Beginners
How to Start Hiking
A practical guide to your first hike: how to choose a route, what to bring, how to pace yourself, and which mistakes to avoid on your first day.
8 min read
Hiking · Trekking · Mountains
Hiking tips and advice for beginners
Clear, practical guides to help you plan, enjoy and complete your hikes safely—without assuming you already know the mountains.
See 19 beginner hiking tipsPhoto: Jordiferrer · Dominio público · via Wikimedia Commons
Hiking Hub
Twelve practical areas organised around the question you need answered.
BeginnersI've never been hiking. Where do I start?The first steps: choosing a manageable route, what to bring on your first day, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.GearWhat gear do I need, and what can I leave at home?How to choose footwear, a backpack, and clothing layers based on how you'll actually use them, without overspending.RoutesHow do I find and plan a route?Understanding distance, elevation change, and trail markings, and estimating how long your hike will really take.SafetyWhat do I do if something goes wrong?Prevention, alerts, what to do if you get lost or someone gets injured, and how to call for help correctly.PreparationHow do I prepare for a hike the day before?Planning your schedule, checking the forecast, letting someone know your plans, and checking your backpack.NutritionWhat should I eat, and how much water should I bring?Water, electrolytes, and easy-to-digest food for hikes lasting a few hours or a full day.NavigationHow do I know where I am?Maps, a compass, and your phone's GPS: the essentials for navigating without relying on cell service.WeatherWhat if the weather changes?How to read a mountain weather forecast, recognize signs of a storm, and know when to turn back.TrekkingHow do I prepare for several days of hiking?Daily stages, pack weight, mountain hut accommodations, and trek logistics.MountainsWhat changes when I start tackling serious climbs?Techniques for hiking on slopes, unstable terrain, altitude, and cold.FamiliesHow do I go hiking with kids?Reasonable distances by age, pacing, games, and specialized gear.DogsCan I bring my dog?Common regulations, water, temperature, paw pads, and sharing the trail with livestock.
Start here
The guides that answer the most common questions before a hike.
Gear
What to Bring on a Day Hike
A gear list for a day hike, organized by priority, covering what you really need and what you can leave behind.
7 min read
Gear
How to Choose Hiking Boots
Boot height, soles, waterproofing, and sizing: how to choose hiking footwear for the terrain you actually hike.
8 min read
Gear
How to Choose a Hiking Backpack
Capacity in liters based on hike duration, torso fit, suspension systems, and how to try on a backpack before buying it.
7 min read
Nutrition
How Much Water to Bring on a Hike
Suggested amounts based on duration and heat, how to pace your drinking, and what to do about water from springs and streams.
6 min read
Nutrition
What to Eat on a Hike
How to space out your meals and snacks while hiking, which foods travel well in a backpack, and what to avoid.
6 min read
Hiking assistant
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Every guide answers a real question, cites its sources and avoids invented figures. Routes and products only appear when their data can be verified.
There are currently 17 published guides.