Recent hiking-related fatalities have highlighted the need for safety measures.
Experts say hiking is Good exerciseThey stress the importance of being prepared before hitting the trail, especially during the hot summer months.
Outdoor enthusiasts shared these top tips to help prevent danger while hiking:
Firefighters carry injured 160-pound dog off mountain trail in Oregon
1. Research hiking areas before you travel
in front Go on a hikeTrail experts say it’s important to be familiar with maps, landmarks, restricted areas and required permits.
Following a spate of hiking-related fatalities this summer, outdoor enthusiasts are sharing tips to avoid danger on the trail. (iStock)
“Research the terrain, the difficulty of the trail, the weather conditions and the local wildlife,” Joey Ko, a tour leader for California-based travel company Backroads, told Fox News Digital.
Coe also suggested saving a photo of the trail map on your phone to refer to while hiking.
While cell phones and mapping apps can be helpful, it’s important to have a paper map on hand in case you lose signal, says Guy DeBlanc, a lecturer in the Hart School of Hospitality, Sports and Recreation Management at James Madison University in Virginia.
What is a Derecho? Meteorological Explanations and Other Interesting Facts
“Knowledge of how to use paper maps is essential,” DeBlanc, who is also a field first aid instructor, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Hikers also need to know the difficulty level of their planned route, according to the American Hiking Association, a nonprofit based in Silver Springs, Maryland.
When it comes to hiking outdoors, experts say you should pack lightweight, energy-dense foods like nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and sandwiches, and avoid bringing perishable foods unless you have a proper place to store them. (iStock)
“It’s also helpful to have identified emergency escape points,” Maggie Pacon, public affairs manager for the American Hiking Association, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Online forums and trail reviews can also provide valuable information about the terrain, she adds.
2. Make a time plan for your hike
Whether you are setting off alone or with a group, let someone know the time you plan to arrive at the prearranged location. Along the roadThat’s what experts recommend.
“Knowledge of how to use paper maps is a must.”
One approach is to create a “time management plan” that takes into account linear distance and elevation gain.
A general rule of thumb is to travel at 2 miles per hour and add 1 mile for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
“Most beginners fail to plan for elevation gain,” DeBlanc told Fox News Digital.
“Man or Bear” answers TikTok question about being stuck in the woods, revealing strategy tips
“For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, your total distance traveled will increase by one mile. So if you hike five miles and gain 2,000 feet of elevation gain, [should] Think of it as 7 miles. To estimate the time, divide it by 2 miles per hour.”
It is also important to predict the hours of daylight during your excursion to avoid returning in the dark if you do not have the necessary equipment for a night hike.
3. Know your limitations
It’s best to start small and begin with short, easy, well-marked trails that are suitable for your level. Fitness levelThe experts agreed.
“Take breaks when necessary and don’t push yourself too hard,” Koh said.
“If you feel too tired or realize you won’t reach your destination in the time you had planned, turn back and proceed with caution,” Pacon added.
Before setting off on a hike, trail experts recommend familiarizing yourself with maps, landmarks, restricted areas and any necessary permits. (iStock)
She says it’s also important to stay on track.
“Avoid taking shortcuts. If you stray from the path for any reason, you are more likely to become disoriented and get lost.”
4. Maintain a safe distance while hiking
To avoid accidents, hikers should maintain at least a few feet of distance from each other. Making space for wildlifeThe experts advised.
According to the American Hiking Association, it’s best for people hiking in groups to avoid taking over the entire width of the trail.
Understand SPF and how to apply it properly, and use sunscreen properly this summer
Hikers going downhill should give way to hikers going uphill.
Experts also warned that there may be poisonous plants in the area, so people should maintain a safe distance and be careful to avoid accidental contact.
5. Prepare for the weather
Hikers are locals Weather patterns When deciding what to wear on a hike, it’s a good idea to ask the experts, Fox News Digital said.
“Afternoon thunderstorms are common in many mountain areas,” DeBlanc says, “and hikers need to take this into account.”
Coe recommended wearing layers to adapt to changing temperatures.
“Moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials are best,” he said.
In areas with a high bear population, experts recommend carrying bear spray in case of an unexpected encounter. (iStock)
Experts advise bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and rain gear.
If you are going on a family hiking trip, it is important to keep the following points in mind: Child’s temperature“If you’re holding a baby, your baby may be cold while you’re overheating,” Pacon says.
New York State Fisheries Record Breaks with 100 Million Year Old Species
“On the other hand, parents may feel cold even though their children are running around and playing and are warm.”
If you have more than one child on a hike, make sure they wear bright, visible clothing so they’re easier to spot, Pacon says.
6. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
Several hiking trip leaders recommended wearing sturdy, well-fitting hiking boots with good ankle support.
“Make sure you break them in before you travel to prevent blisters,” Koh warned.
If you’re hiking with multiple children, experts say it’s a good idea to dress them in bright, visible clothing to make them easier to spot. (iStock)
DeBlanc said running shoes or trail runners are suitable, but hiking boots may be a better choice for wet or rocky terrain.
7. Bring the right gear
Compass or GPS, whistle, flashlight, basic First aid kit Experts say you’ll also need trekking poles if needed.
They also recommended teaching children to blow the whistle a few times if they became separated from the group.
Pack a compass or GPS, a whistle, a flashlight, a basic first aid kit, and trekking poles (if needed).
“Be aware of any medical needs or possible allergies in your group,” Koh said.
Hikers may also want to consider taking a wilderness first aid course, he added.
Click here to get the FOX News app
In areas with a high bear population, experts recommend carrying bear spray in case of an unexpected encounter.
It is also a good idea to check with a local animal expert on what to do if you encounter a wild animal.
8. Stay nourished and hydrated
Lightweight pack, High Energy Foods Experts say people should avoid bringing perishable foods such as nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and sandwiches unless they have a proper place to store them.
Experts recommend keeping at least a few feet between hikers to prevent accidents and allow space for wildlife. (iStock)
It is also important not to leave any traces of food behind.
“Please take all your rubbish and leftover food with you to avoid attracting wildlife and to prevent littering,” Mr Koh advised.
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
It is important to have enough water available.
“Bring at least half a liter of water for every hour you plan to hike,” says Pacon, and even more if you’re hiking in the heat.
Hiking experts say selfies can distract hikers from their surroundings, increasing the risk of falls or causing them to overlook danger. (iStock)
DeBlanc warned that few water sources are safe to drink without purification.
“Check your water sources and bring a water purification system with you on any long hikes,” he said.
9. Be careful with your phone and selfies
Hiking experts say selfies can distract hikers from their surroundings, increasing the risk of falls or causing them to overlook danger.
“Selfie deaths happen every year in America’s national parks and I’m always saddened to hear about them,” Ko told Fox News Digital.
For more health related articles, Fox News
If you need to use your cell phone, stop walking and pay attention to your surroundings, he said.
“Mobile phones should only be used for emergency calls and navigation if necessary,” Mr Koh added.
