Take a Hike

Warmer weather makes summer the perfect time to take a hike. Make sure you're prepared before you hit the trail.

by HSM Staff

To make any hiking trip an enjoyable one, you'll need a little preparation.

Start Locally
You don't have to live next door to a wilderness area or national park to enjoy a hike- you probably have a park or trail system near your home. Check out your local outdoor retailer for a selection of guidebooks on local trails(remember to check the copyright to ensure you purchase a current edition). Retailers in your area can also be a great source of information for seminars, classes, and activities offered by local hiking clubs- just ask them.

Learn To Walk
Hiking is a physically demanding activity and can be more enjoyable the fitter you are, but hiking can provide you with the opportunity to get in shape too. Start by walking; it's one of the best cardiovascular activities available and only requires a good pair of shoes. You can walk around your neighborhood, local park, or even in the mall. As you get into better shape, add hills or weights to your walk to increase the intensity.

Research
Look over your guidebooks and decide on an area that you are interested in exploring. Most will provide you with a map of the trails as well as the distance, altitude, and degree of difficulty. Take into account the physical abilities of everyone in your party- a longer, flatter trail may be a better choice than a shorter one that is mostly uphill. Consider trails that follow a loop instead of those that follow the same path going and returning- you'll take in more scenery.

Time Management
Once you've chosen a trail, you will need to get a general idea of how long your hike will take. Look at the trails total distance and factor in a reasonable rate of speed. Add to that number time for rest, snacks, lunch, etcetera. You need to arrive at the trail early enough to ensure that you are out before dark. Arrive on time, keep an eye on your watch, and hike at an appropriate pace.

Last Minute Details
You don't want to be caught out in the woods during a strong storm. Check the weather forecast the day before and the morning of your hike to get a good idea of how the weather is shaping up. Additionally, go online or call the agency that regulates the trail you are hiking to check trail conditions. If there have been heavy rains or winds, some trails may be closed. It's better to know before you leave home.

Plan for Emergencies
It's always a good idea to be prepared for emergency situations.

Let someone know where you are, when you are due back, and when you should be reported missing.
Have emergency phone numbers on hand in addition to 911 (local sheriff, ranger, and fire department).
Be aware of evacuation routes in cases of fire or flood.
Remember to take your first aid kit.

Hiking provides limitless opportunities for adventure. Whether watching birds nest in your local park or hiking the 2,155 miles that make up the Appalachian Trail, it's truly what you make of the experience. So prepare well and enjoy the view.

FYI
"The National Wilderness Preservation System, established by Congress in 1964, includes over 700 areas in 44 states totaling more than 107 million acres. More than half of these areas are within a day's drive of America's largest cities including Seattle, Portland, Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. Wilderness contributes significantly to our nation's health and well-being. The public benefits these areas provide are as diverse as the areas themselves and far exceed the mere acreage protected."
- US Forestry Service

Hiking Precautions
Courtesy: US Forestry Service

Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Read all trail head signs and follow local regulations.
Stay on the trail.
Hike in groups.
Don't hike in the dark .
Leave pets at home. Pets may attract bears and mountain lions. If dogs are permitted, keep them on a short leash so they don't bother wildlife.
Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray when hiking and camping in bear country.
Keep children within your sight.

Tip
Wear sock liners made from a wicking fabric and well-cushioned wool socks- not cotton. Wicking fabrics and wool move the moisture away from your skin which will help to prevent blisters (cotton retains moisture).

Essential Items

Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
Watch
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat)
Extra Clothing
Flashlight with extra batteries
First-aid supplies (including toilet paper)
Matches and lighter
Knife
Food (plus extra)
Water (plus extra)
Rain coat or poncho
Mobile phone or two-way radio

Did You Know?
Many trails in the west were constructed with animals in mind, so they "switchback" gently up the mountain. In the east however, many trails were established before the idea of switchbacking was understood- resulting in trails that often go straight up or down.

Footwear (The 50 mile rule)

Many experienced hikers recommend putting fifty miles on a pair of hiking boots before hitting the trail for two reasons. (1) It ensures that the boots are broken in and any foot related problems have been addressed. (2) Your muscles have adjusted to a higher level of activity by walking fifty miles.