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Hiking is undoubtedly one of the best recreational activities and hobbies around. <\/span><\/p>\n To begin with, it\u2019s a great way to get physical exercise. The amount of effort you expend can be ramped up or down depending on the length of time you\u2019re hiking and the trails you decide to tackle, and even when the level of exertion is high, it\u2019s a challenge that feels deeply satisfying. <\/span><\/p>\n Further, compared to other hobbies (and other forms of exercise), hiking is cheap. The gear you absolutely need is minimal, and while the items you choose to wear\/bring <\/span>can<\/span><\/i> get expensive, they don\u2019t have to, and all the equipment tends to last a very long time. Beyond the gear, you\u2019ll sometimes have to pay to use the trails at a park, but it\u2019s never all that much, and annual passes that save a lot of money over the course of a year are almost always available. <\/span><\/p>\n The primary benefit of hiking, of course, is getting to experience the great outdoors and the natural beauty of our planet. Following a trail with your own two feet gets you to amazing destinations that aren\u2019t available to the motorist or casual walker. In times of stress or uncertainty, the calming effect of nature works on all your senses and seems to cleanse the soul. A good hike is literally and metaphorically a breath of fresh air. <\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve wanted to take advantage of these benefits and try hiking, but haven\u2019t yet taken the first steps towards this activity, below we\u2019ve created a complete guide to getting started. <\/span><\/p>\n Now, you may be wondering, \u201cDo I really need a guide to begin hiking? Don\u2019t I just put on some boots, strap on a backpack<\/a>, and get goin\u2019?\u201d For the most part, yes! But, being prepared and having some general knowledge of troubleshooting for emergencies can make a big difference not only in your enjoyment of a particular hike, but in your very survival should you encounter the worst case scenario. <\/span><\/p>\n The vast majority of the info in this guide regards preparation — gear\/clothes, safety tools, planning your hike, etc. After offering this thorough primer on prep, I\u2019ll share a few tips for getting the most out of the hike itself, as well as some emergency basics if something goes wrong. <\/span><\/p>\n Contents [hide<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n There are plenty of cases where a new hobby leads to the purchase of a flood of new clothes and gear. This doesn\u2019t have to be the case with hiking: if you\u2019re taking short romps on easy, well-marked trails, you can pull up to a trailhead wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers, and just start walking.<\/span><\/p>\n However, as your hikes get longer, more regular, and increasingly challenging and technical, it pays to upgrade your gear. Specialized clothing and equipment actually makes a big difference in both your enjoyment of hiking, and in its safety. It\u2019s also a sound investment, as quality hiking gear lasts a long time. Personally, I\u2019ve been using the same pack and pants for every hike for the last 5+ years, and I\u2019m on my third pair of hiking boots in the 8 years we\u2019ve lived in Colorado (and that\u2019s only because they get a lot of mileage).<\/span><\/p>\n Below I\u2019ll explain why upgrading your hiking equipment goes a long way in bolstering this hobby, and what exactly you need to successfully become a regular in the wilds. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n <\/a> No matter where you\u2019re hiking, weather conditions can and do change rapidly. And it\u2019s not just about freak storms coming in; the difference between morning and afternoon, or even hiking in sunlight vs. shade, can mean a temperature change of 20+ degrees. <\/span><\/p>\n Severe unpreparedness can have severe consequences, and while it\u2019s fine to tough it out sometimes in cases of mild mismatches between conditions and clothing, if you want to <\/span>enjoy<\/span><\/i> hiking, you should do your best to maintain your comfort. The key to doing that is layering, which allows you to adjust on the fly to fluctuations in your environment. So as I go over what to wear hiking, working my way from the top of the body to the bottom, I\u2019ll talk about what to wear over\/under what, in addition to discussing the pieces that stand alone.<\/span><\/p>\n Hat.<\/b> Hats, in my book, aren\u2019t even optional when it comes to hiking. They\u2019re a must-have. They keep sweat out of your eyes and face, protect you from the sun, and simply look cool. In the cold, of course, a stocking cap is your best bet (which won\u2019t protect from the sun, but will keep you warm). Otherwise, any old cap does the trick. Hats made from performance materials are lighter weight and better wick sweat, keeping your head cooler and more comfortable. Cotton\/wool ball caps will feel heavier\/hotter but work fine too. Mesh hats (trucker style or otherwise) aren\u2019t preferable, as they just don\u2019t absorb sweat as well. If you\u2019re going to be out in the bright sun for awhile, consider wearing a full brim hat to keep the rays off both your face and neck. <\/span><\/p>\n Sunglasses<\/b>. There\u2019s really no reason to leave home without a pair of sunglasses. Something made of durable <\/span>plastic and not too expensive is ideal.<\/span><\/p>\n Base layers.<\/b> The base layer, or piece of clothing closest to your skin, is arguably the most important clothing item in your hiking wardrobe. When you research base layers, it can get confusing because a lot of what you see are long-sleeve items and the importance of always rocking three layers. But, much of that is in relation to serious mountaineering and other adventure sports. Most folks are hiking in warm, nice weather. So for your purposes, the base layer can almost always be short-sleeve, and in many cases will end up as your only layer by the end of the hike. My long-sleeve base layer only comes out in the winter. <\/span><\/p>\n Material is the key when it comes to this base layer. Cotton absorbs your sweat, and once it gets wet, it stays wet. Donning something more moisture-wicking is essential; Merino wool and a number of performance blends are what you want to choose here. <\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re going to splurge on clothing and gear, this is one place to do it. The increase in comfort is worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n Outer layers.<\/b> You have more latitude with your outer layers if you\u2019ve done well with base layers. Morning hikes often start chilly and cold fronts can come in during the day. Even if it\u2019s hot and the forecast calls for perfect weather, I always have a warm long-sleeve option available in my pack. You just never know; I\u2019ve used that \u201cemergency\u201d layer enough times to never leave home without it. <\/span><\/p>\n While performance materials are fine here, they aren\u2019t strictly necessary. Your favorite hoodie will do, and that\u2019s almost always what you\u2019ll find me in on the trail. With a Merino base layer, it just doesn\u2019t matter too much what\u2019s on top of that. <\/span><\/p>\n Jackets.<\/b> Depending on your hiking habits, you may rarely need to don a jacket on the trail. But you should always have a waterproof rain jacket with you anyway \u2014 they\u2019re typically lightweight and can squash down into a little ball in your pack. When it\u2019s cold, I do add a fleece jacket to the base layer and outer layer. <\/span><\/p>\n Pants.<\/b> One important note here at the very start: no matter the weather or the hike, you\u2019ll find me in pants rather than shorts. While they may be slightly less comfortable in terms of body temperature (though modern hiking pants keep you plenty cool), they\u2019re more comfortable in terms of protecting your legs from being scratched and scraped by brambles, branches, rocks, etc. They also prevent bugs (like dangerous ticks) from hitching a ride on your skin. <\/span><\/p>\n I wasn\u2019t a believer in the category of hiking pants until I bought some nice ones, and boy do they make a difference. It may be tempting to wear jogging pants or sweatpants or even a pair of comfortable jeans. Don\u2019t do it. Hiking pants are engineered for strenuous walking, full-contact scrambling, and keeping you comfortable throughout changes in weather and environment. <\/span><\/p>\n While not all companies share their exact fabric specifications, most are a performance material that\u2019s moisture-wicking, breathable, abrasion resistant (surprisingly handy), and even a little stretchy to ensure your legs have full range of motion. I\u2019ve been rocking two pairs of <\/span>Prana\u2019s Zion pants<\/span><\/a> for years and they show <\/span>zero<\/span><\/i> signs of letting up anytime soon. I\u2019ve also heard great things about Kuhl, North Face, Colombia, and REI brand. They will wear and fit differently on every guy, so be sure to try some on in the store (or find something online that\u2019s easily returnable). Once you find a pair you like, buy a couple and don\u2019t look back. <\/span><\/p>\n Socks<\/b>. Socks, you\u2019ll come to find, are oh so important for a successful hike. At all costs, avoid cotton. Wool or some performance blend is definitely the way to go. Wool socks might sound too warm on your feet, but nowadays they\u2019re blended and woven to be pretty breathable. And even if they\u2019re a bit toastier, it\u2019s better to have warm feet than painful feet; cotton material keeps moisture on the skin rather than wicking it away, leading to painful rubbing, hot spots, and blisters. <\/span><\/p>\n Brands like SmartWool, Darn Tough, Fits, and others have sprung up to cater to the activewear market. While you might balk at the price tag (usually $20 per pair), they\u2019re well worth it. In the case of <\/span>Darn Tough<\/span><\/a>, they even come with a lifetime guarantee; if you wear a hole in a sock, you can send \u2018em back for a free replacement pair. I\u2019ve taken them up on this multiple times. <\/span><\/p>\n Do not skimp on the socks. <\/span><\/p>\n Shoes. <\/b>I\u2019ve seen folks hiking in flip-flops. I\u2019ve seen men hiking in boat shoes. I\u2019ve seen women hiking in Uggs. Don\u2019t be any of those people. True hiking shoes\/boots will maximize your comfort and minimize the chance of accidents and injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a huge breadth of options when it comes to hiking-specific shoes; what sets them apart from other types of footwear is a combination of materials, durability, and construction: <\/span><\/p>\n Materials.<\/span><\/i> Hiking shoe uppers are made from a variety of materials -- nylon, mesh, leather, etc. Insoles tend to be cushier and outsoles are made from a very sturdy rubber and thick tread. Many hiking shoes are either water-resistant or waterproof. <\/span><\/p>\n Durability.<\/span><\/i> The uppers in hiking boots tend to be reinforced in multiple areas, and the rubber soles, while being sturdy, are also generally rather bendy. A hiking boot has to be able to flex and bend in a number of directions in order to contour with the environment. Hiking boots are more expensive than ordinary athletic shoes because they\u2019re made to take a beating. <\/span><\/p>\n Construction.<\/span><\/i> While not always the case, hikers tend to have more ankle support and are often either mid- to high-tops, with eyelets going all the way up to really be able to cinch down the boot and keep the ankle from moving. <\/span><\/p>\n The hard part about shopping for hikers is that there are so many varieties -- from trail runners, to heavyweight legacy brands like Danner, to lightweight new school brands like Hoka. To search online or walk into an outdoors shop is an intimidating affair. Your best bet is to personally visit a brick and mortar outdoors retailer (this is a good area in which to patronize a locally-owned shop, though stores like REI work too) and ask for help. They\u2019re happy to give it and the people working those shoe departments really are experts; they\u2019ll help you find exactly what will fit best with your feet and your hiking plans. <\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019d like some personal recommendations, I wear <\/span>Garmont GTX<\/span><\/a> boots (a heavier pair, which I prefer) and have also had good experience with <\/span>Vasque<\/span><\/a> (Red Wing\u2019s hiking\/adventure brand). Brett and Kate are both fans of <\/span>these Teva Arrowoods<\/span><\/a> for day hikes and short backpacking trips; they feel like a lightweight basketball shoe.<\/span><\/p>\n All that said, for shorter, less technical hikes you can certainly hit the trail in a pair of athletic sneakers if it\u2019s all you have. You might feel some rocks under your feet more so than in a hiking boot, but in most instances, you\u2019ll be just fine for a few outings here and there. <\/span><\/p>\n If the hiking bug bites and you plan to make this activity a somewhat regular part of your life, it\u2019s well worth investing $100-$200 in a pair of specialized boots. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> No matter the type of hike you\u2019re on, you should always have a backpack along to carry at least some water, and ideally some emergency essentials as well (more on these below). <\/span><\/p>\n While any backpack can serve as your hiking day pack (especially for shorter, less strenuous outings), those made with hiking in mind really do feel better and bring more efficiency to the task. <\/span><\/p>\n There are number of features that set hiking packs apart from your standard backpack: <\/span><\/p>\n Framing.<\/b> Most of your average backpacks have padding that sits directly on your back. Sometimes it\u2019s a hard, thick, rigid padding and sometimes it\u2019s a little squishier. Hiking packs, on the other hand, often utilize a hard mesh frame that puts a couple inches of space between your back and the padding of the pack. This keeps your back from getting super sweaty and also works to prevent irritation from constant rubbing. Depending on the size and purpose of the pack, you may even get metal framing that keeps everything tightly in place. <\/span><\/p>\n Water compartment. <\/b>Most modern hiking bags are designed with Camelbak-like water pouches in mind. These \u201cbladders\u201d hold multiple liters of water and make staying hydrated super easy. Hiking packs usually have a separate compartment (and sometimes a hook as well) to hold the bladder in place and keep it out of your way so that you don\u2019t have to rummage around it while trying to get other things from your bag. A straw runs from the bladder and over your shoulder and attaches to a strap in the front of the pack so that you can drink and hike without ever needing to stop. In a standard backpack, the bladder would be sloshing back and forth in the interior and the straw wouldn't be easily accessible. <\/span><\/p>\n Hardy water bottle pockets.<\/b> Many backpacks have holsters on the side for water bottles, but in my experience, they aren\u2019t big enough or strong enough to hold larger water bottles. Hiking packs have strong mesh pockets that are deep enough for any bottle you can throw their way; or, if you\u2019re using a bladder for your water, the pockets work great for stashing other things like sunglasses, snacks, kids\u2019 toys, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n Hip\/chest straps.<\/b> Ordinary backpacks often only have the usual shoulder straps, placing the weight of your pack directly onto your shoulders, neck, and upper back. This is fine for commuting, short hikes (with lightweight packs), etc., but for longer hikes, it gets to be a real pain . . . literally. Hiking packs use thick hip straps that buckle at the front of your waist, as well as smaller straps that buckle across the chest, to more evenly distribute weight. It seems like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference with heavy packs carried over long distances. <\/span><\/p>\n Built-in emergency tools. <\/b>While you should have these essentials anyway, many hiking packs have compasses, survival whistles, and paracord built right in. These can come in handy should things go south (and you need to find north). <\/span><\/p>\n Everything about hiking packs is made with a specific activity in mind. If you do a lot of hiking, buying one is well worth the small investment \u2014 while you can spend hundreds of dollars if you feel like it, my preferred Osprey Talon 22 can often be found on sale for less than $100<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n One thing to keep in mind when looking at hiking packs is size. They tend to come in a number of sizes, most often measured in liters. When I first moved to Colorado, I naively bought a really big 45L pack. I used it for a few years, but it was just too bulky and there was too much empty space on the vast majority of hikes. The material that these types of bags use is meant to be stretched and abused. You can stuff a lot \u2014 everything you need for a day hike, really \u2014 into a 20L pack. It\u2019s only if you\u2019re doing overnights or exceptionally long and strenuous hikes that you should get something bigger than that. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> When out in the wilds for an activity of any duration, it\u2019s in your interest to be aware of what wilderness experts call \u201cthe ten essentials.\u201d It\u2019s not 10 items, per se, but 10 categories or systems of items to have at the ready should you get lost, have a medical emergency, unexpectedly end up on the trail overnight, or any other number of scenarios. They\u2019re also involved in hiking prep, which is why we\u2019ll cover them at this point in the guide.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n
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Gear<\/span><\/h3>\n
Clothes <\/span><\/h3>\n
\nLet\u2019s start with clothing, which will include everything from your head to your feet. <\/span><\/p>\nPacks<\/h3>\n
The Ten Essentials<\/span><\/h3>\n