Im a Rook

[Mark]

First let me say i never have hiked before. I have a few questions id like to ask please. How hard would it be to find someone to hike with? Are the trails well marked? How far would you say a short hike would be? Basically i want to learn the basics. I live in Jasper. Id like to see the Big Tree and some of the water falls. I know id have to buy a backpack and a few things but that wouldn't be a problem.

[Suz]

Day hikes don't require anything special other than sturdy shoes, water, lunch and a good backpack.  Later a compass or GPS, some trail maps are all you need for the day hikes.  A short hike on level ground is about 2.5  -  5 miles.  As the terrain gets more rocky, hilly, etc, then they are considered moderate, strenuous.  Some of the links explain some of their trails.  If you can walk through a mall at a good pace and not get winded, you can hike.  Hiking with groups offers security.  Later you might get interested in off trail hiking.  Loads of Fun!

Susan

[Mark]

Wheres a good place to buy some hiking equipment?

[Suz]

Until you have actually hiked and see what you need just go with running or walking shoes, a backpack (I use my kid's from last year school year), and a container to hold water.  Refilled plastic bottles work well.  Once you have hiked, you will know more what you need.  Most people wear jeans or walking shorts.  It is very low tech...But if you must be outfitted, there are stores who can cater to you.  Alabama Outdoor, Werner's are local stores that specialize in outdoor gear.

For a short day hike, contact janice@wildsouth.org  for information on the Oct 27th hike.

Happy trails!
Susan

[Delynn]

Once you know what you need, (Do buy the cheapest thing you can find, nor be lured into the "You've got to have this McHale pack..." stuff) Campmor (www.campmor.com) is a great place to find a variety of gear at better than retail prices.  Great customer service, too.

REI has lots of quality gear and an excellent return policy, but they are pricey. 

I'd suggest starting with an experience hiking friend, and figure out what all you'll need for your style of hiking/backpacking BEFORE you go out and spend a bundle on gear that you really don't need.

Welcome to hiking/backpacking!

[BigWaveDave]

Mark, Theres a couple of great books out there that helped me alot. One the best(IMHO) is "The Complete Walker IV " by the late great Colin Fleatcher and Chip Rawlins. The book covers just about everything you'll need to know/consider when hiking and backpacking. Also pick up a copy of "How to poop in the woods" its a funny book full of good information.

[lawnmowwer]

I have been packing for years. The advice above is good. Start slow and don't get to caried away at first. If you like hiking and/or backpacking hook up with others and borrow some equipment. You can to see what stiff you like, read lots of reviews before you purchase. You can find equip. at Alaoutdoors ( I was looking at new stiff there today), Mountian high, campmor.com, sierratradingpos t.com, rei.com, and many many more. If we cross paths I have lots of outdoor gear and don't mind loaning it if I am on the trip.       Scouting for Him

[Cuffs]

The only thing Id change is that the map is essential, even on the first hike, I would not put that off until later hikes!

[Nalgene Ninja]

Seriously, just get some tennis shoes on. Pack a sandwich and a map and go! Once you get comfortable with a few local dayhikes, add some basecamping w/ hikes. Add additional gear and distance as you gain skill.

The dumbest thing you could do is go buy $1000 worth of gear and set off on a 100-mile week-long trek, without skills or being in shape.

[Lostsheep]

...The dumbest thing you could do is go buy $1000 worth of gear and set off...

Sadly, I have a friend who did that. He spent nearly $1000 to outfit himself head to toe for an extended weekend in the Great Smokey Mountains. Unfortunatly, he learned he didn't like the daily hiking, his pack didn't fit, the hiking poles were useless, he got cold in his sleeping bag, his boots blistered his feet, and his pack was extremely heavy. That was probably one of the worst experiences he ever had. Me and another hiking pal coached him time and time to use our loaner gear and try it out. Instead, his gear is now being sold because he's given up.

Don't let that happen to you. For a quick day hike, some tennis shoes or boots, a school backpack, lunch, water bottle, and a map is all you need. If you live in Jasper, you're not far from several of us. Check the calendar to see what's going on and maybe you can join up and go out with some more people and feel a little more relaxed. It's definatly fun if you aren't miserable!