Seasoned hikers know the joys of going for an out of doors trek. And you don’t need a great deal of experience to begin to enjoy hiking, yourself. But to get the most benefit from this outdoor activity, and to avoid discomfort and unsafe conditions, there are some things you should know.

Even when going on a short hike over gentle terrain, one should prepare with the appropriate clothing. The greater the length or difficulty of the hike, the more important this type of preparation becomes. Choosing inadequate clothing is a common mistake among inexperienced hikers. It’s understandable, in a way. If not camping, or rock-climbing, a gentle hike is no more than a walk in the woods. But those unfamiliar with the outdoors may overlook things which are second nature to experienced outdoorsmen.

No matter how short the hike, it’s crucial to dress appropriately. On a warm day, it may be tempting to wear shorts for a walk along a woodland trail, but it’s much wiser to wear long pants of a sturdy material like denim. Running shoes may be adequate, but sandals are never a good idea when hiking. And it’s wise, even if wearing a tank top, to bring along a long sleeved shirt. It may come in handy.