"One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure" - William Feather
Adventure is an interesting concept. Many people have different view on what "adventure" really means or looks like. To some, it is traveling to a different country, others it is being outside. One thing I believe is true though, is that our life is one big adventure and journey.
This past semester I went on three adventures for my Outdoor Leadership Major. One was for a Mountaineering class that went over basics on mountaineering, as well as going winter camping and mountaineering up Mount Dillard.
(Mount Dillards peak pictured)
On another backpacking trip I went to Massacre Flats. This trip was for a Outdoor Living Skills class.
The last big trip I went on though, was on the Lost Coast. This trip was two weeks long, and consisted of us traveling on foot with heavy backpacks over 100 miles!
I thought I would share with you 10 Hiking Tips that I found helpful!
1. Good preparation
Whether you plan on going on a short backpacking trip, or a long one, good preparation never fails to be important. The best thing to do, is a few weeks to a month write out a list of all the areas that need to be figured out. Some things on that list may include: food, clothes, permits*, weather, etc.
* Make sure to check if the area you are going needs permits! Getting a permit can be a time consuming process.
2. Go light!
Pack light! What feels light in the front country will more than likely feel very heavy on your pack over the miles in the back country. Only pack what you need. (Don't be under-prepared though, that can cause even more problems than carrying a couple extra pounds). Easy ways to go light is: measure out food portions and get traveled size personal hygiene stuff. Nowadays they make amazing products that make it easy to go light!
3. LNT!
On anything you do outside, it is important to practice leave no trace (LNT). There are 7 LNT principles that can help anyone remember ways they can be wiser with how they hike, camp, and spend time outside. The main purpose is to protect wildlife and areas so that later on, we are still able to enjoy them. (Picture below is of one of my trip members cleaning up trash on the beach)
4. Broken in shoes
Something that makes a huge difference when hiking is already broken in shoes. When your shoes are already broken in, it reduces the chance for blisters or rubbing. The best way to break in your shoes is to wear them! Maybe wear them around the house, or take them on some short day hikes. 
5. Physically fit
Being physically fit can help a lot. When a person is fit, it can be a lot easier on their joints, as well as the chances of blisters or injuries. Other ways besides normal cardio and weight training workout is to take a backpack and fill it with heavy things and walk around with it.
6. Tracking poles
For long mileage trips, I highly encourage using tracking poles! It is amazing how they can help release and balance the weight that is being carried on your back. On the Lost Coast there are many river crossings as well as very loose sand to travel over. Having tracking poles was a major help!
7.Toiletries
Peeing and pooping in the back country is sure different than in the front country. For many people this is the most intimidating, overwhelming part. The best thing to do is be prepared. Make sure you have a trowel. This trowel will eventually become your best friend. LNT shares great ways on how to know where the best places to dig a cat-hole are. Also, don't let the fear of no privacy or pooping in the woods scare you from an adventure. It is one of the only times you get a bathroom with a view!
8. Adventure buddies
The best memories are made with the group of people who are on the same adventure. The laughs, stories, and inside jokes that develop on these trips are ones that are remembered forever. Making sure you have a solid group to go with is key. 
9. Document
Whether you are a journalist, photographer, or blogger, document your trip! So much goes on while you are outside and adventuring. I love how we are all created differently and this can look a different way for everyone! (pictured is an amazing sunset on the last night of our trip)
10. End of trip treasures
For me, this is one of the most important parts after a trip. Most hiking trips are off the grid, so you aren't exposed to any traffic, electronics, and food (the fresh kind! ). What I love to do, is make sure that my end of my trip treasures are planned well! What I usually include, is a fresh pair of clothes (your favorite- most comfortable). After days or weeks in a few of the same clothes- the clothes left in the car will feel like heaven! Also, bring snacks! Your favorites that you couldn't bring with! Try and think what you would really want at the end, that you didn't have on the trip. Odds are that even though you are smelly and stinking, fresh clothes and some yummy snacks will make you feel like a million bucks.
