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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Top 7 Safety Tips for Hikers
Hiking in the woods is a great pastime for almost everyone. It provides quality exercise, helps reduce stress, and teaches one to appreciate nature.
However, hiking carries more possible safety concerns than walking around the block.
Key Takeaway
The web page provides seven safety tips for hikers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Summary
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- Hiking is a great exercise and stress-reduction activity.
- Before you hike, tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to be back.
- Choose a trail that matches your experience level, and always hike with a buddy.
- Check the weather forecast before you hit the trails, and dress appropriately.
- Pack plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your hike.
- Wear proper footwear and bring layers of clothing to adjust to changing temperatures.
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay on designated trails.
To stay safe while hiking, you should always follow these 7 safety tips and recommendations from our experts:
1. Plan For Everything
The most important thing you can do to stay safe on the hiking trail is to plan for any possible problem.
It would be best if you took everything you are likely to need in any situation.
Even if you’re going on a 2-mile hike, you’ll want to bring water and sunscreen.
However, if you’re planning on a much longer hike that requires days of walking, you will want to bring food, water, shelter, and a change of clothes.
Some things that you should always consider are:
- Snacks and food
- Safe, bottled drinking water
- Wear proper clothing
- First-aid supplies
- Backup jacket or raincoat
The water will prevent dehydration; the snacks are good for quick energy if your blood sugar drops and the first aid kit will help with scrapes and cuts.
If the weather turns cold, you should also carry a small rain poncho and a sweatshirt or jacket.
You should bring more items for longer hikes. Some fire starters and waterproof matches are always a good idea.
I advise bringing storm-resistant matches and a fire starter. These small, cheap, and lightweight items are ideal for something you hope never to need and take up little room in your hiking day pack.
Also, you should always bring a cell phone or some other way of calling for help if you need it.
2. Never Go Alone
If you go hiking alone, you increase your chances of getting into some trouble.
What will happen if you do fall and break an ankle? You should always bring a buddy who you can lean on or go for help.
If you do not have a friend to go hiking with, you should stay in contact in other ways. Using a cell phone, radio, or other methods of communication will ensure that you are never really alone if something happens.
In your hiking day pack, I also advise keeping a small pocket knife or multi-tool, such as a Swiss Army Knife, at minimum. It’s better to have a larger knife like a 5-in-1 Multitool Folding Pocket Knife with an Opener, Glass Breaker, Seatbelt Cutter, Wrench, and Survival Blade for Rescue Emergencies.
Always tell someone where you are hiking, where you will end up, and how long you will be gone.
It’s very important to make sure someone at least knows the general vicinity of where you are. They can find you much easier if you get lost or hurt.
Going off on your own without telling anyone is very dangerous.
3. Know Your Limitations
Perhaps the biggest cause of hiking problems is people not recognizing their limitations.
Hiking is not only a fun hobby but also great exercise, but if you have never hiked before, you should not start with a very long journey.
Staying safe while hiking is the most important thing.
Just because you’ve gone on several hikes in the past doesn’t mean you’re ready for anything. Make sure you know your limitations will stick to them.
Hiking is not the time to show off your skills, especially in a rustic or wild setting. Be responsible and stay smart.
You can have a good time with good planning, a buddy system, and respect for nature.
4. Don’t Eat Anything
Unless you are a skilled hiker and an outdoorsy person, you should not eat anything on the trail you aren’t familiar with.
There are so many plants out there that can make you sick or even kill you. It’s very important to avoid tasting plants and only to eat the food you brought with you.
Furthermore, ensure you’re taking good care of your food supplies. Don’t eat anything that might be rotten or outdated.
Also, don’t eat anything that pests, animals, or the elements might have ruined.
5. Beware of Allergies
Just like not eating anything you find on the forest floor, you want to be sure you’re aware of your allergies.
For example, if you are allergic to bees or pests, bring bug spray and dress accordingly to keep pests off you.
Dressing accordingly can also keep poison ivy and oak off your skin. Most people are allergic to poisonous plants like that, and while some might be immune to their oils, it is much safer to wear long pants and tall boots than to chance it.
If you are unsure what kind of allergies you have, you should speak to a doctor before going anywhere unfamiliar. Animals and certain bugs can be dangerous, especially in tropical locations and jungles.
6. Bring a Map and a Compass
Not every hiking trail has posts or markers.
A map is the best way to stay on course in rustic settings. If you don’t know how to read a traditional map, you must start learning now.
Your phone signal won’t always work wherever you’re hiking, so you can’t rely on it to keep you on track.
Instead, bring a map, a trail guide pamphlet, or a person with you so that you know where you’re always going. You never want to stray from the trail.
Going off-trail can be very hazardous. It also prevents people from finding you if something goes wrong. For longer or more remote hikes, I advise leaving your itinerary with someone else, even if it’s just texting a friend your route and expected return time.
You should bring some navigation with you on your hike, even if you have a good sense of direction. A physical map is the most reliable navigation tool. One is available at the park’s main office and occasionally at the trailhead.
I also like to take a photo of the trail map with my phone at the beginning of the hike. You may need to take more than one image so the text is easier to read.
If you’re a more experienced hiker, buy a Garmin InReach device. Although pricey, this GPS device makes communicating and navigating in the wilderness easier. For shorter hikes, pack a cheap compass and a whistle for a more cost-effective option.
7. Wear the Right Clothes
We discussed bringing an extra jacket in case of rain, but what about your boots?
What about your pants? What about your sleeves?
Dressing for the right climate, bugs, plants, and terrain is one of the most important ways to have a safe and comfortable hike.
If you wear the wrong shoes or boots, you could hurt your ankle or freeze your toes. If you have ill-fitting shoes, you could stifle your blood circulation or create blisters.
If you wear short sleeves or shorts in a buggy area, you could get stung or bit or even bring a tick home. If you over-dress in hot weather, you could get too warm or even suffer heatstroke.
Knowing the weather, terrain, and pest population—and preparing for them—is always a good move when hiking.
For every hour of hiking, you should bring a minimum of .5 to .75 liters (16.9 to 25 ounces) of water. For difficult hikes in extreme heat, multiply that by two. Use a lightweight, reusable water bottle to transport your water. Avoid heavy stainless steel water bottles on hikes because they add unnecessary weight.
For longer hikes, I advise carrying a 3-liter hydration reservoir (also called a bladder). These reservoirs are small enough to fit inside a daypack, lightweight, and hold plenty of water.
I also advise bringing a small water filtration system in an emergency. Having a way to filter water from a stream could save your life if you become stranded. I suggest the Lifestraw, which is portable and lightweight.
Carrying your ID, credit cards, insurance cards, and cash on a hike is always a good idea, even though they aren’t considered essential. Since you can’t predict when you’ll need them, it’s best to be ready.
Here is a list of additional hiking Luxuries that will increase your trail enjoyment.
- Binoculars
- Go Pro Camera or your phone
- Walkie Talkies
- Portable Charger
- Animal and or Bear Spray
- Trekking Poles
- Gloves
Conclusion
Keep in mind how you behave while hiking. Hikers going uphill have the right-of-way. Move aside to make room for those going up the trail if you’re going down it. The best thing you can do while hiking is treat people how you want to be treated.
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