Hiking is one of the more popular outdoor activities. It can be as strenuous as you want, or a simple stroll in the woods. The downside is that it can be dangerous. Some recent highly publicized incidents have really brought those dangerous into the forefront of people’s minds. Instead of avoiding such a wonderful activity, you just need to take some precautions and be prepared or the unexpected.

1. Hike in a group – or at the very least take a friend (and a puppy DOES NOT count). If you have a problem, take a fall, or run into any other difficulties then you will have support to help you through.
2.  Leave an itinerary with friends and family. Those that will be staying home need to know where you are going, when you will be back, and what you expect to do along the way. If you don’t show up as scheduled or if the weather takes a sudden turn then this will be a guideline for searches to find you.
3. Plan your hiking trips for the daylight hours. It is easier to have a fall or come to some kind of unfortunate end once the light is gone.
4. Have an emergency contact or locator. Invest in a cell phone or a satellite phone if you are going to spend time in the woods. These can be used to contact help if it’s needed and in some cases they can be used to locate lost hikers.
5. You heard it all of your life, but you really should avoid taking candy from strangers (or water, food, or a ride). If a person that you don’t know offers to take you on the best hike or to an amazing location then it’s best to pass.
6. The adventure of finding new places is part of the reason that people hike. Although you don’t have to hike the same path every time you go out to be safe, it is a good idea to know the area that you are hiking. Having a familiarity with the terrain can help you find your way to safety if you lose your way.
7. Pack for the weather (or possible weather). If you are going to the mountains in the winter then you need to pack some warm weather clothes. Even if the temperatures are high when you head out, you never know when they might take a turn for the worse. It is better to have warm clothes and not need them than to need warm clothes and not have them.
8. Take more snacks and drinks than you think you will need. They will keep you refreshed during the hike, but can be a life safer if you run into problems.

Hiking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature. Although it can be dangerous, if you take a few precautions you can ensure yourself a trouble free experience.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 9:51 pm and is filed under Adventure Travel, Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.