Hiking 101 for Beginners | Useful Knowledge

Hiking 101 for beginners is easy. Learn hiking 101 for beginners and build great campfires. Hiking 101 for beginners will show how to prepare for a day hike and hike successfully. The goal on your first hiking trip is to have fun.
We show you the easy way to enjoy the great outdoors with reasonable expectations and goals. Hiking 101 for beginners will show you the simple way to go day hiking. It's very easy to go hiking your first time and be successful. Even beginners will have fun like those that are experienced.
Hiking is a big part of spring, summer, and fall. Follow this hiking 101 for beginners video and don't let fear of failure on your first day hike out keep you from enjoying the trail ! Once you master the easy hiking essentials, you can introduce even more fun stuff to your hiking trip.
If you want to expand your hiking horizons, plan some more elaborate and strenuous trails. Many hikers will graduate into backpacking and enjoy overnight trips.
Man with the Knowledge: Jamie Hardy
Editor: John Andrews (the UberonN)
Creator: Mark Davies
Email: [e-mail]
Bama Country Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Hiking 101 for beginners is easy to learn and enjoy. Start day hiking and have fun in the great outdoors.

[@nigeljones8202]

I am an experienced hiker and just watched this out of interest, it's about the best I've seen for beginners. Some great advice, especially the orange marker tape and the stop and listen advice.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@AlumniQuad]

What is your typical day hike in terms of length, duration, and elevation change? Most of what I do is 4-7 miles total, about 1.5-2.5 hours, and maybe 100 ft of elevation change and I've never gone with any of what this video suggests, even the extra water.

[@nigeljones8202]

@@AlumniQuad Hi. My hikes vary from say 1.5 hrs to a full day of 8 hrs. What gear you take also depends on the weather. Here in England it changes a lot so its necessary to take rain jacket and warm clothes in case. Water depends on the individual and the temperature, but I always seem to use about 1.5 litres or more, unless hike is really short. Some safety gear should be carried in case of injury, even on a short hike. Hope this helps

[@anthonym5871]

Oo

[@bezalel5081]

Stop and listen. Not just great hiking advise, also great life advise.

[@vanessagreen9637]

Also, if you’re lost and you stop and listen, you might hear running water like a creek or river. You can follow the water line and possibly get to help, or at the very least, you’ll be near water and can survive.

[@useful.knowledge]

Good stuff here! Thanks for sharing.

[@kwikkwik6984]

And follow downhill

[@prasad2716]

and the time when you get to see a tiger at the river😂😂

[@useful.knowledge]

👀

[@andreichiorean4450]

@@prasad2716 i have no problem hiking with bears and wolves around, tigers on the other hand...oghhh, thank god i'm not living in Asia :))

[@GoodMorningHikers]

put your phone in airplane mode when hiking! it saves a TON of battery because it stops your phone from searching for cell towers constantly. and put your phone in battery saver mode the whole time.

[@useful.knowledge]

Good advice here with these comments!! Thanks!

[@kristin7121]

I’ve started hiking this past month (bluffs of western Wisconsin) and followed many tips like these (building my supplies bit by bit). I’ve gotten up to a nine mile hike. I start to feel over prepared as I pass so many folks just walking with no gear at all. Sometimes not even water! Videos like this help remind my that I’m doing the right thing even if the folks around me aren’t.

[@useful.knowledge]

Awesome! I do see a lot of folks out there with nothing. I have many times let people use my tape, take a look at a map, and even some ibuprofen. The tape saved a few folks that had busted there shoes.

[@kvog85]

I've rescued underprepared hikers on a few occasions because I'm "overprepared." ❤🙏 I always pack like I'm going to break my ankle and have to spend the night.

[@useful.knowledge]

Excellent job!! Nothing wrong with being over prepared! Even when I really didn’t think I would need an item, I took it and then needed it.

[@alexberland9775]

This video saved me today from probably a potentially dangerous situation. Was hiking mt. Killington in Vermont in 6 degree weather and didn’t get up to just below the summit (there is an abandoned cabin as a marker there) until sunset. Had to hike down in the dark with an almost frozen water bladder. It was a very scary Situation to be honest. Luckily as soon as i realized how potentially dangerous of a situation I was in i went straight into survival mode and was able to go through my pack to assemble everything I’d need to prepare for the trip down. Knowing I had enough with me to survive if god forbid I got hurt on the way down gave me the confidence to do it. Headlamp was the biggest game changer. I didn’t think I’d ever need it yet it allowed me to see everything pretty clearly. Thanks for the great content!

[@useful.knowledge]

Wow!! Thanks for sharing!! I’m definitely glad that the video helped. Sounds like you did a great job preparing and then an excellent job keep your wits once you realized your situation.

[@alexberland9775]

@@useful.knowledge thanks again! On the 27th I tried again and summited!

[@wadeinskeep4866]

Hydrate well the day before a day hike also..

[@hazelbug7032]

I’m so grateful for this simple and thorough video! I have recently lost 150 pounds and this is exactly how I’m going to keep it off!!! ❤️🏕🦮

[@useful.knowledge]

Wow!! That’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing and we wish you all the best hiking.

[@davidschmidt270]

Way to go Tara...I plan on doing the same thing! 👏🌮🎶🌲💯

[@lunam.3207]

That is very good! Congratulations! Hiking is a great way to keep fit indeed

[@veronicastegall7806]

Congratulations on the weight loss I too am making life long decisions to keep losing weight myself and I love nature and thought about doing some day hiking to help with weight loss myself... 9/12/21

[@Voltaic314]

One of the tips I've learned from hiking in East Tennenssee is that almost all of our trails are near some kind of water like a river or stream that flows along a mountain. So generally speaking for most trails it's nearly impossible to get lost if you stay along the river because the river is literally where the trails are. (Although, the water can take multiple different paths, and Y intersections), but generally speaking just try to stay ON the trail, if you have to go off the trail for any reason, just try to at least stay near the water, don't let it leave your sight. Oh and that brings me to another good point, try not to cross through a stream or a river by putting your feet or body directly into the water. It doesn't take a lot of high water to wash you away, if you have to walk through water, try to do it in a calm, slow moving water area. You'd be surprised how much pulling force that water has, especially during high tides.

[@stevenpitts6290]

I always take a pic with my phone of the map at the trail head showing where I’m going

[@emilyyork9583]

My husband just died at 36 in a ATV accident. My family and I were very active in the outdoors, but he did everything. I’m not starting from scratch, but I’m pretty new to everything! Thank you for your videos.

[@useful.knowledge]

Hi. I honestly didn’t know how to respond to your comment. I will say that it’s an honor to help folks like you and your family. Thank you very much!!

[@carrieanneatreides6240]

Please accept my condolences. I cannot imagine. I send all my love.

[@adamgerald849]

I hope you know you're not hiking alone. He is with you on every hike you take. Stay safe. Take care.

[@portersblackboard]

I've been day hiking for years and you shared some awesome new tips for me! Stepping over the fallen tree and the orange marking tape are awesome! Thanks so much!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks for the kind comments! Enjoy hiking!

[@conflectiz]

Nicely done. I’m an experienced hiker, I learned a few things from this video. Thank you. A day that we don’t learn anything new is a wasted day.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks! So true about learning!! I have done a lot of hiking but last year I sit down at Len Foote Hike Inn and listened to a presentation on day hiking. I learned some new ideas.

[@tomcatt998]

Finally a well thought out kit that's not expensive 👍👍👍🏕👍👍👍

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@michaelramirez4162]

I love day hikes. Thanks, man!

[@dennypescador]

Stepping on the down tree vs putting your leg over it, WOW! Never thought of that. Can't tell you how many times I've arrived at a lake or reservoir to fish, when I run into snakes basking in the sun. I'll not forget this vid. Thanks for sharing :)

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!! I completely understand. I walked up on a water moccasin at a lake like that.

[@porschen8055]

I am a complete newbie and this advice is 100% great. Its makes so much sense, the tape, the log. Cant wait for my 1st hike at the end of the month. I am ready!

[@useful.knowledge]

Have fun hiking!! Enjoy it!

[@kaymadd]

How'd it go? Also planning for my first hike

[@TJBurr]

This is good advice. Another map option is to take a photo of the map if there is one on the trailhead or if online, you can take a screenshot of map. It is also good to have a pocket charger for your phone. If the terrain is challenging and several trails branch off of main trail, a physical map is probably your best option. Happy Trails!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@LBOMendoza]

My friends and I used to hike a lot when we were younger but never prepared like this, just brought a water bottle and some snacks. We did get lost once but managed to find our way back. Thank goodness nothing ever happened to us! I will definitely prepare like this when I go with kid and hubby. Awesome video! 👍👍👍

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks! Same here. When I was high school age, I would go out with an old canteen that I had and pretty much nothing else. Now it seems that I use something that’s in my pack at some point or another.

[@Imightberiding]

Can't help but chuckle a little while listening to all the different nonsensical verbal idioms of the local spoken word & varied dialects throughout North America (especially the southern half of the USA) "Get you some". "Gonna get me some". "Carry you some". "Carry me some". "Carry you a (insert item)" "Carry me a (insert item)" etc. All in all, some good advice for the uninitiated hiker. Nicely done. Cheers.

[@useful.knowledge]

😂🤣😂. True!!

[@whitneydouglas4794]

This is great! My only addition would be sun protection. Long sleeves and hat or proper sunscreen. I have had two close family members get sun cancer, it is no joke. Even when it is cloudy or you have some tree coverage there is still UV rays.

[@NickandRachel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@amandacrase3060]

I am an experienced hiker of 40 years. I started out at the age of 9. For beginners, I think this is one of the best videos I have seen. I carry a Leatherman Wave as well as a fixed-bladed knife. Love the orange tape but I never use trekking poles. I use a 6' walking staff. I have always felt using trekking poles was over working the arms and my 6' hiking stick will allow me scare a snake off, gauge the depth of water and as a ridge pole if you have to build an emergency shelter. Great advice about stepping over a log. The boy scout book I had in the 80's showed that and also talked about the multiple uses of a walking staff.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks for the kind comments and thanks for sharing your insight and experience.

[@neondennon]

This was really helpful, I’m just getting into hiking of my own accord, and I need all the tips and tricks I can get. Definitely adding these to my shopping list

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks and have fun hiking!!

[@henrykashyap8913]

For basic hiking a normal bag, a water bottle,energy food and first aid kit works perfectly...i guess

[@xORLOCKx]

This is great for beginners. What would be nice is a video for people like me who have been day hiking my entire life. I'm wanting to take my hiking to the next level. Like 3 of 4 day hikes. Mountain hikes. How to go to the next level as an intermediate hiker

[@TheNypenfan]

There are a bunch of great KZbin channels for new backpackers/weekend warriors. A couple that come to mind, back country forward, Jeremiah stringer, John Kelly, and older stuff from Dan Becker. Also, homemade wanderlust put together a fantastic video for newbies. I can’t remember the exact name of the video, but it’s like “everything you need to know to start backpacking”. It’s like 3 hrs long but she timestamped everything so you can jump to the parts you want to know more about. Hope this helps.

[@xORLOCKx]

@@TheNypenfan it actually doesn't help at all. That was my point. There are tons of channels and videos for beginners. I was looking for video and advice to take the next step. When you are way past beginner but not quiet to the place of a seasoned hiker. That middle of the road person who isn't a beginner but isn't a profession. Taking the step from 3 day and over night hiker to doing a full length trail that takes weeks is a huge jump.

[@TheNypenfan]

@@xORLOCKx yeah that’s what I was talking about. Especially those first few guys…they are all about making the jump into doing those three and four day trips. Tips on how to get started as a weekend warrior. The last person I mentioned is definitely a “through hiker”. But that one video I mentioned is all about the gear, and what to look for, for any length trip. Just an in depth look at all the gear you may need for any length trip.

[@carlawalker4671]

I follow Dixie on YT at "Homemade Wandeelust" and Tammy from the YT Channel "Spirit Forest". Both have exceptional content on the subject and much experience.

This was really useful. Thank you.

[@_b_u_l_l_s_h_a_r_k_]

Thank you!

[@OlgasBritishFells]

The red marker tape is an awesome tip!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@thembim6061]

I went hiking yesterday and it rained and people were slipping and falling in the mud and our running shoes were messed up and I ended up picking up a firm stick to balance for the steep hills.Thank you for the tips i could've used them before i went but I'll definitely use them in future.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks for the kind comments. Those running shoes will definitely get messed up on the trail. I have many times let folks use some of my tape to wrap blown out shoes. Have fun on the next trip! Maybe it will be better weather for you.

[@chelseaflowers4729]

so bring my bugout bag, got it!! lol i always foolishly do dry hikes and bring my body only but im going to start bring a daypack bcuz its the smart thing to do!! thanks for the video.

[@fancishmanci]

Thank you for not only telling but showing us these important tips!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks for the kind comment!!!

[@glendabee]

Simple & helpful tips. Thank you.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@nobody-zl7gg]

Good 👍, I've got the same trowel, Wrapped in paracord, tape, toilet paper in the hollow handle, with a compass on the handle. And a lanyard.

[@useful.knowledge]

Awesome!! Sounds like you have it loaded up.

[@Tammy8746G8]

Those fig bars are fireee! Great tips. The basics are what keep you alive.

[@useful.knowledge]

They are good!

[@BlackBerri83]

Very helpful and straight forward videos. Thank you!!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks and have fun hiking!

[@kendra326]

Great tips - thank you!!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@kvog85]

Great tips! I hadn't thought about the trail marking tape, but that's awesome. Plus, God forbid you get hurt while you're off trail and can't hike out, it can lead SAR right to you.

[@useful.knowledge]

Hi. There was a lady that past away because she got off the Appalachian trail to use the bathroom. She could not find her way back to the trail and died of starvation and exposure. It was about 8 years ago. That’s when I started taking the tape.

[@fallofmanbrand]

Loved It!

[@desert_rat2831]

Awesome video. Great info thanks.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@johnappleyard4123]

Great advices

[@chrissyt6959]

This was awesome! Thank you!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@TheFruitingChamber]

Wool socks are the best I’ve started hiking recently and got some trekking poles arriving today :3

[@useful.knowledge]

So true! I love my wool socks!

[@17marcilla]

Thank you sir, I live in Colorado and I have never hiked before, but this year I am planning to change that as I got healthier. This video is so helpful

[@teresaforever101]

Im on contract in Colorado and want to go hiking tomorrow! Hopefully its not as intimidating as it seems!

[@useful.knowledge]

Just go as far as you are comfortable. Any hiking is better that no hiking.

[@StonedPriest]

Good on ya dude! Planning my first hike in Colorado, this was so helpful!🤘

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@Channel-ov4kz]

Well done. Knowing the basics is essential. Thanks for this video

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@mannytravelsandhikes]

Thanks for all the helpful tips my man 🙌

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks for the kind comments.

[@sakaya9878]

Don’t forget sunscreen. My transparent white self got sunburned a cloudy autumn day, and I am not even exaggerating. Actual sunburn when there was no sun.

[@useful.knowledge]

True!!

[@deejaykaydee]

i personally ditched the hiking boots and use a solid pair of trail runners. lighter and comfy. make sure they have good tread on the bottom

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks. I may try those at some point.

[@swimmyswim417]

I used to work at Mt Saint Helens a couple years ago, I only worked retail at the Ape Cave but we were right alongside the rangers and had lots of opportunities to enjoy the trails. Been preparing to get back into hiking and these tips are super helpful!

[@useful.knowledge]

Wow that sounds awesome! I’ll bet that was a great experience!!

[@Gowalkabout]

Thank you for your helpful insight. Even experienced hikers can learn from your hard work.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks very much for your kind comments!

[@leahvalenzuela9779]

Great info, clearly explained! Thx you so much!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@nataliedavies721]

Great information! Thanks

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@ANNORQUILLAS]

Great video and very informative for us hiker for this tips .sending full support 🥰

[@useful.knowledge]

Hi. Thanks so much for the kind comments! Have fun hiking!

[@ConsciousCritter97]

You're living up to your user name, thank you!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks very much!

[@dodievanwyen4793]

You did a GREAT job on the video! After watching I scouted around the house and found a few of the items.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@despacitodaniel801]

I'm terrified but excited. I'm ready I think

[@leigha8428]

So helpful and informative-thank you!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@reesysorganicworld1989]

Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@melsha_smiles5262]

Thanks for cutting out the nonsense and getting straight to the point!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@cristinaorozco1246]

this is a great video thank you!!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@robingardner8695]

Good advice...thank you!!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!! Enjoy hiking!

[@carlawalker4671]

Awesome content! Thanks for breaking it down. My teenage son just had his first experience and absolutely enjoyed it. We're gearing up for the next one.

[@useful.knowledge]

Hi. Thanks for the kind comments. That’s great about your son enjoying hiking. One of our favorite hikes is up to Len Foote Hike Inn in north Georgia. It’s a five mile hike to a back country inn with great food, awesome views, and a comfy nights sleep.

[@carlawalker4671]

@@useful.knowledge What another awesome share. I'll definitely put it on our list. Best to you always.

[@marieriddick8388]

Great video. I plan on doing some day hiking soon. Thanks for sharing, I never thought about telling someone where I would be hiking and to have them call me.

[@useful.knowledge]

Hi. Thanks!! I took a wilderness first aid course several years ago and that was one of the first things they drilled into our minds. They taught us to check expected location of injured or lost hikers. Telling folks where you are going is the easiest thing about going hiking. Have fun hiking!!

[@marieriddick8388]

@@useful.knowledge, thanks.

[@markfletcher8084]

I have to say this is one of the best hiking tips for beginners video. Lots of good information.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks very much for your kind comment!!

[@sweetbailey1177]

Great video! There are a lot of super tips in here, not just regurgitated lists that are on some of the other hiking channels.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@DinoH8sU]

Good stuff thank you

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@revelation_jeff2951]

Great video thanks!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@mikesalas2683]

Great orange tape tip

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Yes really appreciate this video

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@mgm8822]

Thank you for the video, very helpful.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@LadyKatTravels]

thank you... is really useful info

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks and enjoy hiking

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Thank you. As a newbie a lot of the sites mean well but can be over whelming. I learned to carry reflective tape to mark my spot as well as a easier way to carry gorilla tape. Much appreciated!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!! We appreciate it!

[@alyssafroman4459]

Thank you! This was all very helpful. (:

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@demiurge1608]

great tips and vid. thx

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!!

[@Junebug00000]

Great advice! I would add one thing: take a Photo of you and sending to the person you give your info to, that way they know what you look like on that exact day (just in case they have to search for you). And always assume you might be there over night. If you have a lot of new stuff, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before you hike.

[@useful.knowledge]

Excellent tips!

[@SwissBumbleBee]

Hi Jamie, I just found your channel and subscribed, I like your content 😃

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!! Welcome to the channel!

[@rosarioadrianacandelerorue3710]

Nice and complete video!!

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@estebanperezjr6783]

Never been backpacking, but its on my bucket list. Very good advice. thanks

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@taramoore2702]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@OkinawaSurf82]

Great video

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@alexcardenas3206]

Great video man !

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@auntsally2704]

Thank you best info. Very helpful

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@nielsen462]

awesome. much obliged.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@Michael23459]

The average hiker can hike 4 mph so you can do a 3 mile hike less than a hour. So you don't need a pack but if you're going on a 10 mile hike I say take everything he says. If you hike with dogs be sure to bring water and food for them also.

[@baskets8429]

Perfect guide for all beginners This will help many people get on trail

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@lunam.3207]

Very useful video. I found out some new things. Thank you! :)

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!!

[@charlescharliecharlotte]

Thank you! Very useful ❤

[@useful.knowledge]

Thank you!!

[@CNST1028]

Me and my boyfriend went on our first official hike a few days ago. We had a lot of the right ideas, and some fails. 😂 The trail selected was moderate to hard, we had way too much stuff in our backpacks so they were heavy. I had too much clothing and wound up hot, but all in all it was a good learning experience. I love your video and wish I would have watched it first.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks for sharing your experience and your kind comments. Usually after the first hike or two, you will have a really good idea of what you need. Some folks say that they just go without anything but water. However, there are too many stories of people getting lost on even short hikes. Thanks!

[@CNST1028]

@@useful.knowledgethanks for your reply! We had a lot of fun!

[@ChalywongDan]

very informative . thank you

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@aliensoup2420]

Wear double socks to prevent blisters. Ideally, you can buy special nylon liner socks - or I found a cheap pair of women's nylon anklets at Target. The point is that the inner liner acts like a second skin which will protect your foot from abrasion from the primary sock. I wore cotton athletic socks under my heavier hiking socks on long, intense day-hikes for years and never got a blister.

[@Iggy1328]

I just watched this as I would lie to get into over night hiking, here was me thinking that I was going to need to start doing more exercise…. I now feel quite up to the task doing 6km walks every day before work while carrying 3l of water and wearing steal caps and jeans…. I’m going on a hike this weekend now

[@useful.knowledge]

Awesome!! Enjoy it!

[@Siphaeon]

Safety pins are blunt ended so what you want is an injection needle. They're really sharp ended and you can do a precise and tiny cut next to splinter to dig it out causing minimal damage and less chance for infection.

[@KagakuGakusei]

This was a great video! Thank you for tip 4, I would have absolutely stepped right over that log.

[@useful.knowledge]

Hi. I was just talking to a guy that said one of his friends stepped over a log and got popped by a copperhead. He didn’t die but recovering from a snakebite does not look like fun.

[@ecpapa3]

Very informative! 🙏

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@TJBurr]

Fire starter. ✔️ This is in the top 10 essential survival items. I've tried everything for lighting fires. I came to the same conclusion as he recommends: use a lighter. Just keep it in a dry place, maybe a sandwich baggie with the starter material. 🌲

[@rubyannruizo5600]

Thank you for sharing....

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks!

[@stephaniemiller5165]

I like the orange tap idea.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks

[@SFBA]

Good advice. Love the hiking poles. Got mine at Costco for about $35.

[@useful.knowledge]

Thanks! They really do make the hike easier.

[@AfghanitsanNature]

Thats great

[@mehdizeynalov1062]

thanks very much

[@useful.knowledge]

Enjoy hiking!!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Those fig bars are so good.

[@useful.knowledge]

Yes, they really are!