Travel Blog

We read the following set of guidelines in a newspaper the other day and thought these hiking guidelines would be worth re-posting on our blog for interested readers. Hiking in the wilderness can be a lot of fun. However there are dangers as well. Every year many people must be rescued after having become lost. They run out of water and food and possibly suffering from the being cold and hungry over night. Make sure you are well equipped if you plan to go hiking. There are a few basic things you can prepare for. These will ensure that you will survive and can also get help quickly if needed .

Hiking safety guidelines – What to Bring

Hiking enthusiasts should carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion. Proper preparedness includes a well thought-out travel plan. Sharing plans with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses, proper clothing and plenty of water. Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit offers several helpful, lifesaving tips at their website.

While this is not a complete list, if you follow these simple guidelines, hikers stand a better chance of not getting lost and surviving a hike that takes you well beyond the normal areas that many hikers go. One area near Palm Springs in California has over 54 miles of trails that meander around the back country. You are well beyond any areas that can be used as guides and even if you stay on the trails, you can be lost for several days if you wander the 54 miles of trails.

Many hikers start out on what they would call a short hike with the intention or returning in an hour. After a wrong turn, they suddenly realize they have no idea where they are and no idea regarding how to get home. It gets worse. Because they planned to only go out for an hour, they probably also brought limited quantities of water, food and clothing to deal with the longer period in the wilderness. This is when a short hike gets difficult and potentially dangerous. Always prepare as if you are going on a hike that is at least triple the time you actually plan to give yourself a safety margin!

Hiking safety guidelines – Summary

The biggest mistakes that hikers make in terms of not following hiking safety guidelines is not bringing enough water. These also need a map, a compass, and clothing to deal with all kinds of weather situations including being lost overnight. Carrying a cell phone is a good thing. However there may not always be coverage where you are going. You may need to rely on having told friends that you should be back by a specific time. Don’t make the mistake of getting lost. No one knows that you are lost. Always leave information with someone about where you are going. Don’t deviate from this plan so they can find you if needed.

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