Hiking

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The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Hiking Safety

Hiking is a risky business, (did you see “127 Hours”) but the experienced hiker knows that with a little planning, experience and knowledge the benefits of hiking can far outweigh any risks . . . hiking is a great way to spend your time, enjoying the great outdoors as nature intended, but never forget that Mother Nature does have a few nasty surprises up her sleeve . . .  Experienced hikers and backpackers have learned to deal with blisters, itchy ivy and munching mosquitoes . . . have you?

“In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.”
 -Charles A. Lindbergh

Hiking – Know Where You’re Going And What To Expect

Very good advice indeed (that’s why I said it). When you’re planning a hike it’s important that you plan ahead . . . experienced hikers will have their favorite hiking trails and, if they’ve hiked them enough times should know exactly what hazards they may come across, but if you’re new to the hiking game or hoping to hike in unfamiliar territory then you do need to do a little homework before you set off with your backpack. There’s really no excuse to be surprised these days . . . the internet is packed with information about every hike you can think of . . . what to expect, terrain, trail maps, facilities . . . even reviews from other hikers about what is on offer on each particular trail. Download a map, read the reviews, know what you’re up against . . .  You might need to read up about the types of plants and animals you may come across on the hike too, and which ones should be avoided at all costs. Forewarned is forearmed as they say.

Hiking – Start Small On Your First Hike

Some hikers have the experience, will and determination to hike in all weathers throughout the year . . . cold weather hiking does have its advantages (and disadvantages as far as I’m concerned), but for all of us inexperienced or fairweather hikers there is a definite “hiking season”. I wouldn’t say that it starts on a specific date, more a feeling . . . the nights are drawing out and the summer breezes seem to be calling you out into the great outdoors. Well, it’s important for those types of hikers that they don’t “bite off more than they can chew” on their first hike of the year. Start small, go for a short hike, you might be amazed at just how tight your hiking trousers have become over the winter and not be able to breathe in for more than a couple of hours, and your backpack might seem to be so much heavier than last year when you were a year younger and 10 pounds lighter. If you’re planning your first overnight backpacking or hiking trip make sure that you’re not actually too far from civilization . . . even if you want to pretend that you are. Stay within a reasonable distance of home or at least the car park, and if you don’t have any medical training then don’t stray too far away from medical facilities either.

Looks to me like they went rather a long way for their first overnight hiking trip . . . oh well, all’s well that ends well I suppose – hope they all made it back home okay!

Hiking Water Safety

Hikers in the movies might sip cold clear water from crystal mountain streams, but that can be a recipe for disaster in the real world. The water might look clean and clear but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t organisms or bacteria lurking there ready to give you a night in the restroom or even worse. Make sure that you take plenty of clean drinking water with you on your hike, and a water filter or other method of treatment if it’s just not possible to carry enough water on your hike. The real smart hikers only drink the water when it’s been purified, I don’t care what they tell you in Hollywood.

Hiking Safety – DO Tell Somebody Where You’re Going and DON’T Hike Alone

Enough said??

Hiking Is A Hungry Business

Hikers burn up lots of energy so they need to replenish that with lots of good energy food. It’s important to remember when you’re hiking (which goes back to knowing where you are) that other critters might find the smell of a peanut butter sandwich irresistible too, and you ain’t gonna be so happy to find a fat squirrel got there first. Hiking in bear country is a completely different ball game . . . many locations now make it mandatory to store your food in a BearVault . . . and even then you should never keep the food or the BearVault inside your tent, store it at least 200 hundred yards downwind to be extra safe.

First Aid Kit for Hikers

Hikers do need to carry a first aid kit, even if they don’t know what to do with all of it. A standard first aid kit with sticking plasters, antiseptic ointment and bite or sting cream can go a long way to ensuring that you have a pleasant hiking experience.

Be a Smart Packer

Experienced hikers have it all down to a fine art . . . some more than others . . . surviving for 3 days with a backpack which weighs no more than the neighbors pet cat, but this is something which inexperienced hikers will learn over time and experience. Unfortunately the tendency is to pack your back pack full of munchies, a portable CD player and a video camera, (don’t forget the three sweaters of varying thicknesses) but experience will show you which items from your backpack you actually use on your hike, and which you just end up hiking about for the sake of it.

If you remember the 10 essentials, the rest will take care of itself . . . .

A Few More Hiking Thoughts:

• Always make sure that the slowest hiker is at the front of the hiking group with the rest falling in behind . . . this will ensure that nobody will get left behind by accident or continually have to shout “wait for me”.
• What ever your bring on your hike, make sure that you take it back with you.  Take all of your garbage home with you, don’t feed the animals or birds and help to leave the hiking trail exactly as you found it, that way future generations of hikers will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
• Take plenty of short breaks, especially if it’s hot, and make sure that you (and your hiking party) keep well hydrated with lots of water.
• Ah, the joys of hiking with the sun on your back / face / shoulders / head. Well that’s dangerous, so cover up with hats and sunblock, especially in areas of high altitutde (you’re closer to the sun you see).

Pace Yourself On Your Hike

Hikers (especially inexperienced hikers) might fall into the trap of seeing the end result of the hiking trail as the prize . . . but it is not the end of the trail which is enjoyable and teaches us to appreciate the world around us, it is the journey along the hiking trail itself. Remember that and enjoy . . . Happy Hiking!