How to Stay Safe on a Hike

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!*