If I was going to start hiking in 2025 this is what I'd do

Have you ever wondered what separates a very casual hike from an unforgettable adventure? Well, discover the secret to transforming your hikes right here today. Master these three essentials and your next hike could be a journey you'll cherish forever. With over 30 years of hiking experience, I have crafted a simple three-step approach to help you hit the trails with confidence. If you are feeling overwhelmed by where to start, then my method helps you dodge common pitfalls, setting you up for a strong and confident hike. This method not only gets you moving but transforms your skills, boosting your confidence to tackle any trail with ease and excitement. Hi there everyone, I'm Mouser and for the last 30 years I have learned the do's and don'ts of hiking. Both as a guide and as a father to young adventurers, I'm now here to help guide you along the way as well. And what's the first step to turning a simple stroll into an unforgettable hiking journey? Well, the answer is simpler than you think. Getting started, the first hike. So let's dive into step one. Just get going. Many beginners think they need top-tier gear or the perfect location to start hiking, but really the first goal is to simply just to get out there and experience a very basic hike. I remember maybe 12 years ago when I started running. While I'd always hiked, I had never seen myself as a runner. I'd never really been for a run. Then one day after months of thinking and worrying about the fact that I wasn't a runner and I didn't really have any running shoes or the right gear, one day I said why don't I just go for a run. I just put my sneakers on, the sneakers that I had, left home and went for an 8k run. Thousands of runs later today I still remember that first run and the change that it had on me. Well, the same thing goes for hiking. Picture this, you are stepping onto a short easy trail very close to home. Maybe it's that urban path in your neighborhood or even just a walk around the block. Forget about all the fancy gear or a detailed plan. Just grab whatever you have for walking and a small backpack and just set off. This first outing is like a first date with hiking. You're just getting to know it, seeing if you enjoy it and feeling it out. If you're worried, thinking, but I don't know anything about trails or preparation, just relax. Start with a basic beginner friendly hike. Maybe just an hour, maybe two, but by the end you'll discover some likes and dislikes, like if your shoes were comfy or if you needed more water, that type of thing. And like I experienced on that first run, overcoming the mental hurdle of starting is a massive first step and it's perfectly normal if you don't have all the right gear or experience yet. After that initial hike you get to decide, keep it casual or take it to the next level. And if you're curious about what that next level looks like, then stay tuned. And if you've already been hiking for a while, then feel free to share your first hiking stories or plans in the comments down below. Let's inspire each other, let's all get out there, get amongst it. Building skills, the essentials. Now this is where you'll start learning more of the basics. Navigation, safety and how to choose the right gear. Let's call this stage building your hiking foundation. So you've completed that first walk and since then you've been more regular with your hikes. You're strapping on a backpack and finding your rhythm and you're just going on those little walks around the block or around a local trail in your neighborhood. This next stage is all about expanding your capability so that you can approach each hike with confidence and excitement. Think of this as laying the groundwork for a lifetime of exploration. Exploration. I get tongue-tied sometimes with that. Developing essential skills. You ever wonder how seasoned hikers seem to just glide through the trails with ease? Well it all starts with mastering these essential skills. The first skill is to work on your navigation. Start by learning to read a topographical map and using a compass or GPS device to understand the lay of the land. Now it may sound technical but once you practice matching map symbols to real world features it becomes second nature. Practice this skill on shorter hikes before tackling longer ones. Weather preparation is equally as important. Now hiking teaches you to respect nature's unpredictability so learning to interpret basic weather signs can help you stay safe. For instance recognizing a sudden drop in temperature or cloud patterns can alert you to oncoming rain or a storm and if the weather looks bad there is no shame in postponing a walk until a better day comes. Equip yourself with essentials. A lightweight rain jacket, moisture wicking base layers and extra socks for comfort and safety. Wear the right gear. You definitely don't need the fanciest equipment to start but knowing which items matter the most is crucial. You may even have a lot of suitable items already but probably one of the most important investments that you can make is a good rain jacket. A sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots with good support and grip are also important as they will keep you safe and comfortable on varied terrains. These are the two main things I would concentrate on to begin with. Obviously you need a reliable backpack that fits well and doesn't strain your shoulders but I wouldn't go too crazy on that gear just yet. If you have something adequate then stick with that for the time being and if you're not sure what gear you actually need well here's where to start. Keep it simple. Essentials like moisture wicking clothing, a compact first aid kit and a hydration system or just a water bottle can dramatically improve your hikes without breaking the bank. Tackling more challenging terrain. Then as you become more comfortable gradually push your boundaries. This might mean driving further afield to a local nature reserve to try a trail with a bit more elevation or rocky paths. Choose well-marked trails and pay attention to trail ratings to ensure you're not overextending yourself too soon. These slightly longer and more moderate hikes will build your endurance and help you test your skills in new environments. Each hike offers a new chance to practice and reinforce your learning. Start by carrying a map and check your route periodically to ensure that you are staying on track. Experiment with pacing yourself. Learn to manage breaks and to conserve energy and always practice the leave no trace principles to respect nature as well. Practicing your navigation skills. Then as you progress start incorporating practical navigation exercises into your hikes. Take a hard copy map or a reliable GPS app on your phone and practice pinpointing your location on the map or take both. Use the GPS app to pinpoint your location and try and find the same point on the map. Check your route on your map frequently to see how it matches the terrain around you and this habit not only builds confidence but also ensures that you are prepared if technology fails. By building your hiking foundation step by step you'll not only boost your confidence but also set the stage for more ambitious adventures down the track. Deciding to make hiking a regular part of your life. After honing your foundational skills you'll naturally know whether hiking is a casual pastime or it's becoming an essential part of your life. Now maybe you're content with just the occasional day hikes or perhaps you're feeling an itch that needs scratching. Something more substantial something more thrilling is what you're interested in and if you're starting to feel that excitement well then it's time to go deeper. Let's talk about turning hiking into a lifestyle. Going all in the hiking lifestyle. Once you're committed it's time to broaden your horizons with long distance hikes, multi-day treks or even backpacking trips that include camping. This level of hiking requires more planning physical fitness and awareness but the rewards are unmatched. Think of waking up to sunrise views from a mountaintop or to falling asleep to the sound of a stream under a sky full of stars. Start by researching trail networks and nature reserves that offer hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. Setting goals like completing one significant trail each season helps maintain your motivation and gives you something to look forward to. I am always planning my next trip and that could be a year out it could be six months out. You could aim for iconic trails such as a multi-day hike in a national park or a well-known long distance path something like Tasmania's Overland Track. These are achievable goals and in the past I've seen people start hiking later in life to achieve these similar goals. I've seen people start hiking in their 50s and 60s and then I have guided them down Tasmania's Overland Track and the sense of achievement was just incredible. But safety becomes even more critical at this stage. Safety and preparation. Before tackling bigger hikes make sure you're equipped with the knowledge and the tools to manage unexpected situations as they arise. This includes understanding track reports, checking weather forecasts more rigorously and preparing a gear checklist. Essential items for a longer trek include things like a reliable tent, a sleeping bag rated for the expected conditions, extra food supplies and a good multi-day backpack. Knowledge of wildlife safety and first aid can also be very important here. Learn what animals are native to the area that you're exploring and how to avoid conflicts or safely handle encounters with them. For instance knowing what to do if you come across a snake in Tasmania will help avoid any potentially dangerous situations. The hiking mindset. When hiking starts to become a regular part of your life you'll start to feel its deeper benefits. The peace of a sunrise hike, the satisfaction of completing a challenging route and the sense of connection to nature and yourself. Not to mention the bonds of friendship you'll build with the hiking community while you're out there on the trail. This is where hiking shifts from just an activity to a meditative rejuvenating practice that shapes your physical and mental resilience. And despite any hardships that you experience on the trail you'll always be looking forward to the next hike. Trust me. And you don't need to hike every weekend to commit to this lifestyle. By setting regular goals whether it's a monthly long hike or a yearly massive trip to explore new trails it keeps the spirit alive. And with every trek you'll notice improvements not just in your hiking skills but in your overall well-being. Now this guide is by no means exhaustive it is just the start. Hiking can evolve into a lifelong passion enriching your life no matter your age or your experience level. If you stick with it hiking will change the way you see the world and your place in it. From building strength and skills to finding moments of peace in nature each step you take leads to new adventures. And if you want to see how to get into peak fitness so that you're ready for your next hike then check out this video up here where I dive deep into my hiking fitness regime.