Weather you may be a first time hiker, are thinking about taking up hiking or one who has been at it for a long time, hiking tips from the right person can be invaluable for your long term enjoyment of a lifetime on the hiking trail.

Poor advice at the outset could have you undergo a very bad experience even on your first hike. We are certain you do not want to happen.

Here are a number of tips we wish we had heard prior to first outing.

• Do not buy discounted hiking gear. You see the advertisements blaring at you to buy this or that at 75% off. Do not be tempted. The main reason for this tip is that you may be buying bootleg goods which is against the law first of all. Secondly the goods may be factory rejects. The only time we would advise you to buy hiking gear at a discount would be if your favorite outdoor gear store is having a sale on regular priced merchandise.
• Buy the best gear you can afford. This tip does not mean that you should buy the most expensive hiking boots or the most expensive hiking jacket. What we mean by this is you should do your research first based upon what hiking and camping equipment has proven to be best by your friends or online reviews by those who have done so. Sometimes the most expensive may just not live up to the price charged. There may be an instance when those very expensive hiking boots leaked or fell apart.
• Do the research. There are thousands of online reviews on every conceivable piece of hiking and camping gear. Avoid the reviews by manufacturers. According to them, their goods are the best.
• Deal with a reputable outdoor equipment store with a knowledgeable staff. Again, ask your friends which one is best. This level of store will employ a staff who are also outdoor doers. No doubt they have had a chance to do their own testing and will have a wealth of first hand knowledge at their table.
• Invest in a GPS unit. We put this item of hiking gear in here because it is an amazing piece of technology that will help you to get out of a tight situation. We remember the first time we set out with the map and compass. We had to travel to a lake three miles through the woods without a trail of any kind. This is the time to trust your gear. There is no arguing with the GPS.

Hiking clothes are a vital part of your outdoor trips. A lightweight, waterproof pair of pants may be stuffed in a pack and take up little space. Get used to wearing a cap on your head. It will protect you from the sun but mostly it will keep you warm in winter and make sure it is waterproof to keep your head dry in the rain.

A warm pair of waterproof mitts or gloves may come in handy. Again these are lightweight and help to keep you protected from the elements.

If you are able to keep both the hands and head warm you will hold the heat within the body.