Hiking. Tell me all about it.

[Wyldewode]

I've always liked ambling about the woods in an aimless manner. However, I have decided that once the temperature becomes conducive to spending serious quantities of time outside I would like to become serious about this, and take up hiking. I know I'll have to start small, and build up stamina, but where should I start? Should I buy boots, or just lace up my Reboks and go? Will regular walking trails suffice, or should I start some other way? Please share your advice with me.

[Cail]

Depends on what you want to do. I like walking because it's easy. Walking led me to walking through parks. The parks had trails, so I started walking on them. That became hiking. I started going off the trails and over rocks. I fell a couple of times, so I figured I should learn how to climb.

My best advice is start slowly, get yourself a hydration pack (I've got a CamelBack M.U.L.E. which works great), a decent set of hiking shoes (something like this), and carry a cell phone and a small folding knife. Then find a park and go to it. Or just find anyplace. Just go.

[High Lord Tolkien]

I like to hike at the mall because there's bathrooms, soda fountains and pretty women.

[balon!]

Cail's got the right of it. The main thing about hiking is that it varies in intensity. I've gone on three day camp outs with only my knife; making shelters, finding water, etc...

But I've also got a paved two mile trail through the woods next to my house that I walk on quite a bit.

Ultimately, just get out there and start going, and you'll find your comfort level.

[Cheval]

Reboks for a stroll through the woods;
Boots (if they are comfortable) for trekking through the underbrush;
and DEFINATELY hiking boots for the hiking I like doing... at night through the forest!

[Wyldewode]

Thank, guys. As soon as it warms up a little I'm going to start walking the trails at our local nature center. They've got a bike trail too, so I could really put in a lot of distance if I wanted to.

[emotional leper]

If you intend to hike anywhere where there are large carnivorous animals, I'd suggest getting a gun. A .38 or .357 for wolves or mountain lions, .40, .45, or .50 for anything bigger (like bears.)

[Ki]

it's all in the shoes. it's worth it to get a great pair specifically for hiking. and make sure you keep your feet dry. malik loves hiking. i'll make sure he knows you are asking for advice b/c he might have some good tips.

personally too, i wouldn't go alone but maybe get some mace just in case you go it alone.

have fun!!!

[Wyldewode]

Thanks, Kigirl! Strangely, I went to visit my old roommate, and at his house was Campmor catalog in my name, and a magazine naming all the best hiking trails in my state. Crazy! I think the fates are with me on the hiking!

[Cagliostro]

I've always found hiking alone to be what I like best, as I think I get the most out of it. My nature-loving ex-girlfriend took all the joy out of it for me because she was all about going out there and trying to make some goal of reaching some point, whereas I enjoy just wandering around until I get sick of it and going home before my body gives up. It's about the journey for me, not the destination.

As someone who thinks it is something of a racket for all these different "sports" to each have their own equipment where a pair of sneakers or comfy shoes works just as well, the ex did teach me the importance of a good pair of hiking boots for the long hikes. It really really does make a difference. But if you are just kicking around a nature trail, I don't think it is especially necessary. If you are doing several miles, then I'd invest. Your feet will thank you for it.

[Wyldewode]

I like the idea of hiking alone, but am not sure if it is safe. Just 2 years ago a woman walking on a trail was attacked and raped. The mentally unstable man who did it was riding his bike, saw her alone, got a good distance in front of her and ditched the bike. He hid off the side of the trail until she came almost abreast of him, and he lobbed a large rock at her head. When she fell, he attacked her. She suffered a head injury, and during the rape he broke her neck. At the time I lived less than a quarter mile from where the attack happened.

Now I know that bad things can happen anywhere, but I don't feel safe enough to hike alone, unless it is on my parents' acreage.

[emotional leper]

Like I said -- if you intend to hike anywhere where there are large carnivorous animals, get a gun.

[Wyldewode]

You said it, my dear, not me!

[emotional leper]

You said it, my dear, not me!

That point is not under contention, my dear.

[Wyldewode]

I'm just clarifying, in case someone takes issue with your declaration that men=large, dangerous carnivorous animals.

[emotional leper]

I'm just clarifying, in case someone takes issue with your declaration that men=large, dangerous carnivorous animals.

I'm not sure where the possibility for insult could lie, but then again, I think anything I have further to say on this subject would be too racy for such a PG-13 site.

[Wyldewode]

Agreed. But barring a gun, which I don't own or have any desire to obtain, Zapp recommended a knife. That should do the job.

[emotional leper]

Agreed. But barring a gun, which I don't own or have any desire to obtain, Zapp recommended a knife. That should do the job.

That's what one would think, wouldn't one?

That reminds of the rule I have about sharp, cutting objects being within arm's reach of my bed.

In short, they aren't.

[Wyldewode]

An ex-boyfriend used to keep a dagger on the bookshelf next to his bed. I'm not really sure what that was about. . . nor, at this point do I want to find out.

[Cagliostro]

Did he also have a gun? If not, it could be he believed in protection, but not in guns.

When I used to live alone, I had a morning star by my bed for that very reason. Somebody breaks in, they are going to get brained...if they don't shoot me first.