Hiking season is here, and more people than ever are hitting the trails. But before you lace up, it’s worth knowing that the sport’s biggest risks (dehydration, getting lost, altitude illness, wildlife encounters and exhaustion) are also its most preventable ones.
The following pro hiking tips will help you meet those challenges head on.
Hiking Tips from the Pros
“The American Hiking Society recommends everyone pack the ‘Ten Essentials’ every time they head out for a hike,” said Brian Hamilton, founder of Skyblue Overland and Global Rescue Safe Travel partner.
“Whether you plan to be gone for a couple of hours or several months, make sure to pack these items, which consist of life-saving gear: navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair kit, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter. Become familiar with these items and know how to use them.”
Dave Keaveny, medical operations specialist at Global Rescue, advises hikers to read the mountain and the weather. “Listen to your gut. Have a plan B and do not be ashamed to turn around. The mountain will be there tomorrow,” he said.
He is right. Getting to the top is optional; getting back is mandatory. Most hikers already know the basic safety tips for hitting the trail. First, let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Next, bring a cell phone or satellite communications device with you. Three, choose a well-defined hiking trail. Next, wear proper clothing and footwear. Finally, stay hydrated.
Top Hiking Injuries
The three most frequent hiking injuries are dehydration, ankle and foot trauma, and hypothermia.
“Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions,” said Keaveny. “Be sure not to overhydrate before or during your hike so you don’t wash out important electrolytes. Replacing and maintaining electrolytes is just as important as replacing and maintaining hydration.”
Ankle and foot trauma includes tendonitis, sprains, ankle rolls, strains, dislocations and fractures. Beginning hikers are not always used to the distance of a hike or the extra weight of a backpack, making them prone to tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons.
Coreen Kreutzer is a nurse and mountain medicine expert and recommends new hikers should take shorter steps when going uphill, use hiking poles, and reduce backpack weight if necessary to continue.
Hypothermia can occur at almost any temperature or in any environment. Mild hypothermia is when your core body temperature dips to 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The early signs include someone who is quieter than normal or has a delayed response. Each member of your hiking group must pay attention to one another.
Hiking Location Considerations
Regional hiking has specific risks. If you are hiking in the upper elevations of the U.S., Europe, or elsewhere, then trekkers must acclimate and stay hydrated, especially for any trails above 10,000 ft/3,000 m.
If you are trail walking in Central Europe or the Northeast U.S. then be wary of ticks since those regions have the highest tick infection rates. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Elrichosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. After the hike, “check yourself and your fellow hikers for ticks on skin,” Keaveny said.
If you are trekking in the southern states of the U.S. or the southwestern parts of Europe then keep alert of snakes. “Most injuries occur when people try to kill or move the snake,” Keaveny said. “If you see one, give it plenty of room and either go around or turn around.” Staying on the trail is safest since it will give you time to see the snake, assess the situation and wait at a safe distance for the snake to leave.
Hiking, trekking and enjoying the outdoors is wonderful — but failing to prepare and protect yourself can lead to problems ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening disaster. Follow these pro hiking tips before your next trip out. You won’t regret it.
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Author Bio: Ed Viesturs is a member of the Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council and the only American to have climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000+ meter peaks, and the fifth person to do so without using supplemental oxygen.
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