pinknic38

Okay so I picked up the latest issue of Backpacker magazine just for something to new to read and I saw some sweet looking trails in my area. I've never done hiking but I'd love to get into it for something new to take up when I get back from deployment. What's a good amount to start out with? I saw one trail I'd like to do that's like 8 or 9 miles. Do I need a compass/GPS or anything like that? I'm in pretty good physical condition -- I'm in the Army and last summer did an 18 mile ruck march in like 4 hours in some slightly hilly terrain when I was stationed in Arizona. I'm not looking for anything strenuous like that, just something moderately paced, I'm there more for the experience/scenery than the workout (though that's a great bonus), so just wondering what you suggest. I'd love to make it up to an advanced level, over night trips, weekend trips, etc. So anything basic you could tell me would be great -- what to pack in a basic trip, yada yada yada.

Thanks!
Nicole

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