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Theres nothing quite like immersing yourself in the great outdoors with an excellenthike.
Sara Monika/Getty Images
But as awesomely invigorating as hiking can be, it also carries some real risks.
These expert safety tips are crafted to help you prep smart and trek smart.
see to it to follow them before and during every hike.
Consult a park ranger.
When decidingwhere to hike, your best bet is typically going to be a national or state park.
Theyre staffed by rangers with a wealth of information about what you better stay safe in that particular location.
Bring at least one friend.
That way, theres at least one companion who can go get help, he says.
Those last two deserve a bit more detail, so let’s get to it.
Create an itinerary and share it with someone outside of the group.
Include your starting point and time, destination, route, and anticipated finish time.
Share this plan with at least one person not hiking with you, Schimelpfenig says.
you might also leave this info with the park office.
Agree on an emergency plan.
(Again, the park service is a prime resource here).
These are the key questions your plan needs to answer, according to Hoyer:
5.
Prepare for the weather.
This goes beyond just checking the weather before your hike.
Even with the best weather forecast, big storms can come up quickly and unexpectedly, Hoyer says.
Thunder and lightning are common dangers.
Even small changes in weather can make your whole hike much riskier because of how they affect the terrain.
Pack the 10 Essentials.
The10 Essentialsis a list of emergency provisions originally created by Pacific Northwest hiking and conservation non-profit the Mountaineers.
Its a classic reference point in the hiking community for beginners and experts alike.
Customize your first aid kit.
Schimelpfenig recommends buying a premade first aid kit containing items like adhesive and elastic wrap bandages and antiseptic.
you’ve got the option to find a first aid kit at a drugstore or online.
you could also assemble your own with some tips from theRed Cross.
Either way, you may need to add certain items to your kit based on your health.
You don’t leave your medical history in the car when you go hiking, Schimelpfenig says.
You carry it with you.
Buy proper hiking boots and socks.
It will also help you prevent one of the most painful hiking hindrances: blisters.
If you dont know where to start, try consulting an expert at an outdoor supplies store.
Also, avoid cotton socks.
They retain moisture from sweaty feet, causing skin to blister more easily, Schimelpfenig says.
Instead, opt forhiking socksmade from materials like wool or synthetics made to wick away moisture and ease friction.
Always bring blister dressings in your first aid kit, too.
Protect yourself from the sun.
Your first line of defense here is good timing.
Also, heed the weather report.
(Another option for frequent hikers is clothing made withsun-protective fabric.)
Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck, Schimelpfenig says.
Finally, pay attention to how youre feeling and take action at the first sign of a problem.
Bring extra water or a purification system.
TheNPSrecommends drinking about one-half liter to one liter per hour while active outdoors.
Know thyself, Schimelpfenig says.
(If youre visiting a national or state park, the rangers or site should have this info.)
by bringing purification and disinfection materials.
you’re able to use a heat-safe container and heat source to boil water, according to theNPS.
Never drink unpurified water while on a hike (or otherwise).
Stay on the trail.
Your odds of encountering a risky obstacle go up when you step off the path.
Its also easy to get turned around.
Go for a small trial hike before taking on a major one.
Be extra careful on the second half of the hike.
Take your time and be extra careful with your footing.
Be ready to turn back.
you’re free to look at a map and talk to folks all day.
Remember that youre out there to enjoy yourself.
If you dont get to where you thought you would,it can still be an awesome hike.
It’s about being on the trail, being where you are.
