Tips for a Safe and Fun Hiking Trip

Category: Hiking / Camping

Author: Sage

October 31, 2016

Setting out on a hiking trip poses many potential dangers if you don’t know what you’re doing or have not prepared well. Here are some of our best tips to have a good time and stay safe.

  1. Always have a hiking buddy. If you are heading to a quiet trail you are especially at risk because no one will be able to aid you should you need assistance.
  2. Pack enough water, and stay hydrated. Make sure you carry enough water for the entire day, and remember that as you drink it, your pack will get lighter!
  3. Small snacks will keep your energy up. Think ahead of time and pack more snacks than you think you need.
  4. Inform someone of your hiking plans. Similar to tip #1 - do not head outside if no one knows you are gone. Even if it’s for a quick 1 hour hike- drop your friend a text message so they know where you are if no one hears from you for the rest of the day!
  5. Organize your pack so you have the important items up top. The things you need to get to regularly - sunscreen, snack bars, water, and the map should be easily grabbable.
  6. Double check your emergency and first aid kits before each long hike. Basic first-aid essentials for most outings should be: adhesive bandages (various sizes), medical or duct tape, moleskin, sterile gauze, ibuprofen, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, and alcohol wipes.
  7. Carry your clothes and sleeping bag in waterproof bags - for overnight hikes in a rainy climate. Cold and wet is a deadly combination - staying dry is critical!
  8. Keep your hands elevated by using your pack straps, or trek poles. The all too common issue of swelling hands can occur on even an hour long hike. Use trek poles to keep your hands elevated and the muscles active.
  9. Respect the environment. Respect the beautiful nature that you encounter, and don’t add to or cause destruction. Do not create cairns, tree blazes, or any other sign to mark the trail. Pick up your garbage, and remember that you are a guest.

There you have it! Nine easy tips to make your hike more enjoyable. Always remember to only hike within your abilities, and to research the trail you are heading to and the supplies you will need. Stay safe!

Author: Sage

Contributor

Sage is a passionate natural health advocate and nature lover, you'll find her at the beach most days with a bottle of Kombucha.

Mission: to live a life of happiness whilst creating minimal harm and damage, and make the world a better place for our future people.



More Posts

We Crunched the Numbers | 2022 Impact Report
We Crunched the Numbers | 2022 Impact Report

February 10, 2023

In 2022, thanks to supporters like YOU, we were able to plant over 1300 trees through our partners withTrees for the Future, Eden Projects, American Forests, and Cirenas! That means that together we have planted over 460,000 trees!
Read More
Bamboo Straws: What's the Big Deal?
Bamboo Straws: What's the Big Deal?

December 03, 2022

It's something you never really pay any attention to: you order a soda or a milk shake, or even just a water and the waiter always lays something next to the glass - a straw. While we all know that plastic straws are seriously damaging our planet (think 500 MILLION plastic straws used per day, most ending up in landfills*), we don't always talk about the alternatives to being able to use your straw...in a sustainable way. 🌱
Read More
Black Friday: Give Back During the Season of Giving
Black Friday: Give Back During the Season of Giving

November 23, 2022

With Black Friday around the corner, we are all frantically looking for the perfect gift for the special someones on our holiday list. We are doing the same thing here at Tree Tribe, and as we just encouraged and reminded our team, we wanted to encourage you to: to shop with heart this season. 

Read More