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Hiking For Beginners

A modern field manual · 2026

From your first three miles to your first night out.

A complete beginner’s guide to hiking and backpacking — what to wear, what to carry, how far to go, and how to stay safe doing it. Written for people starting from zero, with nothing assumed and no gear snobbery.

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24 chapters, ~61,000 words Verified 2026 safety science No gear-snobbery
A trailhead with a wooden sign where a single track leads away toward sparse conifers and distant granite

In these pages

Seven parts, start to finish

Start Here

Start Here

Why this book exists and how to use it.

Start reading 1 chapter

PART I — FIRST STEPS

FIRST STEPS

Your first day hikes: how far, how long, and what to wear.

Start reading 5 chapters

PART II — THE BIG GEAR

THE BIG GEAR

Pack, sleep system, shelter and stove — the four that matter.

Start reading 8 chapters

PART III — PLANNING & PACKING

PLANNING & PACKING

Start reading 3 chapters

PART IV — ON THE TRAIL & IN CAMP

ON THE TRAIL & IN CAMP

Start reading 5 chapters

PART V — SAFETY & BEYOND

SAFETY & BEYOND

Start reading 3 chapters

Reference

Reference

Checklists, glossary and index.

Start reading 4 chapters