As a beginner hiker, I’ve stumble upon a couple of pitfalls as was getting started hiking.

And if your are reading this, you’ve probably already decided that you want to try yourself at hiking. Unfortunately, like me, you’ve never done it before and you’re rather logical brain sees it as a rather complex field.

How should I start? What do I need?

If these are your questions, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips, tricks and hacks that I have learned along the way and which every beginner hiker should know before they hit the trail.

These easy and simple steps can have a tremendously positive impact on your hiking experience if you incorporate them into your routine.

Get in shape

Although some hikes are easy, not every one has to be a three-day outing in the peaks of Colorado.

Not every journey will involve navigating through dense forests, across rivers and over mountain passes.

Sometimes you just want to breakaway on a weekend and enjoy some fresh air and a little exercise with your partner.

But once you expand your horizons, what do you do?

First, get in shape. And from that point on, you are good to getting started hiking.

Find some people to do it with

Hiking is a very social activity.

Meetup groups, established clubs like Hike It Baby, or Facebook groups online are great places to start. Just google “hiking groups” for your area and see what comes up. You may not like the first group you find but each one will get you a little

Having a group makes it much easier and safer to make the mistakes that come with learning. It also provides a environment to learn from others and be inspired. Not to mention it gives you people to share in the extraordinary experience of being in the wilds.

Bring the essentials, even if you’re going on a short hike

You never know when something unexpected is going to occur that might take you a different path with more difficult terrain, or unexpected weather, etc… There is nothing to lose by being prepared!

Line your backpack with a garbage bag for extra rain protection

If it doesn’t rain, you’ll have an extra bag for trash! If it does, hey! Your supplies will be protected!

TIP: Always make sure you’re only carrying what you actually will need, no more, no less.

Prone to blisters? Try this

If you’re prone to blisters in your hiking boots, coat those areas with petroleum jelly before putting on your socks and boots.

Hikers swear by this trick to prevent abrasive rubbing in certain areas, which can lead to bad blisters. Something as simple as having a small dose of this in your gear can make a world of difference on your hiking experience.

Get more on info on how a beginner hiker can prevent foot blisters here.

Bring duct tape, even if you are going on a short hike

Hardcore hikers swear by duct tape, which you can use to waterproof ventilated boots, fix a cracked water bottle, and protect painful blisters. Or wrap a few feet of tape around a lighter. That way you can bring 2 essential tools without wasting any space in your backpack.

Learn more about how duct tape can save your life here.

Pack band-aids, antiseptic towelettes, a gauze roll, and a few aspirin in a prescription bottle.

The bottle will keep everything dry and in one place—and it’s mini size is perfect for packing light.

Get a list of hiker-approved First Aid materials here.

Some other things to bring

Flashlight or headlamp in the event you are on the trail longer then expected and the sun sets before you reach your destination.

in the event you are on the trail longer then expected and the sun sets before you reach your destination. Extra clothing appropriate for the season . The weather may change suddenly and you need to be prepared for it. With this in mind, warmer clothing and a packable rain jacket or poncho are important to have with you.

. The weather may change suddenly and you need to be prepared for it. With this in mind, warmer clothing and a packable rain jacket or poncho are important to have with you. Pocket knife or multi tool . This is important if you find yourself in the unlikely circumstance of a survival situation.

. This is important if you find yourself in the unlikely circumstance of a survival situation. Map and compass and the ability to use them . Topo maps, many with trails shown, can be bought online and in almost any outdoors store. Getting lost is no fun. You can find numerous online videos that will teach you the basics of map and compass use. A GPS device can also be helpful, but they can break or the batteries can run out. If you use a GPS, bring a map and compass as a backup.

. Topo maps, many with trails shown, can be bought online and in almost any outdoors store. Getting lost is no fun. You can find numerous online videos that will teach you the basics of map and compass use. A GPS device can also be helpful, but they can break or the batteries can run out. If you use a GPS, bring a map and compass as a backup. Insect repellent . Biting insects can ruin a hike.

. Biting insects can ruin a hike. Sunscreen . If you are hiking in treeless areas and higher elevations you will receive a lot of sun exposure.

. If you are hiking in treeless areas and higher elevations you will receive a lot of sun exposure. Matches or lighter and fire starter .

. Whistle. If you become lost or injured the sound of a whistle will carry much farther than your voice. Three consecutive blasts indicate distress.

Start Your Beginner Hiker Journey

For the beginner hiker, hiking can involve many facets. The fresh air, beautiful scenery, healthy exercise, soul-refreshing solitude and close companionship. With the proper techniques, equipment and guidance you can enjoy all the many positives that are inherent in hiking.

All you need to get your beginner hiker journey started in hiking is some good comfortable boots, appropriate outdoor clothing and access to an area that allows you to enjoy the experience.

You’ll want to consider a few common sense hiking safety tips before you go very far beyond your local trail-lined hills. It’s possible to get lost even in very small patches of forest.

Snakes and other wildlife can turn a refreshing outing into an terrible nightmare for you in seconds, but after some modest hiking instruction and preparation, you should be ready for some excellent hikes.

With a little more expert guidance and a bit of experience, you could soon start going out on overnight or even longer more intensive hikes.

We hope you enjoyed this guide. It is ideal for the beginner hiker and provide you with most of the answers that you will need to know when starting out on your first adventure!