>>620329in that case i suggest you start with the cheapest, make sure you like walking, and diversify from there. no point investing hundreds of dollars in a 50l pack and a trail tent only to find you have no interest in walking for more than 5 miles.
dayhiking checklist:
>shoescomfy, good support. boots are overkill (unless you're honestly worried about snakes-possible in tx), street runners are too light. i'm a big fan of my beefy trail runners
>daypackrei flash 18 is fucking amazing-light, roomy, easy access, not too beefy, not too pussy, and works as a stuff sack
>hat>watercouple 1.5l bottles from the gas station are fine. light, reusable. bladders are nice and accessible without stopping. nalgene is for gearfags.
>snackssome salty, some sweet
>sunscreen>warm layer if appropriateignore the preppers who say to bring fire, a light, a knife, cordage, water filter, etc for a couple mile dayhike while you get your feel for /out/. when you start testing your limits and actually risk being benighted they can be good, but just as likely you'll get a sense of what you can accomplish without fucking up and needing them. i regularly go on half day hikes in the sierra backcountry and unless i hit the trail after 2 pm i don't bring any of that shit.
if you're overnighting you will need fire, cooking kit, sleeping bag, mat, maybe a tent (depending on bugs and weather), clean socks, a lot more water (i.e. a filter), and a pack that will hold it all.
