Hiking for the beginner

Daleo8803

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I'm wanting to get my fat self outdoors more. So I think hiking would be fun. Went camping all the time when I was younger. Are there any places within driving distance of Rock Hill SC for a night trip? Or a long weekend?

Any tips on gear? I have most of the basic camping gear. Thanks
 
I'm wanting to get my fat self outdoors more. So I think hiking would be fun. Went camping all the time when I was younger. Are there any places within driving distance of Rock Hill SC for a night trip? Or a long weekend?

Any tips on gear? I have most of the basic camping gear. Thanks

If your ass is truly a fat and you are out of shape I'd start with more frequent small walks and build up to a long hike or weekend trip. There is a romantic notion about heading to the hills for a two day hike and camping trip, but if you aren't physically up to it, then it might not go so well.

Edit: Elevation will wear you out quicker than you think. I take about a 1 mile or so walk up our hill in W. Jeff after working around the cabin all weekend and if I keep a good pace it isn't easy. Those uphills things are tough!
 
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SOCKS! Get a quality wool blend hiking sock! The right wool hiking socks actually keep you feet at a comfortable temperature any season. Wool also helps wick moisture away and keep your feet drier and causing problems. Good boots are fine but if the socks suck your feet ain't gonna be happy.
 
@NCFubar can u recommend a brand or blend type?

Also what should I look for in a decent pair of hiking shoes?

ATM I need to lose around 35lbs to be were to docs would be happy. I'm walking the neighborhood that is 1 mile in total. No issues. I use to walk a local natural area near the house that has I think 3 miles of trails ( if u take the longest one). Loved it. Thanks for the input guys! Keep it coming! :)
 
I like REI brand and Smart Wool.

As for boots, if you aren't planning to hike the AT, you don't need to spend big $ on boots. If you have an outdoors store around, try some on. Merrells fit me for squat, but I wear Danner, Scarpa, and Lowa well. Light/medium hikers will do well. Other brands to consider are Vasque, Keen, and Salomon.

All of the big boy brands are built similarly, but all fit and wear differently. Once you settle on a brand look at Moose Jaw and REI Garage to find some spectacular deals.

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/c/mens-boots?r=c&origin=web&pagesize=84&queryRule=outlet-only&ir=category:mens-boots&outlet=true
 
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@NCFubar can u recommend a brand or blend type?

Also what should I look for in a decent pair of hiking shoes?

ATM I need to lose around 35lbs to be were to docs would be happy. I'm walking the neighborhood that is 1 mile in total. No issues. I use to walk a local natural area near the house that has I think 3 miles of trails ( if u take the longest one). Loved it. Thanks for the input guys! Keep it coming! :)

Good start. I try to buy hiking boots and things like that at REI. They have a good selection, occassionally a knowledgeable sales person and a very easy going return policy. Plus lots of good wool socks.

If you don't feel too dorky put a litle weight in a pack and use that for your local walks. Walkong with a loaded pack will use some core muscles you don't use with no pack. No need to get crazy. Even a few pounds to start will be noticeable. I usually throw things I want to carry anyway. Water bottle or bladder. Knife, first aid kit etc. If it feels light just add anything with a little weight to it. You can wrap weights in a towell too. Whatever works, just don't over do it. YET!

Edit! Chuckman beat me to the REI punch!
 
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From years of hiking in both the Corps and civilian life I will tell you the things I have learned over the years.

Cotton is your enemy. Do not wear anything made of cotton. Dry fit underwear, shirt and pants. And as stated either merino wool socks or a wool blend.

Get a hammock. It will save a ton of space and weight in you pack.

Get a jet boil. It is the fastest and most compact way I have ever found to heat water.

Get a good water purifier

Freeze dried food will save space and weight.

Peanut butter singles and a spoon are a great short rest snack (when you just lean against a log and don't take your pack off.

When you fist start pack moleskin for blisters.

Pack immodium because you do not want the runs in the woods.

Always carry a couple of large zip lock bags to pack your trash in so you don't contaminate your bag.

Get a good quality internal frame pack.

Buy as set of quality hiking poles. They really do make a big difference. If you're a big boy get the ones that are spring loaded for hill decents it will take a lot of impact off of your knees. Do not cheap out on these or they will break halfway through a hike and can send you tumbling (ask me how I know).


Most all other gear is personal choice just buy as light as you can find.

Remember ounces become pounds and pounds become pain.
 
From years of hiking in both the Corps and civilian life I will tell you the things I have learned over the years.

Cotton is your enemy. Do not wear anything made of cotton. Dry fit underwear, shirt and pants. And as stated either merino wool socks or a wool blend.

Get a hammock. It will save a ton of space and weight in you pack.

Get a jet boil. It is the fastest and most compact way I have ever found to heat water.

Get a good water purifier

Freeze dried food will save space and weight.

Peanut butter singles and a spoon are a great short rest snack (when you just lean against a log and don't take your pack off.

When you fist start pack moleskin for blisters.

Pack immodium because you do not want the runs in the woods.

Always carry a couple of large zip lock bags to pack your trash in so you don't contaminate your bag.

Get a good quality internal frame pack.

Buy as set of quality hiking poles. They really do make a big difference. If you're a big boy get the ones that are spring loaded for hill decents it will take a lot of impact off of your knees. Do not cheap out on these or they will break halfway through a hike and can send you tumbling (ask me how I know).


Most all other gear is personal choice just buy as light as you can find.

Remember ounces become pounds and pounds become pain.

I second the hiking poles. I was on a 12 mile hike just this past weekend and got to play with some. They are now on my list to add to my gear.
 
As mentioned above Smart Wool ... and I like YUEdge also. I wear Smart Wool Ultra-Light crews which are 2/3rds merino wool in the summer in my Merrells and my feet don't sweat nor do I get blisters or rubs. Smart Wool's Hunt socks are great winter socks that will keep your feet warm for average day stuff while not roasting them if your inside for a couple hours. They are not cheap but Sierra Trading Post runs a good deal pretty often on past season stuff and if I see some good one on sale I stash some back ... right now they have some good ones on sale for over 1/2 off ... https://www.sierratradingpost.com/s...wear~d~11/specdataor~sock weight!lightweight/ ... along with some other good stuff.
 
If name brand socks are a little spendy, look at costco for some cold weather socks. They used to have 100% wool socks, now they're still a good wool blend. I like them so much they're the only socks I wear in the winter. Haven't seen any warm weather wool blend socks from them.

For just starting out, some short day hikes are the way to go. Remember if you're not hiking some sort of loop that you want to turn around to come back BEFORE you start to feel very tired. Better to come back early the first time or two than to go too far and risk getting hurt on your way back because you're exhausted.

Again, for just starting out, don't take breaks for very long. You'll tighten up and begin to feel all those muscles begging for attention. Keep things moving and blood flowing. Taking several short breaks throughout a hike is going to be easier on you than pushing it and then taking a very long one.

Remember, you are the one setting your own goals here. Don't worry about distance or speed, just take things at your own pace.

Once you've got a feel for what you're capable of, start carrying extra weight with you to prepare for longer hikes.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself.
 
Socks, and spares even on a day trip, wet socks are misery. Smartwool year round, polypro blends are ok in the winter. And a decent boot spend some significant time walking around the store in them.

South Mountains park is nice, hike the equestrian trails if you want a long day and likely not see a soul.

Suggest some leg excercises to go with your neighborhood walks, muscle burns fat, legs have big hungry muscles, squats and deadlifts with good form. Also consider progressively heavier packs for your walks to build endurance.

Sent from my SM-G360V using Tapatalk
 
Get to know the "energy mile", for every 1000 feet of total elevation gained you add 1 mile to the hike. Keep in mind it's 1000 feet net, so ups and downs count. All the ups count toward the energy mile.

I'm a fan of Thor lo socks. I do most of my hiking in tennis shoes and good socks. Weight on your feet can add up. Too big a boot is a liability unless you have unstable ankles or really rough trails. And try not to over pack. Most people carry too much stuff.
 
Try walking around at Lansford Canal and 40 acre rock. You won't need much more than water and weather appropriate clothes. A ccw and company at 40 acre rock might be a good idea. Lots of vandalism and rumors of crime. Didn't see anyone the day we were there.
 
Kings Mountain National Battlefield would be a great place to break in your walking legs, and it's sorta like hiking. It has some elevation chance and is totally wooded. But it's all on a paved trail. And you'll learn some good history.

When you graduate from there, head next door to Crowders Mountain State Park. Definitely has more elevation change and some good views at the top.
 
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