Are you ready to embark on an exciting wilderness hike but worried about staying safe and secure? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, it’s important to have the right survival skills for any situation. From knowing how to start a fire to finding shelter, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll share some essential tips and tricks for ensuring your safety in the great outdoors. So grab your backpack and let’s get started!
Let Someone Know Your Plans
It’s always a good idea to let someone back at home know where you’re going and when you expect to return. This way, if something happens to you, they can alert the authorities.
Bring the Right Gear
No matter how short or easy a hike may be, it’s always important to bring the right gear. This includes items like a map and compass, first-aid kit, headlamp or flashlight, multi-tool, matches, fire starter, shelter, and extra food and water.
Dress for Success
Wear clothing that will protect you from the elements and help you stay visible. High-visibility clothing is especially important if you’ll be hiking in areas where there’s little or no cell phone reception.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
No matter how well you plan or how experienced you are, emergencies can happen while you’re hiking. Having a plan in place ahead of time will help you stay safe in an emergency.
If you find yourself in an emergency, stay calm and think about the best course of action. If possible, call for help on your cellphone or using your whistle or flare gun. If you can’t call for help, then focus on taking care of yourself and your companions until help arrives.
Know Your Limits
Don’t push yourself beyond your physical or mental limits while hiking. If you’re tired, take a break. If the weather conditions are bad, turn back. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Stay on the Trail
One of the best ways to stay safe while hiking is to stick to well-marked trails. If you must leave the trail, make sure you know how to get back before proceeding.
Watch the Weather
When you’re hiking in the wilderness, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather. By doing so, you can be prepared for any changes that may occur while you’re on the trail.
The first step is to check the weather forecast before you head out. This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you plan accordingly. If possible, it’s also a good idea to check the forecast again before you start your hike.
Once you’re on the trail, pay attention to the signs of changing weather. If you see dark clouds or hear thunder in the distance, take shelter immediately. If there’s a chance of severe weather, such as a tornado or hurricane, find a safe place to wait it out until it passes.
Watch Your Footing
Stay alert and take care with every step. Be mindful of slippery or uneven surfaces, as well as potential hazards like poison ivy or snakes.
Respect Wildlife
When hiking in the wilderness, it’s important to respect wildlife. This means keeping your distance from animals, being aware of your surroundings, and not disturbing their habitat.
Some animals may appear friendly, but they can be dangerous if they feel threatened. It’s important to remember that you are in their territory and they may not be used to humans.
If you do encounter an animal while hiking, stay calm and don’t make any sudden movements. Slowly back away and give them space. Don’t try to run away, as this could trigger their predatory instinct.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled Up
One of the most important things to remember when going on a wilderness hike is to stay hydrated and fueled up. This means carrying plenty of water and snacks with you and taking regular breaks to eat and drink.
If you’re not used to hiking, it’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least one gallon of water per person, per day. And, if possible, pack some extra in case you run into unexpected delays or have to hike further than planned.
As for food, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring more than you think you’ll need. Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and sandwiches are all great options that will help keep your energy levels up. And again, if possible, pack some extra in case you get hungry later on in the hike.
Avoid Overexertion
Don’t try to cover too much ground in one day. Know when it’s time to take a break and enjoy nature around you instead!
Use Sticks for Support
If there are rocky areas on your hike, use walking sticks for extra stability and support. This will help you avoid a fall or trip and preserve energy for the rest of your trek.
Make Noise Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while hiking in the wilderness is to make noise regularly. This will help ensure that any potential predators are aware of your presence and will help you avoid any dangerous situations.
There are a few different ways that you can make noise while hiking. One way is to simply talk to your hiking partners or sing as you walk.
Another way is to carry a whistle with you and blow it every few minutes. You can also clap your hands or bang on a tree with a stick as you hike.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you are aware of your surroundings, you will be able to react quickly if something unexpected happens. For example, if you see a large animal in the distance, you can take a detour around it. Or, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can seek shelter before it gets too dangerous.
Bring a Friend
If you’re planning on heading out into the wilderness for a hike, it’s always best to bring along a friend. Hiking with a partner is always safer than going out alone.
Not only will this help to make the hike more enjoyable, but it can also help to keep you safe in case of an emergency. Plus, it’s more fun to share the experience with someone!
