Hiking is a rigorous walking activity that includes moderate climbs and descents. Though hiking is quite different from trekking in terms of the methods and the risk factors involved, there are certain rules that are to be followed while hiking.
Hiking is also way different than just a road trip and has its own precaution measures to be followed. Here is a list of then things that one must avoid while hiking:
Table of Contents
Never go off the trail
No matter how familiar you are, one should avoid going off the trail while hiking. You never know what the trail is like ahead or how safe it is in terms of wild animals and where it ends. Going off the trail can prove fatal in case of extreme conditions.
One must respect nature while hiking in the woods or in the mountains. The loud noise from your speaker might entertain you for a while but causes a lot of disturbance to the wild animals and birds who are intolerant towards the loud noise and the frequency emitted from phones and speakers.
Never wear headphones while walking
Music has become an integral part of our life and we tend to plug in our earphones now and then, especially while walking alone. Try to avoid wearing headphones during hiking because you need to be fully attentive to your surroundings. You need to intercept any strange voices that can be of a rockfall or landslide or an approaching animal. While travelling in a group, if you are wearing headphones, you might not be able to hear the call of your friend who might be in need or warning you of something.
Never drink alcohol while hiking
Alcohol affects our brain and spinal cord coordination that results in the jittery walk of the person. Your brain would not be able to make wise decisions if needed, under the influence of alcohol and while hiking you need to be fully active, both physically as well as mentally. One should avoid smoking as well because while hiking you tend to breathe much heavier and smoking affects your lungs capacity.
Never eat wild fruits
No matter how tempting those wild red berries look or how juicy the ripe fruits are looking, don’t eat anything that you are not sure about. Often the berries and especially mushrooms found on trails are poisonous. One should have complete knowledge about it before consuming it.
The damage we do by littering on the mountains or the trails is irreversible which cause an adverse effect on the whole ecology and our climate. Thus, we should travel like a responsible hiker and should bring back the waste down to the base where we can dump it in proper dustbins.
Never attend nature’s call near the stream
You may find that no one is using the stream water in your vicinity but a lot of villages in the plains use the same water for drinking and other household purposes. Never attend nature’s call near a stream or wash utensils in it. Take water in your bottle and do your chores away from the stream.
Never ignore any medical condition
While on a hike, one’s body may react in a different way due to certain gain in elevation. You should never hide your medical condition from your travel partners or even if you are hiking alone, tell it to people you meet on the way. Make ‘safety first’ as the thumb rule of your hiking plan.
Never hike in the dark
Make sure to reach the destined place before sunset. Hiking in the dark can prove really dangerous. The chances of falling prey to wild animals increases in the dark and also, you may go astray from the right path.
Never click photos while walking
Many people click photos on their phone while walking just to save some time or to meet the pace of fellow travellers. But this may result in some serious injuries if you happen to fall down. Always stop and then click photos and also, don’t stop at risky areas such as those prone to landslides or narrow trails.
Hiking is a fun activity and it would be more fun if you take care of these points. Just ensure the safe return of yourself and your fellow partners by keeping a few things in mind. One mistake and it could cause some serious outcomes. Adventure feeds your soul but one should be wise enough to know how to get things done in a proper way.
Do not walk off-trail: Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas. Cutting across switchbacks erodes the hillside and eventually destroys the trail. Plus, walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury or getting lost.
It is soft, comfortable, and practical for everyday situations. However, it is not suitable for hiking. Cotton readily absorbs and retains water leaving the hiker wet, which is a dangerous situation in both cold and hot weather. Wearing cotton socks is a particularly quick way to get blisters on the trail.
Check the weather before you head out on your hike. If conditions in the park are not ideal, don't take the chance! Be prepared to seek shelter if you encounter severe weather, know what to do in case of lightning or flash flooding.
Hiking is a shorter, easier journey, commonly walked on looped marked trails, to-and-back, or even destination hikes. Trekking always involves a specific destination. A trekking path goes through different, often rough terrains and requires more equipment and preparedness of the person doing it.
"The bad step" is an exiting and pretty exposed part where you have to scramble along a steep rock. Could be difficult in wet conditions and if you are afraid of exposure.
Don't step off trail unless you absolutely must when yielding. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species, and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy.
In fact, research from the University of Florida concluded that walking on uneven terrain, like that of hiking trails, causes the body to use 28 percent more energy than walking on flat, even ground due to the subtle shifts in the way your leg muscles must lengthen or shorten while hiking.
Stronger legs and core muscles will better support the load in your pack and help you hike harder, longer. Build endurance in those same muscle groups, as well as the shoulders and lower back, because hiking can be an all-day activity.
“When you're dressed for success, hiking is a great total-body workout,” says Michael Bednarz, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatric surgeon at Piedmont. “It strengthens the large muscles in your body, while stimulating the feel-good chemical hormones of adrenaline and endorphins that boost your mood and energy levels.”
“Soft hiking is simply enjoying time in nature and moving your body at a leisurely pace. You do not need to climb high mountains or ascend steep hills. Intentional walking at any level has a range of benefits, including reducing your risk of heart disease by over 40%.”
The Great Trail, formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail, is the longest hiking trail in the world. It runs for a rather daunting 14,912 miles (or 24,000km). There are also some stunning options elsewhere, travelling through Italy, Japan and even along the coast of England - that one being the new England Coast Path.
The first recorded uses of hike in 1809 were spelled “hyke,” meaning “to walk vigorously.” The term began as an English dialectical word and was used insultingly in East Anglia and London in the 1830s.
Many people underestimate just how much water you might need in some situations, such as hot and dry weather, high humidity or high elevation gain, or difficult terrain. Dehydration is among the most common medical conditions happening to hikers.
A person of average fitness can cover 8 to 12 miles a day with a beginner to intermediate level of hiking experience. However, experienced hikers with stellar fitness can cover 12 to 16 miles a day!
Though rain, sleet and snow might not make for the most carefree hiking experience, it's possible to hike in wet weather and be safe. However, any chance of lightning should be avoided at all cost.
Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119
Phone: +2202978377583
Job: Administration Engineer
Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking
Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
