Related Posts
Any flats near Kubdalahalli?
Any good squash clubs in the City?
Additional Posts in The Worklife Bowl
Has anyone done the mail in test kits for Covid?
Leaving a job virtually is kind of anticlimactic.
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.




Rising Star
I would say experience and knowledge hiking different terrains and in different conditions, especially where weather and conditions can be changeable, for instance at high altitude.
I have hiked multiple solo hikes through the Eastern Sierra (including 200+ mi), and I still wouldn't consider myself an experienced hiker.
I think the meaning of hiking is that over this mountain will see different scenery, so I also want to conquer the next mountain to see different scenery, although my hiking experience is very little but I always like to meet different experienced and excellent people.
Just the top of my head:
- physical endurance, comfortable with long distances and elevation gains
- good awareness of energy level, able to manage pace to conserve energy as needed
- ability to adapt to weather conditions
- skilled in navigation, ability to find your path with map and compass, with little to no trail markers
- emergency first aid and survival skills
As for apps, AllTrails has a basic hike rating system, but the trail reviews are where it really shines and comes in handy
This seems expert, not experienced.
Second AllTrails at least for routes. For longer solo hikes you should consider getting a Garmin in reach (GPS and emergency system). A friend who solos a lot has it and his mom can check his location. Always tell someone your plan… your work finding out you didn’t show up on a Monday versus someone knowing Saturday that you didn’t return (for example) can be the difference between life and death. Always print out trail maps, this has saved us on several occasions where trails aren’t clearly marked and have enough food and water.
0-4 miles often considered beginner
5-8 moderate
9+ pretty experienced
Depends on elevation gain and how hard the trail is. Experienced hikers know how to get up and safely off a mountain. 14ers in CO generally considered more experienced, but there’s a significant variation in how hard they are.
Doing the Incline and summit in one day. IYKYK.
You know! I was seeing black spots near the end. Lol.
To become an experienced hiker, I recommend first taking an outdoor survival skills course, and/or learn and practice skills on your own. Study and know the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Follow them always. Research your routes, download area maps ahead of time, and pack your pack appropriately for the terrain/distance and conditions. Know where and how you will get potable water and cell signal. Then, get out and practice, practice. Don’t begin with anything overly ambitious. With each outing, you will gain confidence and improve at following trail blazes and planning/navigation. You’ll start to gain a better sense of distance and your abilities. There’s no timetable for becoming experienced. You’ll just get more experience each time you go!
I wouldn't tie the term "experience" to any certain physical feats or difficulty levels. It's possible to be extremely fit, but unexperienced in certain terrain. As a fat hiker, I'm never going to be a high achiever, but that doesn't mean I'm not experienced. I think experience just comes with logging miles walked and nights spent on a trail. By the way, all my experience is really only good for the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota. I wouldn't ever consider myself "experienced" on the AT, CDT, or the PCT.