Tips on Hiking Safety

Of all the tips on hiking safety, how to avoid getting lost is one of the most important. It’s common to strike out on a hike or long walk in the mountains or forest without thinking about getting lost. This can be a critical mistake.

You are vacation and relaxed so you are thinking about just having a good time. The trail is full of switchbacks so you take an “easy” shortcut. Or you wander off the trail a short ways to get a better view. All of a sudden you are lost.

It’s all too easy and all too common. But it is avoidable with a little preparation and caution

Simply being aware of what is around you is probably the most important thing tip on hiking safety to avoid getting lost. Look around before you start out. Then make a point to stop periodically and take stock of your surroundings. Look at the key landmarks and note how their position has changed as you move. The position of the sun and north compass direction can be quite helpful.

Using an established trail is a good idea. But before you begin, find out how long the trip should take and find out exactly where the trail should take you.

Pay attention to any side trails or turnoffs that you encounter. Don’t just focus on what’s ahead. Look to the side. This can be very helpful, especially if you are planning to return along the same route.

Following just any old trail you find can be dangerous. Most of them, whether they are man-made or animal-made, will not lead you to civilization. They most likely will lead further into unknown territory because they simply weren’t made with the idea of leading you somewhere that you want to go.

Often you will get a mental warning when you are about to get lost. This is a critical tip on hiking safety. It’s easy to be proud and ignore the subconscious warning. We don’t want to believe that it can happen to us. Wrong! This is precisely the time to stop and immediately assess the situation. Don’t let things get worse!

Before you move again, review how you got to where you are now. Mentally retrace your steps. Try to think of the last spot where you for sure that you weren’t lost. If you know how to get back there then go ahead and move to that spot.

But if you are not sure, stay where you are. Don’t go wandering around. Go over your whole journey up to that point. Do you remember any landmarks? Think about the distances between landmarks and how long it took you to get there. Now is the time when this is all freshest in your mind.

After reviewing your steps so far, you then have to pick the best most likely path back to a spot where you know your bearings. Find something, like sticks or stones, and mark your present position. Then mark your path as you move. But don’t make things worse. If you don’t reach a familiar location within the time frame you allotted, return and try another direction. Don’t wander aimlessly.

Preparation before you venture out is an important part of your tips on hiking safety. You can easily bring some items that will help you avoid getting lost and, if you do get lost, help you find your way back.

A simple pencil and paper can be invaluable. Hiking through strange surroundings can be quite disorientating. And most of us recognize the limitations of our memory. Making notes as you go can really help. Jot down the landmarks and the sun position. Note any hills, streams or trail forks.

Everyone knows to bring a compass. But be careful. Lots of things can throw off the reading. Belt buckles, cars, electrical wires and even ore deposits hidden in the ground can affect the compass. Also, if you haven’t taken notes on compass directions as you go, when you get lost the compass won’t help much because you won’t know where you are going.

Maps are also an excellent item to bring. A topographical map is best because it will show you the hills and valleys. Known hiking areas such as National Parks often have topographical maps for sale at a visitor center.

Like the compass, the GPS is a great tool. But it too has it’s limitations. Again, like the compass, it must be used before you get lost to really be of value after you are lost. Instead of making notes on pencil and paper, you can enter waypoints. Start with the beginning of the trail and at landmarks along the way. This way you have a useful electronic map back to where you started.

But remember, the GPS runs on batteries so you can’t rely 100% on it. Also, the signal can be blocked, especially in rough terrain. Use all of these tips on hiking safety rather than just depending on a GPS.

Ultimately the key is to know where you are at all times and also where you are going. This doesn’t really require much extra effort and minding these tips on hiking safety could save your life.