By:Michael Isaacs

So you want to go outside and you think you need some cool gear to do it? Not really, cool gear will most definitely improve your experience but you do not need to spend a pile of money to start hiking, and you can rent all camping gear before you buy. I recommend at least getting a pair of hiking shoes, your knees and feet will thank you later. A pair of hiking shoes will add much more support and traction than a pair of sneakers for about $130. Most sneakers are not made to be used outside, their intention was for gym use and when you get them wet they fall apart quickly. You can get waterproof low cut shoes too, the price range is $130-$165 for Gore-Tex lined shoes that will keep your feet dry. All that being said there is no reason you can't take off in the woods in a pair of beat up sneakers.

If you start getting out hiking a lot and you decided to pick up some hiking shoes then the next logical step is a good rain coat. You can get a waterproof breathable jacket for $150 and up Gore-Tex starts at about $360 and goes up. You get what you pay for, you could go by a Columbia jacket for $70 but it will not be very breathable or durable, if you want to hike a lot or camp overnight a good jacket can make a huge difference in how wet you are when you stop.

When you stop is when the problems start, you can hike in a cotton t-shirt all day as long as you don't break a sweat. Cotton kills. That saying has been around the outdoor industry for a while and it is unfortunately true. How, you may ask, can a cotton t-shirt kill? Simple you sweat and start to soak the shirt once it is wet it becomes a hypothermia weapon. Even on a sunny day with a cool breeze it is remarkable how cold a wet shirt will make you, if it goes unnoticed you could be in a lot of trouble. I have heard plenty of so called experts say that they can hike with out sweating but I have never managed to carry a backpack very far with out getting a sweaty back. So you might want to look into getting a moisture wicking, quick drying shirt, they are about $30 and will improve how you feel throughout your hike and when you stop the shirt will dry out in a few minutes.