During the summer, numerous locations across the country provide favorable conditions for hiking. With school break for kids, individuals on vacation, and longer daylight hours, an increasing number of people are venturing onto hiking trails, including experienced hikers and beginners. Regardless of whether you have extensive hiking experience or are new to it, it is important to take certain precautions while hiking in order to prevent potentially hazardous situations. Every week throughout the summer, we will be sharing safety tips to enhance your summer hiking experience by making it as enjoyable and safe as possible.
COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE
One of the biggest errors when it comes to hiking is not properly planning for it. Many hikers often overlook the importance of considering the return hike, even if it is mostly downhill. Failing to prepare for unpredictable weather can lead to discomfort or even life-threatening situations. Additionally, underestimating daylight and hiking in the dark without a flashlight (which is one of AHS’s 10 Essentials of Hiking) can also be very risky. The main adversaries for a tired and ill-equipped hiker are panic, confusion, and inaction.
Here’s the truth—most hikers, even experienced ones, spend too much time and energy worrying about the scary—but low percentage threats like bears, mountain lions and poisonous snakes (granted, in some areas these are real threats, but..) and not enough time concerning themselves with the dull but common dangers like germs, blisters and hypothermia. As I noted, dramatic changes in weather when not prepared for it, water crossings when you can’t swim or have the skills/equipment to cross safely and over-dependence on technology to save the day are far-greater concerns.
The primary danger, whether for day hiking or backpacking, is getting lost. The trail you are following may fade out, and trail markers can be obscured by a storm. If you have misjudged the time it would take to climb the peak, you may find yourself stumbling along in the dark, feeling lost, cold, and frightened. Panic and confusion become your enemies in such situations. To defend yourself effectively, knowledge is crucial. Familiarize yourself with trail maps, learn how to use a compass, and always inform your friends and/or rangers about your plans. The typical lost hiker is often unprepared and lacks survival gear, such as the AHS ten essentials of hiking. Making poor decisions, like stubbornly continuing forward when the trail is lost instead of retracing your steps to a known location, only increases the chances of getting lost or encountering further trouble. One of the most common mistakes that can easily be avoided is hiking without ever looking back. While it is necessary to focus on your destination, it is also important to periodically glance back down the trail, take note of significant landmarks and crossings, ensuring a safe hike and return home.
MUST-KNOW BACKPACKING SAFETY TIPS
Solo hiking and backpacking provoke strong opinions in the outdoor community, with supporters and detractors alike. Nevertheless, I personally find a certain appeal in spending a night alone in the wild. These tranquil moments have a meditative quality and allow for a break from the everyday distractions one typically faces.
Before embarking on a backpacking or solo backpacking adventure, it is advisable to be diligent in ensuring your safety. Here are some backpacking safety tips to assist you in maintaining a secure environment while trekking.
CARRY THE TEN ESSENTIALS
Whether you are traveling alone or with a large group, it is crucial to always have the Ten Essentials packed when backpacking. Although it may seem obvious, there is a tendency to overlook items like a lighter or an additional layer when you are accustomed to sharing equipment with a companion. Here is an overview of the Ten Essentials that you should have in your backpack:
Remember to always have spare batteries for your headlamp.
Remember to bring the camp stove along with extra food.
When it comes to starting fires, I prefer to carry both a lighter and a Light My Fire fire starter, which functions similarly to flint and is intended for emergency situations.
It is advisable to have a backup filtration method, such as using a few iodine or chlorine tablets, when using a water filter.
To save a few ounces, remove the pieces of the tent from the bag.
It is preferable to have a first aid kit specifically designed for backpacking.
If you find yourself trapped in unexpected harsh weather, having extra layers such as a hat and gloves will be greatly appreciated as it tends to get colder at night.
When it comes to navigation, it is important to always have both your GPS, equipped with the necessary maps, and a paper map with a compass. Prior to going on a solo adventure, ensure you are familiar with operating both your GPS and compass.
Sun protection involves the use of items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
A sturdy switchblade, which is infinitely handy in the backcountry, is a small knife.
In addition, I make sure to bring a satellite messenger with SOS capabilities, even though it’s not included in the ten essentials. This device is crucial for solo backpackers as it can mean the distinction between survival and fatality. Prior to departure, it is essential to verify the battery status and test the signal strength.
In addition to the ten essentials, ensure that you have all the necessary items for the particular trail you will be hiking on.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Before embarking on a backpacking trip, it is crucial to ensure that you are well-prepared by familiarizing yourself with the details of your chosen trail. Compiling all essential information into a backpacking trip plan and entrusting it to a reliable person is highly advisable.
NAVIGATION KNOW-HOW
If you are leading a backpacking trip with a group or if you are backpacking alone, you are responsible for directing the journey from one location to another. In the event that your GPS stops functioning, do you possess the ability to interpret a map and determine your whereabouts using a compass? Are you venturing off-track in remote areas?
Even if you are planning to hike on a well-known trail, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about navigation. In popular wilderness locations, social trails frequently emerge when individuals deviate from the designated path. Additionally, animals’ faint trails can lead to perplexity.
It is strongly recommended that you consider investing in a GPS. Whether hiking or backpacking, I always ensure to have a GPS with me, such as the Gaia GPS app, if you are not ready to purchase a standalone GPS device. Mastering GPS and map navigation is a crucial skill that every backpacker should prioritize learning.
HAVE A PLAN & TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST
It is uncommon for anyone to expect encountering difficulties while outdoors, but it is crucial to be ready for such situations. Utilize the plan you created to get ready for your trip, and also provide important safety details to a trusted individual. Include your temporary outdoor safety trip plan, including the designated camping areas and the estimated return time to the trailhead.
To ensure the same meaning while rephrasing the text step by step, you can consider the following: 1. Ensure a specified check-in time is established. 2. In the event that your trusted friend does not receive any communication from you, instruct them to try reaching out to you directly. 3. If you fail to respond within an hour, instruct your friend to contact the authorities.
