FIRST STEPS, BIG VIEWS
A New Hiker’s Guide to Not Looking Lost… or Getting Eaten by Bears.........
Written by Brotherhood & Birch Bark
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Welcome to the Trail
So, you’ve decided to become a hiker.
Congratulations.
You have voluntarily chosen to carry a heavy backpack into the woods, walk uphill for fun, sweat in places you didn’t know could sweat, and become extremely excited about finding a nice flat rock to sit on.
You’re going to love it.
Hiking doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need $2,000 worth of equipment, a beard that reaches your belt, or the ability to identify every tree by its bark.
You need a few good pieces of gear, some basic knowledge, a little preparation, and enough common sense to know when Mother Nature is telling you, “Maybe turn around.”
This guide will help you get started.
The Brotherhood & Birch Bark philosophy is simple:
«Get outside. Be prepared. Respect the trail. Have fun. And always bring snacks.»
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CHAPTER 1 — THE GEAR YOU ACTUALLY NEED
The outdoor industry would love you to believe you need approximately 47 pieces of specialized equipment before you can walk down a trail.
You don't.
Start simple.
The Beginner’s Essential Gear
1. Hiking footwear
Choose comfortable shoes or boots with good traction.
For easy, maintained trails, ordinary trail shoes may be enough. For rocky, muddy or longer routes, hiking boots can provide additional ankle support and protection.
Golden rule:
Never make your first long hike the first time you wear your boots.
Blisters are tiny creatures of evil.
Break your footwear in first.
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2. Backpack
For day hikes, a comfortable 20–30 litre backpack is a great starting point.
Look for:
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- A waist or hip belt
- Multiple compartments
- Water-bottle pockets
- Good ventilation
- Adjustable straps
Don't buy a backpack so enormous that you could disappear inside it.
You are hiking—not relocating.
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3. Water
Water is one of your most important pieces of equipment.
As a general starting point, many hikers carry roughly 0.5–1 litre per person per hour, adjusting for heat, exertion, terrain and availability of water.
For longer outings, consider carrying a reliable water filter or purification method.
Pro tip: Don't assume a beautiful stream means safe drinking water.
Clear water can still contain microorganisms that will turn your relaxing weekend into an intimate relationship with a bathroom.
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4. Navigation
Your phone is useful.
It is not your only navigation plan.
Carry:
- An offline trail map
- A physical map when appropriate
- Compass
- Phone/GPS
- Portable power bank
Download maps before leaving an area with cell service.
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5. Headlamp
Even if you plan to be home before dark.
Because plans change.
Your hike might take longer than expected. You might get lost. Someone might sprain an ankle.
A small headlamp weighs almost nothing compared with the consequences of being caught in the forest after sunset with your phone flashlight at 4%.
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6. First-aid kit
You don't need a hospital in your backpack.
A compact hiking first-aid kit should consider:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Medical tape
- Blister treatment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain medication appropriate for you
- Tweezers
- Elastic wrap
- Disposable gloves
- Any personal medications
Know how to use what you carry.
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CHAPTER 2 — CLOTHING: DRESS LIKE AN ONION
The secret to comfortable hiking?
Layers.
Think like an onion.
Not because you want to make soup.
Because layers let you adjust to changing temperatures.
Base Layer
Moves moisture away from your skin.
Synthetic or merino wool fabrics are popular choices.
Mid Layer
Provides insulation.
A fleece or lightweight insulating layer works well.
Outer Layer
Protects against wind and rain.
A lightweight rain jacket can be one of the most useful items in your backpack.
Avoid Cotton on Serious or Wet Hikes
Cotton holds moisture and can become uncomfortable or dangerously cold when conditions change.
As the old hiking saying goes:
«Cotton is great… until it isn't.»
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CHAPTER 3 — THE 10 ESSENTIALS
For day hikes, especially in remote areas, consider the traditional Ten Essentials system:
1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun protection
4. First-aid supplies
5. Knife or repair tools
6. Fire-starting equipment
7. Emergency shelter
8. Extra food
9. Extra water and water treatment
10. Extra clothing
You may not use most of these.
That's the point.
Emergency equipment is like a fire extinguisher.
You hope you never need it.
You still want it there.
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CHAPTER 4 — PACKING YOUR BACKPACK
Packing correctly can make your hike much more comfortable.
Bottom of Pack
Put lightweight items that you won't need immediately here.
Examples:
- Sleeping gear
- Extra clothing
- Spare layers
Middle
Keep heavier items close to your back.
Examples:
- Food
- Water
- Cooking equipment
- Dense gear
Top
Items you may need quickly:
- Rain jacket
- First-aid kit
- Snacks
- Map
Outside Pockets
Keep frequently used items accessible.
Hiker’s law:
«The item you put at the very bottom of your backpack will be the item you desperately need 11 minutes later.»
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CHAPTER 5 — HIKING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small
Your first hike doesn't need to be 25 kilometres.
Try a short trail.
Learn:
- How your boots feel
- How much water you drink
- How your backpack fits
- How quickly you walk
- How your body responds to hills
Build up gradually.
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2. Tell Someone Where You're Going
Before heading out, tell someone:
- Where you're hiking
- Which trail you're using
- When you expect to return
- Who you're hiking with
For remote trips, consider a formal trip plan and appropriate emergency communication equipment.
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3. Check the Weather
Check the forecast before leaving.
Then check it again.
Weather can change dramatically, especially in exposed or mountainous areas.
A sunny morning can become a very different afternoon.
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4. Start Early
Starting early gives you:
- Cooler temperatures
- More daylight
- More time if something goes wrong
- Fewer crowds
- Better chances of seeing wildlife
And there's something magical about being on a trail early in the morning.
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5. Don't Race
Hiking isn't a competition.
Unless you're racing your brother.
Then obviously, it's extremely important.
Walk at a pace that allows you to maintain conversation and enjoy the surroundings.
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CHAPTER 6 — THE SNACK SYSTEM
Never underestimate the importance of food.
Good hiking snacks are:
- Lightweight
- Calorie-dense
- Easy to eat
- Resistant to crushing
- Something you actually enjoy
Ideas include:
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Nuts
- Jerky
- Dried fruit
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Chocolate
- Cheese
- Sandwiches
Bring extra food for longer or remote hikes.
The Brotherhood Rule
If you're debating whether you packed enough snacks, you didn't.
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CHAPTER 7 — HIKER HACKS
ZIPLOCK BAGS ARE MAGIC
Use them for:
- Electronics
- Maps
- Wet items
- Snacks
- First-aid supplies
- Garbage
Waterproofing doesn't have to be expensive.
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BINDER CLIPS
A few lightweight clips can become surprisingly useful.
Use them for:
- Securing clothing
- Closing food bags
- Organizing cords
- Holding gear together
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GARBAGE BAG
A large heavy-duty garbage bag weighs almost nothing and has countless uses.
It can provide emergency pack protection, separate wet gear, or help organize your equipment.
Don't use improvised plastic as a substitute for proper emergency shelter when conditions are serious, but having basic backup materials can be extremely useful.
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FOAM SEAT PAD
One of the least glamorous pieces of gear you'll ever love.
A small foam pad gives you somewhere dry and insulated to sit.
Because after hiking uphill for an hour, suddenly a rock becomes a luxury chair.
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CHAPTER 8 — BASIC KNOTS
Learning a few knots can be extremely useful.
Bowline
Creates a fixed loop that doesn't easily tighten under load.
Useful for:
- Guy lines
- Rescue applications when properly trained
- Securing equipment
Trucker's Hitch
Useful when you need to create tension in a line.
Great for:
- Tarps
- Tie-downs
- Gear securing
Sheet Bend
Useful for joining two ropes or cords.
Figure-Eight
A simple stopper knot commonly used to prevent rope ends from running through hardware.
Important: Knot knowledge is useful, but knots aren't a substitute for proper climbing, rescue or technical rope training.
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CHAPTER 9 — READING THE TRAIL
Learn to pay attention.
Look for:
- Trail markers
- Blazes
- Footprints
- Cairns where appropriate
- Signposts
- Maps
- Junctions
At every trail junction, know:
Where am I?
Where am I going?
How will I know when I've arrived?
Don't blindly follow another hiker.
They may know exactly where they're going.
Or they may be just as lost as you are.
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CHAPTER 10 — WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET LOST
First:
STOP.
Don't panic.
A useful principle is:
S — Stop
T — Think
O — Observe
P — Plan
Check your map.
Think about your last known location.
Look for recognizable landmarks.
If you have a GPS device, check your location.
Avoid wandering randomly.
If you cannot safely retrace your route, conserve energy, stay in a safe location, and use your communication equipment to seek help when appropriate.
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CHAPTER 11 — WILDLIFE
Seeing wildlife is one of the great pleasures of hiking.
But wildlife is exactly that:
WILD.
Give animals plenty of space.
Don't feed them.
Don't approach them for photographs.
Keep food properly stored where required.
If you encounter a potentially dangerous animal, follow current local wildlife guidance rather than relying on movie logic.
And remember:
«The bear does not care about your Instagram followers.»
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CHAPTER 12 — LEAVE NO TRACE
Enjoy the outdoors without becoming part of the problem.
The Seven Leave No Trace Principles
1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Take your garbage with you.
Don't carve your name into trees.
Don't collect rocks, plants, antlers or other natural objects unless local rules specifically allow it.
Leave the place looking like you were never there.
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CHAPTER 13 — HIKER ETIQUETTE
Good trail manners make everyone's experience better.
Keep Noise Reasonable
Nature is not a nightclub.
Yield Appropriately
Trail rules vary, but generally understand who has the right of way and communicate clearly.
Control Your Dog
Keep pets under control and follow local leash rules.
Don't Block the Trail
If you need a snack break, move off the main path where appropriate.
Say Hello
A simple "morning" or "hello" can go a long way.
Especially when you pass someone carrying a backpack that looks heavier than your refrigerator.
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CHAPTER 14 — THE BEGINNER'S PRE-HIKE CHECK
Before leaving, ask:
- Do I know where I'm going?
- Did I check the weather?
- Do I have enough water?
- Do I have extra food?
- Do I have navigation?
- Is my phone charged?
- Do I have a power bank?
- Do I have first aid?
- Do I have appropriate clothing?
- Do I have a headlamp?
- Does someone know my plans?
- Do I know when to turn around?
If the answer to the last question is "I'll figure it out later," figure it out now.
Turning around isn't failing.
It's hiking intelligently.
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CHAPTER 15 — BUY THIS, NOT THAT
You don't need the most expensive gear.
Spend More On:
Footwear
Comfort matters.
Rain protection
Staying dry matters.
Backpack
A comfortable pack makes a huge difference.
Navigation
Reliable navigation is worth investing in.
Sleeping system
For overnight hiking, quality sleep becomes extremely important.
Save Money On:
Fancy accessories.
Specialized gadgets.
Massive collections of titanium objects.
Anything whose primary selling feature is:
"Ultra-mega-extreme expedition grade."
You are going for a three-hour hike.
You probably don't need equipment designed for climbing Everest.
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CHAPTER 16 — YOUR FIRST 10 HIKES
Don't make every hike harder.
Instead, use your first ten outings to learn.
Hike 1
Short, easy trail.
Hike 2
Practice packing.
Hike 3
Try a moderate distance.
Hike 4
Practice navigation.
Hike 5
Hike in light rain with appropriate gear.
Hike 6
Try a trail with more elevation.
Hike 7
Practice carrying everything comfortably.
Hike 8
Try an early-morning hike.
Hike 9
Go with an experienced hiking partner.
Hike 10
Choose a destination you've been dreaming about.
By this point, you'll know what equipment you actually use.
And what equipment looked really cool in the store but has been sitting in your closet judging you.
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CHAPTER 17 — THE BROTHERHOOD & BIRCH BARK RULES
RULE #1
Respect the woods.
RULE #2
Respect your limits.
RULE #3
Respect other hikers.
RULE #4
Never underestimate weather.
RULE #5
Always carry more snacks than you think you need.
RULE #6
If something doesn't feel right, stop and reassess.
RULE #7
The best hike is the one you come home from safely.
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FINAL WORD
You don't need to be an expert to become a hiker.
You just need to take that first step.
Your first hike may be awkward.
You may forget something.
Your backpack may be uncomfortable.
You may take the wrong trail.
You may discover that the hill on the map looked considerably smaller than the hill in real life.
That's okay.
Every experienced hiker was once the beginner standing at the trailhead wondering if they packed enough water.
Get outside.
Learn as you go.
Explore responsibly.
Take pictures.
Make memories.
Laugh when things go wrong.
And when your legs are screaming at you halfway up the trail, remember:
The view is worth it.
Usually.
And if it isn't?
At least you brought snacks.
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BROTHERHOOD & BIRCH BARK
ADVENTURE • RESPECT • BROTHERHOOD
Take only memories.
Leave only footprints.
Kill only time.
Bring snacks.
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VISUAL GUIDE & DIAGRAMS
This guide is designed to be paired with illustrated pages showing:
- Beginner hiking gear
- Backpack packing layout
- Ten Essentials
- Layering system
- Trail navigation
- Basic knots
- Hiking safety
- Wildlife awareness
- Leave No Trace principles
- Beginner trail progression
Brotherhood & Birch Bark
See you on the trail.