Hiking is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the outdoors, but showing up unprepared can turn a pleasant walk into a frustrating or even unsafe experience. With the right gear and a bit of planning, your first hikes can be comfortable and memorable.
Choosing Your First Hike
Start easy:
- Choose a well-marked trail
- Look for distances under 3–5 miles
- Check elevation gain (lower is better for beginners)
- Read recent trail reviews for current conditions
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return
Parks and recreation areas near you often have excellent beginner trails.
Essential Hiking Gear
Footwear
Proper shoes or boots make a big difference. Look for:
- Good traction
- Support and comfort
- A bit of waterproofing if trails are often wet
Break in new footwear before a longer hike.
Clothing
Dress in layers and avoid cotton (it stays wet). Recommended items:
- Moisture-wicking shirt
- Light insulating layer
- Rain jacket
- Hiking pants or shorts
- Extra socks
Daypack Essentials (The “Ten Essentials” simplified)
- Water (more than you think you’ll need)
- Snacks or a simple lunch
- Navigation (map, phone with offline maps, or both)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Light jacket or rain layer
- Basic first aid kit
- Multi-tool or knife
- Headlamp or flashlight (just in case)
- Fully charged phone
From our shelves: hydration gear and Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .9 First Aid Kit.
Optional but Helpful
- Trekking poles (helpful on uneven terrain or steeper sections)
- Lightweight sitting pad
- Insect repellent
- Small dry bag for electronics
From our shelves: Explorer Trekking Pole.
Trail Tips for Beginners
- Start slower than you think you need to
- Take short breaks before you feel exhausted
- Stay on marked trails
- Pack out everything you pack in
- Watch the weather and turn back if conditions worsen
- Learn basic trail etiquette (yield to uphill hikers, etc.)
Building Confidence
Your first few hikes should focus on comfort and enjoyment rather than distance or speed. As you gain experience, you can gradually try longer trails, more elevation, or overnight trips.
Final Thoughts
Hiking doesn’t require expensive gear or advanced skills to get started. A good pair of shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a bit of preparation will carry you a long way. The more you get out there, the more comfortable and capable you’ll become.
Explore our hiking poles, backpacks, multi-tools, and outdoor essentials to help you hit the trail with confidence.
Gear for your first trail
- iNova 36L Outdoor Daypack. A light daypack for the essentials list above.
- Princeton Tec Axis Rechargeable LED Headlamp. In case the hike runs past sunset.
- Frogg Toggs Action Poncho. Packs down small and keeps the rain off.
- Coghlan Magnesium Fire Starter. A small fire starter for the emergency kit.
Related guides
- Plan a Hiking Trip with a Small Tent
- The Ten Essentials
- Hiking Safety on the Trail
- All Midwest camping guides
Quick questions
How do I choose my first hike?
Pick a well-marked trail under 3 to 5 miles with low elevation gain, read recent trail reviews, and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
What should I wear hiking?
Dress in layers and avoid cotton, which stays wet. A moisture-wicking shirt, a light insulating layer, a rain jacket, hiking pants or shorts, and extra socks are recommended.
What goes in a beginner daypack?
Water, snacks, navigation, sun protection, a light jacket or rain layer, a basic first aid kit, a multi-tool or knife, a headlamp or flashlight, and a fully charged phone.
Are trekking poles worth it for beginners?
They are optional but helpful on uneven terrain or steeper sections.
Any trail tips for first-time hikers?
Start slower than you think you need to, take short breaks before you feel exhausted, stay on marked trails, pack out everything you pack in, and turn back if the weather worsens.
