How to become "outdoorsy"

[Anonymous]

If you want to try camping but don't have the gear, some nearby parks (eg, Pohick Bay) have camper-ready sites with tents, etc already set up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hiking boots - and on meetup.com you can join a walking or hiking group.

But break the boots in first or you'll have blisters.

1300 here. If you are going to start out with well-established trails and low-key hikes, you don't really need the hiking boots. Good running/athletic shoes will be fine.

I actually think it's better to start small with hikes. Once you get into it more, then get hiking boots. Hiking boots aren't necessary if you are going to places where you aren't really hiking in the deep woods. And that's the kind of place you should start. Even going to a local park with bike trails to hike on is a good start, and you don't need boots for that. In fact, I find it's better not to wear hiking boots on paved trails.

It's when you are in the deep woods, long hikes, and especially hilly areas where you need hiking boots for (1) to protect your feet from snakes, (2) to keep your feet dry on long hikes, and (3) to protect your ankles on inclines or stepping on uneven ground.

But I don't think you should start with that kind of hike anyhow. Even just some paved trails is a good start.

You had me until "protect your feet from snakes". Fuck that noise. I'm joining the patio/margarita crowd.

I shouldn't have said that because it doesn't happen often. It's really only if you are in certain areas. I know someone who was bitten by a snake, but he was wearing thick boots, so it didn't go through. He says it was a water moccasin, but who knows. They are easily confused with other snakes.

The story alone scared me into wearing boots if I'm in deep woods, near rivers or swampy areas, et cetera. It's difficult to see where you are stepping.

But on well-paved trails in most parks, this is a non-issue.