Hiking
isn't typically dangerous. Much more often it's a great pleasure, even
an adventure. But you're outside, sometimes far from 'civilization' and
you can get injured or worse. It pays to heed some common sense hiking
safety tips.
Like
any rule, there are exceptions. If you're just going for a stroll in a
nearby, well-traveled area you're as safe there as anywhere. But if you
travel through heavily forested areas, with steep canyons and winding
trails, you can easily get lost. And, of course, there are lots of
gradations in between. Use your judgment.
Traveling
with a Hiking partner will help you in many ways, especially if he or
she is an experienced hiker. People in pairs are much less likely to
panic. They can assist one another up steep grades and apply first-aid
when needed.
He
or she can travel back to the trail head if you're injured. And, if
needed, body heat can be much better conserved when there are two
traveling together. Hypothermia has killed more than one lost hiker
before they could be rescued.
This
tip is a lot like the 1st tip. The same concern applies - you don't
want to get lost. Stay on clearly marked or well-traveled trails until
or unless you are experienced enough to take the uncommon route. Yes,
they're sometimes not as interesting. But getting lost is interesting in
a very unpleasant kind of way.
A
map, a compass and/or a
GPS unit is a must for any kind of serious
hike. Naturally it has to be usable in the area you hike. Not all units
will continue to function in every area. Get the details of where you
plan to go and ask someone who knows.
You
can go overboard on gear. But for anything more than a simple, two-hour
hike over easy terrain, a large chunk of peace of mind can be bought
very cheaply.
Take
a lighter or matches. Matches can get wet, but a lighter can run out of
fuel. No plan is perfect. A knife, especially one with lots of
genuinely useful (as opposed to merely impressive) gadgets can be a
literal lifesaver.
A
simple
first aid kit can also be a lifesaver. Gauze and bandages,
anti-bacterial cream and other standard items are essential. Anti-itch
and sunburn pain reliever can be greatly appreciated sometimes. Aspirin
is one of pharmacology's most under-appreciated drugs. All these things
are small and lightweight. No need to take a miniature doctor's office,
just the basics.
Of
course, you have to have some first-aid knowledge. There are times when
aspirin can be harmful. Gauze and bandages don't do you any good if you
don't know the difference between venous and arterial bleeding.
A flashlight is a must. Toilet paper can be really handy, too.
Water
or other fluids like sports drinks are an obvious essential. You can
lose a lot of fluid even over a two-hour period on a hot day. Heat
stroke can kill, but is easily preventable. Even dehydration can
radically reduce physical performance. Just remember water weighs about 8
lbs per gallon. Take what you need, not much more.
Except
in emergencies, avoid drinking out of streams. Forget TV commercials.
Natural water sources, not always but often, are loaded with bacteria.
Just remember, animals bathe and eliminate in them.
Take
enough food to last you the anticipated hike time. About 1 lb per day
(depending on what you bring) is average for a medium-sized male. You
can last longer without food than water, so trade off when you have to.
Among
other things that means don't get carried away with your enthusiasm -
and a belief in your invincibility - and tempt fate. Despite what you
may have read in and about some places, Mother Nature is quite
indifferent to hurting you when you do dumb things.
