Precautionary Advice When Solo Hiking

[Guests]

Precautionary Advice When Solo Hiking
Going on a solo hiking trip is an activity that sometimes appeals to adventure and nature lovers. Before going solo, you must first try hiking with a partner. Never give a reason that you cannot find anyone to walk the trails with so you decide to go solo hiking. It only spells trouble for you. But if you have experienced the trails before and you have confidence of battling trails alone then follow these tips and safety precautions.

Research the trail. Before going on the expedition, it is better to know the weather conditions on the day that you want to go hiking. Look for weather and trail advisories for the place of your hike. If it is not accessible, check the local weather forecast or surf the internet. Usually parks and mountains, give an advisory or warning to the public regarding the condition of trails. Bring a map even if you feel it is not really necessary. Read any available brochures because there may be information that can save your life.

Take things that you may need. One of the best things to bring during solo hiking is your common sense. This is the most important thing to take with you especially if you are hiking alone. This is can protect you when you are walking among wildlife. Take only the essentials and leave behind unnecessary things. Learn to be aware of your surroundings by being focused and alert. Do this to avoid bears or wild animals chasing after you.

Also, practice prudence. Try tactics that can seek help if you are in trouble or in an accident. Try to bring a small waterproof flashlight rather than just bringing matches or lighters because these may get wet. To ward off attacks, bring a pepper spray or other protection devise.

Take a route that is established. Observe that trails before taking it. If you think it’s a well beaten one then mostly like you cannot get lost. Trails that are popular usually have signs, even a guide and a name that people can associate to. If you are solo hiking, it is not a license for you to explore tracks that are less beaten. If there is something that lures you to go beyond, just place a mark and go back some other time with a partner or group.

Never try exploring an abandoned house or mine ruins. Learn to follow a trail and avoid deviating from it to look for an alternative one. You can be assured that some of these routes have emergency aid left by other hikers and backpackers who passed by this trail.

Be aware of the wildlife that surrounds you. If ever it is peaceful one moment, then don’t assume that it will remain that way all the time. Solo hiking is a way to open up your senses. You should have a good surveillance of the surrounding things around you. Notice the ground if there are animal poo or unusual smells on the way. Look for signs in tree barks because if it is scarred there is an indication the there is a bear in the perimeter. If you happen to see a freshly killed animal or prey or even blood, run away and never look back. Try to steer away from the trail. If you also feel that somebody is watching you, then try to go back as soon as you can.

Try observing other animals such as birds and rodents. They can show a sign if a predator is around. Listening hard will make you hear all the movements around you but if the noise stops to a certain degree, then you can be sure that there is a predator around.

Actually you can fool these animals so that they will approach you. This can be done by making them know that you are solo hiking. Some tactics that you can use includes clapping or singing loudly to make your presence known. Do not make a whistle sound because predator may mistake you as a prey. Use it in times of distress.

Keep your goal. It is most likely that sometime during your hike, you will meet a group of hikers along the way. Focus on your solo hiking by refusing invitations from them. Remember that politeness is the key here if you are really firm with your conviction to go solo.

For more tips, advice and articles about hiking and camping information drop by our site and take a look around,

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Myatt

[Author]

Posts