Read Time: 2 minutes | Best for: Beginner hikers
The Intro
Ready to tackle the trail? This here is for the beginner hiker looking to kick up dirt on the trail, soak up the bountiful vistas and reap the health benefits of hiking. Getting started is as easy as just choosing a trail and heading out! Right? Before heading out, feed your brain on the essentials for your hiking experience to ensure you don't break the bank nor an ankle.
Pro Tips to Save Money
- Go Second Hand: buy refurbished or lightly used apparel & equipment to minimize upfront costs.
- Download trail maps to your phone.
- Find a hiking buddy to split travel costs
- Pack a Lunch
- Buy a Park Pass: $80 , average cost to enter a national park $26.
10: Must Buy Starter List
- Daypack - Meet your new best friend! A good day pack will last for years all the whiles protecting your back, shoulders and carrying your essentials through amazing journeys. That's what best friends do!
- Invest in Socks - The second essential is socks? You will thank me for this recommendation. A great sock will make your trail world a better place providing comfort, blister protection and durability. Who wants to hike on sore piggies? Read more on Socks: Yonder sock guide
- Hiking shoes - naturally next! This essential is the difference between broken bones and staying upright. A good hiking shoe will add grip, help shock absorption via a rock plate, provide breathability and toughness. Read more on Shoes: Yonder Shoe Guide
- Cotton is rotten! - The wick shirt aims to keep you cool, minimize sweat and stink and quick to dry. That's a triple bonus!
- First aid kit - from Band-Aids to wraps, its a no brainer to have backup while on the trail. Gone are the bulky, daypack space hogging first aid kits, instead try a wallet sized one! Explore how to maximize your first aid box with our first aid guide
- Water bottle - The life saver, your water bottle should be durable, able to keep water cold and yet be stylish. Pro Tip: Sanitize your bottle after each use.
- Food - From almonds, to granola and bananas there are foods ready to help you keep strong, energized and at your best. Read More: yonder food guide
- Bandana - The swiss army knife of your hiking essentials. whether acting as a washcloth, a sun visor or tourniquet this is a must have.
- Sunscreen - A no brainer, its all about max protect defense from the sun. Pro Tip: Protect the head with a good hat! Dehydration starts at the top.
- Bug spray - From ticks, mosquitos, black flies and more... trails have plenty of party pals. this is a must have , for your sanity. More info on tick prevention: here
