We spoke with Craig Copeland, avid hiker and co-author (with wife Kathy) of the Where the Locals Hike and Hiking from Here to WOW series of books, about the joys of hiking. When Copeland and his wife moved to Calgary (from the US), they fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and took every opportunity that they could to hike them. They’ve become the experts on the area, and give lots of advice to wannabe and experienced hikers, both through their blog and in their books. Here, Copeland gives up the lowdown on taking up hiking.

How easy it is to start this activity if you have never done it before?

How much easier could it be? It’s just walking. People have all these images in their heads about what hiking is but what we’re really talking about is walking. People think about lots of beautiful images, but they also think about steepness, bears and bugs. All you need are shoes and a small book bag so you can put water in it.

What would a beginner find challenging?

This very much depends on the individual perspective. There are more mental hurdles than physical, and for most fears there is a solution: If you are worried that the terrain will be too steep, take it slow and go where you are comfortable. If you are worried about getting lost, be sure to take a map or a guidebook. If you are worried about bears, learn how to deal with them should you meet one.

Would you need a basic certain level or fitness to start this activity?

Yes but not much. If you can walk 4-5 times around the block you have the fitness level to start, and can begin with gentle hiking. A good guidebook will give you a good sense of fitness terrain. (In Craig and Kathy Copeland’s books an “Easy” category hike would call for being able to walk 45 minutes at a moderate or brisk pace, or bike 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace.)

The greater your fitness the more exciting the hike will be. You can get farther from the pavement and closer to real nature and magic. As you become a better and better hiker/trekker the rewards, views, and experiences you can have only get better.

What kind of workout does it give the body?

Great cardio and definitely works all the muscles from the hips down.

What kind of equipment would you need to start doing this activity?

Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. You do not need hiking boots right away, especially since the stiffness can cause blisters. A very simple, very small day pack. Trekking poles would be the next thing to consider, even before hiking boots. When you are just starting out, having trekking poles is really helpful for several reasons: Prevents injury by keeping you upright and being in an upright position gives you better lung capacity. The poles help to distribute the effort throughout your body so that you can go farther and longer. Even though it is mostly advanced hikers that you see using poles, they are more useful to someone just starting out.

The more you hike the more weather you will experience. You might start out on a sunny day but if you do a multi day trip you might require more. Things like a brimmed hat, shorts, pants, a shell to break the wind, a raincoat, and gloves may be useful, depending on conditions.

What are the costs involved in doing this activity?

Maybe some gas to get you to the trail head. And a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. It’s just so inexpensive. Most people have what they need at home in their closet.”

Where can people find out more?

www.hikingcamping.com is Craig and Kathy’s website. On it are links to their favorite products and services and organizations. There is a blog with lots of free advice. They have books about hikes across Canada, the USA, and have blogged about a cycling trip through Cuba, and camping and more!

Follow them on twitter:  http://twitter.com/nomadhikers or @nomadhikers