As someone who loves spending time outdoors, one of the blessings in life is finding someone who shares the same passion for nature. Hiking solo can be fun, but it gets so much better when you can do it with your significant other. However, it can have detrimental effects on your relationship if you do not plan it right or follow certain “etiquette” on the trail. This is why I share my hiking tips for couples in this article, to help you plan and enjoy outdoor adventures with your loved one.
What Are Some Hiking Tips For Couples?
Hiking as a couple can be an amazing date idea to step away from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. But it’s important that you plan it right before you hit the road, and make sure you follow some guidelines while on the trail.
1. Start Small
Even if you’re both experienced, when hiking together for the first time, I recommend you start small. You first need to learn each other’s hiking style and limits. The first time hiking together should be focused on having a good time, not conquering extreme terrains or weather. As you hike as a couple time after time, you can start taking the difficulty up a notch – if you BOTH choose to. Which brings us to the next tip…
2. Plan Your Trip Together
It’s very important that both of you are involved in the planning of your hike. Even if one of you is taking the lead, it’s crucial that you review the plan together and communicate your needs and preferences. Do you want an easy stroll in nature, or do you wanna climb that challenging summit? Are you in the mood for a two-week-long backpacking trip, a weekend, or a few hours day hike? What gear are you gonna pack? What about food? These are all things you need to discuss and agree on while planning your trip.
3. Accommodate Fitness & Experience Level Differences
If one of you is more fit and experienced than the other, then it’s crucial that you adjust for the level of the other person. I’m pretty sure you do not want them feeling miserable half way through the hike probably questioning why they started dating you in the first place. That’s definitely NOT why you suggested the trip, right?!
To avoid such an unwanted scenario, you need to compromise while planning your trip. Definitely put the idea of a backpacking adventure on a back-burner and start with a day hike instead. Choose a trail that is appropriate to the other person’s level even if you think it’s too easy for you. You can still hike solo or with your outdoorsy friends if you’re looking for a challenge. But now, it’s not the time for pushing your, and their, limits.
Similarly, on the trail do your best to be extra patient with your loved one. Some parts of the trail which might seem like a walk in the park for you might be challenging to them. Let them take their time and check with them if they would like your help.
4. Share & Learn
Following up on the differences in experience level, this can present an opportunity to learn or share your skills with your partner. If you’re more experienced, then make sure you share your knowledge and demonstrate your skills. For example, if you’re descending a steep hill, you can talk to them about the importance of taking small and fast steps and show them how to zig-zag their way down.
On the other hand, if you’re more inexperienced, then take that as an opportunity to learn. Don’t be shy to ask questions or ask for help. For example, you can ask your partner to show you how they’re using the GPS or, better yet, a map and compass, which can be trickier to learn on your own.
5. Bring Snacks
One of the 10 hiking essentials we always recommend is to bring more food than you think you need, just in case you end up stranded overnight. However, there’s also another benefit to that, which is to ensure you and your partner are kept well fed and your moods in check throughout your trip. If you’re like most couples, I would bet most of your usual arguments boil down to someone being hungry and unknowingly lashing out about it. Do yourselves a favor and bring lots of snacks so you can enjoy a fun peaceful hike!
6. Communicate Your Needs
If you’re going to pick one of my hiking tips for couples, this is probably it. Open communication between couples is one of the building blocks of a healthy relationship. This is even more important in situations that might be more stressful than your daily routine. That’s why I cannot stress the importance of communicating your needs clearly and openly. Are you feeling tired and need a break? Speak up. Do you feel like your backpack is getting too heavy? Ask for your partner’s help. Do you feel bothered that you’re stopping for photos more than you think you should? Mention it to them (nicely and respectfully). And just as important as communicating your needs is, be willing to listen and compromise so you can both have a good time.
How Does Hiking Help Your Relationship?
Hiking together as a couple can have a number of positive benefits for your relationship. Here are some of the key ways in which hiking can strengthen your bond.
Lasting Memories & Shared Experiences
Hiking provides great opportunities to create shared memories that will last a lifetime. From the moments of laughter and joy to the challenges you overcome together, these memories will serve as reminders of your connection and shared passions. Revisiting these memories can strengthen your bond and bring you closer together. That epic sunset view from the mountain peak your conquered together is certainly something you two will remember for many years to come!
Accomplishment & Teamwork
Hiking challenges you to work together, overcome obstacles, and achieve common goals. You’ll need to support each other through the physical demands of the hike. This will help develop a stronger sense of teamwork and trust in each other.
Relaxation & Stress Relief
Being immersed in nature can have a calming and stress-reducing effect. Hiking can help you and your partner disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with each other in a peaceful setting.
Opportunity for Deep Conversation
Hiking provides a natural space for meaningful conversations and shared experiences. As you work together to navigate the trail, you’ll find opportunities to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and dreams. This open communication can help you deepen your understanding of each other and strengthen your emotional connection. I can tell you from personal experience that my wife and I have had some of our deepest conversations while hiking, and we’re thankful for this opportunity.
What Gear Do You Need For Hiking As A Couple?
The gear we recommend you pack for hiking as a couple isn’t much different from what we usually recommend for any hiking trip. You can read more about this in our guide on how to pack for a day hike. However, the unique situation of hiking together still merits a few adjustments and additional suggestions.
Things you can share
Assuming you’re going to be hiking next to each other (almost) the whole time, there are a few things you can share. Of course you can decide to carry your own individually, but I believe that would be excessive and will only add unnecessary load to your backpacks.
- Lightweight First-aid Kit: This needs to be in your backpack on any outdoor adventure, but since you’re hiking together, only one of you can carry a kit. However, I do recommend you BOTH have a loud whistle which you can attach to your bag. In case you separate, this will help you find each other and allow emergency teams to find you in case you get lost.
- Water Filter: If you know there will be natural sources of water along your trail, one of the valuable items I recommend you pack is a water filter. This will help you significantly reduce the amount of water you need to pack. A single reliable water filter is more than enough.
- Toilet Accessories: Assuming you won’t “need to go” at exactly the same time, you can share the same toilet paper roll, trowel, and hand sanitizer. Otherwise, you’re just too unlucky…
- Sunscreen: My wife ALWAYS has sunscreen in her pack. I like that because I never have to worry about it.
- Insect Repellent: Since my wife has to carry the weight of our shared sunscreen, I return the favor by packing insect repellent so she does not have to. Sharing is caring, right?
- Other Items: Other items you can also share include a fire-starter and a multi-tools set or knife.
Overnight Gear
If you decide on a weekend or a multi-day hike, then you obviously need additional gear.
- Tent: You basically need a 2-person tent. However, if you do not mind the extra weight and cost, and want to spoil yourself and your partner with a roomier shelter at night, then size up and get yourself a 3-person tent.
- Sleeping Pad: This will give you comfort and insulation from the cold ground during your sleep. Consider an air pad or a lightweight self-inflating pad as these usually pack small and do not add much weight to your backpack.
- Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag traps the warm air around you which helps keep you warm through the night. You can get one that fits two. Alternatively, get compatible sleeping bags that you can zip together and transform into one big sleeping bag for both of you. If you go for either option, then also consider getting a 2-person sleeping pad.
- Kitchenware: Don’t go overboard here. Camping cookware and utensils come in all shapes and forms, but they are one of those things backpackers usually overpack. You really just need a cooking pot, a couple of sporks, and a backpacking stove. If you prefer not to eat from the same “plate”, then in addition to the cooking pot, you can get an additional plate or bowl. Optionally, if you cannot survive without your morning coffee – which I totally understand – then you can add a couple of mugs.
- Other items: Toothpaste and toothbrushes, and body wipes to freshen up before you change into a sleeping outfit.
Hiking Tips For Couples: Final Thoughts
I hope these hiking tips for couples are going to help you plan your next outdoor adventure for you and your special one. I would also love it if this ends up being a thing you do together on a regular basis! Just make sure you carefully plan your trip, make them feel included throughout the whole process, and communicate your needs openly and respectfully. That’s my simple recipe for epic hiking or backpacking adventures as a couple, where you get to spend some quality time and make lasting memories.
Do you have some more tips or experiences you’d like to share? Tell us all about it in the comments below!