Beginner's Hiking Gear

[Olive6001]

I'm so inspired by Liz's blog, that I need advice on hiking gear for a beginner, stuff like clothing and a backpack/daypack to carry water and maybe a sandwich and bug spray, etc.
I'm talking very easy hikes. Long walks on trails might be a more honest descriptor. I've always been a comfy chair and good book sort of gal, so once again I welcome suggestions and advice.

Thanks,
Nikki

[IrishIroamed]

Nikki,

I do hikes in the state parks close to me. Sometimes an hour - sometimes 4-5 hours. Best thing to remember is water water water and get good hiking shoes. There are also sandals you can buy depending on where you may be hiking. For the short walks I just carry my water, longer hikes, I have a light weight backpack that I can carry extra water, collapsible bowl for dog water, food (sandwich, apple, whatever, hat (if the hike gets really sunny, sun screen, & bug spray. Sometimes a sweatshirt is thrown in or worn depending on the weather. There are also long sleeve shirts & jacket that breath, but keep the harmful sun rays off. Check you local sporting goods stores.

Some back packs have a bladder in the for water. With those there is a hose that drapes over your shoulder so you can just grab a drink when you want.

If you are out all alone with few people around - think safety, small first aid kit, whistle, compass, etc.

This summer on my to buy list is hiking pants / shorts (the lower half of the pants leg unzips so you have shorts on) and trekking pole(s) for the sometimes I need help areas.

[mtngal]

Great topic! Waiting for Liz to contribute too. For me, it's keep
it simple! Light weight, low cut hikers for a beginner. Again,
light weight day pack. Dress in layers. Water is my biggest carry.
I like a single telescoping hiking pole. If I was carrying a heavy
pack I'd use two sticks. Always always have my map, even if
I've done the trail before many times. A good whistle. Start slow
and easy! It's a great way to be in nature. Let's go hiking!

[Liz]

What Cheryl and Diana said. Most important for me are good hiking shoes or boots that support my arches and ankles, depending on the type of hike. If I'm hiking on rough terrain, I wear the high tops. For easy, fairly level hikes, low tops will do. I have Merrill, both high and low tops. I wear the low tops in place of tennis shoes. I have a belt pack that holds two water bottles and has a large compartment for lunch and snacks, plus some smaller compartments for small items. I do carry a whistle, but have never had to use it.

I use one hiking stick, carry binoculars on a harness and camera with a shoulder strap. I try to remember my cell phone, but forget that sometimes. Clothing choices depend on the weather. Layers are a good choice if temps vary during the day. And a wide-brimmed hat. Mine has a string that tightens under the chin, so it doesn't blow off. Would have lost it over the canyon today if it didn't have the string. I apply sunscreen before the hike; don't usually carry it.

[Olive6001]

Thank you, everyone. I think I can get started: good shoes, high and low tops, carrier for water, layered clothing, hat, whistle, walking stick. I can research just how much water is enough.

Nikki

[BarbaraRose]

I have high top hiking boots with mesh (for good air flow) because I have weak ankles and need more support. I have a water bottle holder with a shoulder strap. I wear a fanny pack for phone, ID, etc. Also my camera and pepper spray (for unruly animals ), and a telescoping hiking stick. I am thinking of getting a small back pack to put food in for longer hikes. Map, whistle and compass are good things too. Oh, and a hat, sunscreen and bug spray!

[Colliemom]

I too like to wear good high top hiking boots. Am saving up some green to buy a pair of LL Beans Cresta hikers. They are expensive but I have had a pair a few years ago and although they are made for backpacking, have never wore such a comfortable and study, can take anything hiking boot. There are a couple of others on their site that I have thought of too. Also have a hiking pole and like Liz, a waist pack with water bottles on it. I'm looking at getting new camera so that will be on my list and I have a small day pack I can carry some extra stuff in if needed. A lot depends on the hike of course. Have a hat like iz has with the front and back sraps to keep it on my head in wind.