Beginners Hiking

Jakesf

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Hey guys. New here to the sight and to hiking. My wife and 2 teenage girls are looking to get more involved in hiking. We haven’t done much Other than a typical day trip at this point. What all would you guys suggest for the newbies? What type of pack? WHAT to pack to be safe, nurtured, emergencies, etc...? Any and all ideas are appreciated.
 
Packs have evolved so much over the last 20 years. I'm not much on the newer packs, but I do know from experience that if you have any type of knee issues, pick up some trekking poles. They're like ski poles but have carbide tips for non slippage against rocks. They were a godsend for my knees on steep downhill grades and to some effect uphill too. The pair I picked up were from Leki and had corklike handles and the grips were ergonomically shaped.
 
Inman, SC is just down the road from some terrific hiking in Western NC/NW SC. Check out the Foothills Trail and Ceasar's Head. Pop up to Dupont State Forest near Brevard, NC. All offer great day hikes that can be just a few miles in and out or can be strung together for a longer stretch.

Teen girls and a Wife? Pack a lunch - that you haul - and find a waterfall. If they're like my sisters and the other ladies I've taken hiking they'll tend to want a specific destination. Give Raven Cliff Falls a try for a tester hike. Not too difficult and relatively close.

Or come up to Dupont State Park and check out High Falls, Triple Falls....that's more of a 'sigh seeing' excursion and less of a true 'hike'.
 
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Starting from scratch is tough and can get expensive.

Pack, find a shop and get one that fits and fits your needs. Fitment is a big part of comfort. Packs have come a long ways, I’ve bought 2 in the last year. I have a Gregory Baltoro and my daughter has an Osprey. Can’t remember the model offhand.

Gear- get the lightest, smallest you can justify buying. Cheap is usually larger and heavier.

If you are handy it’s possible to make some of the gear too.


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Are you looking to do day hikes -out and back in the same day - or backpacking where you head out and stay overnight in the trail?
 
Lots of good info above. I will add that my favorite FREE hiking app is AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/

They do run annual 50% off sales for the full app and I splurged for it in 2019, but the free version has just about everything you would need.

I'm also a big fan of Leki trekking poles, especially if you are wearing a pack with more than 15lbs in it. I find them a godsend on the hilly rocky up/down stuff. To me they are worth every penny when your fatigue is less at the end of the day, but more importantly when they save you from falling and busting your a@@ or worse on that hidden tree root!

https://smile.amazon.com/LEKI-Makalu-Lite-COR-TEC-AntiShock/dp/B07MVJSJCL?ref_=ast_sto_dp
 
Are you looking to do day hikes -out and back in the same day - or backpacking where you head out and stay overnight in the trail?
Just in and out day hikes for now. Planning to work our way up once we get more comfortable.
 
When you do get your footwear, build some endurance first by just walking on the street, 2 mi, 3 mi, 4 mi. Also you don't need high-end technical expensive footwear, there's a lot of boots you can get that are quality that are very reasonably priced.
 
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Just in and out day hikes for now. Planning to work our way up once we get more comfortable.

Small pack, any will do. Waist belt is more comfy for long hikes.

Ponchos for rain.

Map and compass. I use a paper map and Avenza maps on my phone.

Small basic first aid kit and add leukotape for blisters.

Small water filter and water bottles. The Sawyer mini works well.

Pack plenty of food and snacks.

Hammocks are optional.

When we day hike I pack everything for the day in my backpacking pack that’s about 3000 cubic inches and have lots of room to spare.


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agree with chiefjason: "..leukotape for blisters."
i didn't know about it until two years ago.
it's like Duct Tape for your body.
better than moleskin.
 
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