You never know everything when it comes to the wilderness. I have learned lessons from both Man and Mother Nature in all my years of wandering the wild. I am still learning, and that passion keeps me writing. These are our 10 best hiking practices for those tackling the outdoors on foot.
1. Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes/Boots
Many guests have arrived at hikes with only flip-flops or flats. These provide little or no protection and will result in discomfort, e.g., blisters, cuts, or even a twisted ankle. Trail shoes are fine, but boots offer ankle support. I prefer this, and most boots are waterproof, which is a massive bonus for comfort. No one wants wet socks and manky feet.
2. Drink Water
Whether you carry a hydration bladder or water bottle, you need to fuel up. The recommended intake is two liters per person per four hours of hiking. Our bodies are mostly H20, and when in the wild and on foot, we lose it rapidly via heat and sweat. Remember to hydrate often. Be sure to drink when you are thirsty. By then, you are already showing the first sign of dehydration.
3. Eat
Bring already-made, light, and easy-to-eat snacks. Like Water, Water your body needs to replenish the energy spent up those steep ascents and long treks. Think of hiking as a marathon. You need to eat to go further, to summit, to win. Just remember that once you are up, you have to get down.
4. Bring a Warm Top
Sweat plus cold equals misery. Mountains create ominous weather behaviour. The wind picks up, clouds come in, the temperature drops, and it rains. This can happen in an hour or so. Even if your day is thirty degrees plus, pack a warm top and preferably a waterproof shell.
5. Apply Sun Protection
The winners are sunscreen, a cap, long pants and sleeves, and a bandana. Sun Burn, eish! Your muscles won’t be the only pain of the next day. Lube up! Be aware of areas like your face, ears, neck, arms, calves, and scalp. I suggest a hat or bandana for those with thin/no hair. This also helps with the sweat and sunscreen mix dripping into your eyes. Burn! A pair of sunglasses can make life easier, too.
6. Pack Survival Essentials
Basic first aid can be purchased at any outdoor store. You may dehydrate, get burned, fall, scratch yourself, get stung by a plant or insect, get chafe…. I have experienced all of this personally. Even the most minor ailment can cause a miserable experience if not attended to. A simple lotion or a Band-Aid can mitigate this. Then you can think about a space blanket, compass, flashlight, fire starters, spare batteries, para-cord, cable ties, and a Leatherman or knife. You never know when your excellent experience or life will depend on it.
7. Never hike alone
The risks in hiking alone are great. We strongly advise having a professional mountain guide take you on trails you do not know. If you want something other than a guide, hiking in groups of 3 or more is the best option. If something happens to one, then the other can go for help while there is one left with the hiker in trouble.
8. Charge your Cell Phone
Not only for photos, selfies, and memories of your awesome experience but also for GPS apps, Maps, and Emergencies. Save your local wilderness search and rescue number on your phone. Keep a portable charger in case your battery dies (mine always does). Your cell phone can save your life or another’s in an emergency.
9. Leave Early
Give yourself enough time. Unless you are doing a sunset or full moon hike up Lions Head in Cape Town, there is no reason to delay your departure up the mountain. The night hikes I have done for wildfire fighter training were enough to teach me that Mother Nature owns the night. Yes, it is dark, but it is cold and disorienting. Be home before sunset.
10. Caution on your way down
Ascending a mountain slope can be like a leg day at the gym. Your legs are powering up those rocky steps. At the summit, you will relax, and your muscles will fatigue. Coming down, they may feel like jelly. On top of this, you will be mentally tired and lose focus. Be careful where you step; return home to your shower, food, and bed. Home is not going anywhere. You do not want to fall and take another few hours to be rescued off the mountain. Take caution.
That’s it for this round, folks. If you have any questions about my top ten, please contact me, and I will be happy to answer or find the answer. Always remember, safety first, and then go wild!
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