Well, when you begin to hike, it's important you know certain skills in advance. From personal experience, walking plays a key role in your ability to hike. Make sure you can walk (crawling doesn't count!) for a consistent amount of time, oh, around 30 minutes to start off with, but make sure you build it up. Remember, you might have to walk up HILLS, so your hiking better be up to par! I remember my friend was in the same position as you once and he didn't practice walking beforehand or ask for hiking advice and man, that was a terrible hike. What else...oh! It's important to eat when you're hungry, and drink when you're thirsty! I recommend food and water, that's what I usually have. I usually don't opt to bring a sleeping bag or a tent, as I like sleeping at home. After I'm done hiking. I do bring those things when I go CAMPING though.
Generally, it's important as a hiker to develop your own skills. And have COMMON SENSE.
