Are you new to hiking? Well, if you are, this article will give you a few tips on what you need to take along in your backpack.
Rule 1- Never Hike Alone
Hiking is considered one of the most pleasurable outdoor activities that could potentially engage the whole family. The sheer joy of being surrounded by wilderness and the vagaries of nature bring on a thrill of their own. However, not without its share of hazards and dangers.
Any adventure is better enjoyed in groups, and hiking is no exception. Two is company and three is a crowd, but when hiking, a crowd is definitely better. Considering that one is not setting out to meander through familiar streets, any hiker is better off in a group. The reasons are obvious, but worthy of overstating. Hiking trails are typically densely forested, winding routes with steep canyons paving the way to getting lost. Hiking with an experienced hiker or a group can ward off panic and desperation when lost. Moreover, a steep climb can be made more manageable with a little help from fellow hikers. First aid is also more easily applied when help is at hand. If the hiking trail is cold, people moving in groups tend to conserve body heat better, thereby preventing hypothermia.
.
Rule 2- Have a Plan
This rule is dedicated towards the safety of hikers. Knowing where one is headed is a great way to keep out of trouble. If you want to take the road less traveled, then you had better be an experienced hiker rather than a first-timer. Getting lost is not funny, so stay on the path well-cobbled, so to speak. Carry a map, a compass, or a GPS. Setting out without these essentials is suicidal – it's no good regretting you forgot when everything around is all but familiar. If you have even a vestige of doubt that your units may not work where you will be hiking, have a back-up plan for not getting lost. Ask around before you embark, and learn your territory well.
Rule 3- Basic Gear is Essential
Keep the lighter and matches handy. Carry a knife with many add-on tools. A simple first aid kit is a must-have and should contain some basic first aid material such as antiseptic cream, cotton, gauze, and bandages. A few analgesics and sun block cream can come in handy just as well.
Basic first aid knowledge is an asset worth acquiring. All the first aid kits in the world will do you no good if you dont know the basic difference between a cut vein and a cut artery. Throw in a flashlight and some toilet paper too, and you're good to go. Don't forget your rain gear and make sure your hiking boots are comfortable. Dress in layers so you can fend off the cold without heavy protection.
Rule 4- Carry Food and Water
Carry plenty of water and juices. Don't carry too much because you will be the one carrying them, and you'll be weighed down. Keep your body well hydrated along the way. On hot days, you can get easily exhausted by loss of water, so keep ingesting fluids. Avoid depending on streams – they are not as sparkling as we are led to believe. Take enough food as well, although you could go for longer periods of time without food than without water.
Rule 5- Precaution is a Good Thing
So exercise it. Stay on the side of caution and keep alert. Enthusiasm is great, but there is no point running away with it. As they say, “don't tempt fate” because if you do, then you will have no one to blame but yourself. On that note, keep an eye on your trail, look out for natural landmarks, or glance over you shoulder occassionally to remember what the path looks like. Finding your way back will be just a bit easier.
Sources