Getting Started at Hiking

This page is an introduction to day hiking.
Provided are some instructional links, checklists, resources, advice and a few easy starter hikes.

WARNING: do not use outdoor techniques that you have seen on TV dramas or the movies. Hollywood types don't know SQUAT about the outdoors and a lot to the things that they portray are down right dangerous!

Getting Your Gear

If you want to take up hiking the first thing to do is round up the gear that you will need.
Not all of the suggested gear is needed for every hike that you may take but it is a good idea to carry the same gear on every hike so that you'll be less likely to forget to re-pack items you might really need on your next hike. This is especially important if you extend your hiking to spring and fall were the weather can quickly turn nasty.
There are many sources for outdoor gear, which ones you choose will depend on your budget and availability. A great outdoors's man, Horace_Kephart (1862-1931), said "buy the best gear you can afford"
Any outdoor store or catalog store will have everything you will need. Quality and price vary so shop around. There are also used gear stores such as "Play it Again Sports" and you can find used and new gear at Ski Swaps. Thrift Stores are also a good place to score some really nice gear.
I recommend not using your outdoor gear for everyday use and visa versa. You don't want to arrive at the trailhead only to find out you left your rain shell at uncle Filbert's house.
To start round up your "Ten Essentials". Click on the link for a description of what they are.
Next, acquire additional items found in the "Day Hike Checklist". Be sure and read the second page of the "Day Hike Checkist", it has information on why items are on the check list and includes some outdoor wisdom.

Trail Etiquette

This link has execelent advice, "Hiking Dude Trail Etiquette" , one thing I differ on is bikes yielding to hikers, I believe hikers should yield to bikes. On steep, narrow and or dense trails its very difficult for a bike to stop, start or move off the trail, It is much easier for a hiker to do so.

Forest Service Parking Permits.

Many for the more popular hike in the US Natural Forests require a "parking permit". There are daily and annual types,the daily can be purchased at the trilhead for $5.00 (so bring cash). Annuals and daily can be purchased at outdoor stores and retail stores near receation areas.

How to Start

The easiest way to get started is to go with an experienced hiker.
If you don't know an experienced hiker then clubs such as the Chemekatans or the Sierra Club are a good place to start. Clubs offer may resources such as education, experienced leaders, and weekly outing tailored to various skill levels. Before signing up ask about the hikes skill levels. Be sure not to over estimate your skill level, something beginners and novices tend to do. Also be aware that some experienced hikers tend to under estimate the difficulty of a hike. To start look for lower mileage, lower elevation gain hikes. In time you can move up to the club's "Der Uber Hiker" favorite "Death Marches"
If you are going to go it alone then you will need to do a little more research and preparation.

Rersources

The "Cliff's Outdoor" home page has links and pages that cover a lot of information needed to safely experience the outdoors. Topics you should become familiar with are :
1. Map and compass, found on the Outdoor Lore & Survival and Compass Practice pages.
2. The "Ten Essentials"
3. Survivals skills on Outdoor Lore & Survival
4. Where to go using hiking guides and web sites, which can be found on the Links
on the "Cliff's Outdoor" page.
Public libraries and used book stores are good places to find guides and how-to books. "You Tube" and the web are also good resources.

Group Courtesy

1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared. Make sure you have all of your gear, food, water and clothing. You don't want to inconvenience the group because you forgot to bring an important piece of equipment. Gather up, check off, and pack all of your gear the night before then place it near the door, that way you'll be less likely to forget items in the morning brain fog.
3. Be an active participant. A group outing is not a free "guide" service. Be responsible for your equipment, help other group members when needed, learn about the route to the trailhead and the area your'll be hiking in.
4. Clear your calendar for the whole day. Return times cannot be guaranteed, trail and road conditions, traffic or injury can delay a return. Don't inconvenience the group by insisting on a hard return time. If you must go to Uncle Filbert's fifth wedding then don't sign up for the hike.

Closing Advice

Like the Boy Scouts say, "be prepared". Carry the proper gear. Stay aware of your surroundings and the weather. Don't get so involved in conversations that you lose track of where you are. Don't over extend yourself; remember you have to hike out. In the high country, weather conditions can change very quickly. It can go from summer to winter in only a few minutes. Accidents can happen. Trip on a tree root or rock and you could break an ankle or blow a knee. If you require help, it could be hours before help can arrive, plenty of time for hypothermia to kill you or a friend. Be responsible for your friends; insist on their being prepared. A fun summer hike can quickly turn into a survival situation. I've had two different friends break bones on easy hikes by tripping on rocks.