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Hiking Skills/How-to Header

Getting Started
Learn the Hiking Fundamentals

Planning Your Trip | Where to Hike | On the Trail | What to Bring | Food | Health and Safety | Boots and Blisters | Clothing

Planning Your Trip






What to Pack
Here's what to take for hiking in three seasons.


Where Do I Begin?
Build your skills if you're interested in overnight backpacking.


Essential Hiking Library
The best resources for before—and during—your hike.





What Are the Planning Basics?
Be prepared.


Questions to Ask a Guided Tour Operator
Find out what you need to know on a guided trip.


How to Pack Your Backpack
Hints on how to pack your backpack correctly.

Where to Hike






Regional Hiking Guide
GORP's index, organized by country and state.


Inn-to-Inn Hiking
A luxury option.





Club Finder
Get together with local hikers—locate a hiking club in your area and hit the trail.

On the Trail






Hiking Uphill
It's harder than you think (and easier)—learn how to do it well.


Using Trekking Poles
Go faster and save your knees from trail trauma by using hiking sticks.


Crossing Streams
Do it safely and stay dry.


Who Has the Right of Way?
Trail etiquette.





Choosing a Campsite, Part 1
Find a comfortable spot to pitch your tent.


Choosing a Campsite, Part 2
Minimum impact camping techniques.


Packing a Backpack
For maximum comfort, take heed of these tips.

What to Bring






Gear for Newbies
Pointers on getting started with your gear.


The Ten Essentials
The crucial gear no hiker should ever be without.





Summer Gear List
Packing for warm weather.

Food






Camp Kitchen Staples
The basics.


Cheap, Nourishing Meals
Eating more for less.





Spicing Things Up
Become a trail gourmet.

Health and Safety






Treating Water
Make sure it's pure.


Walking Well
First aid and trail health series from AT thru-hiker Dr. Vernon G. Vernier.





Calling for Help
When injuries occur.

Boots and Blisters






Conquering Blisters
A hiker's worst enemy—here's how to deal with them.


Finding Boots That Fit
A buyers' guide.





Good Gore-Tex Dayhikers
The important thing is to find a boot that fits.


More Blister Tips
Advanced foot care.

Clothing






Learn to Layer
Be warm and dry in any weather.

Ask hiking questions in the newbies forum!


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