Survival Tips For Adventure Hiking

There's really nothing quite like adventure hiking to take you away from everything. When you need a break from traffic jams, crowds and the nine to five grind, pack your gear and head for the trails. Before you do though, make sure you are aware of the general protocols for safety and survival.

Give Someone A Copy Of Your Itinerary 

Don't just tell your friends and family you're going hiking for a day or so, give them a detailed map of your trail. Let them know when you are leaving and exactly when you expect to be back. While there's nothing wrong with a little spontaneity in life, adventure hiking should be well planned and thought out. If anything were to go wrong, emergency responders need to know as many specifics as humanly possible. 

Check The Local Forecast

Mother nature will not withhold a thunderstorm on your behalf, so don't try and out-think or maneuver around bad weather, simply postpone your plans. Getting caught in heavy rains can make your hike completely miserable and it can also ruin your gear. Don't be afraid to turn back if bad weather strikes at any point during your hike either, because it's simply not worth the risk. The mountain or trail will still be there once the storms clear.

Have All The Essential Adventure Hiking Tools

Being properly equipped is one of the smartest moves you can make before heading out. Make sure you've got the basics, like a utility knife, compass, temperature sensitive clothing and sleeping gear. Plan on carrying enough food and water to cover you for an extra 24 hours too, just in case. Also, be certain that everyone in your party knows how to use the compass or read a map. Don't forget about first aid either. You should have a few items like band-aids and ointments with you. If anyone is bringing prescription medication, keep it stored in a water-proof baggie at all times. Help can be found if you click on Amazon.

Please Don't Feed The Bears

No matter how tempted you may be to interact with any wildlife, do not feed or encourage them to get near you in any way. Observe from a distance and take snap-shots, but never get up close and personal with them, even small animals. The scent from your food (or you!) can attract dangerous creatures in any setting. Consider bringing a repellent spray with you, just in case any animal decides to introduce himself to your hiking party and make sure that everyone with you adheres to the no feeding of wildlife rules.

Know What To Do If You Get Lost

Even the most experienced hikers lose their way on occasion, so prepare for this possibility. Know where you and your party can locate water and where you should seek shelter overnight. Bring flares or set up an obvious pattern of rocks or twigs that will tell onlookers that you are in need of help. During daylight hours, be as visible as possible. Stick to open trails, wave shirt flags and make noise too. If you've followed the advice about notifying other people of your hiking plans, a search party should be en route within a short period of time. Don't panic or be overcome by fear either, because you can't really keep your wits about you under such circumstances. Know what to do in advance and hang tough.

A few days of guided backpacking can invigorate you like nothing else. You will have a new perspective on everyday living and some great stories to tell. Just make sure you observe the general guidelines that are designed to keep you safe and get you home on time and in one piece.