To start hiking you don’t need a lot of equipment, but having the right basics makes your experience much more comfortable. Most beginners start with a pair of supportive hiking shoes, breathable clothing and a practical day backpack.

Other useful items include a reusable water bottle, snacks, weather protection and simple navigation tools. Choosing reliable outdoor gear helps you stay comfortable and prepared on different types of trails.

Hiking usually refers to longer walks in natural environments such as forests, hills or mountain trails. Walking is typically done on flatter terrain like city paths, parks or paved routes.

Because hiking often involves uneven terrain and longer distances, hikers usually choose gear designed for outdoor use, such as hiking backpacks, weather-resistant clothing and supportive footwear.

Comfortable and functional clothing is important when hiking. Many hikers follow a layering system so they can adjust to changing weather conditions.

This usually includes:

• a breathable base layer
  
• an insulating mid layer for warmth
  
• a waterproof or windproof outer layer
  

Layering allows you to stay comfortable whether temperatures rise, fall or weather conditions change during your hike.

Most hikers bring a few essential items to stay safe and comfortable outdoors.

Common hiking essentials include:

• drinking water or a hydration bottle
  
• energy snacks or food
  
• a rain jacket or weather protection
  
• a small first aid kit
  
• navigation tools such as a map or GPS
  

The exact items depend on the distance of your hike, the terrain and the expected weather conditions.