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Key Points
- Dress appropriately for hiking by wearing layers of moisture-wicking fabrics and carrying extra clothing. Avoid cotton as it does not dry quickly. Wear suitable hiking footwear and hats for protection against the sun.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET to prevent insect bites. In case of severe reactions to bites, seek immediate medical attention at a nearby urgent care center.
- Be cautious of uneven elements on the hiking path such as downed trees, shrubs, rocks, and boulders to prevent falls and injuries. Avoid risky areas such as cliffs and waterfalls.
- Always hike with a buddy to ensure safety and assistance in case of emergencies. Be aware of the location of the nearest urgent care center.
- Learn to identify and avoid poisonous plants like poison ivy and oak. Pack a comprehensive hiking safety kit, including a whistle, first aid supplies, extra food, water purification tablets, and a map and compass among other items. Inform someone about your hiking plans and expected return time.
The new colors of fall are enticing to those who love hiking. Oranges, browns, and reds fill the skyline from trees inviting us in. While hiking is a great adventure, there are some hiking tips you must follow including carrying an appropriate safety kit.
Related: 4 Tips for Camping Safety
Dress Appropriately
Make sure to dress in layers in fabrics that sway moisture. Pack extra lightweight shirts, pants, and jackets in a backpack in case you get wet. Hats are a good idea to prevent sun or eye burn. Wear hiking footwear that are made for this outdoor exercise. Boots and shoes can be found in many big box and sporting goods stores. Avoid cotton clothing as it won't dry out quickly.
Use the Right Insect Repellant
It's also important to use an insect repellent that includes DEET to keep insects at bay. This can prevent deer ticks from biting and other insects from stinging or biting. If you are bitten by insects and the bite area swells or becomes painful, head to a nearby urgent care center for treatment.
Related: Ouch! How to Identify Your Bug Bite
Watch for Uneven Elements
Downed trees, shrubs, rocks, and boulders may be present on the hiking path. There's no reason to run through the path and instead, take your time, enjoy the scenery, and watch for these trip and fall dangers.
Even a short fall from tripping on a log or rock can cause an ankle or foot sprain or broken fingers. Enthusiastic hikers will be the first to tell you climbing trees can be dangerous and a fall from high above can result in a broken arm, leg, neck, or back. Avoid cliffs and waterfalls. Know the location of the closest urgent care center so emergency medical treatment can be obtained in the event of sprains or broken bones.
Use the Buddy System
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources recommends hiking using the buddy system and never hike alone. We always hear about hikers lost in the woods and those who must spend nights and even days until they are found by rescue search teams. If you attempt to hike alone and fall, trip or lose your way, it could be quite some time until someone finds you.
Learn About Poison Ivy and Oak
Before you head out on your hike, learn what poison ivy and poison oak look like so you can avoid these plants. Make sure your buddies, especially children, know how to spot these plants as well. Some people get severe reactions by coming in contact with these plants and require strong medications such as steroids to get rid of rashes and other symptoms.
Pack a Good Hiking Kit
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends all hikers take a safety/first-aid kit. The best items to include in backpacks are:
- Whistle
- Matches, lighter and candles
- Extra clothing
- Full first aid kit such as ones found in sporting goods stores
- Flashlights
- Extra food, canned or non-perishable
- Swiss army knife
- Map and compass
- Mirror and foil to use as a signaling device
- Battery-powered radio
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and sunglasses
- Plenty of drinking water as well as water purification tablets
- Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Maintenance medications you take daily
Related: 10 Things Every First Aid Kit Should Have
Hiking is fun for all and the fall is the perfect time for a hiking adventure. Above all, let someone know where the group is headed, and your expected return time in the event the group does get lost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the importance of dressing appropriately for hiking?
Dressing appropriately for hiking is crucial to ensure comfort and safety. Layering clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics can help regulate body temperature and keep you dry. Extra clothing should be packed in case you get wet. Wearing a hat can protect against sunburn and eye damage, and hiking footwear is necessary for proper foot support and protection. Cotton clothing should be avoided as it does not dry quickly.Why is using the right insect repellent important when hiking?
Using an insect repellent that includes DEET is important to keep insects at bay. This can prevent deer ticks from biting and other insects from stinging or biting. If bitten by insects and the bite area swells or becomes painful, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a nearby urgent care center.What should hikers be mindful of while on the trail?
Hikers should be mindful of potential hazards on the trail such as downed trees, shrubs, rocks, and boulders. It's important to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and watch for these trip and fall dangers. Avoiding risky areas such as cliffs and waterfalls is also advised.Why is it recommended to use the buddy system while hiking?
The buddy system is recommended for safety reasons. If a hiker falls, trips, or loses their way, having a buddy ensures that there is someone to provide immediate assistance or seek help.How can knowledge about poison ivy and oak enhance hiking safety?
Knowledge about poison ivy and oak can enhance hiking safety by helping hikers to avoid contact with these plants, which can cause severe skin reactions in some people.What are some essential items to pack in a hiking safety kit?
Essential items to pack in a hiking safety kit include a whistle, matches, lighter, candles, extra clothing, a full first aid kit, flashlights, extra food, a Swiss army knife, map and compass, a mirror and foil for signaling, a battery-powered radio, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, plenty of drinking water, water purification tablets, extra prescription glasses or contact lenses, and any daily maintenance medications.Why is it important to inform someone about your hiking plans?
It's important to inform someone about your hiking plans, including your destination and expected return time, in case you get lost. This information can be crucial in helping search and rescue teams locate you if necessary.Why should hikers avoid cotton clothing?
Hikers should avoid cotton clothing because it does not dry quickly. If cotton clothing gets wet, it can stay damp for a long time, which can lead to discomfort and potentially hypothermia in colder weather.
