Hiking is a beloved hobby for many who love the fresh air and scenery of the great outdoors. Some hiking trips can last only for an afternoon while others can last an entire weekend. Regardless of how long your hike is planned to last, make it a safer and easier trip with these three smart hiking tips.
Keep to a Dress Code
One of the most important aspects of your hiking trip will be the clothing on your body. Your clothes are going to be the first line of defense your body has against extreme temperatures and harsh weather. The best way to create your dress code is to pick clothing that’s appropriate for the terrain and for the season. Hiking during colder weather will require you to wear heavier clothes to protect against frigid temperatures and to retain your body heat. During warmer months, you’ll want to wear clothes that are lightweight and will offer UV protection plus comfort attributes, such as free fly clothing.
Watch the Weather
Before setting out on your hike, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast to know if there’s a shift in weather patterns expected to occur. Unfortunately, not all shifts in weather can be predicted. This can leave you out in the wilderness with bad weather quickly approaching. It’s wise for you to learn the signs of approaching bad weather. To pinpoint an oncoming thunderstorm, look for drops in barometric pressure, winds from the south, and increasing cloud cover. There are watches that act as altimeters to measure barometric pressure for just such a reason. If you notice any of these storm signs, begin your descent and find a sheltered area to hide in until the storm passes. Do not remain out in open areas or near tall trees because these things attract lightning.
Proper Packing
Packing your hiking backpack properly is a vital skill to learn if you want to ensure that your gear and provisions remain intact and consumable during the hike. One thing that hikers tend to forget is that any bug spray that has DEET as an ingredient must be packed in its own protective bag. If it leaks, the DEET can damage your backpack and other gear if they’re made of nylon, polyester, or hard plastic. Additionally, pack more delicate items on the top of your backpack, like soft snacks or water bladders, so that they’re not smashed by the weight of all of your other gear. Just be sure not to pack more than you would be able to carry for the whole hike, even if your load will become lighter.
As a final tip, set a turnaround time to ensure the safety of all hikers in your party. The descent usually takes one and a half times longer than the ascent, so plan accordingly.
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