Hoo-underful Tips to Follow for Any Hike or Adventure!
Though my blog may focus on reading and writing I still love the outdoors, and hiking happens to be one of my favorite activities!
I'm all about adventure and I want to share as much about my adventures with you as I can, as well as tips and fun ideas I've learned about going out into nature. During the summer of 2014 I went on a journey hiking and camping throughout Iceland, and I've learned some great lessons about what to do to prepare for your hike.
1. Grab a backpack.
This might not seem like a comfortable accessory to carry along as you're cutting your way through fields, which I don't really suggest as it's a better plan to stay on a designated trail, or as you're struggling to prevail over a steep inclined hill. However, having a backpack is great because it will allow you to carry all the essential tools and necessities for a hike. Make sure to also bring a rain cover, if it isn't already built into the pack, to protect all of your goodies in case it rains or if you just happen to fall into a running body of water.
2. Bring a fair amount of water and for longer hikes a purifier.
Without water, you will become dehydrated and your hike will become very uncomfortable as your mouth and lungs start to dry up. Not only will it alleviate discomfort but it will also help to keep your muscles and organs running at maximum efficiency as you become tired before you turn around for the return trip! Don't let this hike become your last because you were too stubborn and unprepared for your adventure.
3. Bring food and extra food on top of that.
You never know how long a hike will take you. Especially if you end up getting lost or falling into risky terrain. Most of us think the ideas of getting lost is silly, but if it happens to you you'll regret not packing food to last you a few days as you try to get back to the world. There's one rule I follow, and I think it's pretty simple, and that it's always better to be prepared than to be in a hole and scared.
4. Always bring a first aid kid and a knife.
It's likely you'll get a few scratches on a challenging hike, and it's a wise decision to bandage up your wounds before they become infected. It's also a great idea to bring a knife for defense and as a way to cut cloth for bandages and berries, or other fruits, from trees/bushes.
5. Bring a way to make fire, a whistle, and a flashlight.
A fire has many uses including cooking food, an a source of light, the ability to warm your body (to prevent hypothermia), and can even be used as a signal if you're lost. Bring a whistle because it is also a great tool if you're lost, and it'll travel further than your voice can. Lastly, a flashlight will come in handy if you end up hiking later than you expected. It's better to see your path in the dark than to fall off a cliff don't you think?
6. Rain Gear, Sun Screen, and Sun Glasses.
Rain gear offers a great way to stay dry obviously, but it can also be a great makeshift tent or shelter from the beating sun. Sun Screen will prevent your skin from burning. Which I know seems obvious but many people seem to forget it exists when they pack for a trip. Lastly Sunglasses will allow you to see when it's bright out as well as when there is light reflecting off the snow. Again, you don't want to lose your sight and fall off a cliff.
7. Map and Compass as well as a GPS.
It's always good to first look at a map before
you go on your hike to see where paths split, possible sources of water, and all the exits available to your path. Then make sure to bring that map with you just in case you end up veering off to another path along the way by accident. Also bring a compass with you so you'll be able to know which way you're going exactly, and if the path on the map shows that you're supposed to go straight East to reach your exit and your path is going North, then maybe you're on the wrong path, double checking might be a great way to avoid an over extended trip. A GPS is a great way to follow your path, but many hiking locations have a terrible signal, and this modern piece of technology just becomes dead weight in comparison to a map that will always, well almost always, be an accurate and useful too.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read the tips I've offered from my adventuring experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for future posts don't hesitate to leave me a hoot in the comment section below or contact me via email on my about me section of the blog website.
