Hiking Safety Tips

A summer hiking adventure does not have to result in injury, death or a search-and-recovery mission. Hiking isn't typically dangerous. Much more often it's a great pleasure, even an adventure. But you're outside, sometimes far from 'civilization' and you can get injured or worse. It pays to heed some common sense hiking safety tips.

Here are 5 tips to assist with planning your summer hiking adventures:

1. Have a plan and share it.

Whether hiking solo or in a group, you need to become familiar with the area you will be hiking, the hazards and the expected weather. The process of getting ready will include obtaining maps to review the area you will hike, briefing all members of the group on route selection, having a turn-around time and developing alternate route selections. Let someone know where you are going, when, your departure point, your planned route and expected time of return. A tip for when you are under way: It is always a good idea to pay attention to landmarks from all angles, as these "markers" sometimes will change dramatically in appearance depending on light, elevation and your angle of observation.

2. Make sure your equipment, clothing and food are up for the trip.

Test your equipment before leaving. Having a little extra clothing, especially for inclement weather, may weigh a bit more, but it is worth it when things go sour. The same rule of "a little extra can't hurt" applies to food and drink. Better to lug around more than to be stranded with less than you need to survive.

3. Know your limits – and those of the other individuals in your group.

A military unit travels at the speed of its slowest member, and that is a good way to think about how to hike. Constant communication is also key. If traveling in a group, you should use a buddy system. Checking your partner for energy levels, blisters, food consumption and fatigue can prevent problems down the trail. 

4. Always bring along proper emergency equipment.

When hiking by yourself, ensure that you have, at a minimum, a first aid kit. Some recommended items include Band-aids, medical tape, over-the-counter pain relievers, moleskin, anti-bacterial ointment and a compress or two and spare headlamp batteries. If traveling in a group, have a "community" first aid kit with additional splints, pads and braces.

5. Know in advance what to do if things go bad.

Park rangers typically encourage hikers in genuine distress to "hug a tree," which means staying where you are until help comes to you. You can last a long time with the gear you have with you. Whistles, mirrors, cell phones (when they work) are priceless. A lost person who wanders around aimlessly – especially in inclement weather – can turn a merely bad situation into a truly tragic situation. It is better to be lost and then found (even if a little embarrassed) than to be carried out of the wilderness in a body bag. When traveling in a group, if someone sustains an injury, good judgment is required to determine if it is safe to proceed; better to send someone (two people, if possible) back for help; or "hug a tree" and wait for help.

It is not hard to figure out why hiking is such a desirable pastime. Some hiking trails run across state lines and cover a country's most beautiful natural spots. Exercise caution, be prepared and enjoy!