The heat is on and that means it’s time to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors. We love taking advantage of the warm summer weather to enjoy an invigorating day hike or multi-day trek, but it’s important to keep some safety tips in mind when spending time with Mother Nature. She’s beautiful, but she can be deadly if you don’t take the proper precautions. So before you go out to explore one of the country’s incredible National or State parks, keep some of our safety tips in mind.
Before you go
Whether you are hiking on a well-travelled trail or going into the backcountry, it’s important to pack all the essential gear you need. You never know what problems will arise carry a pack stocked with emergency items.
We have a checklist of gear such as a lighter, emergency first aid, a multi-tool such as a Leatherman, headlamp or flashlight, a whistle, and plenty of water and snacks. Water is extremely important when hiking. Be sure to carry at least two liters (Would the US say 2 quarts?) of water with you at all times. If you are hiking for longer, use a water filtration system or bring water purification tablets. The important point is to stay hydrated.
Recommended Gear: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack
Food
Depending on the length of the hike, you will always want to have some food with you to keep up your strength. Plus should you get lost or injured you will have some sustenance to keep yourself going. We like to pack chocolate, trail mix, jerky, and protein or granola bars.
Even though most trails are well marked, a map and compass are still essential when hiking. But you need to learn how to use them properly. We suggest an orienteering course. Many cities have orienteering clubs or you can check with your local outdoor store to see if there are any orienteering events in town. It’s an excellent way to meet fellow outdoor lovers and to find new places to hike.
It’s good to bring a map of the trail you are hiking. We love to follow along to see how far we have gone and to watch for any obstacles ahead. Plus, many times maps point out interesting viewpoints.
Know Your Limits
Most trails will have a difficulty rating system. Research the area you are hiking and make sure it is within your limits. If you are doing a difficult hike that is expected to take an entire day, be sure that you are fit enough to finish it on time before dark. It’s better to start with smaller, easier hikes and work your way up to more difficult routes as you gain experience.
Recommended Gear: LEKI Wanderfreund Speedlock Trekking Pole
Check the Weather
It sounds routine, but make sure to check the forecast before your hike. If rains come in the late afternoon and you are on steep and slippery terrain, you could be put in danger. Or if you are hiking near a river, it may rise and you may not be able to make crossings to get back. It’s important to know all the variables when you go outdoors.
Break in your Boots
Many people make the rookie mistake of wearing their brand new boots for the first time on the trail. This is a sure fire way to get blisters and sore feet. Break your boots in first before your hike so that you can enjoy your time on the trail.
Recommended: Men’s Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoes
Clothing
Pack layers. Weather can change quickly and it’s important to have a weather and wind proof layer of clothing with you. If you are climbing to any type of elevation, you may find it cools off and you’ll want a sweater. A good lightweight microfiber sweater and outer shell jacket are always a good idea to pack.
We always pack an extra pair of socks. We prefer to wear ones made of merino wool as they are breathable and dry quickly if they get wet.
Recommended Gear: Goodhew High Performance Hiker Socks
Protect Yourself From the Elements
When hiking, we recommend wearing a hat to protect from sunstroke. You also have to think about sunburn so wear breathable long sleeve shirts and don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. Take care of your lips as well, I cannot tell you how dry my lips get when hiking.
Bugs can also be a big problem. Oftentimes you’ll be hiking a wilderness trail and mosquitoes can be nasty. Pack insect repellent and use unscented shampoos, deodorant, and creams.
Recommended: Ben’s 8-Hour Tick & Insect Repellent Towelettes
The Hike
Before you go hiking anywhere (especially in the backcountry) make sure you inform somebody of your route and when you are planning on returning. If you are late returning, someone can alert the authorities should you run into trouble.
Always stick to the trail. Even some of the most remote backcountry trails we’ve hiked have trail markers and tracks. Don’t go off trail and if you do lose it, backtrack as quickly as possible to get back on course. It’s easy to get lost in the woods when you don’t have a trail to follow, so don’t tempt fate, follow the markers.
Safety in Numbers
Many people hike alone and it’s totally fine to do so, but if you can, try to hike with another person or a group. There is safety in numbers. Wild animals will shy away from a group. Animals don’t like noise and groups tend to talk and laugh more than a solo hiker. Plus, should an emergency happen, someone is there to help out. Besides, we think it’s more fun to share the experience with friends.
Hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy summertime outdoors and to stay fit. If you follow a few precautions and tips, you’ll have a more enjoyable and safe experience. Chances are, you won’t encounter any problems on the trail, but if you do remember what the boy scouts say “Be Prepared”
Do you have any tips to help make the summer hiking season safer and more comfortable? Leave a comment below.
About the Author
Dave and Deb are well-known travel personalities in both online and mainstream media. Their highly acclaimed website, The Planet D, won Gold Medal for Best Travel Blog by the Society of American Travel Writers and best Photo Illustration of Travel. Dave and Deb founded The Planet D in 2008 after cycling the continent of Africa and have traveled to more than 100 countries on all 7 continents. They live by their motto “Adventure is For Everyone.” If they can do it, anyone can.
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