12 Important Tips To Safe Hiking

Whether you're hiking in the Andes, the Alps, the Himalaya, or the foothills of Mt. Mayon. The principles for safe hiking are universal everywhere.

1. NEVER go hiking all by yourself.  Apart from being a potential assault target, if you injure yourself, there is nobody else who can go to get some assistance.  You can't completely depend on mobile signal and you'll never know, you may have passed out and unable to call anyone.

2. Plan your itinerary meticulously and give that details with someone who will have the ability to inform the concerned authorities if ever you do not come back as expected.  A number of trails feature hiking registers and, should you not get to your stated location according to schedule, an alert will be dispatched.

3. Choose your hike according to your physical fitness condition.  If you are trekking with children, you should certainly pick a route that suits their capacity.

4. Be sure that you reserve ample time for your planned hike.  It is better to head out really early in the morning and create a buffer of a few hours allowance for unanticipated events.  It is especially essential that you pace your hike to be able to get back at your launching point or the nearest hut way before dusk.

5. Keep a close tab on the weather updates.  The weather can change pretty quickly, particularly in mountainous areas.  One instant the sun is fiercely shining and the following, a blinding mist has descended and you've lost your way.
 

6. Stay on the trail.  This commonsense advice will not only ensure you don't get astray and confused, it also helps protect the surrounding habitats in which you're passing through.

7. Carry every piece of trash back with you.

8. Try to remember that individuals who go hiking do this activity mainly because they really enjoy the peace and quiet of such an atmosphere, so try not to despoil it with disturbing noise.

9. If you are preparing a really long hike, it's advisable not to do it with a brand new pair of hiking boots.  Hiking boots, like all foot gear, take some time to get accustomed to and there is possibly nothing more dreadful than realizing you've got 10 more excruciating miles to travel with your feet ravaged by blisters.

10. Your clothing should preferably be lightweight and well-ventilated.  It might also be a perfect idea to use a few reflective items, like a a reflective running vest or a reflective running belt, just in case you get yourself into a difficult situation in a remote location.  Search and Rescue teams are likely to spot you better at nighttime if you're wearing reflective gear.

11. Your backpack have to include thermal clothing items and waterproof clothing items.  You should also carry a handy blanket, emergency first aid kit, flare or torch, matches, a few extra food items, and plenty of water.

12. Last but not least, be a good hiking companion -- the trail is a lot more enjoyable when you're in good company.