Pick A Trail And Go

The key to a great hiking trip isn't about the temperature of the air, the brand of boots you buy or what you've packed in your picnic. To experience a truly memorable outdoor trek, you need to know how to pick a trail. The safety of the trail you choose can be compromised not only by nature and by fellow hikers as well.

Before you pick a great trail, you need to understand that hiking trails vary greatly depending on where you're planning to trek. There's a big difference between a serene vineyard stroll and a two day trek through rainforests and over rocky cliffs. Of course, these extreme differences are what draw backpackers to trails around the world. Even with all of the fun, adventure and excitement that hiking offers, many trails can lead to dangerous situations. In fact, the majority of outdoor survival situations that occur on a yearly basis are due to the hiker's lack of foresight and preparation for potential dangers.

Even the most experienced hikers are not immune to the hazards of the sport. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hiker, you can still face struggles that can quickly escalate to dangerous predicaments. It's not just natural hazards that pose a problem. Hiking unknown terrain or traveling far from home can expose you to certain dangers, even from the people you encounter.

The following tips can help you to realize, avoid or overcome the safety risks that you can encounter as you pick a trail:

Don't Go it Alone

There is a substantial increase in the dangers of hiking when you travel alone. Hiking with at least one partner, on the other hand, can help you to avoid potentially disastrous situations and enable you to overcome them. Solo hiking can certainly get your adrenaline rushing and bring an extreme element to your trek. However, having a friend with you provides guaranteed help when you need it, as well as backup should you run into harassing individuals on the trail. The natural solitude of hiking alone can't equal the safety in numbers when you meet up with unsavory individuals. Having a friend in tow is always the best way to travel, whether you run into the good, the bad, or the ugly.

Leave Your Itinerary

If you plan to take an unfamiliar trail, you must leave some information with your friends and family. Let them know where you will be hiking, and include the particular trail if possible. When registering with a park or camp office to use a trail, be sure to leave emergency contact information. You should also make note of the phone numbers for park rangers, local law enforcement and land managers.

Keep it Between Friends

It's important to make your itinerary known to close friends, but don't broadcast it to everyone. You shouldn't discuss your travel plans with suspicious strangers, the camp store clerk or the guy at the local bar. Don't travel with unknown hikers, even if you're hiking an uncharted course. If you meet another group and you're hiking alone, pretend that you're leading other hikers that have trailed behind. Make sure that your friends know where you will be, and register your itinerary. These are precautionary measures that can protect you if you run into trouble on the trail.

Dress Conservatively

You have no idea who you'll meet on the trail, so don't bring any unwelcome attention to yourself. In other words, leave your Rolex watch and bankroll at home. Assume that you're leaving yourself vulnerable to the attentions of anyone you may meet along the trail.

Be Smart and Sociable

Of course, not every stranger equals danger. You just need to use common sense and exercise caution when you meet a stranger or group of strangers. Avoid anyone acting strangely, openly hostile, provocative or drunk. Pay attention to details about their appearance, behavior and your location. Still, even though you shouldn't broadcast your itinerary to strangers, you don't necessarily need to be anti-social. You can make some solid and lasting relationships with fellow hikers.

There are potential dangers waiting on all of life's roads. Whether hiking in the remote wilderness or trekking through the concrete jungle, choose the right path and pick your trail wisely.