Have you ever felt an urge to bask in the sun, feel the wind in your hair and get a little dirt under your fingernails? It's natural to want to spend a little time in the wilderness, because human beings are just animals, after all. That's why learning to hike is the perfect sport for our stressed-out society.

Hiking can be more than a simple way to pass the time. For some, it's been an important piece of their family history. Family vacations are often where a deep-rooted love of hiking begins. Kids still in toddler boots are scaling river banks and traversing the great outdoors with their earthy parents. These early cross-country outings turn into valuable skills and priceless memories that can last a lifetime.

Others discover the joys of hiking later in life. Older kids journey with scout troops. Packs of teenagers search for the perfect spot to hang out. Frenzied professionals seek refuge from the demands of home and business.

If you've discovered the love of hiking for any reason, you can't deny that there's no better way to shake off our contemporary hassles and enjoy the peace and solitude that only nature can offer.

Hiking for beginners can be tricky, and you can always spot a first time hiker. Rookies hobbling under fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. A backcountry pack overflowing with a ten pound tent, a dozen bagels, two spare pairs of shoes and loads of whatcha-macallits carefully packed "just in case".

It may be easy for seasoned hikers to snicker at the rookies, but let's face it; every one of us been there at one time or another. If you're a beginning hiker, don't worry; in no time at all you'll be confident enough to lose the excess cargo from your pack and travel lean enough to log plenty of miles on your hiking boots. Over time, you'll be learning the ropes and fine-tuning your craft along the way.

While you're honing your craft, here are some helpful tips that can help to clear the trail:

Know What's Ahead

There is nothing like the freedom of hiking, but there are basic safety rules that you must always follow. Remember, anything can and will happen in the great outdoors. If you don't prepare for your "anything-goes" journey, you can find yourself at the centre of backcountry disasters and near- misses. Bad judgment calls, inadequate clothing and a poor sense of direction can all contribute to potentially life-threatening hiking situations. Knowing what to bring, understanding what you need to do, and following through are all important first lessons for beginning hikers. Check the weather forecast before you plan your trip. You'll need to know the conditions and pack appropriately. Bring a lightweight rain jacket in case the weather turns unexpectedly. Be aware of the trail and remain in tune with your surroundings. When hiking a national park or conservation area, ask park management for advice on the local conditions and any permitting procedures. Research online or check your bookstore for hiking guides and maps. Learn how to read them properly, and use them during your hike.

Understand Your Equipment

Vanity has no place on the beginners' hiking trail. No one will care what you look like, or whether you seem like a "newbie" on the trail. After the sun sets the temperature will drop quickly, so be prepared to stay warm. Make sure that your sleeping bag is properly insulated. Looking cool means nothing if you're not able to stay warm. A coordinating ensemble has nothing to do with hiking. Remember, this is a sport. Get the right equipment to stay safe and out of harm's way.

Relax and Have Fun

In the end, hiking is all about having fun. Otherwise, no one would do it. To a hiker, lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness is a luxury vacation. Mosquito bites and scratches are five-star amenities. If you're hardcore about your love of nature, all the trouble pays off in fun and freedom.

Your newfound love of hiking will really sink in when you realize that you can leave all of your stresses at home. As you breathe in the air and feel the sun's warmth you'll realize that, at that perfect moment, you haven't a care in the world. With all that nature has to offer, what's not to love?