Yes, I took a Saturday to wake up, (get coffee), drive to a national park and hike for 4 miles. Not my hardest hike, but still long enough and tough enough that I needed hiking boots/ shoes. Now if you think that clothes and gear don't mater, even if you are walking/ hiking 4 miles - it does. Being comfortable when hiking makes you want to come back and do it again rather than complain while on the trail.
For example, if I had sneakers, would I have been ok? Yes, but hiking shoes are great so I don't slip on the trail. However, when I was hiking for 12 hours in Norway I wish I had hiking boots rather than hiking shoes. Knowing what gear you need is important. The longer the trip, the more research you should do. What is the different between shoes and boots? The ankle support and the size/ weight ot the show. For a 2 hour hike I like the shoes because they are lighter. For a steep 12 hour hike the extra support would have been much better. If you are only getting one pair, between getting Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots, get good hiking boots with a sturdy ankle support. I would choose something like Salomon X Ultra 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots - Women's. ( I have not tried these but they are the same brand that makes my hiking shoes that I do like). However, buy what makes the most sense for you.
For today's hike: sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray were amazing useful. I thought I didn't need the hat but the gnats convinced me that hats should be available on any nature trip. Also, despite only being in the 80's (since the sun was on us) a great water-bottle was sooooo important. I love my Hydro Flask in 21 oz. I have the S'well water bottle in 9 oz as well (perfect for my purse) and I like both.
Here is the full list of gear I need to have with me on a hike:
- water-bottle (large)
- sunglasses
- hat
- bug spray
- hiking boots
- hiking pants
- lightweight t-shirt
- backpack (size: depends how long you are going)
- small snack
- hiking socks
- cell phone for pictures! :)
Have fun
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