When it comes to hiking, there are more than a few misconceptions in associated with this pastime. For some people, it refers to walking to the shop. To others, it refers to a 10 mile hike around a mountain.
For the purposes of today’s topic, we’re all about the latter. In other words, if you are about to venture on a long hike, this guide is for you.
We will now take a look at some of the best ways you can prepare for such a hike, and make sure you make it to the end.
Always take a GPS tracker
This first suggestion is one of the most modern that you’ll need, but there’s no doubt that a GPS tracker really can be your best friend when it comes to a long hike. Again, if it’s a short walk around the village, such a device is not required. However, for anything surpassing a few miles, and ultimately delving into the unknown, it’s something that you need to arm yourself with.
In short, the conditions you are based in can change in a flash. You might encounter dreadful weather, where you are forced to seek cover, or maybe a member of your group will incur an injury that requires urgent medical attention. A GPS tracker simply adds a layer of security, and ensures that if something does go wrong you at least have something left to fall back on.
Research your trail
This next point follows on perfectly from the previous one. Research is key with your hikes, and if you fail to invest enough time into this you are going to stumble across umpteen surprises.
As we have already alluded to, you most certainly don’t want to become lost. Researching your trail helps with this.
At the same time, you need to know exactly how or if your body is going to cope with such a trail. Again, researching your trail helps with this.
It also gives you a sense of time and just how long your hike is going to be. Heading off on a blind hike is asking for trouble, and is sure to prompt surprises of the unpleasant variety.
Watch your step
This next suggestion might be bordering on the simple, but give us time. The advice surrounds watching what you step on, and making sure that when possible you always step over, or walk around, an obstacle.
We’re specifically referring to logs on your trail, and the dangers that these can present. They are quite often slippy and full of trip hazards, which are the two issues you certainly don’t want to stumble with on your journey.
At the same time, if you are hiking in an exotic location, there’s every chance you can mistake a log for a creature. In some cases, this is not going to go down well, and can again be avoided by simply making sure that you step over such obstacles.