/out/ I want to start hiking but don't know shit one about what to do.
I want to start small. Doctor said I need to be more active and I've always liked taking walks, so hiking seems like a logical extension. Healthwise I'm a little overweight but nothing that far out of normality, no major joint pain or anything.
So what do I wear and what do I bring?
>>695869
I'd say the best way to start is to pull up google maps on the are where you live in sattelite mode and find a decent patch of forest or grasslands or mountainous area (depends on your locality). If it is less than 4 miles to the spot go there on foot, if more, use other transportation. Take a few snacks with you, not too much, so you would fill up, but enough not to feel hungry. Also look up if the area has any nature wonders/monuments, if there are, visit them. If not, just hike on the present trails or go and bushwhack. Wear anything, that you don't mind screwing up. Later on you will figure out what would be better to wear, buy, while looking at various equipment. Just make shure, that the base of your shoe isn't super flat.
No need to go full gearfag and immediately buy lot of stuff, just follow those rules :
- Do not challenge yourself to much and go where it's easy and gear wont matter when you begin, then gradually adjust the difficulty (length, elevation, duration, snow, ice, rock, exposure...) as you get comfortable going out and as you gear up.
- Always tell someone where you go, and always be ready to turn back if you don't feel it.
This aside, I'd say, for short hike, like 2h, you can bring whatever you want, it wont really matter. For day hikes, you should take :
- 1L of water
- some snacks
- 1 extra layer of clothing
- wear running or hiking shoes
Then you can bring a map, compass, knife, food, poles, backpack, rainjacket, beanie, sunglasses, camera, goggles, hat, but you don't have to.
This is probably the second most important thing to bring when hiking. The most important is obviously water.
>download maps into smart phone
>save a ton of room in your bag
>use data to GPS your location unless you are deep innawoods
>>695919
GPS doesn't require data
If you're actually out of shape, hiking poles will make a simple day hike into a more pleasant activity. But don't skip a hike just because you don't have them.
You will want water, though. And a hat.
>>696129
An alternative to fancy hiking poles would be to just find yourself a nice walking stick, trim it and strip the bark from the best grip location. You'll feel crafty and have some justification for bringing your knife.
Most important thing is to have a nice time. I like to bring a book and a hammock on day hikes, or you can bring a fishing pole or binoculars and observe your fellow creatures, or whittle some utensils. Whatever you're into.
>>695869
On day hikes I carry a camelbak bag. I usually stuff a few snickers bars and cheese sticks in there, as well as an emergency blanket, lighter, and a couple hand warmers for emergencies.
Clothing doesn't matter as much, but I find that dry-fit type shirts and really thin shorts are more comfortable when it's hot. If you're hiking trails, running shoes are light and breathe well, if you're going off trail, make sure you have a sturdy boot.
So far, all great advice in this thread. The biggest thing is to just get out and hike, after doing it a few times you'll know what works best for you, and you'll be the one giving advice.
Most important thing: Always tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to be back.
Bring:
>water
>topo map
>compass
>space blanket
>gps (your phone works fine, get an offline maps app)
>firestarter and multiple of matches/lighter/ferro rod
>sunglasses, sunscreen, especially if at elevation
>duct tape for blisters
>light, energy dense snacks like nuts, chocolate, granola bars, peanut butter
>appropriate clothing, be prepared for any weather any time if in the mountains
>deet if applicable
>if in bear country, make noise to avoid surprising them, especially in dense brush or around blind corners
>don't take that shortcut, I know it looks like an easy walk through grass and small trees but it's actually an impenetrable, 12' tall tangle of willows
How do I walk thread
>>696335
go lose yourself in the woods, faggot
>>696320
>Most important thing: Always tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to be back.
Stellar advice
>>696342
Bi curious homophobe detected
OP here, thanks for the advice!
There's a state park nearby, we're going out for about 2 to 3 hours today. I'm excited!
>>698273
Hope you have a good time OP, update us when you're back
>>698273
GL HF, man, it's gonna be fun!
Well Healt related so asking here.
I have flat feet and overpronators on my ankle, Im gonna do thru hiking for a month in few weeks, so im asking what kind boots i should get? Also should i buy a Baton? Anybody had experience with flat feet or overpronators?
I search internet, already got a clue but idk if baton helps and looking for tips.
>>698335
I'm not familiar with your condition, but I think you should see a "foot doctor" and get orthopedics soles.
>>696335
this, how retarded can one heap of cells be
>>698335
Go ask for prof help, there is some experts that might hell with the right sole
>>698273
Tell us how'd go! Glad the sc/out/s could help you out, it's mint advise for starting up. Opgrade what you'll find the most necessary
>>695869
Necessary day hiking equipment:
+ appropriate clothing
|- this means synthetic shirt & pants or shorts,
| a bandanna, rain/cold gear, and spare socks
+ trail running shoes, or hiking boots
+ backpack (dont get anything to overbuilt or too large, 18-25 litres is great for day hikes)
+ lunch, and always bring extra food
+ water, and extra or purification tablets
+ flash light
+ map of the area, and compass unless you are on a well-marked trail with signage at every intersection
+ biodegradable TP and instant hand sanitizer or camp soap
+ first aid kit and emergency fire starter
+ a small knife
Don't hike alone until you are familiar with the local ecosystem, If you live in a large town or a city check out meetup.com for hiking groups.
>>698501
>appropriate clothing
... is the only thing you need in addition to legs.
>>698503
a liter or so of water is nice to have, but yeah.
>>696320
>don't take that shortcut, I know it looks like an easy walk through grass and small trees but it's actually an impenetrable, 12' tall tangle of willows
This desu senpai
>>698501
I disagree : for a day hike, it means you're not going far ennough to have to spend the night out before you go back. Spare socks are useless, because you will never stop long enough to dry your shoes, even trails runners. Unless you're in a desert lacking water wont do you to much arm, and If you're in a desert, purification tabs won't help you either, so he can lose those. Same goes with TP, on a day hike if you can't hold it...
THe rest can be useful, but not absolute necessity, it won't arm anyone no to have a map or a small knife on a day hike.
>>695869
start by hiking up local "mountains"/ hills, hinterlands and shit
>>695869
watch Encouragement of Hike. this helped me alot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7XuthznpHM
>>698335
Have same condition of flat foot. It all depends if you can arch your feet. Ie when you tip toe lean again the wall, does your feet bend into an arch into it. If yes then you can get away with no custom shoe solos. Just get shoes with good arch support. You feet will get sore but dont push too hard mkay. If you cant, see a specialist.
>>698901
>>698879
man... hikingwise, Ohio sucks except Cuyahoga national park
>>698905
Well thanks but i really dont understand what you mean.
>does your feet bend into an arch into it
And i dont get here, sorry my native language not english.
>>695869
Learn to walk barefoot. It takes a long time to build up your feet to be able to do it through rough terrain, but regular hiking trails are easily accomplished and the reward of feeling more connected to the Earth is fantastic. PLUS walking barefoot has been proven to be good for you.
>>698876
for driving dude
>>695869
That's a CGI image OP.
