Now that the cooler, milder days of fall are upon us, it is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. One of my most favorite fall outdoor activities is hiking. In my opinion, nothing beats breathing in the crisp fall air surrounded by the vibrant colors of falling leaves. The experience is just so relaxing and satisfying, so it keeps me coming back eagerly year after year. However, all these years of experience have also taught me firsthand the dangers of an ill-planned hiking trip. As a result, I have put together some simple steps that can make hiking a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Step 1: Know the basic wilderness rules.
At first glance, the woods appear to be a calming, peaceful place, so many people fail to see its hidden dangers. Uneven surfaces, wild animals, rock slides, and endless similar-looking scenery are some of the most common risks that hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts face every time they enter the woods. Consequently, the basic wilderness rules were created to remind people of these risks and what to do in the event of an emergency. When I took a hunter safety course in New York, my instructors repeated these rules over and over again and asked us to memorize them, emphasizing their importance. Essentially, there are three basic wilderness rules:
Rule #1: You should never leave for an outing before first telling a friend and/or relative exactly where you will be going and when you will expect to return home.
Rule #2: You should never, EVER go alone.
Rule #3: If an emergency situation arises, remind yourself to STOP . . . Sit down immediately and do not panic . . . Think things over and analyze what caused the situation . . . Observe what is going on around you . . . and Plan what you should do based on your assessment and observations (Chapman, 1998; Hunter Education, 1997).
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the area.
Some areas pose more risks than others. Familiarizing yourself with the area where you wish to hike before the actual trip will help you to see whether or not it is a suitable place to hike. Furthermore, this step will also help you see exactly what specific dangers you may face during your hike and thus what preparations you must make before your hiking trip. For example, the American Red Cross recommends that you know what kind of animals are in the area and any special rules and/or precautions there might be concerning these animals or the area in general (American Red Cross, n.d.). Also, knowing what types of plants (i.e. poison ivy) you should avoid and their appearance is a good idea.
Step 3: Properly prepare for the hike.
According to the American Red Cross, you can avoid most strains and sprains if you spend a few days before your hike simply by stretching and walking vigorously each day (American Red Cross, n.d.). Also, proper clothing is a must. In the hunter safety course I took, they explained that no matter what kind of weather you might expect, it is best to dress in layers. Layers offer a variety of advantages. For instance, they allow you to add or take off clothing to adjust for temperature changes. Remember to avoid cotton during cooler weather because cotton is very absorbent and slow drying, causing serious problems if it rains or you simply sweat. Just as important as wearing layers, you should always wear a pair of comfortable and broken-in boots. The best hiking boots are water resistant, allow your feet to breath, have ample tread, and support both the foot and ankle. Finally, you should never go on a hiking trip without first familiarizing yourself with all the skills you might need during your hike (i.e. basic first-aid skills and compass /map reading) (American Red Cross, n.d.).
Step 4: Pack a basic survival kit for each hiker.
The American Red Cross suggests that each hiker carry his or her own survival kit in a small pack so each item will be readily available in case of an emergency. Some of the most important items that a hiker should pack include the following:
A pocket knife or multi-purpose tool
A compass
A map and hiking guide
A whistle
Waterproof matches and a candle
Soap (preferably antibacterial)
Water purification tablets
As much water you can comfortably carry
Durable food (i.e. trail mix, jerky, and granola bars)
First aid kit in a waterproof container
Nylon rope
A good pair of sunglasses
An extra pair of prescription glasses if worn or any prescription medications
A sturdy watch
A hat
A small flashlight with extra batteries
Insect repellent and sunscreen
A shatterproof mirror
A space blanket or large piece of plastic
Extra clothing (especially socks and rain coat)
If there might be cell phone service in the area of your hike, a cell phone can also be a good precaution during a hiking trip (American Red Cross, n.d.).
In the end, a hiking trip can be a great source of exercise and enjoyment for individuals of most ages. And if you follow these four simple steps, you can reduce or even avoid many of the risks associated with hiking, making it a fun experience that you and your family will remember for years to come.
References:
American Red Cross. (n.d.). Health and safety tips: Hiking and camping safety. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/hiking.html
Chapman, J. (1998). Lost in the woods. In Wild in New York, Fall, 3.
Hunter education: Northeast region manual (1997). Seattle: Outdoor Empire Publishing, Inc.
