Are you looking to stay safe on the trail?
If so, you came to the right place!
Today, I am going to introduce you to 10 essential hiking safety tips that are easy to follow and keep you safe on the trail.
Whether you’re new to hiking or have many years of experience, the unexpected can always happen on a wilderness hike.
There is nothing more therapeutic than immersing yourself in the great outdoors with an excellent hike.
But as invigorating as hiking can be, it also carries some real risks.
Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article.
For more safety on hiking, American Hiking has some great information. Here is their website. https://www.americanhiking.org
10 Essential Hiking Safety Tips You Should Always Follow
#1. Prepare for the Weather.
The weather can change quickly during your hike. Even with the best weather forecast, big storms can come up quickly and unexpectedly.
Even small changes in weather can make your whole hike much riskier because of how they affect the terrain.
For example, light rain that breaks out on your way up a peak could make the trip back pretty dangerous. I love using the app called Accu weather.
Accu weather has changed the game on weather apps. You will need to consider the following:
What time will I be hiking? How long is the hike? Knowing this beforehand will help you plan your hike accordingly. I have found the best times for the longer hikes is to get those out of the way as earlier as possible.
If you are into hiking in the Spring, know that the weather will be more volatile. If you do find yourself in thunderstorm, you will want to avoid the obvious which is high open areas like boulders and fields. You will also want to avoid tall trees and bodies of water.
To be on the safe side, one hiking safety tip is to talk to the park ranger beforehand. You will want to find out what inclement weather events are most likely at that time of year and how to stay safe in them.
For more information on Accu Weather here is their website, or you can download the app. https://www.accuweather.com
Also, for more information on specific trails please check out all trails at https://www.alltrails.com
They also have a great hiking app that you can download as well.
#2. Stay on your Trail at all times.
One of the most important hiking safety tips is to stay on your trail at all times.
Veering off the trail to explore can put you at risk for getting lost.
You also may encounter dangerous plants and animals that you wouldn’t find on the trail. Follow the trail markers at all times.
#3. Stay hydrated while hiking
Staying hydrated while hiking can make a world of difference in keeping you healthy.
A good rule of thumb is to drink approximately 1 liter of water every 2 hours that you’re hiking. Keep at least 1/3 of your water supply on the way down is also important.
If you’re hiking or camping in the backcountry, you will probably need to filter your water before drinking it.
#4. Buy proper hiking boots and socks.
Properly fitting footwear with good cushioning and grip is essential for avoiding issues like rolling an ankle due to improper support.
It will also help prevent one of the most painful hiking hindrances: blisters.
It’s time to invest into a good pair of hiking boots.
I like what Columbia and Merrell puts out. Yes, they are a little expensive, but from years of experience, you get what you pay for in a great pair of hiking boots.
There are lots of good companies out there, just find the one that is best for you and something that will be best suited for your hiking needs.
#5. Hiking is better with someone else.
Remember the saying, “there’s safety in numbers.” This is true when it comes to hiking.
Hiking in groups or with a friend, will have another set of ears and eyes on the trail.
Plus, you will experience many social benefits of hiking. Friends will be able to help share the load, share the costs, help keep each other safe, help navigate the way, and act as each other’s photographer.
My brother Kyle and I really do enjoy our nature hikes. One of us is always on the lookout while the other is paying close attention to the weather. It’s a team effort, and one that keeps us both safe.
If I do hike alone, which sometimes I do, I communicate which trail I’m hiking and the departure. The people that love you deserve to know if you’re hiking alone.
#6. Be careful on the 2nd half of your hike.
The second half of your hike is usually when accidents happen. Why? We get tired and sloppy.
Your energy levels are lower, your leg muscles are fatigued, and your mind is focused on other things than the actual trail itself.
Again, you will need to keep at least 1/3 of your water on your way down. Take your time and be extra careful with your footing.
#7. Start your day early.
Beginning your hike earlier provides many advantages.
The light is better for photos, birds, and wildlife are more active, and thunderstorms occur most often in the afternoon.
More importantly, you’ll have an extra buffer before dark for sorting things out if something goes wrong.
In the summer, that can be the best time to go for a hike. Depending on temperature and location summer can be the worst time to go on a hike.
High humidity, long days, and ever-increasing record high temperatures might make hiking before sunrise the best option.
#8. Keep Track of Your Time and Distance.
This is a hiking safety tip that gets overlooked.
Remember that your total hike time includes the time it took you to hike to your destination and back to your starting point.
If any of your hike, in either direction, is uphill, plan for it to take at least double the time it took you to go downhill.
Be aware of the time you set out and turn around, so you don’t get stuck outside in the dark. Set a turnaround time if your trip is taking longer than planned and make sure you stick to it.
#9. Start small then go big.
I always advise going on smaller hikes before you take on a major one, especially if you are new to hiking.
Make sure to feel the weight of your pack, break your boots in, and figure out how much food and water you consume.
If you start small and slow, you’ll enjoy it more, and that will keep you going back.
#10. Don’t always rely on your cell phone.
Do not rely on your cell phone because there may not be cellular coverage or reception in your park.
I like to prepare for my hikes in advance. I will download my maps before I start hiking to preserve my battery life on my phone.
Searching for a cell signal can quickly drain your battery, so you should always consider turning off your phone or switching to airplane mode until you need it.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And there you have it. These are 10 essential safety tips that all hikers should follow on the trail. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please let me know the different ways you stay safe while hiking in the comment section below.
-CT