Me and my wife are planing to do a lot of hiking and camping in 2025. Starting off with just the trails around Austin, TX and expanding as we go.
Got the basics:
- Hiking Boots
- light day pack w/ bladder
- simple first aid kit
- downloaded maps
I used to go all the time when I lived near a trail head, but I would never go much further than 4 miles in before turning around. We won’t be that far from civilization most of the time, nothing too intense.
Thanks y’all!
Edit: thank for the advice y’all!!
Can’t believe I forgot hats, definitely picking up some. Will also pack my leatherman too.
And I agree hiking boots are probably a little overkill for most the trails we’ll be doing at first. But we want to get used to them and break them in for longer and rougher hikes we’re planning later this year.
I could come up with a list, but I'd just say pack with what seems right, be okay being wrong, and start of with short hikes, and go longer (leaving an itinerary and estimated return time with a trusted friend). You'll soon find what you do/don't need and come to an equilibrium. Do research based on what you found works/doesn't work. For example, you might find hiking blogs say bringing a camping stove is a must, but you and your wife can do just fine eating nothing but trail mix for a 5 day excursion, or you might find freak rain showers absolutely ruin hikes and a small tarp is a must no matter what the weather says...that kind of thing.