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Hiking Trails
Hiking trails vary greatly depending on the place you are planning to trek. It could be a serene walk from winery to winery in the rolling hills of Italy or it could be a rugged backcountry hike through rainforests and rocky cliffs. The differences can be extreme, and this is what draws the itinerant backpacker to hiking trails all over the world.
Yet, for all the fun, excitement, and adventure that hiking trails offer, they can lead you to get into dangerous situations. In fact, majority of the outdoor survival situations that occur each year are due to the danger that hikers face because of lack of preparation and foresight. Anyone can go through these dangerous experiences. Whether you are a long-time hiker or a first-timer, it’s always the same, because this kind of danger does not always stem from inexperience and recklessness. It often stems from ill-preparedness and lack of foresight.
For this reason, we have compiled below some tips to help you overcome any safety risks you might encounter along the hiking trails of your choice:
Tip 1: Hike with a Buddy
Hiking with at least one partner reduces the potential of getting into situations that are difficult to overcome if you’re all alone.
While it is far more exciting to go on a hike alone than with a buddy (it definitely stretches the whole activity to the extreme), safety requires that you have at least one person with you. Not only does having a hiking buddy on the hiking trails with you help when you get into difficult situations, but it also helps lessen the potential for harassment from people you may encounter along the trail.
Remember that just because you are on hiking trails in the wilds does not mean that you are removed from the two-legged dangers faced in urban areas. You encounter all kind of people on the trail, including the good, the bad, and the ugly, so take heed.
Tip 2: File an Itinerary
When you are on unfamiliar hiking trails, it is always a good idea to leave some information about you and your family and friends who are with you on the register. Specifically, include the particular trail you are taking. And before you leave, be sure to get the phone numbers for local law enforcement and land managers.
Tip 3: Dress Conservatively
This should already be a given. Select attire that avoids unwelcome attention from people you may meet along the hiking trails.
Tip 4: Don’t broadcast your Itinerary
The register is the only exception as it is a precautionary measure in case some harm befalls you while on the hiking trails. But do not discuss trip plans with suspicious strangers, and do not travel the plans of fellow hikers. Another thing, if you are hiking alone, claim to be the leader of a larger group following behind you.
Tip 5: Be Sociable
But just because you are not to broadcast your itinerary to strangers does not mean that you should stop talking to anyone all together. Be sociable, but exercise caution when you converse with strangers. Pay attention to details such as location and their appearance, and behavior. Avoid anyone acting strangely, provocatively, openly hostile or drunk.
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