If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re thinking about getting into hiking—or maybe you’ve already tackled a few trails and are wondering, “Am I doing this right?”
First of all…welcome.
We’re glad you’re here.
The truth is, we’re still learning too.
We’re not seasoned backpackers who’ve spent years conquering mountains or hiking hundreds of miles through the wilderness. We’re just two people with full-time jobs who discovered that getting outside is one of the best ways to unplug, recharge, and spend time together.
Some weekends we’re chasing waterfalls. Some weekends we’re hiking to a (small) summit. And some weekends we’re wondering why the trail description said “moderate” when it definitely feels like “who approved this?”
Like most beginners, we started with a lot of questions.
What should we pack?
Do we really need hiking boots?
How much water is enough?
What’s the difference between a two-mile hike and a two-mile hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain?
We learned a lot by getting outside, making a few mistakes, and reading guides just like this one.
So if you’re just getting started, we hope these tips help make your first adventures a little less intimidating and a lot more fun.
1. Don’t Try to Conquer a Mountain on Day One
It’s tempting to pick the trail with the most incredible photos.
Trust us—we’ve been there.
But there’s nothing wrong with choosing an easy, two-mile trail for your first hike. In fact, you’ll probably enjoy it a whole lot more than spending five hours wondering if your legs are ever going to forgive you.
Confidence grows one hike at a time. Start with something manageable, celebrate finishing it, and build from there.
There’s no shame in starting small. Every experienced hiker did.
2. Tell Someone Where You’re Going
No, your dog doesn’t count.
Before you leave, send a quick text to someone with:
- Where you’re hiking
- When you expect to be back
- What trail you’re taking
Odds are everything will go perfectly. But if it doesn’t, someone will know where to start looking.
That’s a pretty easy habit for about 30 seconds of effort.
3. Your Feet Deserve Better
You don’t need $300 hiking boots. Expensive gear doesn’t automatically make you a better hiker, but you do need shoes that won’t turn your feet into blister-covered regret.
Comfort matters more than price. Good footwear that fits comfortably is far more important than buying the fanciest boots you can find.
Pair your shoes with moisture-wicking socks, and if you’re breaking in new footwear, maybe don’t test them on a five-hour hike. Future You will appreciate that decision.
If your feet are happy, chances are you’ll enjoy the hike a whole lot more.
4. Pack a Little More Than You Think You’ll Need
When we first started hiking, we had no idea how quickly a short walk could turn into a much longer adventure. Now we always throw a few basics into our daypack:
- Plenty of Water
- Snacks (because hiking somehow makes you twice as hungry)
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Small first aid kit
- A Lightweight Rain jacket
- Portable charger
Most of the time we don’t need everything. But we’re always glad we brought it.
5. Drink Water Before You’re Thirsty
Here’s something we learned pretty quickly. Waiting until you’re thirsty usually means you’re already behind.
Take small sips throughout your hike, especially if it’s warm or you’re climbing. Hot weather, hills, and humidity can sneak up on you faster than you think.
And yes…bring more water than you think you’ll need.
You’ll never hear a hiker say, “I really wish I’d packed less water.”
6. Learn a Little Trail Etiquette
One of our favorite things about hiking is how friendly the outdoor community can be.
A smile and a quick “Good morning!” go a long way.
Stay on the trail.
Pack out your trash.
Respect wildlife.
And maybe leave the Bluetooth speaker at home – Nature has a pretty great playlist already.
7. Check the Weather (Seriously)
We’ve learned that mountain weather doesn’t always care what your weather app said yesterday.
Take a minute to check the forecast before you leave, and toss an extra layer in your backpack.
Worst case? You carry a jacket you never wear.
Best case? You’re really glad it’s there.
8. Leave It Better Than You Found It
One thing we love about hiking is that every trail feels like a little escape from everyday life.
Let’s help keep it that way.
Pack out your trash.
Stay on the path.
Leave wildflowers for everyone else to enjoy.
The outdoors have given us so much already. Taking care of them is one of the easiest ways to give something back.
9. Never Skip the Snacks
If you’ve never experienced “trail hunger,” you’ll understand soon enough.
Hiking has a funny way of making lunch feel like it should’ve happened an hour ago.
Our backpack almost always includes trail mix, protein bars, beef jerky, or maybe some fruit.
Honestly…sometimes the snack break becomes our favorite part of the hike.
10. Remember That You’re Learning
This might be the most important tip on the list. You don’t have to know everything before you start.
You don’t need the perfect gear.
You don’t need to hike the hardest trail.
You don’t need to keep up with anyone else.
Every hike teaches you something.
Maybe it’s how much water you actually drink.
Maybe it’s that your backpack needs adjusting.
Maybe it’s that hiking poles aren’t just for “serious hikers” after all.
Every time you head outside, you’ll learn something new—and that’s part of the fun.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing we’ve learned so far, it’s this:
- You don’t become a hiker by buying the gear.
- You become a hiker by hiking.
- One trail turns into another.
- One waterfall leads to the next.
Before you know it, you’re planning weekend adventures instead of spending another Saturday on the couch.
That’s exactly where we are. We’re still learning. We’re still exploring. We’re still finding new trails, trying new gear, and figuring things out as we go.
And we hope you’ll come along for the journey.
Because if these beginner guides helped us feel confident enough to take that first step onto the trail, maybe they’ll help you do the same.
If you’re new to hiking, don’t overthink it. Pick a trail. Pack some snacks. Get outside. The mountains will be waiting. And trust us—they’re worth it.
What’s one thing you wish you’d known before your first hike? Let us know in the comments!