Start With a Simple Plan and Offline Navigation Pick an easy-to-moderate local trail and, if possible, carry a paper map and compass. Download the route to your phone before the trailhead, since cell and GPS signals can drop deep in the woods; check the map periodically. Tell a trusted person exactly where you’re going and when you’ll return, and have them call or text at a set time. For your first outing, keep it to 2–4 miles round-trip.
Dress for Comfort, Stay Dry, and Hydrate Smart Wear loose, comfortable clothing with long pants for bug protection; sturdy shoes or tennis shoes work, but avoid running shoes with poor lateral support. Invest in real rain gear (top and bottom), and add layers like an extra shirt, beanie, and gloves in cooler weather; choose wool socks if available. Use trekking poles for two extra points of balance on slick or steep sections to reduce falls. Carry a simple daypack with a hydration bladder if possible; hydrate before you start and bring 2.5 liters or two full bottles for a short 2–4 mile hike.
Pack a Lightweight Safety Kit That Solves Real Problems Cover common injuries with hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, assorted bandages, tweezers, a safety pin, pain reliever, and chapstick, and bring trail food you actually like. Apply insect repellent at the car and carry towelettes or spray in case you stay longer than expected. Add repair and fire capability: a wrap of strong Gorilla tape, two small bright lighters, and long-burning fire starters. Ensure light and power with a headlamp plus spare battery and a phone power bank with cable; include an emergency sleeping bag and compact tent with rope, a loud whistle, a mini water filter, 25 feet of paracord, a small knife, and a stainless steel canteen cup for boiling. If you wear contacts or glasses, carry a spare; keep the total kit under ten pounds and include toilet paper and a pooper scooper.
Move Smart on the Trail and Stay Found Step onto a fallen log and then off it rather than striding over, clearing any snake that could be beneath. If you leave the trail for a bathroom break or a viewpoint, tie short strips of orange tape every 20–30 feet and remove them as you return. If you feel lost, stop, breathe, stay still, and listen for other hikers or road noise to regain your bearings before moving.