When you’re hiking, the last thing you want to think about is how to stay safe. In fact, most people don’t spend much time thinking about safety at all when they are out exploring nature. However, there are some simple precautions that can help keep you safe and have a great time on your next hike:
Bring a cell phone.
In the event of an emergency, your cell phone can be used as a GPS. While most cell phones have GPS capabilities, we encourage hikers to bring their own personalized version. Cell phones are also useful in the case of an emergency because they allow you to call for help if needed. Many hikers who choose not to bring a cell phone often express concern about having service, but the truth is that there are many areas where service does exist (it’s just not always reliable). If you do plan on getting into an area without coverage and want some assurance that help will come when needed, consider purchasing a signal booster for your car or backpack.
If you want to keep tabs on where exactly you are going while hiking, bringing along a GPS is essential—and so is carrying extra batteries! When choosing which device best suits your needs, we recommend using Google Maps as it provides accurate routing information even in places with spotty service or no signal at all
Bring appropriate gear and wear comfortable clothing.
To avoid injury, wear comfortable shoes that support your feet and ankles. Avoid flip-flops or sandals, as they are not appropriate for hiking. Also, make sure that the straps of your shoe or boot do not rub against your skin or cause blisters.
Bring a pair of knee braces if you have had knee surgery in the past or if you have a history of chronic knee pain. Compressa knee sleeves will help keep your knees stable on uneven terrain and prevent injury from occurring during exercise.
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
You should always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. This can be as simple as sending a text or email ahead of time, telling your loved ones that you are going hiking today and will call them when you return.
If there are any changes to your plans, let the person who knows about your hike in on those as well. If something unexpected happens—maybe it starts raining or snowing unexpectedly—and you need to stop hiking early, give them an idea of when they might expect to hear from you again. That way, if something goes wrong and they don’t hear from you by the time they’re expecting it, they’ll know what steps need to be taken next.
Keep an eye out for weather changes.
Another thing to be aware of is the weather. You may think you can tell what it will be like, but you need to know that even if your forecast says “sunny,” there’s always a chance for a storm or rain. In case the weather does take a turn for the worse, always have an extra layer with you and make sure that your shoes are waterproof. Also, if it’s cold out and there are no shelters around (and don’t expect them), then bring along some hot drinks or warm food in case something goes wrong with your hike.
When you do get caught in bad weather while hiking, never try to brave through it on your own! You should try to find shelter where there is none. If not possible (like when hiking in an area without trees), then hunker down under whatever coverings you have until the storm passes by or until rescue comes.
I hope this article helped you get a better understanding of how to stay safe when hiking. Hiking is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, so it’s important to take precautions before embarking on your next adventure. If you have any questions or comments about anything I covered here today, please feel free to reach out!
