Top 8 Safety Tips for Your Next Hiking Adventure

“Dude, let’s throw some stuff in our backpacks and go hiking, we could be there tomorrow”, my visibly excited friend Pete exclaimed.

We were sipping on our chilled New Glarus beers in a small coffee shop in Grindelwald, Switzerland and listening to a friend, Luca, who we had just met, going on and on about this beautiful First to Schynige Platte trail in the Swiss Alps. This hiking adventure was for us!

And we did just what Pete suggested; within half a day, we were on a trail with only a few essentials thrown into our backpacks. Oh, the horrors of inexperience.

How to Stay Safe on a Hiking Adventure

This was decades ago, and I still remember that hike as one of my worst ever. Not to delve into the details of everything we did wrong, but the trip was a disaster.

Now, I am here to share valuable insights with you, a novice hiker, on the DOs and DONTs of a hiking adventure.

So, let’s dig in…

1. Be diligent now so that you relax later – my list obsession

It was after that hike in the Alps that my “list obsession” began. In the years that followed, before every hike, I would create a checklist of everything I needed to do and prepare before stepping onto the trail.

Despite the rolling eyes and sighs from my friends, I remained composed and meticulously crafted THE LIST.

While I may have been perceived as the dull one in the group, I was the one who, amidst the beauty of the trails, could relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the surroundings, occasionally interrupted by tired requests for Band-Aids or extra water.

The list soon became ingrained in my mind, transforming into a good habit that made all the difference. I was always the best-prepared member of the group.

2. Think height, not distance

A common misjudgment among novice hikers is to evaluate the difficulty of a trail based solely on its distance.

What my years of experience have taught me is that the elevation gain between the starting and finishing points speaks volumes more about the trail’s challenge than its length.

Before dismissing this thought, consider this: why do signposts on significant trails indicate hiking times instead of distances?

3. Start early

During my early hiking days, outings often felt reminiscent of a school field trip.

On holidays and weekends, highly favored trails would resemble squared columns of hikers. If you have ever found yourself in this situation, you might recall your overriding thought: “Let’s get this over with.”

4. Make sure you know how to read a Topo map and use a compass

True, you may have a GPS and the guidance of signposts, however, a genuine hiker should learn to read a Topo map and navigate with a compass.

This knowledge enriches your experience, fostering a stronger connection to the natural surroundings.

Moreover, it can prevent the misfortune of getting lost, something I have witnessed even with GPS users.

GPS devices are not always reliable in the backcountry, hence, mastering navigation with a map and compass is crucial.

5. The Apple Pie effect

Before embarking on a hike, I take a moment in the privacy of my space to sit on the floor, breathe deeply, and repeat to myself, “Today, I’m not going to think about my problems.”

This pre-hike ritual has been part of my routine for as long as I can remember; it’s recently that I’ve dubbed it the Apple Pie effect.

If you’ve seen Men in Black 3, the concept should resonate with you.

Life tends to be lived on autopilot these days.

Avoid wasting your hike worrying about unimportant matters; hiking is about disconnecting from daily stresses.

If you finish the day without feeling rejuvenated and gaining a new perspective, something isn’t quite right.

6. Prepare like a pro and expect the unexpected

Aunt Hypothermia is a stern teacher, as I’ve learned the hard way.

Simple adjustments to your preparation can significantly impact your hiking experience:

• Understand the trail’s details and prepare for potential challenges.
• Consider worst-case scenarios and devise a plan in case something goes awry.
• Research the weather conditions specific to the trail and be prepared regardless of forecasts.
• Rain gear and a hat are non-negotiable essentials.

My backpack almost always contains:

• a headlamp
• an emergency whistle
• a water purifier
• a waterproof firestarter
• duct tape
• my trusty multi-tool
• Additional items depend on the specific trail.

7. Your feet are your best friend

Among the myriad factors that can derail a hike, improper footwear stands out, particularly for novice hikers.

Conduct thorough research on the trail, assessing terrain conditions to select suitable hiking shoes, boots, or sandals.

Moreover, break in your hiking boots well before the trek. New footwear can lead to blisters and discomfort, so take them on several trial hikes to ensure they fit comfortably, keeping your feet warm and cozy.

Your focus should be on the magnificent scenery rather than the pain from blisters or cramps.

8. Finish like a true hiker

Just as I ignite my hike with the “Apple Pie” effect, I also have a post-hike ritual to celebrate the day, prolonging that feeling of joy and accomplishment.

This can range from enjoying hot beverages to indulging in a hearty meal with fellow hikers.

Even when fatigue sets in, the anticipation of post-hike delights can energize you.

Final thoughts

I hope this guide equips both novice and experienced hikers with valuable insights for enhancing their adventures.

For newcomers, may it serve as a reference to elevate your experience, and for seasoned hikers, I hope to provide thoughtful insights to enrich your next journey.

Safe trails!

This post was originally written by James Menta, an aging hiker and camper who transitioned into blogging. Though he no longer blogs, the timeless tips remain relevant.