Some people love hiking up mountains for the sense of accomplishment and striking views; others are just as happy to stroll on flat, forested trails for the simple pleasure of being outside. No matter your preference, hiking can be a pleasant experience for anybody if you take the time to start right, beginning with relatively short trips to break both you and your equipment in gently. This gradual approach lets you get a feel for what kind of hiking you prefer --- and how far you can stretch your comfort zone without making yourself miserable.
Step 1
Purchase sturdy, supportive hiking boots or shoes that fit you well. You should have room to wiggle your toes and there shouldn't be any "hot spots" or pinch points when you walk around in the boots. Start the break-in process by wearing them around the house for short periods of time, wearing the same socks you plan to wear while hiking.
Step 2
Choose a daypack with a waist belt, so your pelvis bears most of the load instead of your shoulders. REI recommends 30 liters, or around 1,830 cubic inches, as an ideal daypack size. Adjust this figure upward if you hike with kids or a dog and plan to carry extra supplies, or down if you're comfortable traveling light. Try the pack on in the store to make sure it fits you comfortably; some stores keep sandbags on hand to simulate the amount of weight you'd normally carry.
Step 3
Keep the pack filled with your trail supplies; this reduces your risk of leaving something behind. What you carry depends on where you're hiking, and your level of skill and comfort. If you're hiking with a dog, bring food, water and booties, although you can also outfit your dog with a small pack to carry his own items. Bring extra snacks, water and layers of clothing if you're traveling with kids.
Step 4
Start with short hikes on relatively well-established trails. This gets you comfortable with the experience of hiking and also helps you continue breaking in your boots. Having a friend along isn't strictly necessary but can make the trip more enjoyable --- and the noise you make while talking can help alert wildlife to your presence.
Step 5
Turn back before you're completely exhausted; remember, you got yourself in and now you have to get yourself out. From this point on, becoming a better hiker is a simple matter of logging more hours on the trail, so you get a better sense of your own capabilities and preferences.
Tips and Warnings
- On well-maintained and trafficked trails, you might need nothing more than a water bottle. The farther you get from civilization, however, the more important it becomes to have adequate food and water, an extra layer of clothing or two, first-aid and fire-starting supplies, a space blanket or other emergency shelter and a way of signalling for help. If you're traveling off the beaten path or like to explore off-trail, carry a map and compass and know how to use them. As you get more experienced at hiking, you'll be better able to sort out which items are really useful for you to carry in your specific circumstances. If you do hike with a friend, make sure you can reach a comfortable compromise about how fast and far to hike.
- Take the time to research common wildlife in your area and how to respond if you encounter certain creatures. Park rangers, local guidebooks, and nature, science or visitor centers are all good sources for this sort of basic information. These sources can also inform you about any poisonous or noxious plants in your area.
Things You'll Need
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Daypack
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