• Always check the weather forecast the night before and morning of your hike
• If conditions turn bad mid-hike, don't push for the summit. Turn back
• Carry rain gear even on clear days. Mountain weather doesn't care about forecasts

Trail Awareness

Beyond the big three, there are smaller skills that make a big difference:

Foot Placement

Watch where you step. Loose rocks, wet roots, and muddy slopes are the most common causes of slips and falls. Step on solid, flat surfaces when possible. On steep sections, keep your center of gravity low and take shorter steps.

Energy Management

Think of your energy like a battery. You need enough to get up AND back down. Most beginners forget about the descent, which can be just as tiring as the ascent (and harder on your knees).

Pack more food and water than you think you'll need. Running low on either one turns a fun hike into a miserable one.

Reading the Trail

Trails communicate if you pay attention:

• Worn paths show where most people walk (usually the safest route)
• Trail markers (ribbons, paint, cairns) confirm you're on track
• Faded or overgrown paths might mean you've drifted off the main trail
• Multiple paths at a junction mean you need to check your map

Group Communication

If you're hiking with others (which you should as a beginner), communication keeps everyone safe:

• Stay within sight or earshot of the group
• Speak up if you need to slow down, rest, or stop
• Let someone know if you're feeling unwell
• Agree on a plan before the hike (pace, rest stops, turnaround time)

Safety Basics

Tell Someone Where You're Going

Before every hike, tell a friend or family member:

• Which mountain you're hiking
• Your expected start and end time
• Who you're going with
• When to worry if they haven't heard from you

Know When to Turn Back

There's no shame in not reaching the summit. Turn back if:

• Weather turns dangerous
• You or someone in your group is injured or unwell
• You're running low on water or daylight
• The trail becomes too difficult for your skill level

The mountain will always be there for another attempt.

Basic First Aid

Know how to handle the most common trail issues:

• Blisters - Cover with moleskin or a bandage. Don't pop them
• Sprains - Rest, ice (cold water), compression, elevation
• Dehydration - Drink water with electrolytes, rest in shade
• Heat exhaustion - Move to shade, cool down, hydrate slowly
• Minor cuts - Clean with antiseptic, apply bandage

Building Your Skills Over Time

You won't learn everything from a blog post. Real hiking skills develop on the trail. Here's how to build them:

• Start with easy, well-marked trails and gradually move to harder ones
• Hike with experienced people and watch how they handle situations
• Go on the same trail in different conditions (wet vs dry, morning vs afternoon)
• Reflect after each hike on what went well and what you'd do differently

Hit the Trail with Confidence

The best way to learn hiking skills is to get out there and hike. Start simple, stay aware, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

The Peaksy community is full of experienced hikers who love helping beginners get started. Find a group hike, lace up your shoes, and start building skills one trail at a time.