>>2070501>What kind of boots are the best for hiking?Depends on your foot size and shape, go to your local rei or other big box outdoor stores and try on a bunch of boots until you find one that is comfortable for you. Then go online and buy that boot for cheaper. Make sure you wear the boot around for a few weeks to break it in.
>tips you wish you knewI hiked with an Alice pack and a bunch of heavy gimmick gear for my boy scout days. Don't do it, buy an osprey pack that isn't too big. Getting a smaller bag helps you not pack a bunch of needless garbage.
Don't hike without telling people where you are going and how long you are going to be there, I don't even recommend hiking alone for beginners.
Buy a sawyer squeeze, those thing are awesome.
Don't fucking eat anything you find in the woods unless you 100000% know what it is and even then think twice about it.
Put your extra wool socks into zip locks and line your bag with a trash bag for extra water protection.
Buy a hiking tent/hammock setup and not a car camping tent. Nature hike makes chink shit nock offs of good brands but are not too bad for a new hiker on a budget.
>dangerThe scariest thing in the woods is other people, I have hiked in NC a few times on the AT and there are quite a few bums on the trail begging of drugs and cash. Don't engage with them and carry a gun if you can, hill people gear make a good chest holster for hiking. Bear, mountain lions, and snakes are normally going to leave you alone.
The greatest teacher is experience, I suggest just going on a short 10 mile overnight hike and figure out what you need and don't need.
Good luck anon
