If you’ve ever thought to yourself:
- “I’m not in good enough shape to hike.”
- “I’m too old to start something new.”
- “I’m too slow to hike.”
- “I don’t have enough money to buy hiking gear.”
- “Hiking isn’t really my thing, I’ve never done anything like that.”
We want to let you in on a big secret: you don’t know that yet, and you’re so much closer to your first incredible trail view than you think!
When we started 10 years ago, neither of us had ever hiked a single day in our lives. Literally no experience. We weren’t outdoorsy experts, we didn’t grow up on trails, we had no special gear, and we weren’t even in good shape. We just loved the mountains and decided we wanted to see more views from above. For us, hiking has always been about the reward of amazing views!
So, we started small. We found the mountains closest to where we lived, picked short trails, used sneakers we already owned, and just went for it. And we loved it! Over time, that simple curiosity took us further than we ever expected. Over time, we started exploring new mountain ranges and doing longer trails. Eventually, we bought a few things (like sturdy boots and trekking poles), but still kept it super low key and inexpensive.
At the end of the day, hiking isn’t an exclusive or a high intensity endurance test. Hiking is truly just walking in nature and enjoying amazing views at whatever pace makes you happy.
No matter your age, your current fitness level, or where you’re starting from, the trail is wide open for you. Here is everything you actually need to take your very first step into the outdoors.
The No Shopping Required Starter Kit
Look inside your closet right now. We bet you already own almost everything you need for your first hike!
- Shoes Already in Your Closet: A standard pair of sneakers is completely fine for beginner trails. We hiked in ordinary everyday sneakers for years before ever buying real trail shoes. Wear what feels comfortable on your feet and what you normally exercise in!
- Any Water Bottle: Grab a reusable bottle from your kitchen cabinet. No hydration packs needed, just bring enough water to sip as you go, like you would if you went to the gym.
- Any Old Bag: Take a simple backpack, drawstring bag, or tote that gets your hands free so you can take in the scenery.
- Comfy Clothes: Dress in simple layers so you can take a light jacket off if you warm up. If you feel comfortable taking a walk in it, it’s perfect hiking gear.
Optional boosters: Sunscreen, a hat, a favorite snack (like trail mix, fruit, or a granola bar), and your phone to take pictures of the views.
That’s genuinely the whole list!
How to Pick Your Very First Trail
The secret to an awesome first hike is choosing a route where you can relax, take your time, and enjoy every minute.
- Start Small (Just Like We Did): Look for a flat or gentle trail that’s 1-2 miles max. You aren’t here to prove anything to anyone. You’re just out to breath in fresh air and take in pretty views.
- Move at YOUR Pace: Stop to catch your breath, look at wild plants, listen to the trees, or take photos whenever you feel like it. There’s no speed limit or time expectation on the trails!
- Download AllTrails (The Free Version): Download the AllTrails app before you go. The free version gives you everything a beginner needs: you can search easy trails nearby, check out real photos and recent reviews, and follow the map on your screen so you feel confident.
Why You Might Just Fall in Love With It
In our opinions, the best part of hiking isn’t about climbing the tallest peak or pushing your body to the limit. It’s about the feeling of stepping out into nature, turning a corner, and seeing a view that takes your breath away.
Nature doesn’t judge. It doesn’t care how fast you walk, what brand of clothes you’re wearing, or how many trails you’ve done before. The outdoors belongs to everyone equally.
The hardest part of hiking was never the trail itself. It was just pulling out of the driveway and getting to the trailhead in the first place. Once you’re actually standing there at the start of the path, the rest kind of takes care of itself.
So grab some water, put on the sneakers you already own, and go see what’s out there. You might be surprised by how much you end up loving it.