Hiking Essentials
Hiking is one of the greater activities that you can do for yourself in body and spirit. Learning hiking essentials can be a great way for backpacking beginners to train for an up coming trip.
John Muir, the famous naturalist and conservation author wrote "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
Not only do you get the benefit of health from every walk but you also get to know your surroundings in a way that you did not before. Walking in the wilderness with nature is a sure way to keep your stress levels at bay.
Here is a checklist for backpacking.
Here is a checklist for base camping.
Some Hiking Essentials
Since a hike is really just a long walk in the woods or mountains. There is not too much that you need to have with you.
Hiking Essentials constist of at least one person in the party should have a daypack (a school style backpack will do) with some odds and ends like:
- Water
- Trail Mix
- Map & Compass (if you are going off a trail or into a heavily wooded area)
- Camera (if you want)
Our Day to Day Environment
Urban environments often separate us from our green world. The grass we cut and the trees we trim are not enough for us to remain connected 
to the great outdoors.
The cubicles or factories we work in, our tract homes or apartments also tend to separate us from the fields, mountains and deserts that form the planet that gives us life.
That big screen TV and the game of the day also distract us from the joys of nature and from actually participating in activities.
The various nature channels that we come across surfing the net or the television stations gives us an abstract perspective of what life in the vast wilderness is really like.
I love the great out doors and have always believed that it is important to be responsible and leave as small a footprint as possible. It's easier to do than you may think and far more rewarding than you can imagine.
Shoes
It is wise to dress appropriately and the proper footwear is a hiking essential.
A good set of hiking shoes is the most critical item on your list. Your feet are very important and you don't want to create problems out in the field.
Nothing is worse than blisters when you need to walk anywhere.
A pair of running shoes with decent soles will work well for warm and dry areas unless you need ankle support. However, running shoes will kill your feet in cold or damp areas, so you might as well invest in some quality boots right away.
The Great Leveler of Society
Going out into the wilderness becomes a great leveler of society.
It does not matter what or who you are back at home.
Neither educational levels nor job titles make any difference in nature.
In the field we are all equal partners and are all mutually dependant on one another. I have been out with tradesmen, housewives, engineers, managers, postal employees, judges and on and on.
Where To Go
Information for where to go is a hiking essential that is readily available from many sources.
There are many books with maps and trail information that can be purchased.
There is information on everything from local trails and camping spots to the great National Parks this nation offers.
Many books are available at most camping stores but just about everything can be found on-line today.
Safety First!
It is advisable that you tell a friend or family member where and when you are going and when you expect to get back. This way if you run into problems there is someone that could send help your way.
Check The Weather!
Don't rely on looking out the window and deciding that it's going to be real nice for the next few days.
The Weather Channel on cable will provide some good forecasts for a few days but there are better ways to gain good information. On line weather from a Variety of sources are available.
If you are traveling to a site, call the local Rangers and ask. They usually have a good handle on it as they both live and work there.
Training for a Backpacking Trip?
If you are looking to gear up for a backpacking trip, hiking is a great way to get yourself in shape for it. It's also a great chance to test out all of your gear and make sure you are comfortable with it.
If you know your backpack gear is in good shape and you just want to train, fill your day pack with water and/or books or anything that will give it some weight. Get use to how heavy your backpack will be when you are out on the trail.
It is good to get used to hauling things like water around with you.
It never hurts to practice packing too! (Believe me, it is a skill).
Plan a day and try out your camping cookware.
Plan a meal as if you were on an overnight campout. Cook up your meal and impress your friends...
Training Ideas
Urban hiking can be a good training ground. In place of driving to a friend's house, try walking. If you think about it, how often do we drive a very short distance just to pick up something small?
In my 20's, (Ah, memories of my 20's) a friend of mine and myself did this very thing preparing for a 50+ mile hike.
We would meet somewhere and walk to a predetermined place of known distance.
We did this several evenings in the preceding weeks and it became both a good walking experience as well as an opportunity to just talk with each other about most anything.
If you live in a place that has no hills and you are trying to train for an upcoming trip use your treadmill. It is the exercise that is the most important thing. Just don't forget to use the incline.
Like any new exercise you should start out slow and easy. Enjoy your time and use it to your fullest advantage!