<p>Take your first step (again) with a beginner-friendly hike during the monsoons. You don&rsquo;t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy the rains, feel the cool weather, watch the scenic views, and take a memorable trek up the next hill. Here&rsquo;s a checklist of basics to carry along:</p>
<h2>Lotta O2 &nbsp;and trail mix</h2>
<p><img title="Pics/iStock" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Calling-all-b_e.jpg" alt="Pics/iStock" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>Deliciousness and hydration cannot be stopped, even on the rise to your next hill stop. Carry dry, healthy foods, and non-perishable items such as protein bars and trail mix, alongside a large water bottle to keep your strength up. But remember, do not litter by throwing wrappers around.</p>
<h2>A backpack is your BFF</h2>
<p><img title="Pics/iStock" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Calling-all-c_e.jpg" alt="Pics/iStock" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>Now, to help you carry everything, including food, water, extra clothes, and raincoats, get yourself a nice backpack that isn&rsquo;t too bulky but lightweight and spacious. Fun fact, backpacks actually help maintain balance by keeping your hands free, and preventing shoulder strain by distributing weight evenly. So, if you don&rsquo;t want to end up carrying everything in your tiny jacket pockets, bring a backpack, and you&rsquo;re next in line to be the new Dora the Explorer.</p>
<h2>Let those sneakers go!</h2>
<p><img title="Pics/iStock" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Calling-all-d_e.jpg" alt="Pics/iStock" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve been told to wear sneakers for hikes, DON&rsquo;T. That&rsquo;s a slippery slope nobody wants to walk on. For trekking, please wear specialised shoes with rubber soles that help you stay stable and comfortable on rough, wet terrain.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Naturally magnetic&nbsp;</h2>
<p><img title="Pics/iStock" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Calling-all-e_e.jpg" alt="Pics/iStock" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>Does your phone battery die faster than the change of a tide? Don&rsquo;t let that kill your sense of direction. For safety, carry a small compass to provide simplistic directions back to your original location. Simply remember, unlike Google Maps, your compass doesn&rsquo;t need network, just natural magnetism.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Water off a duck&rsquo;s back&nbsp;</h2>
<p><img title="Pics/iStock" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Calling-all-f_e.jpg" alt="Pics/iStock" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>Bring an umbrella only if you wish to be pulled into the rains and the winds like Mary Poppins. Better to cosplay as Jaadu instead, with a raincoat or poncho that will at least keep you dry. Instead of hearing supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, you&rsquo;ll hear Ohm, Ohm, Ohm, Ohm.</p>

We’re here to help you get on the trail and fall in love with hiking with this beginner-friendly checklist

Want to hike? Here's your complete beginner-friendly checklist for the season

Lotta O2 and trail mix

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