It’s possible to hike alone, but it is even more fun to hike with your partner.
It doesn’t matter how long you two have been together, if it is your first time out together, your relationship may be really tested.
But with the right guidelines, I guarantee you will have a big time.
It is important to ensure that your relationship remains intact throughout the trip.
If you are longing for a successful hike with a partner, Native Compass is here with the best tips. Check them out.
- Set Your Expectations Before the Hike
Are you going to hike for long distances?
Do you want to listen to music and read books under a tree after short distances? Probably, each one of you has got different expectations.
If you are a fast hiker and your partner is slower, should you hike at your own pace or you should wait for them? To avoid miscommunication, you should share and agree on the activities you will partake together before time.
If conditions change after days or weeks, you should manage your expectations to ensure you make each other happy
- Effective Communication
During hiking, you may face both physical and psychological challenges.
It is therefore important you communicate effectively with your partner. Good communication is vital in maintaining a strong relationship.
You should all agree on how to monitor your dehydration, when you need to take a break and ensure that you’re hiking at a speed that is convenient for both of you.
You should agree on what to do if your partner feels not to continue with the journey.
- Giving Each Other Emotional and Physical Space
You should take most of your hiking together but once in a while, if your partner needs personal space you should allow them. You don’t need to be close all day.
However, the time you spend apart should not be so long. The distance should be at least a quarter a mile.
For safety reasons, wait for each other at road crossings or the summit of the mountain you are climbing to ensure that none of you gets lost or hurt.
You can also set and maintain boundaries so that one’s personal space is not invaded
- Support Each Other Both Physically and Emotionally
Offering physical and emotional support for each other is the best part of hiking together. It is good to cheer each other up and teach them new hiking skills.
You may decide to share the little chores like cooking, fetching water, and pitching up a tent.
When your partner is having a bad day, be there for them and let them help you also when you are in need. Having a caring partner at your side is the best thing in hiking.
- Solve Problems Together
You should learn how to work together in solving unexpected challenges such as thunderstorms, fatigue, injuries, and wrong turns during hiking.
These will build your relationship and problem-solving skills.
- Respect Your Different Approaches
Even if we want to do the same activities, we may have different ways and reasons for doing them.
Respecting the views of your partner and their way of doing things will make the hiking enjoyable. It is a sign of love and care of one another
- Enjoy the Small Things
Together enjoy all the beautiful sights and sounds from nature. Create some memorable moments from simple gifts from the environment.
Surprise your partner with a wildflower, a vista, or wildlife sighting. If you have a camera, take photos together.
Whether you are hiking with a romantic partner, a friend, or a relative, these tips will make your trip more enjoyable.
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