Where to start planning a hike
Plan a day hike
Choose a route that suits the group, time it, set a turnaround time and leave your plan with someone.
Packing checklist
The ten essentials and the rest, for a day hike or an overnight, with ticks your browser remembers.
Hiking time calculator
Put in distance and ascent and get a realistic walking time, with breaks and your own pace.
Weather and mountain safety
Thunderstorms, heat, cold and wind, and the signs that it's time to turn around.
Three habits that prevent most hiking problems
- Time the route, then add margin. The distance on a signpost tells you little. Distance plus height gain gives a real estimate, and the hiking time calculator does the arithmetic.
- Start early. You get daylight in reserve, cooler walking and, in summer mountains, a better chance of being off high ground before afternoon storms build.
- Decide your turnaround time before you set off. If you haven't reached the top or your halfway point by then, you turn back. It's easier to decide at home, rested, than on the hill.
Who these hiking guides are for
They're for walkers moving from short local trails to longer days in hills and mountains, people planning their first night in a hut or tent, and anyone organising a hike for friends or family who wants a sensible plan instead of a guess.
The advice is general and works in most temperate hill and mountain areas. Local rules, seasons and hazards vary, so check the land manager, park authority or local mountain forecast for the place you're going.
More hiking guides on Wandest
- Navigation basics: paper map, compass and phone, and how to keep the battery alive.
- Choosing boots and layers: footwear that fits and a clothing system that copes with changing weather.
- Leave No Trace: the seven principles in practical terms.
- Your first multi-day or hut trip: bookings, pack weight, daily distances and water.
In an emergency call 112 in Europe (it also works in many other countries) or 911 in the US and Canada. Know the number for the country you're hiking in before you go.
Hiking trip planning FAQ
How long does a 10 km hike take?
On Naismith's rule, 10 km of walking takes about 2 hours, plus 1 hour for every 600 m of climbing, before stops. Rough ground, heavy packs and big groups all slow you down. The calculator lets you adjust for pace and breaks.
What are the ten essentials?
Navigation, a headlamp, sun protection, first aid, a knife or multi-tool, fire, emergency shelter, extra food, extra water and extra clothes. The packing checklist explains each one.
Do I still need a paper map if I have a phone?
Yes. Phones run flat, get wet and lose signal. A paper map and compass in a waterproof bag are the backup, and they're only useful if you know how to read them.