Before you lace up your shoes and head out into the great outdoors, take time to prepare. You'll have a better experience.
That's the message from numerous state and national recreation areas. The vast majority of hikers never get in any kind of trouble. Sadly though, needless fatalities occur each year in forest and wilderness areas. Some are due to unforeseen circumstances or under-preparedness; others to reckless choices.
Here is a collection of advice to keep you safe while you're having fun.
Before You Go
- If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider.
- Get in shape! Hiking is far more demanding than walking around the block – or even walking the same distance on level ground. Know the terrain, and condition your body for your hike. If you plan to travel to high altitudes, acclimate yourself to the altitude.
- Do not hike alone. Find at least one other person to hike with you. For hikes five hours away from habitation, travel with two other people. If you're hiking into a remote area, your group should consist of at least four people (but no more than 12). That way, if someone is hurt, one person can stay with the injured party, while two others can go for help.
- Make a realistic trail plan. Your trail objectives should be within capabilities of the slowest and least experienced person in your group. Do not plan anything that will put an inexperienced hiker at risk.
- Plan to hike only during daylight hours.
- Contact the land owner(s) for permission to hike, if you will be using private property.
- Secure any necessary permits or reservations. Acquaint yourself with the regulations. There may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.
- Locate the nearest ranger stations, mountain rescue posts, and telephone boxes that are accessible.
- Learn all necessary skills for your adventure. Know how to read a compass and topographical map, erect a temporary shelter, and give first aid. Practice those skills before you go.
- Check a weather forecast for your destination. Prepare for the worst likely conditions. Should the weather turn foul, cancel or reschedule your trip.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Leave a copy of your itinerary, including details such as the make of your car and the license plate number, the weather you anticipate, and what you've packed. Don't change plans or routes without letting someone know.
- Choose appropriate footwear for the terrain. Solid, lightweight walking boots are best. Sandals can be used on tracks in summer and around your campsite. Be sure to "break in" your shoes.
- Leave a copy of your shoeprint with someone. (You can step on a piece of foil or in soft dirt that is sheltered from wind, rain, and other footprints.) Also leave a recent photo. If you're taking your cell phone, leave your number. If you become lost, searchers can use this information to help find you.
- Put a supply of water in your car, so everyone can replenish their bodies when they get back from the hike.
What to Pack, Even for Short Hikes
Each member of the hiking group should carry the following:
- Water and water purifying tablets. Drink small amounts frequently. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. By then, you're on your way to dehydration.
- Food. Small meals throughout the day are better than one large meal halfway through the day. A bag of nuts, raisins, trail mix, and small candies can provide snacks along the way. Repackage snacks and food in sealable Baggies. This reduces weight and the amount of trash to carry out.
- Clothing. Pack rain gear, wool socks, a sweater or jacket, gloves, and a hat. Your best protection against hypothermia is proper clothing and the "layering method." Wear polypropylene or fleece clothing. Cotton traps moisture.
- Adhesive bandages or moleskin.
- Sunglasses.
- Pocket knife.
- Whistle.
- Personal prescription medicines.
- Extra pair of prescription glasses.
- Emergency shelter. Many day hikers carry brightly-colored trash bags. Other options for emergency shelters are a space blanket, waterproof bivouac sack, or lightweight plastic tarp.
- Emergency food. Pack dried fruit, chocolate (for quick energy), glucose (dextrose), and salt.
- Waterproof matches and fire starter.
At least one person in the group should have:
- First aid kit. It should include at least one elastic ("Ace") bandage; triangular bandage; adhesive bandages (Band-Aids®); moleskin; butterfly bandages; sterile gauze pads (individually wrapped); one sanitary napkin (excellent for profusely bleeding wounds); non-adherent dressing; first-aid tape; alcohol pads; biodegradable soap; iodine pads; antiseptic and anti-infective ointment; small scissors; tweezers; large safety pins; snake bite kit; anti-diarrhea medicine; lip salve; over-the-counter antihistamine tablets, water-sterilizing tablets; aspirin and acetaminophen; foam pad, sleeping bag, and space blanket.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Flashlight. Also bring extra batteries and light bulbs.
- Toilet paper.
- Latrine shovel and/or Baggies for packing out solid waste.
- Watch.
- Pens and paper.
- Emergency kit. The water-proof kit should contain a topographical map and compass; metal mirror; waterproof matches or other fire starter material; 20-25 feet of nylon rope.
- Emergency signaling device. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is great if you know how to use it. Otherwise it's just extra pounds to pack around. A cellular phone is great for letting people know you're lost...but only if it works. Many cellular phones don't work in remote areas.
- Camera (optional).
If you're going to be gone longer than a day, you'll need to pack in even more things, including light-weight cooking utensils, a light-weight stove, and extra fuel; tent, sleeping bag, and ground cloth; backpack and backpack cover; and more food, toiletries, and clothing. Playing cards, a book, and a star chart, or a sketchbook and art supplies are optional. Any store that sells outdoorsman equipment should be able to provide a list of essentials. Your pack weight should not exceed 1/3 of your body weight.
On the Trail, at Last
You've done it! You've prepared and packed. Now, standing at the trail head, you just can't wait to get started. There are a few things to keep in mind.
- Stay on the trail.
- Check behind you periodically, to recognize your "backtrail."
- Only go as fast as the slowest hiker. The moment someone lags behind, have him or her take the lead.
- Walk rhythmically to conserve energy.
- If someone stops, everyone stops.
- Do not drink from streams, springs, or lakes without properly treating the water first.
- Stay away from wild animals.
- Demonstrate trail etiquette. Hikers should yield right-of-way to animals by stepping off the trail on the downhill side, keeping in sight of the animals at all times. Downhill hikers should yield to uphill hikers.
- Watch for signs of exhaustion, dehydration, injury, illness, or disorientation.
- Expect trouble, but don't expect a rescue. Be responsible.
- Don't litter. Pack everything out you packed in.
- Hike in the daylight. Make camp before dark (or before an impending storm comes in).
- If separated, yell, whistle, stop, and listen. Instruct your children to pull out their brightly-colored trash bag, keep signaling with their mirror, blow their whistle every fifteen minutes, and "hug a tree" until help arrives.
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