Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, at some point you will likely experience a mishap on the trail. This is why it’s essential for you to know the basics of hiking safety and how to be prepared for the situations you may encounter.
Because being prepared and understanding the risks involved in the trails you want to hike can be the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a potentially dangerous situation.
The good news is many of the common mistakes are avoidable, like getting lost (been there), not packing enough food (yep, I’ve done that too), or being underdressed for the weather.
If fear for your safety has prevented you from getting outside, we’re giving you the low down on important hiking safety tips that will help you minimize potential hiking dangers – so you can feel safe, confident, and prepared to enjoy the great outdoors.
Plan your trip
We recommend that you start with simple and not-so demanding mountain trails. While you might be tempted to go on some significant hikes right off the bat (probably because your friends are doing so), you shouldn’t give in to the temptation. As a beginner, you should know your limits and be okay with them. There is no need to fast forward yourself to expert trails. After all, you don’t want it to be your last mountain trek.
Once you pick a mountain trail that you feel is great for you, below are some of the essential things that you should plan for before you set off!
Duration
How long will the trek be? Many reviewers often provide these details, so this information shouldn’t be so hard to find. Knowing the duration of the mountain trail will help you to determine the things that you should pack. And being a beginner, your trail may not require you to pack a tent (most beginner trails are day trips).
Companions
We recommend that you have a trekking companion. If you don’t have a friend who is into mountain trekking, don’t worry as you can always hire a trekking guide to keep you company and assist you through the trail. And if you are worried that hiring a trekking guide will be expensive, think about your safety and the uninhibited and worry-free fun you’ll have.
Budget
Stick to a strict budget. Although mountains are public land, you are still expected to pay entry fees. The fees you pay varies from one mountain to another. As such, you should first check the official mountain trail website for the expenses before heading out. You should also prepare for the transport costs, environmental fees, tourism fees, guide fees and other charges that might pop up during the journey.
Weather
As you plan for your trekking, check on the weather news. Doing so will allow you to know which clothes to wear and any additional equipment you should carry. If the weather forecast is terrible, then you should postpone the trek altogether.
Terrain
Check on the terrain to know beforehand if you’ll be trekking on inclined steps, through thick forests, in between rivers or rocky ground. Familiarize yourself with the details of the trail. Will the trail be snowy, sandy, grassy, rocky or muddy? Once you have these details, prepare your mind to tackle it.
Bring the right gear
As we’ve pointed out above, the equipment you carry will depend on the length of your hike, the terrain, weather, and your budget. If you don’t see mountain trekking as something you’d do in the long term, you shouldn’t get expensive equipment or get professional outfits. Just get outfits that are comfortable, lightweight, and versatile.
Dress appropriately and bring layers
Every time you step outdoors, you should remember to bring layers. You can think of the layers as a new age trekking thermostat. Layering has been tried and tested over the years. Professionals believe that it’s comfortable even when the weather changes up on you. All you need to do is slip off or on a layer depending on whether it gets hotter or colder.
How should you layer? Easy. There are three layers you should be aware of: Base layer – this wicks the sweat off your skin. Middle layer – this one retains body heat and protects you from cold weather. Outer layer – this layer shields you from the rain and wind.
Even if you don’t wear all these layers, it’s always a great idea to have them with you depending on what the weather forecast is. This way, you are always ready for anything.
Pick a trail that matches your ability
Choosing a trail that matches your fitness level and hiking experience can help prevent you from getting in over your head. If you’re new to hiking, two big factors you’ll want to pay attention to are the total distance and the total elevation gain.
Have an idea in mind of how far you can comfortably hike in a day and how much elevation gain is too much. As a general rule of thumb, an average hiker should plan 30-45 minutes for every mile, sometimes more, depending on the elevation gain. I’d also suggest if you are a hiking newbie, stick to trails with under 1,000 feet of elevation gain until you build more confidence.
As you’re hiking, if you realize the trail is more than you can chew off, don’t try to power through; be safe and turn back. Knowing when to say no and using your better judgment is an important skill that you’ll need as you advance to more challenging terrain.
Prepare for sun exposure
If it’s going to be hot, plan your hike so you can get an early start. This will help you avoid the hottest part of the day. In extreme temperatures, choose a trail with shade.
Even though it’s counterintuitive, it’s best to cover up your skin with a long-sleeve sun protection shirt, a Buff with UPF 50 protection, and a full-protection sun hat. Then make sure to use sunscreen to protect any exposed skin.
Heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration. To ensure you stay properly hydrated, consider hiking with a backpack with a 3 liter hydration reservoir that makes it easy to sip water throughout your hike.
