I'm glad you're joining the club! Here are some stuff that I use and recommend:

- Good socks. Everything changed when I got some decent socks, really. It will help keep your feet dry, less sweaty and cushioned, stop blisters and give you more comfort. Try to find something like this. They can be a little pricey but they're totally worth it. I've had mine for 4 years now and they're like new.

- I also like to have a physical map on me. Well, I don't usually use it, but I always take it in case my electronic devices fail. I usually get the maps on the National Park's website or on Komoot, you can print the map of your tour and the turn-by-turn instructions.

- I have a compass keychain on my backpack's zipper pulls. Again, I don't usually use it, but just in case. I got it for like 6 pounds. If I want to check the directions, I often use my phone and it works well.

- I have a solar power bank with an extra flashlight and compass. It works great. And it's waterproof. I think this is one of the essentials. Having all your devices charged to ensure they will work properly should be a priority.

- Hand sanitizer;

- Trowel;

- First aid kit;

- Water and snacks;

- Proper clothes and a comfortable backpack (I have the Osprey Kestrel and I totally recommend it);

- Komoot App for mobile and Samsung Watch (first region is free) - I just love Komoot. It's easy to use, has very detailed route description and navigation instructions, accurate travel path and works great offline. Better than AllTrails IMO. Your first region is free, it covers a great range so if you're looking to do some hiking in your area it will be fine. You can buy different specific areas separately, but there are other bundle options. I have paid for it and it's totally worth it.

- Fenomy App for mobile (free) - it has an alarm function that sends a signal to my "inner circle" (I have my family and some friends) and authorities (if you want to). It's very useful for emergency cases because it works offline. You can use it to trigger an alarm, these people will get your location and directions to you, coordinates, battery percentage and a custom message you can leave. Furthermore, make sure to let your close ones know when you're expected to be back, share your route plan with them, just give them a good idea of what you're planning to do.

- Seek App for mobile (free) - not an essential app, but I really like it. You can use Seek to identify plants, animals and insects via image recognition. There are monthly observation challenges to identify different types of birds, plants, fungi, etc. It's fun.

- Digital Compass (free) - just a compass app with some other features, I really like the layout and it works very well.

Hope you guys have fun!