Few activities offer the same sense of peace, adventure, and connection with nature as hiking. Whether you’re trekking through local woodlands, scaling mountain trails, or strolling along coastal paths, hiking is a fantastic way to stay active and explore the outdoors. But before you lace up your boots and hit the trail, it’s important to be prepared, both for safety and enjoyment.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to hiking which includes what you need to know to make a first hike fun, safe, and rewarding:

1. Start Small and Build Up Gradually

If you’re new to hiking, it’s best to start with shorter, well-marked trails. Choose routes that match your current fitness level, even a 2 to 3 mile loop can be a great introduction. Over time, you can gradually increase distance, elevation, and difficulty as your confidence and stamina grow. Check local park maps or apps like AllTrails to find routes that fit your comfort level and experience. Another option is the ACR Bivy app which has pre-mapped trails for hiking and other outdoor activities and works in conjunction with ACR’s Bivy Stick and Bivy Stick MESH Satellite Communicators.

2. Gear Up for Success

Pay special attention to obtaining the most important gear that keeps you safe and comfortable:

• Footwear: Invest in sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Blisters are a beginner’s worst enemy, so wear moisture-wicking socks and break in new boots before long hikes.
• Clothing: Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing weather. Avoid cotton; choose synthetic or wool fabrics that wick away sweat.
• Backpack: A small daypack can hold your water, snacks, and other necessities without weighing you down.
• Emergency Beacon: As a last resort, if in need of help and without cellular signal, a PLB or satellite communicator become your best option to get the help that you need.

3. Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks

Dehydration and low energy can quickly ruin a hike. Bring at least half a liter of water per hour of hiking, more if it’s hot or strenuous. Pack light, high-energy snacks like trail mix, nuts, fruit, or energy bars to keep your body fueled. A hydration bladder or reusable water bottle makes sipping easier on the go.

4. Know Your Route and Check the Weather

Before heading out, study your trail map and know what to expect in regards to factors such as distance, elevation gain, estimated time, and terrain type. Download offline maps in case you lose cell service (these maps can be downloaded from the Bivy app).

Always check the weather forecast before you go. Sudden storms, extreme heat, or cold can turn a pleasant hike into a dangerous one. If conditions look questionable, postpone your trip. Nature isn’t going anywhere.

5. Tell Someone Your Plan

Even for short day hikes, always let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to return. In remote areas cell coverage can be unreliable, so having someone aware of your plan adds an extra layer of safety.

6. Pack the Essentials

If there should be one universal element in every beginner’s guide to hiking, it would be that every hiker should carry a few key safety items, often called the “Ten Essentials”:

• Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Extra clothing
• Headlamp or flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Fire starter (matches, lighter)
• Repair kit and tools (multi-tool, duct tape)
• Food
• Water
• Emergency shelter (space blanket or bivy sack)

You may never need all of them, but when things go wrong, these essentials can make a critical difference.

7. Respect Nature and Leave No Trace

Hiking is about enjoying the natural world and preserving it for others. Follow the Leave No Trace principles:

• Stay on marked trails to protect vegetation.
• Carry out all trash, including food scraps.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Be considerate of other hikers.

A good rule of thumb: leave the trail exactly as you found it, or even cleaner.

8. Listen to Your Body

Pace yourself, especially on uphill climbs or hot days. Take breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. If you feel dizzy, overheated, or in pain, stop and reassess. There’s no shame in turning back early. Hiking should be enjoyable, not exhausting.

9. Learn Basic Trail Etiquette

Sharing the trail is part of the experience. A few simple rules help keep things friendly and safe:

• Uphill hikers have the right of way.
• Step aside for faster groups or cyclists.
• Keep noise levels down and let others enjoy the peace of nature.
• If hiking with dogs, keep them leashed and clean up after them.

10. Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination

It’s easy to focus on reaching the summit, waterfall, or other location at the end, but hiking is about the journey itself. Take time to breathe, notice the sights and sounds around you, and appreciate the beauty of the trail. Every step builds strength, confidence, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

Hiking doesn’t require expert skills, just curiosity, preparation, and respect for nature. The simple fact that you have taken the time to read this beginner’s guide to hiking will help you prepare adequately so that you can enjoy the trails safely. Start small, go at your own pace, and soon you’ll be planning your next adventure with excitement and confidence.