What to Wear

There’s no need to buy anything; you can get started with things in your own closet.  Some important pieces of gear to bring are:

Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes or athletic shoes are fine for most Beginning and Moderate trails.  Hiking boots or trail shoes with thicker soles and good ankle support will make travel safer and easier on and Challenging trails, which may be rocky and uneven.

Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.  It is best to dress in several light layers so that you can shed or add clothing items as the intensity of your activity or the weather changes.

Hat: A hat protects your face and head from sun, shields your eyes from the glare, and helps you stay warm when it’s cold.

Packs: Back or hip packs enable you to carry the items you need for your safety and comfort while keeping your hands free to assist others. You can use a pack to hold your water bottle, lunch, trail maps, insect repellent and maybe a first aid kit, plus, you can stuff a sweater or a jacket in it when the day warms-up.  For shorter hikes, try a hip pack that fastens around your waist and can hold the bare essentials like water, a snack and sunscreen.

Skin Protection: Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.  Insect repellent is essential in many areas for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.