Hiking is a great way to get out of the house and become at one with nature. However, it can also be dangerous if we don’t appreciate that Mother Nature is an unstoppable force. These are the essential safety tips that every hiker should follow to stay safe throughout their adventure.
Tell someone where you’re going
Even if you are planning a hike with your friends, be sure to tell someone where you are going. It’s even better if you tell someone when you plan on getting back, who is going on the hike, and what clothes you are wearing just in case they need to let someone know that you’re gone.
Don’t interact with the wildlife
One of the most essential safety tips that every hiker should follow is to leave the wildlife be. If not, you could find yourself on the wrong side of an angry animal. Different parks and hiking trails all have their own recommendations when it comes to how much space to leave, but as a general rule, you can never be too far away from animals.
Stay dry and prepare for rain
Of course, most of us don’t want to go hiking in the rain, so it’s always best to check the local weather report before you leave for the day. However, learning how to cope with wet weather could make all the difference if you get caught in an unexpected storm. Plus, an extra layer of waterproofs could prevent hypothermia just in case the rain comes.
Bring extra water and snacks
You can never take too much water when planning a hike. Sure, it might be heavy to carry, but it’s best to plan that we will be gone for hours. If you don’t want to take an unthinkable amount of water with you and you know there are water sources along the way, then why not think about investing in a water filtration device you can use just in case?
Don’t wear headphones
Believe it or not, but many hikers forget about one of the most essential safety tips: don’t wear headphones. Not only will people miss out on all of the wonderful sounds of nature, but they could also miss the snake, the sound of a falling tree, or the angry bear lurking in the bushes if they eliminate their sense of hearing.
Research your hiking route
Researching your hiking route could be the difference between a dangerous hike and a successful one. Taking a look before we head out means we know if there is anything unexpected along the way, such as crossing streams or dealing with rugged terrain. It’s always recommended to check with park rangers on the day just in case anything has changed.
Learning the essential safety tips that every hiker should follow should help us to have a safer hike than ever. What better way to enjoy ourselves than to get out in Mother Nature and know that we’re doing it as safely as possible? That’s what we thought.
