Sport-Blog.com

By Rae A. Costa

Hiking is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors and see nature at its finest. Hiking allows you to step away from the hectic pace of the city, if only for a few hours, and it's a great way to exercise. However, Mother Nature is not always forgiving of those that tread upon her without a clue. Without a basic knowledge of what's involved, your first hike can very well be your last.

Before you embark on your adventure, there a few basics you should know.

Plan ahead.

Regardless of whether you plan to hike in your local mountains or in a National Park a thousand miles away, it's important you plan for your adventure. This includes researching the area to determine when it's best to visit, the difficulty and length of your chosen route, what rules you'll need to follow, how to obtain wilderness permits, and even where you can park your car.

If you plan on other activities besides hiking, this is a good opportunity to find out what's available and if you need to make any reservations. Check out maps of the area. Identify any water sources along the trail you plan to follow. Locate mountains, possible campsites, ranger stations, and other points of interest. Having as much knowledge of the area before you even get there will help to make your adventure that much more enjoyable.

Inform and be informed.

Whether you plan on being gone a day or a week, you should always leave your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Include details of your route, campsites, when you'll return, and even the license plate number of your car. Silly? Not very when you're lost and no one has any idea of where you are.

Your environment is all encompassing. There is potential for injury anytime you interact with nature. Know what plants to avoid, such a Poison Oak, what animals frequent the area, such a rattlesnakes or bears, and weather conditions. Most of the information you'll need can be obtained during the planning stages, however it's a good head to visit a ranger's station or information kiosk before beginning your hike to check current conditions.

Be prepared.

This is easier said than done, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

Physical conditioning should start long before you reach the trailhead. Thinner air, steep trails, rocky terrain are just a few of the obstacles you'll have to overcome. If you're not in shape, you risk greater injury. Your hike won't be nearly as fun if you're huffing and puffing your way down the trail.

Mental preparedness is just as important. If you're from the city you've grown accustomed to traffic, people, and noise. Standing alone on the trail or lying in your sleeping bag at night hearing nothing but falling stars, can get a bit overwhelming. Physical fitness and mental preparedness both play an important part in accomplishing your hiking goals.

Water. It's something we take for granted every time we turn on the kitchen faucet, but in the wilderness it isn't as convenient. Having water with you during your hike is extremely important. A large majority of hiking mishaps occur due to dehydration. This mishap can sometimes be fatal.

Water bladders come in a variety of sizes and are the most popular way to carry water when hiking. Most backpacks have compartments for water bladders and side pockets for water bottles. Whichever way you chose to carry your water is up to you, but make sure you have enough to get you to the end of your hike.

Remember when you identified water sources during your planning stages? If your water levels are low, you already know where you can refill your bottles. But be aware! Although water in mountain lakes or crystal clear streams looks refreshing, it can be contaminated with huge amounts of bacteria that can make you very sick. A water purifier is an important part of your equipment for exactly this reason. Or if you prefer, you can use purification tablets instead just as long as you clean the water before you drink it.

Other items you should carry in your pack?

Raingear. Even if you checked conditions prior to your hike, weather can be unpredictable. Better safe than wet. Also carry along an extra sweater or jacket. When the sun goes down, it can get very cold, even in summer.

Food. Granola bars. Fruit. Beef jerky. String cheese. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Whatever your tastes, food provides energy. A word of caution, however. Food should always be kept in tightly sealed containers. If animals can smell your rations, then they're apt to tear into your pack leaving you with nothing but crumbs.

Fire source. Fire has many purposes - to cook food, to provide warmth, to use (safely) as a signal if you're lost. Know the fire regulations for the area in which you'll be hiking. Even if you're only going to be gone a day, you should carry waterproof matches.

First Aid kit. When on the trail, far from any hospital even the most minor injuries can seem major especially if they go untreated. Learn basic first aid. It'll come in handy if you have to wrap a sprained ankle or treat a bee sting. Don't forget any prescription medications, aspirin, or other medications.

Maps. Compass. GPS system. When you're in a car in a strange city, you use a map right? Being in the wilderness is no different. Finding your way into the forest is only half the fun. Finding your way back to your car is the other.

Don't forget the small things that'll help make your hike more comfortable - sunscreen, lip balm, a flashlight (even for day hikes), sunglasses, whistle, toilet paper, pocket knife, and a hat.

You can never predict what might happen on the trail, but at least you can be prepared for it. Always remember to use common sense when hiking and stay on marked trails, no matter how inviting other routes may seem. This not only will prevent you from becoming lost, but protect fragile plants and wildflowers. Be respectful not only to Mother Nature, but to those who walk the trail behind you.