Beginner's Guide to Hiking: 7 Helpful Beginner Hiking Tips
If you are new to hiking, it can be overwhelming thinking of all of the things you need for gear and things to consider before stepping out on the trail. I remember I was so nervous before my first longer hike because I wasn’t sure where to even begin with gear and things I should know.
But it doesn’t have to be hard to get ready to hike! I created this beginner’s hiking guide to help you get ready and feel more confident out on the trail! This beginner’s hiking guide includes everything you need to know, including things to consider, the best hiking gear list, and other beginner hiking tips.
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Beginner Hiking Tip #1: Find what makes you feel comfortable
My first hiking tip in this beginner’s guide for hiking is for you to figure out what would make you feel most comfortable. It is different for everyone, and I think it is crucial to find what it is for you. Hiking is an uncomfortable hobby for a few reasons, so finding something that helps you feel more comfortable is important!
And this may change as you begin hiking. It certainly did for me! On my first hike, I thought that hiking with a large group of people would make me feel comfortable. It did make me feel more confident going into the hike, but after I completed it, I realized that I did not enjoy hiking in large groups, and I needed better gear to help me feel more comfortable.
Hiking is a learning process, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t figure out right away what will make you feel the most comfortable. This guide is a great starting point to help you!
Beginner Hiking Tip #2: Plan it out
If you want to hike, you need to start by planning what you want to do and when you want to go! Here are things to do for planning your hiking trip.
Find a trail. I know this can be a little overwhelming because there are so many trails out there, so I recommend making a list of hikes you want to do. For your first few, try to find some that are less in mileage and elevation gain. As you get more hiking experience, you can tackle those on your list that are more difficult! It is also great to start smaller because it helps build your confidence while hiking.
Find a hiking buddy. I always recommend new hikers to find someone to hike with. Although you can totally solo hike, most beginner hikers enjoy having the company, and it makes them feel safer. There are so many great sites to help you find a hiking group or buddy! Meetup.com is a great site that allows you to join hiking groups in your area. Facebook also has many local hiking groups that you can post when looking for a hiking buddy. The hiking community is so amazing, so you will find a buddy, I promise!
Read recent trail conditions. There are great sites that allow hikers to post details of their recent hikes, making them great resources to use to figure out what the trail looks like (good and bad) to get an idea of what you would be coming across. Whether it be a recent bear or moose sighting, fallen tree, redirected trail due to trail damage, or how the bugs are, it will help you decide whether you feel comfortable hiking that trail.
Check the weather. The weather in the mountains can change drastically, so it is crucial to check the predicted weather conditions. I also search for higher summit weather because the weather can be drastically different in the mountains than on the ground. Personally, this is something that makes me feel comfortable. I like knowing I’m going to have a good weather day of hiking. I have had to cancel hiking plans last minute because of a weather change, so I recommend checking the weather the night before your hike. Do not be afraid to push your plans out if you do not feel comfortable with how the weather is looking!
Give someone the details of your hike. Giving someone the details of your hike is so important and something you should always do. I always recommend telling a trusted friend or family member where you will be hiking, what time you are starting, and who you will be with. I typically tell them when I arrive at the trailhead and when I am finishing hiking.
Get a map or hiking app. I like mapping out my hike on a hiking app before heading out on the trail. Most hiking apps allow you to download maps and use your GPS signal to follow along the route even if you don’t have service, which is amazing! There are so many great apps out there, like Gaia GPS and All Trails. I also recommend having a physical map and compass with you on every hike! If you decided to use a hiking app, I also recommend packing an external battery pack in case your phone dies.
Familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace Principles. These principles provide guidelines for everyone to follow to protect our natural space and reduce our impact on them. We will dive deeper into the Leave No Trace Principles later in the post.
Beginner Hiking Tip #3: Get good gear
Having good, reliable gear is very important when hiking and a very important tip in this beginner’s guide to hiking. Although you can hike in running sneakers and a regular backpack (I did it for a year), having good gear will make a huge difference and provide your body the support it needs.
Hiking gear can be an expensive investment, but it is worth it! If you do not want to buy everything all at once, you can spread out the purchases and wait for sales. You can also buy used gear from REI!
When you first start looking into gear, it can be overwhelming because there are SO many options, but don't get discouraged! I recommend going to a gear store like REI to talk with an associate and try on gear. The REI associates are so knowledgeable and have always helped me navigate through the million types of gear out there to find what is best for me.
I also recommend wearing your gear and trying it out around the house or on a walk before going out on your hike to make sure everything feels good. It is always helpful to break it in before heading out on the trail.
Hiking Boots
The support you need while hiking starts with your feet. Having a supportive and durable pair of hiking boots will change your life!There are two main options: hiking shoes and hiking boots. Hiking shoes are similar in style to sneakers, while hiking boots are, well, boots. Both have their advantages, so it’s just figuring out what works best for you!
I currently wear the Merrell Moab Hiking Boot and love them! But hiking shoes or boots are very individualized, so make sure to try on different types and brands to figure out what is most comfortable for you.
Hiking Socks
Having a good pair of hiking socks is just as important as having good shoes. They will keep your feet warm, dry, and blister-free. I had to go through a few trials and errors before coming across the perfect hiking sock. Cue angels singing.
Darn Tough socks are seriously the best socks ever, in my opinion. They are a great all-around hiking sock that have different levels of cushion, so they have something for everyone. AND they have a lifetime warranty.
I also pair my hiking socks with hiking sock liners to help prevent blisters. Since pairing these with good hiking socks, I have not had any blisters!
Hiking Clothes
Having hiking clothes are moisture-wicking and appropriate for the weather you will be hiking in is crucial. There are so many types of clothes that you can wear while hiking, and you will need to find what feels best for you!
And you do not have to spend a lot of money on hiking clothes! When I am hiking in warm weather, I wear my workout clothes that are moisture-wicking. Hiking in the winter is a completely different story because you need clothes that will help keep you warm and dry.
Besides your basic moisture-wicking layers, I always recommend bringing a rain jacket and an insulated jacket. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so having layers is always helpful!
Hiking Backpack
Having a good hiking backpack is a game-changer. Your hiking backpack will be supporting your back while holding all of your essential items, making the investment worth it. I spent the most time searching and trying on backpacks and hiking boots because those are the most important gear items.
There are so many things to consider when choosing a backpack, including a frame type, ventilation, pockets, access, and padding, and I recommend trying every type on and talking to a store associate to figure out what is going to work best for you. REI is great because they have weights you can put in your backpack, so you can get a better idea of how the backpack will fit and feel when it has your gear in it.
A good rule of thumb for backpack capacity is to have 28-35 L for day hikes. I have been using the Deuter Trail Backpack and love it! It fits my body shape and holds gear weight very well.
Hydration Pack
Choosing between a hydration pack and water bottles is based on personal preference. I recommend hydration packs because they are easy to use and access, hold a lot of water, and sit comfortably at your back.
I have been using the 2L Platypus Reservoir and really like it. It is a perfect amount of water for day hikes and is not too heavy. If I am hiking a longer trail or hiking on a warmer day, I will also bring a reusable water bottle just to have extra water.
Microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes
If you are planning to hike in the snow, having the proper gear is so important. Microspikes provide extra traction for level trails covered in light snow or ice. Crampons provide more traction and are best worn for thick ice and on a sloped trail. Snowshoes are great for deep snow because they stop you from post-holing (when you sink into the snow with each step).
Headlamp
I always recommend bringing a headlamp when hiking. Having light sources to guide you on your hike when hiking in the dark is crucial. I bring a headlamp on every hike because you never know when you may need it!
Beginner Hiking Tip #4: Pack the essentials
Alright, now that you have your hiking gear list ready to go for your hike, it is time to pack more of the 10 Hiking Essentials plus a few others. It is important to be prepared with these hiking essentials along with your gear. Some are things you will use on every hike, while others are a “just in case” item, but it always is good to carry them on every hike!
Compass and Map
I always recommend bringing a compass and map. It is so important to know how to use these tools when out on the trail because you never know when you may need them.
A lot of hikers rely on navigation apps on their phones, which work great but having a trusty map and compass are great backups if your phone dies. I highly recommend learning how to use a compass and map.
Food and Water
Food and water are two of the most essential items you need to bring on every single hike because food is what fuels your body during the hike, and the water replenishes your body. A good rule of thumb is to drink one liter of water every two hours. You can also bring electrolytes to help with hydration while hiking.
Finding the right food for you is a learning process. It took me about a year of hiking and trying out different foods to figure out what fueled my body best. If you are not sure where to start, you can start with a trail mix, protein bars, energy bars, and a sandwich of choice. Once you start hiking more, you will begin to figure out what makes you feel good while hiking.
First aid kit
You should always bring a first aid kit, even if it is a small one because you never know when you may need it. First aid kits typically are light and thin, so they can easily fit into any backpack.
Bug spray
Trust me, you will thank me later for this one. Having bugs annoy you while hiking is SO frustrating and can take away from your hiking experience. I typically bring a small bottle of bug spray, so it doesn’t take up much space, but it is there if I need it.
Bear spray
We all hope we will never encounter a bear, but it is crucial to be prepared just in case. I always have bear spray on me when I am hiking in an easily accessible place on my backpack.
Sun Protection
It is crucial to keep your skin protected while you hike, and getting a sunburn is only going to make you feel uncomfortable. Depending on the trail and weather, I will either bring the sunscreen with me or leave it in the car after lathering up.
You should also always carry a pair of sunglasses. No matter what time of year you are hiking, you need to protect your eyes!
Emergency Items
You may be thinking, I do not need these hiking essentials if I am just going out on a day hike. And you may not ever need to use these, but it is very important to have them in your hiking gear list for the just in case scenarios.
A great emergency shelter that is lightweight and easy to carry is an emergency bivvy. It will help if anything was to go wrong where you end up stranded or injured on the trail.
You should also always carry something a fire starter and a multi-tool. A fire starter is pretty self-explanatory and should always be carried in case of an emergency. A multi-tool is important to carry to repair gear, first aid, or other emergency situations.
Although you may think you will not ever need these, they are still incredibly important to carry when hiking.
Beginner Hiking Tip #5: Be smart
Being smart and making responsible decisions while hiking is just as important as being prepared to hike. You have to take care of yourself on the trail and be aware of what is going on around you. It’s easy to get lost in nature and let your mind wander, which is great! BUT you still need to take in your surroundings and make good decisions.
Be aware of your surroundings. It is so important to be aware of what is around you while hiking. It will help you avoid anything on the trail that could potentially injure you or animals that may be near. The terrain can be rugged and packed with roots and rocks, so it’s important to know what is on the trail in front of you. It is also important to keep your eyes and ears open for animals. For us in the northeast, we have to look out for mainly bears and moose. On my first solo hike, a bear came out of nowhere onto the trail… I was hiking over a small hill, and the bear stumbled onto the trail just as I reached the downslope. The bear was just as scared of me as I was of it, so it ran off, but it was a good reminder to be aware that we are not the only things in the forest.
Take note of any weather changes. As I mentioned above, the weather in the mountains can change so quickly, so I always recommend checking the sky during your hike. I had a friend who started hiking on a beautiful, clear day and ended up turning around halfway through her hike because the clouds rolled in so quickly, and it started downpouring. Because she paid attention to the changing weather, she was able to get off the trail as it started raining.
Listen to your body. I’m all about pushing yourself, BUT you have to listen to what your body is telling you. If you start questioning if your body can complete the hike or it starts giving out, be smart and safe and turn back or rest and refuel. You know what your body is capable of, so make sure to listen to it and make good decisions.
Take your time. Hiking is not a race, so don’t feel like you have to rush to the top to take in the views. Hiking is about the experience and is something to enjoy! Hiking too quickly can make it unenjoyable and put you more at risk for injury. The summit will be there when you get there, so enjoy the climb!
Turn back if needed. Don’t be afraid to turn around at any point if you don’t feel comfortable. Whether it be because your body isn’t feeling good, the weather is changing, or you just aren’t feeling it, make a safe decision to stop hiking. The mountains will always be there, so you can always come back!
Beginner Hiking Tip #6: Learn trail etiquette
A beginner’s hiking guide must include learning about the Leave No Trace Principles. It will make your hiking experience and the hiking experience of others around you much better if you follow these simple rules of thumb. I also recommend familiarizing yourself with the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
Hikers going uphill have the right of way. A hiker going downhill has more momentum than someone going uphill, so letting them pass and not having them break their stride is super helpful! Of course, there are times when a hiker going uphill will pullover for a hiker going downhill because they need to take a break. But a good rule of thumb is if you are coming up to a hiker going uphill while you are going downhill, move over and allow them to decide to either continue up or pullover to let you pass.
Bikes and horses also have the right of way. Although bikers are supposed to yield to hikers, it is easier for hikers to pull over and let bikers pass since bikers are moving at a quicker pace. If you are approaching someone who is on a bike or horse on a trail, simply move over and allow them to pass.
Stay on the trail. Most of the time the habitat around the trail is fragile and not made for us to walk on or picked at. It is so important to respect nature and stay on the path that is meant to be walked on.
Keep the noise down. Not only do we need to respect the nature that is around us but also other hikers. If you are hiking in a large group of people, don’t yell or talk super loud, so a hiker behind or in front of you that you may not see can still enjoy the peacefulness of their hike. This also goes for listening to music. If you want to listen to music, do so with headphones rather than a speaker. Many people hike to get away from the noise, so it's important to be respectful of that when you are on the trail.
Animals should be left alone. It is important to leave animals alone in their natural habitat and not feed them. Feeding animals will cause more harm than good, including altering their natural behavior and potentially giving them health issues.
Leave no trace. This is simple, yet so many people do not follow it. Pack out what you pack in. I can’t tell you how many times I found apple cores or banana peels beside the trail because people think it's okay since they decompose… A banana peel can take two years to biodegrade!! It is so easy to take your trash out with you, and a great way to do this is by packing a big sealable bag to put all trash into while hiking.
Beginner Hiking Tip #7: Have fun!!
I don’t think I need to explain this beginner hiking tip too much! Hiking is supposed to be enjoyable (even when it’s difficult), so make sure to have fun! Enjoy the climb, enjoy the difficult terrain, enjoy nature, and most of all, enjoy the amazing views you earn when reaching the summit!
This beginner’s hiking guide is a great place to start to plan and prepare for hiking because it includes everything you need to know and helpful beginner hiking tips. Happy hiking!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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