Hiking tips for the perfect trip

Studies from accredited institutions like Harvard Medical School and the U.S. National Park Service have found that hiking has many benefits, such as mood enhancement, muscle building, and weight loss. Aside from the medical benefits, hiking provides amazing scenery. However, a lot of things can happen when hiking, so it is very important to be prepared.

Check the weather

It is extremely important to be prepared for mother nature. Mother nature can be very unpredictable, which is why it is important to be well equipped with the proper clothing and gear. If the weather app says that there is a slight chance of thunderstorms, make sure that you have gear just in case it thunderstorms badly. It is always better to be “over-prepared” than not prepared and stuck in a difficult situation.

Know the trail

In the U.S., over 4,000 people per year require a search and rescue. This is in part of not knowing the trail well enough and often times getting lost. People are also very social media focused and “do anything” for a picture, which results in many people venturing off the designated trails and falling or getting some form of injury. Thus, it is very important to know the trail route well, and to stay on the designated trail paths, if there is one. If there is not a set designated trail, do not try to go to the edge of anything. A social media picture is not worth risking your well-being.

Sufficient food and water

It is important to have enough food and water. “Enough” food and water will depend on certain things such as how long the hike will be. Hiking one miles versus hiking five miles is a completely different ball game.

I know as a hiker, you want to minimize the load of things you are carrying, and while water and food definitely adds weight, it is important. To cut back on the amount of things you carry on your hike, the foods you pack can always be the dried instant food packages. That saves space and added weight.

First Aid Kit

The risk of some form of injury is very high so it is very important to have a first aid kit. Even if someone gets a small cut, it needs to be attended to, to avoid infection. First aid kits should have more than just bandages. According to the American Hiking Society, your first aid kit should have any current medications, ibuprofen and/or tylenol, athletic tape, sanitizer, scissors, and antiseptic ointment.

Conclusion

These are the essential vital steps that need to be taken in order to have the perfect hiking trip. Without this preparation, hiking trips can go south very quickly and very easily. Many people have endured serious injury and even death, while hiking. Always be cautious of every step that you take, never go to close to any edges, and have all of your essentials. Know your trail, do your research, and enjoy the views of this beautiful earth.