Hiking as a First Date: 15 Tips for Safety, What to Wear, & How to Make it Fun

Are you getting to know someone and wondering if hiking as a first date is a good, or maybe not so good, idea?

That’s a valid question, as you want to ensure that you’re safe, have a good time, and don’t get stuck out in the woods with someone you don’t enjoy… right?!

Whether you’re the one who has suggested going for a hike for your first date or the person you’re going with has, it’s good to know a few things before heading out.

In this post, I’ll go over some things that you might be asking yourself, including whether it’s safe or not and what to wear.

By the end of this post, you’ll be a wizard on what to expect for your date on the trail.

Is Hiking as a First Date a Good Idea?

Yes, hiking can make for a really great way to get to know someone on a date, especially if you’re both already avid outdoors people!

Getting out on the trail can be a great way to connect with someone by doing something that you both love.

This can be a great way to actually express yourselves and showcase your hobbies, rather than doing the typical movie and dinner date.

Hiking gives you plenty of time to talk to the other person and really get to know them, whereas with a movie, you can’t talk at all, and at dinner, you’re busy eating.

Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some great views, get some fresh air, and get a bit of exercise in, all while making a new friend or partner!

Overall, it can be a great hiking date, as long as you are taking some safety precautions (we’ll discuss these below!) and are prepared.

And if you aren’t comfortable going with a stranger (as many people aren’t!), then consider making a hike a second date, rather than the first.

Pros and Cons of Going on a Hike for a Date

Top Tips for Going on a Hiking Date

If you’ve decided that you’re going to embark on a hike for one of your first times out with a potential partner, there are a few things you should know.

This is definitely a different kind of date than the typical person takes, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a blast.

Just follow some of these tips to help make sure that it goes smoothly and that you’re not booking it the other direction at the end of the day.

1. Meet the Person for Coffee Beforehand

I know that this totally gets rid of the ‘first’ hiking date idea, but you could even just grab a cup of coffee right before heading to the trailhead.

This at least gives you the chance to see them in person and grab your first impression before going for the hike.

2. Bring the Proper Hiking Gear

This goes for any time you get out on the trail, but you should really make sure that you have packed all of the proper hiking gear.

You don’t want to get out there and realize that you forgot your snacks, raincoat, or ice traction devices.

Pack it all up nicely in your backpack and double-check that you have it all before leaving!

3. Set a Goal on When to Be Back

This is a nice way to make sure that you’ll be back by the time you told your family you would be.

It also gives you a sense of time to know when the date will be over, so that if you’re ready to be done, you’ll know when that will be.

It just is a way to bail if needed, because you’ll be able to throw it out there, “whoops looks like it’s time to turn around if we want to be back before 5.”

4. Pay Attention to the Weather

It’s always important to know what the weather is going to be like when you’re outside, especially if you’re hiking in the winter or in the mountains.

You don’t want to get stuck out in a storm, especially with someone that you just met, so be sure to be aware of any weather coming your way!

Also be sure to pack the right gear for any sort of weather, meaning pack extra layers, a raincoat, microspikes, etc.

5. Pack a Picnic to Enjoy Together

A nice way to add a romantic touch to a hiking date outdoors is by packing a picnic to share once you’ve reached the halfway point.

If the date is going really well, this is a nice time to just sit down and chat, and take a break before heading back.

Just pack simple things like sandwiches, crackers, cookies, granola bars, etc.

I recommend preparing the food together or just getting store-bought food, since you may be strangers to one another.

6. Plan the Hike During the Daylight

The safest time to hike with someone new is during the daylight when you both can see and when there are likely to be others on the trail.

I know that it can be tempting to stay for sunset, but for the first date, you should really try to be back at the trailhead before dark.

7. Make Sure You Both Like to Hike

It may be a bit awkward to take someone that’s never been on a hike before out hiking as your first date.

This could make them (or you!) uncomfortable and could lead to not having fun.

The only time that you should consider going on a hike with someone new is if you’re both interested in hiking, otherwise save a hike for the second date.

8. Make it a Double Date

Although it isn’t typical to make your first date a double date, it may be a good idea for hiking!

This way, you’re able to go with someone else that you’re comfortable with, like maybe a friend, to help you feel safer.

Then after hiking, maybe you and your potential partner could grab dinner to spend some more time getting to know one another personally.

9. Go Somewhere You’ve Been Before

Another way to feel more comfortable and safe on a date is by heading to a trail that you’ve been on before and are familiar with.

Doing so will give you a better understanding of where you’re at and how far you have until you’re back to the trailhead.

I know that it can be really tempting to go somewhere new and see new sights, but try to change those hikes for second dates or when you’re with someone you know.

10. Choose a Heavily Trafficked Trail

On top of choosing a trail that you already know, I recommend choosing one that is pretty heavily trafficked.

These types of trails have many people on them, typically all day long, especially in peak season.

I know that this gives me a better sense of security because if something were to go wrong, there would be multiple people I could try to get help from.

11. Share Your Location with Family and Friends

Before heading out, be sure to tell a few trusted friends or family members where you’ll be and what time you plan to return.

I would also let them know the name of the person that you’re going with.

Another great option is to share your location on your phone with them.

This can be done using apps such as Life360, and even All Trails.

12. Bring Self-Defense Items

I bring self-defense items with me on every hike, even if I’m going with my long-term boyfriend, mom, or friend.

It helps put my mind at ease a bit and gives me some safety items if we were to encounter the wrong person or animal.

This could include things such as a Birdie Personal Alarm, a keychain of pepper spray, a knife, and bear spray.

13. Make it Short and Sweet

To ensure that you don’t get stuck out on a super long trail with someone that you don’t like or aren’t comfortable with, choose a short trail.

I would recommend sticking to something under 2 miles because this distance can typically be completed in under an hour.

This way, if you’re really just ready to head out, you won’t have too far before you can get back to your vehicle, and it’ll help avoid any awkward silences.

Also remember to check on the difficulty level of the trail and the elevation changes, as these can make a short trail pretty darn tough.

14. Drive Separately to the Trailhead

Another way to stay safe and give yourself an escape plan is by driving separately to the trailhead, rather than together.

This allows you to leave as soon as you want after returning and gives you some more peace of mind.

Sometimes it may seem best to drive together to save gas, parking spaces, etc. but I would only do this if you really know and trust the person.

15. Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before and During

Some people suggest bringing a bottle of wine or something of the sort on a hike for your picnic, but I would personally avoid this.

Drinking alcohol while hiking can be dangerous as you’ll be impaired and may not be able to make good decisions.

It also leads to more danger because you’re in the woods and could get lost or fall.

It’s best to avoid drinking anytime you’re on the trail, but especially when you’re on a new date.

Is Going on a Hiking Date Safe?

Hiking is always a risky activity, as you’re going out in the wilderness where things can go wrong.

So when you head out with someone that you’ve never met before, of course, there are bound to be a few risks correlated to it.

That’s not to say that hiking can’t be a fantastic date, it’s just me letting you know that you’re going to need to be more cautious and prepared for it.

It’s less safe of an option than a movie or dinner, but it can definitely be more enjoyable, especially if you love nature.

So I wouldn’t totally rule it out as a choice, but I would ensure that you’re 100% comfortable with it and that you follow some safety tips.

Below I’ve listed a few tips on how to stay safe when you’re out on the trail, that will help you feel more comfortable and protect you.

How Long Should a Hike Date Be?

If you’re headed out with someone that you’ve either never met or are just starting to get to know, it’s best to keep the hike short.

I would personally recommend sticking to something 2 miles or shorter, as most people can hike this distance in about an hour or less.

Shorter hikes mean that you have just enough time to talk to someone and get to know them without getting stuck with someone you’re uncomfortable with.

Imagine getting out on the trail and realizing that this person just isn’t for you… but you have 3 miles back to the trailhead.

I can’t imagine that this situation would make for a fun time for anyone involved.

Red Flags to Look Out For

Since we’ve now established that safety is the most important thing when going on a hike with someone new, let’s talk red flags.

You should try to keep your guard up when hiking, and always be aware of your surroundings, so below you’ll find a few things to look out for (on really any date!).

• Trying to push you to hike longer
• Doesn’t agree with choosing a short and easy trail
• Is touchy without consent
• Wants to hike into the night and isn’t compromising
• Refuses to meet beforehand if you want to
• Suggesting a remote or not busy trail
• Suggesting to hike when neither of you are hikers
• Asking you strange questions

What to Wear on a Hiking First Date

I know that it can be really tempting to get all dressed up and wear a dress or jewelry out on the trail when you’re meeting someone new.

But to be honest, it really just should be avoided and should be added to the list of things not to wear.

Below is a list of things that are nice to wear for your hiking date:

I’ll be honest here; the best clothes to wear are just whatever clothes you would typically wear on a hike.

Going out of your comfort zone and trying to dress fashionably isn’t going to pay off and realistically if the person doesn’t like you because of your clothes, they’re not worth it anyways!

FAQs

Conclusion: Hiking as a First Date

Choosing the best type of date to go on to get to know a potential partner can be tricky because there are so many options.

But if you’re both interested in nature and are hikers, why not consider going hiking as a first date?

It allows you to get out on the trail, see some beautiful views, and get to know the person that you’re seeing.