The Great Outdoors – 6 Safety tips every hiker should know

Sometimes, the call of the great outdoors is just too strong. And what better way to spend time with your family, friends or enjoy your own company than hiking and camping in the wilderness. Depending on your experience in the outdoors, you may opt for a simple hike along a well- maintained nature trail – a short trail through a familiar area and then back to the car. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, planning a weekend-long hike along a trail you’ve never experienced before is an exciting option to consider.

Hiking brings us closer to nature, gives us time to reflect, think and even get back to basics, it’s a wonderful pastime but it’s also fraught with danger, with accidents and injuries commonplace. If you’ve sustained an injury that wasn’t your fault then you can find an offshore injury lawyer in NYC by clicking the link.

Making yourself familiar with some basic safety and wellbeing tips to ensure that any kind of hike, trail or camping experience you choose is a safe one. Read on for 6 safety tips every hiker should know.

Consider your fitness level when choosing a trail
It’s important that when it comes to choosing your trail, you have your personal fitness levels in mind. You might think you can manage along a hike that’s better suited to advanced or experienced hikers and simply take it at a slower pace. However, it’s simply not the case. The levels of difficulty
displayed on trails and hikes are there to help keep you and your family safe and avoid getting hurt, stranded or even lost. There’s nothing shameful about choosing a trail for beginners.

Stick to the trail
It’s normal to want to go and explore, but leaving your trail means you can easily get lost or come into contact with wild animals or dangerous landscapes. Be smart and stick to your path.

Wear the correct gear
Again, just because a trail is marked as ‘easy’ it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress appropriately. You may find that the weather changes quickly and you’re now regretting your t-shirt and shorts combo. Wear lightweight clothing that you can layer up when it gets cold or easily remove and carry in your backpack when it gets warm, the right clothing should protect you from the elements. You should only ever hike in walking boots. Trainers, sneakers, flip flops or flat shoes simply won’t provide the right support or protection your feet are going to need.

Protect your skin
Sunburn and heat stroke are no joke when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you’re protected from the sun with sun cream, a hat, water and sunglasses.

Keep people updated
If you’re heading into the wild then it’s important to let someone know where you’re you’re going and what time they should expect you to return. That way, if you don’t return when you have said you will then they can raise the alarm.

Learn how to read a map Although modern technology is great, you can’t put all your trust in it. Learning to read a map means that if your GPS fails, you can still get home safely.

What’s the best safety advice you’ve ever received? Have you got a hiking tip to share?