Essentials of Hiking

<br>Going hiking is the ultimate! The great thing about hiking is really going out in the wilderness and truly feeling self reliant. This experience will fill you with confidence and enjoyment, unless you go out unprepared. The hiker who does not bring what he needs is the hiker who returns home with blisters, sunburn, and other on trail ailments. To help keep you safe, happy and loving hiking, follow these ten essential tips.</br>

<br>Have a strategy. You don’t want to be lost somewhere in Saguaro National Park with nothing but a cactus to keep you warm, and rocks to talk to. Creating a planned route and being prepared with maps and a compass can save you hours of worrying and searching. It might even save your life. </br>

<br>Footwear. This one is not so up front. There are many options of shoes. Everything from trail runners to plastic mountaineering boots are accessible. You need to chose footwear that is appropriate for what you are going to do. If you are moving quickly on a relatively well maintained trail, trail runners are most likely all the support and weight you’ll want on your feet. However, if you are climbing K2 you may want a little more support. More appropriate shoes will keep you safe, and keep you feet comfortable.</br>

<br>Hydration. Again, there are a lot of options available for hydration. Some people enjoy a drink mix with some carbohydrates and electrolytes while other people choose plain and simple water. It does not matter so much what you pick, only that you use it. Staying hydrated can save you from a host of on trail ailments. Drink before you get thirsty because thirst is the first sign of dehydration. Make sure you pack enough, and plot a spot to refill along the way in case you use more than you expected. </br>

<br>Nutrition. Nothing is worse than getting hungry while hiking. Bringing some food can be worth its weight in gold. Some people bring energy bars, and others trail mix. Again, the options are not as important as physically having them. Know that you are burning lots of calories and that you’ll need to refuel.</br>

<br>Illumination. There are two main kinds of illumination you can take on the trail: headlamps and flashlights. Headlamps offer the convenience of hands free while flashlights are a little more versatile. Having one with you can make a big difference. The last thing you want is to be trapped outside in the dark with nothing to light your way.</br>

<br>Tools. Bringing a tool with you will be the best choice you have made in a long time. You will be surprised just how often you need it, from fixing a tent stake, to cutting a strap on your backpack. You’ll be glad you brought it. Common choices are a Swiss Army Knife, or a Leatherman. </br>

<br>Sunscreen/Bug repellent. Being sunburned is miserable, and nothing is worse than West Nile. Save yourself from these small problems and you’re sure to have a good time. This way you’ll be able to get out and go on more future hikes since you are not peeling and itchy. </br>

<br>Rain Protection. No matter if it is a Wal-Mart poncho or an Arcteryx Jacket, it will be your best friend in a surprise shower. Everybody hates being wet and uncomfortable while they are hiking. In the cold, keeping dry may be your best defense against hypothermia. Great quality rain protection nowadays is light weight and packs small, so it is definitely worth it. </br>

<br>Bring a friend. Taking a friend can make your time on trail more enjoyable. In addition hiking with someone will always keep you safer. Many people have been hurt on the trail and they could not get the help they needed because they were alone. Hiking with at least one other person is always a good idea.</br>

<br>Communication. Having a way to contact someone in an emergency is a great safety precaution. In most places, a regular cell phone will work. Even if the phone doesn’t get service, they almost always have a GPS transponder built in. So in a real emergency, paramedics can use the GPS in your phone to locate you.</br>

About the Author

Brian is a lover of the outdoors and has great experience hiking, camping and more. He also loves http://www.moosejaw.com/

Victorinox swiss army knife mini

Be Sociable, Share!

•