• How much time you have. If you only have an hour or two, try and select something short to give yourself extra time to complete the hike safely.
• Your fitness level. If cardio workouts aren’t the norm in your life, recognize that going for a hike is usually a little harder than going for a quick walk, pick a hike that may challenge you, but that you can realistically accomplish in the time you allotted.
• Distance. While you may be able to pump out a mile or two walk on the treadmill at the gym with ease, know that hiking over rocky terrain or up and down hills will take a bit more effort and time.
• Elevation gain. A trail characteristic that is often overlooked is the total elevation gain that the trail travels. A path, for example, that goes up 1,000 feet over the course of a mile would be considered very steep. It’s a good rule of thumb to believe that every 1,000 feet of elevation gain on a hike will add an hour to your hiking time.

To find a trail that fits what you’re looking to do, you can use a multitude of tools. There are always guidebooks available both online or at your local bookstore. Guidebooks can sometimes be big and heavy, but they’re always reliable and never require batteries! You could even snap a picture of the relevant pages of the book to spare the weight. Another option is to look online or use phone apps such as Hiking Project or AllTrails by merely putting in your zip code and browsing the local hikes.

Apps and websites are helpful because many people will comment with current conditions as well as give accurate trail descriptions or updates. If you are going to use an app, though, take the time to download the map before you leave your house because you may not have cell service on your hike.

How To Gear Up

One of the best things about hiking is that it doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear! To start on your first few trails, you’ll need only a few pieces of equipment to make sure that you’re comfortable and safe.

• Backpack: For shorter hikes, you don’t need anything too big, sometimes even a drawstring bag is enough to carry your essentials. Look for something around 20-25 liters that is comfortable to wear for long periods. Avoid using an overly large bag or heavy bag as they’ll cause shoulder and back pain over long periods.
• Clothing: Choose something comfortable, moisture wicking and quick drying. Try to avoid cotton clothing as they tend to hold moisture and hold in odor. You might be tempted to wear basic leggings but if you are not sporting a hiking specific pair, you could end up with some not-so-pleasant effects later. When picking clothes, also think about the weather or the possible trail conditions you may encounter. If possible, use light clothing to protect against the sun or wind and wear pants if you think you’ll be in contact with a lot of bushes or poisonous plants. Wearing a hat is also a useful sun protection piece of clothing to consider wearing.
• Footwear: Arguably the most crucial part of your gear, picking footwear usually comes down to personal preference. Try and wear either synthetic or wool socks, again avoiding cotton. A pair of sturdy, well broken in and comfortable shoes will be a good choice for your first few hikes. Once you get more trails under your belt, look into investing in a new pair of hiking shoes or boots that will last you a few years.

Essentials To Bring Along

Now that you’ve picked your next hike and got yourself geared up, it’s time to fill your backpack with just a few essentials that you should always have with you on the trail.

• Navigation. Always have a map and compass or a GPS with you along your route. While your phone may be a tempting tool, it’s not always reliable if there is no cell service or if your battery dies.
• Weather and light tools. Look at the weather before you head out and bring essential tools to keep you protected. Sunblock, rain jackets, and headlamps are usually the three things to consider bringing along.
• Basic first aid kit. Something as simple as a blister can turn a fun romp into the words to a miserable hobble through some trees. Always carry a small first aid kit that includes band-aids, alcohol wipes, allergy meds, and an emergency blanket. It might feel like overkill sometimes, but you never know when you’ll trip over a log or come across someone who needs help.
• Snacks. You’re working hard to get to that overlooking view or that waterfall, and it’s important to continue to fuel your body to keep your energy up. Pick snacks that are easy to grab, full of proper nutrients and of course, delicious! And always, remember to take your trash with you if there are no available trash/recycle bins nearby.
• Water. Water. Water. Water is the absolute most important thing to take with you on every hike you go on. No matter what the temperature outside, if you’re hiking, you should be consuming a half a liter an hour at the very bare minimum. The longer the trail, the hotter the temp or, the harder you work, you’ll need to up your water intake respectively. It’s always good practice to bring the amount of water you need plus a little extra as a safety precaution.

It’s important to know that no matter what hike you choose or what you bring, the most important things to take into consideration are your safety and your overall enjoyment. Preparing properly while getting started hiking will ensure that you’ll not only enjoy your time out on the trails but also keep you safe to allow the exploring to continue.

While it may seem intimidating at first, we hope now that we’ve gone over the basics, you will have the confidence to go on your first hike and absolutely rock it. Now grab your gear, your water, and a friend and head out!