Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of the landscape while getting fit. However, it isn’t for the fainthearted – and yet a lot of people think they can just hop onto a local trail in a pair of sneakers and with a half-empty water bottle. Here are some tips on how you can make sure you stay safe on your hiking trip.

Get Prepared

Preparation is key. If you’re planning to go to a national park, make sure that you talk to a ranger first about what to expect. They will be happy to have this conversation – they want you to stay safe and they don’t want any mishaps in their area. Make sure that you are aware of any difficult areas, of any places you should avoid, of local weather conditions, of animals that you might encounter, and so on. After all, fore-warned is fore-armed. It isn’t a good idea to go hiking alone, particularly if you aren’t used to it, so make sure you take a friend along. Even if there’s more than one person, make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone and that they know when you expect to be back, so they can send out the alarm if you’re late.

Carry The Essentials With You

You should invest in a light-weight pack so that you can take essential items with you when you hike. First and foremost, water is key. Take a reusable bottle with you – you should be drinking half to one liter of water per hour when you’re walking, so take plenty of water with you, along with water purification tablets or a filtration system if you anticipate needing more water than you want to carry. Carry snacks with you that are lightweight and that will give you plenty of energy, and take more than you will need for just one day. A first aid kit is key: take antiseptic wipes, bandages, medical tape, blister plasters, allergy pills, and any medication that you may need (including for the next day, just in case). Materials to light a fire are essential – if you get lost you can use it to signal for help. Look online for the best ferro rod – these are better than matches as it doesn’t matter what weather it is. You should also take sunscreen with you along with items of clothing that you can wear to cover up like a hat and a collared long sleeved shirt, along with a lightweight fold-up rain jacket that you can use if the weather turns. A space blanket is a good idea – not only can they be used to keep warm, but they are also reflective and can be used if you get lost.

Buy Good Quality Boots And Socks

When you’re hiking it’s essential that you have good quality boots and socks. You need to get footwear that fits you properly and that cushions your feet. These will protect your ankles if you trip over, and they will also prevent you from getting blisters if they fit you correctly. Get them fitted at an outdoor supplies store, and make sure you break them in around the house and on local trips to the store before you undertake any big adventures. You should also wear thick hiking socks instead of cotton ones. Hiking socks will wick moisture away from your skin and keep your feet dry.

Stay On The Trail

Finally, it is absolutely essential that you stay on the trail. There are documented cases of people getting lost and going missing after stepping just a few feet off the trail – it’s so easy to get disoriented and to walk in the wrong direction, even if you’re just stepping away to use the bathroom. If you get lost or hurt, it will be a lot easier for people to find and rescue you if you keep to the trail – and a lot safer and cheaper to get you home. The terrain off the trail might look perfectly safe but there are often hidden dangers that you might not see – nature is beautiful but it’s also dangerous and unpredictable and you need to avoid any issues so that you get home safe at the end of your trip. You may be an avid hiker who really knows what to do and what not to do but you still need to know your limits – and no matter how good you are, you are limited to staying on the trail.

Hiking is a fun activity that’s great for you so long as you stay safe: stick to the trail, take the right items with you, and most of all: enjoy. So are there any amazing hikes around the world on your bucket list? What ways are you taking to stay safe on your hiking trip? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

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