Kayla Magura's Blog

Infographics that Inspire: How Visual Design Brings Hiking Data to Life

What great graphics can teach us about trail confidence, safety and storytelling.

Why Infographics Matter in the Hiking World

When you’re trying to convince someone that hiking is accessible to beginners and folks who might have apprehensions about stepping out on the trail solo, words alone don’t always do the trick. That’s where infographics come in. They’re powerful visual communication tools that translate complex data, ideas, and emotions into something easy to understand, quick to scan and are fun to look at, too.

For this post, I’m analyzing two infographics that do exactly that. Each takes a different approach to communicating something about the outdoors—whether it’s safety, mental health or gear prep—but all use design to make their messages stick.

The most effective infographics don’t just share data, they also tell a story. They guide the eye, evoke emotion, and make info feel both credible and personal. That’s the energy I want to channel in my own infographic design.

Infographic #1: “Health Benefits of Hiking”

Source: Infographic Journal

Visual Hierarchy & Organization
The infographic uses a top-down flow with numbered benefits like stress relief, better sleep and improved focus, guiding the reader through a logical journey. Each benefit is paired with a minimalist icon that reinforces the message without overwhelming the layout.

Color Choices
Soft greens and calming blues dominate the page and the colors are associated with nature, tranquility and healing. The palette subtly reinforces the message that hiking is restorative.

Typography
Two fonts are used: a bold sans serif for headings and a clean, readable serif for body copy. This combo keeps the message approachable but grounded in credibility.

Text vs. Visuals
The text is brief and punchy, with just enough scientific backing to build trust. The visuals add interest without cluttering the flow.

Storytelling Technique
The infographic moves from problem (stress, disconnection) to solution (hiking), ending with a motivational call-to-action. It’s emotional and informative.

What Makes It Work:

  • Color psychology enhances emotional appeal
  • Clear iconography supports comprehension
  • Positive tone increases shareability

Infographic #2: “The Ten Essentials of Hiking”

Source: The Next Summit

Visual Hierarchy & Organization
This infographic adopts a checklist approach that has each essential item featured in a grid. The bold title at the top grabs attention, while each square feels self-contained but consistent.

Color Choices
Bright yellows and burnt oranges dominate—evoking energy, warmth, and visibility. It’s eye-catching but not chaotic.

Typography
Chunky, all-caps titles give each section authority, while the body text is smaller and secondary. Each item is labeled simply: Water. Navigation. Layers. No fluff—just facts.

Text vs. Visuals
Each gear item is visually illustrated, which makes the checklist more memorable. Visual repetition (all items in similar box format) keeps it organized.

Storytelling Technique
This one leans more functional than emotional—but it still tells a story of preparation, confidence, and readiness. You don’t just bring these items—you become the kind of hiker who’s ready for anything.

What Makes It Work:

  • Repetition and structure increase scannability
  • Consistent layout makes information digestible
  • Useful for all experience levels

What I’m Taking into My Own Infographic Design

When I create my upcoming infographic—“Hiking is for You: Discover Confidence, Calm, and a Little Adventure”—I’ll be drawing inspiration from these design choices:

Techniques I Plan to Use:

  1. Soft, natural color palettes to evoke calm and connection
  2. Top-down storytelling structure that leads with emotion and ends with action
  3. Simple icons paired with short text for high visual impact
  4. Mix of serif and sans serif fonts for tone balance
  5. Clear visual hierarchy to guide the eye
  6. Emphasis on positive, inclusive messaging, especially for beginner and solo hikers
  7. Friendly, first-person tone to match my blog voice and resonate with my audience

Modifications for My Audience:
Since I’m speaking to 18–22-year-old women in college, I’ll also:

  • Use personal imagery or sketched-style visuals for warmth
  • Make sure all examples reflect beginner-friendly advice, not just hardcore hikers

Final Thoughts

Infographics don’t just organize information, they shape how we feel about it. These two examples show that visual design can educate, empower and inspire someone to take that first step onto a trail.

Whether you’re hiking, designing, or just figuring it all out, good visuals make the journey easier to follow.

References

Kayla Magura

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