Introduction to HikingBenefits of HikingHiking GoalsHiking for BeginnersTen EssentialsHiking EtiquetteLeave No Trace PrinciplesHiking SmartDocumenting Your HikeLife Lessons from HikingNever Too Late to StartTypes of HikesSolo HikingHiking with Partner(s)Children as CompanionsPets as CompanionsHiking Groups or ClubsDay HikingNight HikingLocal and Urban HikingHigher-Elevation HikingPlaces to HikeLong-Distance HikingGeocaching and OrienteeringScavenger Hunts for the TrailVolunteer Trail WorkPreparation and PlanningPre-SeasonPre-HikeChoosing a TrailAvoiding Times with Crowds and BugsAssessing Trail ConditionsJudging Distance and TimeChoosing ClothingChoosing FootwearCaring for FootwearLayering BasicsChoosing GearElectronicsPacking and Practicing PackingEating and Drinking during the HikePost-HikeSkills and FitnessEssential SkillsGetting Feet ReadyStaying Fit in the Off-SeasonAscending and DescendingUsing Trekking PolesPacing the HikeHow to Train for HikingNordic WalkingExercises for HikingNavigationNature's Indicators for NavigationNavigation without a CompassFollowing a Trail's Blazes and MarkersNavigation with GPS or Trail AppsUsing a Topo MapUsing a CompassUsing an AltimeterUnmarked/Off-Trail NavigationNavigating WaterSafety and HealthBeginner Hiking MistakesTrailhead SecurityWhen Not to HikeAvoiding InjuryTaking BreaksGoing to the Bathroom in the WoodsAvoiding InsectsUsing InsecticidesHiking AloneIf You Get LostEmergency Shelter, Fire, Water, and FoodEmergency Shelter OptionsMaking a FireWhen to Wait for Rescue and When to Hike OutHiking in a PandemicWilderness First-Aid Basics First-Aid KitFirst-Aid InstructionsWeather and WildlifeWeather BasicsCold-Weather HikingHiking in SnowHot-Weather HikingManaging SweatHiking in the RainUsing the Rest StepHiking in Difficult TerrainWildlife Safety TipsAnimal EncountersPlant EncountersMoving on to BackpackingGlossary of TermsBibliography and ResourcesAbout the Author.