Starting to Hike

“Disclaimer: I am not a professional. I'll be glad to give advice based on
what I think. But Hike at your own risk...

j/k....For a beginner hiking. I would plan on hiking around 2 miles per hour
tops. I wouldn't do more than 8 miles a day. Plan a loop trail.

You will need a tent. REI halfdome plus 2 is my recommendation. $150 bucks.

I would take a sleeping pad or a Thermarest. Thermarest are better and
lighter and compact better and they are more comfortable.

FOOD: To start out I would buy the Mountain House freeze dried meals. All
you have to do is add water.
Buy instant coffee from the grocery and add water for your coffee fix. Take
plenty of snacks for along the trail. Keep the snacks in the top part of
your pack for easy access. I normally don't eat lunch. I just snack between
breakfast and dinner. Also, Right before you go to bed eat a healthy amount
of food. This will help keep you warm throughout the night.

FOOTWEAR: I have a pair of cheap Hi- Tech hiking boots. I wam going to get
something differnet as these will not hold up for the longrun.

SOCKS: SMARTWOOLS>SMARTWOOLS....SMARTWOOLS

WATER: Buy a Pur Hiker water filter. IMake sure you stay hydrated by
drinking plenty of water. I only pack in what I will drink on the way to
camp. I filter water once I get there. Also take water for the car and drink
as much as you can before you hit the trail.

I don't know about CMB website. I haven't looked at it.

Here are a few things I would take in additi0on to the things mentioned.

2 -32 ounce nalgene bottles
fire starters
2 lighters
lexan utensil set
cookset
stove
headlamp
first aid kit

CLOTHING: A good base layer such as polypropolene or capilene and then maybe
a fleece layer
Stay away from cotton. It does not wick the moisture from your skin. You'll
find out what you need as you get out more. I overpacked when i first
started and then i started leaving stuff at home that I didn't use.

Make a list afterwards of stuff you needed but didn't have and a list of had
but didn't need.

Go on hikes with people is the best way to learn I think. I have found what
works and doesn't based on what I've seen from others”