Hiking is often considered to be one of the most accessible forms of exercise, and you can bet your bottom dollar that no matter your age or level of fitness, it’ll be a great work out to undertake a hiking session with a friend!
That said, while hiking can seem relatively low-impact and something you can take at your own pace, that doesn’t make it completely 100% safe and free from possible problems. After all, hiking means going into nature, and depending on where you live or where you’ve traveled to, more or less planning may be required.
That said, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you’re prepared for things to go wrong just in case they do, no matter where you go, or how private the reserve is where you intend to walk. A good rule of thumb to begin with is to never hike alone unless you are thoroughly familiar with the area and are likely to encounter other people on your journey.
In this post, we’ll discuss some additional tips to ensure you remain as safe as possible:
Map Your Route & Tell Someone Where You’re Going
It’s important to make sure to map your route in advance, and if going alone (again, this is better to do with people unless you’re thoroughly experienced), make sure to tell someone where exactly you’re going. Apps like What3Words can also help you clearly indicate your grid reference should you need to tell someone exactly where you are. Safety is often social, and so making sure you make those provisions is important.
Always Adhere To Official Advice
It’s essential to stick to official advice and routes in the area you’re hiking. This way, you can avoid unsafe paths and potential wildlife that may not be happy to see you. In some countries, this is more appropriate than others. For instance, in the United Kingdom, it’s unlikely that you’ll see wildlife worth worrying about outside of farm animals occupying fields that have also been designated as public footpaths. In the US, bears, wild cats, and more may be something you need to keep in mind. Always understand the official guidance as a result, it is specifically designed to keep you safe, and is always updated when necessary.
Appropriate Equipment At All Times
Without proper equipment, you’re more likely to encounter problems. This is why it’s a good idea to use a reputable retailer such as ecogearfx.com, as being able to depend on your equipment is key. From flashlights to flashlight batteries, to rucksacks that can secure everything you need in a manner that you can carry ergonomically and easily, as well as footwear that allows you to walk in a purposeful manner, protected the whole way, a little investment makes a big difference. Sure, hiking is accessible, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in your preparation and safety. Now you’ll be sure to do so in the best possible light.
With this advice, we believe you’ll continue to stay as safe as possible while hiking.
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