My husband is basically Bear Grylls and naturally athletic. I’m not an adept outdoorsy person. I love nature but I am not great at discomfort - so outdoor activities are common but nothing overly strenuous.

I have been consistently telling my husband that I enjoy hiking but need to more confident and need practice. So, I’ve asked that we go on more hikes. He got me amazing hiking boots - but we’ve only been on one in the past few months.

I have never camped in a tent. I have a sleeping bag but stayed in cabins.

Hiking and camping is something that my husband really enjoys. I think it’s something I could really enjoy too, once I get into it.

That said, I get anxious and flustered when I feel out of my depth physically. I never grew up in a home where outdoor activity was regular and remember hiking with my father precisely once. Any other childhood hikes were on school trips.

My husband is so excited because I agreed to go on an overnight hike with his friend and his friend’s wife. I feel woefully underprepared.

My husband will carry the tent (he bought a new one as the one he has belonged to a friend and is a bit grimy imo) and most of our stuff. He’s also bought us both inflatable mattresses to under our sleeping bags. I will carry my water (4 litres) plus my sleeping bag (1.8kg).

There are no bathrooms. I have only ever had to pre before, so it wasn’t a problem. Now, I don’t know.

I am told the trail isn’t an easy one from what I am told but he has promised to stay with me the whole way. Of course, he doesn’t know what it’s like to be as inept as me, given his natural abilities. I sometimes get frustrated by this and I’m not very good at hiding at but I have made a note to try my best. I just end up feeling really defeated.

I went shopping today for hiking pants. They don’t work on my body. I’m a US4 / UK8 waist but a 6/10 around my thighs. I’m a typical hourglass shape with full D cups. My husband said taking a 6/10 (larger) size wouldn’t be great because I’d be constantly pulling my pants up. That’s a fair assessment as I bought hiking tights in a size 6/10 and the waist keeps slipping down. He’s suggested my regular gym tights except I prefer looser clothes. And, yes, I am a few kg heavier post-holiday so feeling extra self-conscious. (My husband still thinks I’m a size 2/6 when he’s helping me find clothes so that doesn’t help because I feel a bit failure-y.

Long story short: I really want to do this, for him and also myself. But I’m really nervous as I don’t know the other couple and feel like I’m diving right into the deep end. Just so self-conscious. Anyone with tips?

Edit: my husband will carry my sleeping bag, which is actually 1.3kg. I will just need to then carry my water and some other light supplies.