"I’d Love to Hike, But…" – The Excuses We Tell Ourselves
I’ve heard all the excuses—heck, I’ve used some of them myself! Growing up, hiking was second nature to me. My father always had a set of essentials packed, no matter how short the trail: proper shoes, a map, a compass, snacks, water, and a hat. He never cared about fancy brands—he cared about being prepared. And that mindset stuck with me.
But as I started meeting more people who wanted to hike but never did, I realized something: it wasn’t the lack of trails or time—it was the excuses.
So, let’s bust some of the most common excuses and get you on the trail, where you actually want to be.
1. "I’m Not Fit Enough"
You don’t need to be an athlete to start hiking. Hiking isn’t about sprinting up a mountain; it’s about moving at your own pace and enjoying the outdoors. Some of the best hikes I’ve done were slow, steady, and filled with breaks to take in the view.
Try this: Start small. A 20-minute walk on a nature trail or a local park counts as a hike! Gradually work your way up to longer or more challenging routes.
2. "I Don’t Have the Right Gear"
If my dad taught me anything, it’s that good gear helps, but it’s not everything. When I trekked in the Himalayas, I made sure I had quality basics, but I didn’t splurge on top-tier brands. What mattered was comfort, functionality, and preparation.
Try this: You probably have most of what you need already. Comfortable sneakers, a backpack (check my article about backpacks!), water, and weather-appropriate clothes are a great start. As you hike more, you can upgrade your gear piece by piece. The only thing I would add to the list are trekking poles - fond them life-saving many times. Check out my article to discover the top reasons why they’re not just for hikes, but also perfect for everyday walks. I’ll walk you through what really matters when choosing the right ones—and don’t miss my two budget-friendly favorites you can grab on Amazon!
3. "I Don’t Have Anyone to Go With"
Solo hiking can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the most freeing experiences. You get to set your own pace, take breaks when you want, and really tune into nature. Plus, there are ways to ease into it safely.
Try this: Start with well-populated trails or join a local hiking group. You might even meet like-minded people on the trail!
4. "I’m Too Busy"
Life gets hectic—I get it. But hiking doesn’t have to be an all-day commitment. Even a 30-minute trail walk can reset your mind and body.
Try this: Schedule a short hike like you would a workout or a coffee break. Treat it as a non-negotiable part of your week.
5. "It’s Too Expensive"
Unlike many hobbies, hiking is free. You don’t need a gym membership, expensive classes, or high-tech gear. Nature is open 24/7, and the best trails won’t cost you a dime.
Try this: Look for local parks, green spaces, and free-entry hiking areas near you. Borrow gear from friends if you’re unsure about investing in your own yet.
6. "I Don’t Know Where to Go"
This is the easiest excuse to fix! There are endless resources—apps, websites, local hiking clubs—that can help you find trails suited to your level.
Try this: Download a hiking app like AllTrails or check out local tourism websites. Even better, ask friends or colleagues for recommendations—they might even want to join you!
7. "I’m Afraid of Getting Lost"
Fair concern! But modern technology makes it easier than ever to stay on track. Plus, simple precautions can keep you safe.
Try this: Stick to well-marked trails, use a hiking app with offline maps, and always let someone know your plan.
8. "The Weather is Always Bad"
Sure, some weather conditions make hiking less fun (or even unsafe), but that doesn’t mean you can’t hike at all. There are trails for every season and weather type!
Try this: Check the forecast before heading out. If it’s rainy, choose shorter, safer paths with good footing. If it’s cold, layer up. Every season offers something special on the trail!
9. "I Have Kids, So It’s Impossible"
Hiking with kids takes a little more planning, but it’s absolutely doable—and incredibly rewarding. In fact, it can be one of the best ways to instill a love of nature early on.
Try this: Start with short, easy trails. Pack plenty of snacks, breaks, and entertainment (like a scavenger hunt). Choose trails with fun elements like waterfalls or wildlife sightings.
10. "I’m Too Old for This"
Hiking isn’t just for the young—it’s for everyone. I’ve met hikers in their 70s and 80s who move at their own pace and enjoy every step. Age is just a number!
Try this: Opt for gentle, flat trails to start. Walking poles can help with balance, and regular hikes can actually improve mobility and endurance over time.
Final Thoughts: Just Start!
Every seasoned hiker started somewhere. You don’t need to be ultra-fit, have the latest gear, or wait for the "perfect time." Hiking is about exploring, moving, and finding a little peace outside of daily life.
So, what’s stopping you? (Hint: nothing anymore!)
Lace up, step outside, and start your hiking journey today.
What’s the excuse that’s held you back the most? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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