It sounds easy enough to switch off from the technological world and take a few days for oneself among the mountainous ranges or flush forests. But, let us be honest, it is easier said than done. One can drone on and on about the benefits of spending time being one with nature. It has a number of positives in regard to one’s mental health and physical health as well. However, the fact remains that talking about taking some time off and actually being able to do it is very different in real life. Hiking sounds easier when said in hot hotheadedness while showing someone the door. But that is simpler than actually taking one.

It is common knowledge that all outdoor activities are quite risky in their nature. But the risk also comes along with the ability to be able to manage this risk. As in all things in life there are many aspects which are out of one’s control but those that are under our control can be sought after and managed seamlessly. The factors that can be controlled include the gear that one chooses to hike in and the trail that one chooses to take. Taking these factors under consideration can remove the high risks of things going wrong while one is out on the trail. There are many things one can do to maintain a level of safety; such as the following:

Researching the Trail:

It is going to hard to go on a hike in general but not knowing the trail that one is going to be taking can prove to be dangerous in the long run. Thus, it is highly important that the trail you choose to take be researched prior to taking your adventure. Research can obviously be done on the basis of many information outlets such as guidebooks or maps. There are a number of excellent guidebooks and maps out there which can help the hiker choose the trail they want to take. But the issue with this source is that books can prove to be outdated and might not have all the relevant or proper information that one would require for a safe hike.

Local Hiking Clubs

One of the best sources of information can be the local hiking club; that is if your area that you reside in has a local hiking club. These clubs work as a support group of sorts and can help the hiker gain information on the local trails used most for hiking. Other hikers can also provide details of their experience which can offer things like what to do and what not to do while out on the trail. One of the major downfalls of printed hiking guides is that they do not provide the updated and current conditions that are present on the hiking trails. For example, when Hurricane Irene hit, it wiped out previously worn trails and washed-out bridges. This is the sort of information that one would not be able to find in traditional printed books and maps. Of course, there is a wealth of information available on the internet.

Prepare Physically:

As is common knowledge, hiking is the type of outdoor activity which is highly physically demanding. It may sound like a walk in the park or just a stroll in the local neighborhood. But imagine adding a fully packed bag and gear to it and it will start seeming to be a bit more challenging. One must always remember that it is not easy to scramble over rough terrains. It can leave the hiker extremely exhausted. Especially with the added luggage and gear to conquer the terrain being dragged along.

Health

It is also especially important that one should make sure to have the green signal provided by their doctor before they venture out into the wild for a hiking trip. One cannot simply go on a hike without being aware of their physical health. Hiking requires a person to be sound of mind and strong of heart to be able to make it up a dangerous trail. This is very important for people who suffer from heart diseases. If their doctors do not clear them for a trip such as the one mentioned, they should not go. Hiking requires immense physical activity which can lead to cardiac distress while out in nature. In that case if something were to happen, one cannot immediately call for help or have someone come get them easily. This might lead to a fatal situation or cause the other hikers a vast amount of distress as they might not know how to help their fellow hiker. Thus, a clean bill of health is very important before you decide to take on an activity such as hiking.

Hiking Gear:

It is important that before any hiking plans are made, the hiker has the appropriate gear on hand for the journey. Hiking is not an easy task. It requires not only physical strength but also a proper gear that can help the hiker move seamlessly along the terrain. First off, it is very important that hikers carry around comfortable cotton-based clothing which is lightweight and easy to wear for walking around different towns. One should also go for clothing that can resist odor-causing bacteria, keeps away insects and can protect from the harmful rays of the Sun. There are many clothes that are treated that help with these things specifically. The hiker should also invest in lightweight but strongly built boots with decent soles. The boots are very important as one will have to walk around a lot and make their way through dense plant life and it is important that their boots do not wear thin halfway through the trek. This can cause serious harm to the feet and lead to wounds and infections. Speaking of trekking, it is very important to invest in strong trekking poles which can not only stabilize the hiker’s balance and support one’s weight through muddy terrains. The ten most important carry-on materials to take along while hiking include the following:

• Map
• Compass
• Sun and Insect Protection
• Extra Food and Water
• Headlamp
• Extra Clothing
• Rain Gear
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle
• Knife
• Matches
• Lighter
• Fire Starter

The most important part of the gear has to be the hiking cycle. These essentials are very important for a basic kit that can make the way for the hiker to have a smooth and problem free hike. These materials listed above are all available easily on the website Viking cycle.com. They provide all sorts of materials that one can need on their trip. They also have strong quality products which do not break or wear thin easily. While that remains, there are many companies which can help trekkers and hikers follow a guided path which can provide for their need for adventure and help them seek the connection with nature they desire. But it is also important that one keep all these tips and tricks in mind to have a problem free trek. We advise that everyone keeps safe and has a fun, adventure filled trip. Be prepared for every situation and prioritize your safety. Happy Hiking!

Article by Borntough.com.