Category: Hiking Safety

8 Elements that Make a Hike Difficult

2/20/2024

8 Elements that Make a Hike Difficult

There are several elements that contribute to the difficulty of a hike. The 8 listed below are what can make a hike more challenging than others. Take these into consideration when deciding what type of hike you want to go on.

Distance: The length of the trail can significantly impact its difficulty. Longer hikes require more endurance and stamina.
Elevation Gain: Hikes with significant elevation gain involve climbing steep inclines, which can be physically demanding, especially at higher altitudes.
Terrain: The terrain can vary from well-maintained paths to rugged, rocky, or muddy trails, adding to the challenge.
Weather Conditions: Hiking in extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, or snow can increase the difficulty and pose additional risks.
Altitude: Hiking at high altitudes can be physically demanding due to lower oxygen levels, potentially leading to altitude sickness or fatigue.
Technical Challenges: Some hikes may involve scrambling, climbing, or traversing difficult terrain, requiring specific skills and equipment.
Navigation: Trails with poor signage or complex routes can make navigation challenging, increasing the difficulty of the hike.
Pack Weight: Carrying a heavy backpack with supplies such as water, food, and gear can make the hike more physically demanding.

Overall, a combination of these factors determines the difficulty level of a hike, and what may be challenging for one person may not be as difficult for another, depending on their experience, fitness level, and preparedness. Happy Hiking y'all!

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Top 10 Hiking Risks and Dangers

5/26/2023

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Top 10 Hiking Risks and Dangers

Going for a hike is exhilarating, memorable, challenging, and euphoric. It can be a very spiritual and meditative time where you can get engulfed into the beauty around you that you feel so free. Yet, with any activity there comes risks. Listed below are the top risks and dangers that hikers can face. It is better to know what the risks are now so you can prepare and avoid them at all costs.

1. Getting Lost

Have a map, GPS system, or phone to help you navigate or call for an emergency

2. Hypothermia/Hyperthermia

Bring the right gear to avoid getting too cold or hot

3. Dehydration

Bring enough water and electrolyte drinks for the hike you are doing

4. Medical Incidents

Have a first aid kit on hand and a phone in case you need to call 9-1-1

5. Bites, Scratches, or Toxic Plants

Have a first aid kit that has supplies to help with these irritants

6. Unwanted weather changes (storm, lightning strikes, flash floods, avalanche, rock fall, etc.)

Have an emergency back up plan if weather changes and try to seek shelter immediately

7. Fatigue

Know your limit, and stop and rest when you need to. Turn around if you don't think you can make it or need help

8. Accidents or Injuries

Have a first aid kit on hand and a phone in case you need to call 9-1-1

9. Being Underprepared

Make sure you have all the gear you need for your hike

10. Underestimating the Trail

Research your trail so you know the terrain and what items to bring on your hike

To avoid these risks, please research your park and trail ahead of time, prepare your gear, and have an emergency plan in place if needed. This post is not to intimidate you but to prepare you for any situation so you are always ready!

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How to Stay Safe on a Hike

5/25/2023

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How to Stay Safe on a Hike

In order to get over your fears of hiking, follow these simple rules to help you feel safe and more at ease when you head outdoors. These principles can be applied every time you hike. No matter where you are or your circumstances these will help you to have a safe and fun hike!

1. Plan Ahead and Plan Accordingly

Talk to a Park Ranger about where to hike and what to see
Bring a compass, map, or GPS system
Research and understand the hike you are going on (AllTrails app is what we use)
Tell someone else where you are going and when to expect you back
Agree on an emergency plan if something were to happen

2. Hike with Someone

Have someone to hike with to eliminate being stranded alone or so someone else can get help if needed
Talk about what kind of hike you will be doing and have an emergency plan in action

3. Stay on the trail at all times

It's easier for park rangers or search and rescue to find you on the path than being off of it during an emergency
It's easy to get turned around or lost when you step off the path
You are causing less destruction to the environment

4. Be courteous and respectful on the trail

Communicate to people on the trail if you are passing them or allow others to go in front of you if you are a bit slower
You can even warn people of trail conditions or certain citing's of plants and animals.

5. Bring plenty of food and water

Bring more than you think you need!
Have a water bladder or water bottle in your pack and fill it all the way up and incase you run out have a water purifier to get water out of a stream or lake (never drink unpurified water!)
Check your park to see if there are fill up stations for your water bladder or water bottles
In regards to snacks, bring snacks that have good amounts of carbs and protein such as trail mix, protein bars, gummy bears, sandwich, nuts, etc. (these are some of our favorites)

6. Wear the right clothing and shoes for the terrain you're hiking

Everyone has their preference but make sure you wear a good hiking shoe or boot that is comfortable, supportive, may be waterproof, and in some cases insulated.
Wear wool or synthetic socks to wick away moisture and ease friction so you don't get blisters
Depending on the weather, you may need multiple layers, wind jacket, rain coat, hat, sunglasses, gloves, scarf, neck gator, uv protected clothing, etc.

7. Never approach or feed the wildlife

Keep your distance, back away slowly if you do encounter an animal, never feed them food, and notify park rangers of any dangerous animal citing

8. Bring the right gear for the terrain you are hiking

For hot weather bring sunblock, hat, cooling towel, portable fan, light clothing to block the sun and keep you cool, hiking shoes, etc.
For cold weather bring crampons/spikes for your shoes, hand and shoe warmers, plus all the essential cold weather clothing, boots, etc.
Trekking poles
Flashlights/Headlamps
Matches/Firestarter
Emergency shelter
Water purifier
First Aid Kit
Whistle/Flares
Repair Kit
Check out my blog post about the "16 Essential Gear Items for Hiking"

9. Know which plants and wildlife you could encounter on your hike

Before going on your hike, please do your research on what kind of vegetation and wildlife you'll be encountering
You need to be prepared and know what to do if you happen to run into any wildlife. For example: It would be wise to apply insect repellent and tuck your pant legs in your socks when you're in an area known for Ticks
If you are near poisonous plants know how to identify them and stay away. If you do happen to rub up against any, make sure your first aid kit has certain ointment or cream to help with symptoms
Every region is going to have something different so again plan ahead and be prepared for every possible situation. For example: My fiancé and I learned how to use bear spray before heading into Yellowstone National Park

10. Prepare for changing weather conditions

Check the weather before you hike, and prepare ahead if you may have unexpected weather
Talk with park rangers to see what kind of weather is common at certain times of the year
Seek shelter if bad weather does pop up

*Lastly, if you every feel uncomfortable or something doesn't feel right, please turn around on the trail and hike back to safety!*

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Safety

8 Elements that Make a Hike Difficult

8 Elements that Make a Hike Difficult

Top 10 Hiking Risks and Dangers

Top 10 Hiking Risks and Dangers

How to Stay Safe on a Hike

How to Stay Safe on a Hike

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