I get it. The idea of hiking can feel overwhelming. Maybe you picture people in expensive gear scaling the Himalayas or trekking through remote jungles with weeks of preparation. But let me tell you a little secret—you don’t need any of that to start hiking. You just need to take one step onto a trail, any trail. That’s it. No overthinking, no pressure.
Start Where You Are—Literally
You don’t have to book a flight to a national park or drive hours into the wilderness. Look around you. Is there a park in your city? A nature reserve just outside of town? Even an urban trail along a river or through a greenbelt can be your first step into hiking. I started with a simple one-hour loop near my apartment, just a dirt path winding through some trees. Nothing spectacular, but it was peaceful. It was enough to make me want to do it again.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gear
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiking is that you need the best, latest, most high-tech gear. You don’t. All you really need is:
Comfortable shoes—hiking boots are great, but if you’re just starting out, good sneakers will do.
A small backpack—anything to carry a water bottle and a snack.
Water and snacks—hydration is key, and a snack is always a good idea.
Sun and rain protection—a hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket can make all the difference.
Common sense—know where you’re going, check the weather, and let someone know your plan.
That’s it. You don’t need to invest in the latest moisture-wicking, UV-blocking, ultra-light hiking pants unless you really want to. The idea that you need a full wardrobe change to go on a one-hour walk in nature is marketing, not reality. Just wear what makes you comfortable and get out there.
Try a Short Trail First
Forget epic hikes that take all day. Start small. Try a one-hour trail. See how you feel. If you love it, great! If you don’t, that’s okay too. Maybe the trail was too rocky, too exposed, or just not your vibe. Try another one. Maybe something with more trees, fewer hills, or a different kind of view. You’re not committing to a new lifestyle here—you’re just testing the waters.
What If You Don’t Love It?
Here’s the thing: not everyone loves hiking. And that’s totally fine. If you’ve tried a few trails and it’s just not for you, no big deal. But if there was even one moment where you felt like you could finally breathe, where stress melted away, or where the sound of the wind in the trees made you feel at peace—don’t give up yet. That’s your sign to keep going.
Hiking Is for You—If You Want It to Be
There’s no right or wrong way to start hiking. No rules about how often you should go or how far you need to hike to “count.” It’s just about stepping outside, moving your body, and seeing where the trail takes you. So stop overthinking, lace up whatever shoes you have, grab a bottle of water, and go. The trail is waiting.
And if you decide you want to keep track of your adventures, my Hiking Journal (click here to see), available on Amazon, is a great way to document your hikes, track what you love (and don’t), and reflect on how each trail makes you feel. But first—just go for that first walk.
Happy hiking! 🌿🥾
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