Hello everybody!

Hello,
My name is Brandon, I'm new to the whole hiking thing. I have a friend who is into it and now I'm going along. He is also a pretty serious camper, so I am in good hands LOL. What are some things I should know or things I can do to prepare myself for hiking on the trails?

Thanks

Welcome. Stretch properly, hydrate, eat well! And enjoy yourself!!!

Far as actual stuff, a well fitted shoes, proper clothes, good fitted backpack, some misc. items such as headlamp, small first aid, water bottle, water filter for those longer day hikes, and rain gear. Should be all you need. Of course this varies base on seasons and where you're located.

Welcome!

Lots of articles about gear selection and some gear lists, for both backpacking and dayhiking, on the home page of this site, left hand column. Be sure to read especially the article about Hiking Essentials.

Thanks for the helpful info!!!