Hey Friends!
For this weeks inquiry I’ll be going over some things everyone should learn about hiking. Hiking can be a fantastic way to connect to nature and get some great exercise while you’re at it, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
First off, it’s important to start with a plan. This involves researching a trail, checking the weather, preparing a list of gear you’ll need to bring, and being aware of potential hazards. Another key to a successful plan is telling someone else. This includes your route, and the estimated time it will take you. It’s also important to understand your limits and not plan a trail that’s far beyond your skill level. For day hikes, Mountain Equipment Co-op has a great detailed checklist that I use so don’t forget any important gear. But when it comes to essentials for every hike, it’s important to bring food, water, first-aid supplies, and wear appropriate gear like hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Another tool that I always bring is bear-spray, as I’ve had my fair share of encounters with our fuzzy friends before. For challenging hikes it’s important to bring a map, compass, and a communication device like a satellite phone in case you get lost or require assistance.
Now that your plan’s in place it’s almost time to start your hike. But before you hit the trails it’s important to acknowledge some things you may encounter. It’s important to respect all wildlife by keeping a safe distance and avoiding feeding, or approaching them. Respecting wildlife also includes the trail itself, it’s important to remain on the trail and not cut down your own path to reduce your impact. While hiking, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles, and pack out what you bring it. This includes hauling out all your garbage, bottles, toilet papers, and other objects to minimize your impact on the environment. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter other hikers along your trail. When this happens it’s important to step aside when safe to do so, and let them pass. With other people on the trail, this also means respecting the sound of the outdoors and not creating excessive noise with things such as Bluetooth speakers. Headphones are a great tool to have that allow others to enjoy the sounds of the outdoors, while you enjoy your music, podcast, or audiobook.
By following all these steps, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience for you, and all those around. Happy trails everyone!