Surviving the Trail: The Must-Knows for Safe and Successful Hiking

A carefully compiled list of advice can be applied to any outdoor adventure. I recommend you print this out and store it with your outdoor gear.

Hiking can be a most rewarding distraction from the daily grind, but safety should never be taken for granted.

Necessary Preparation For Hiking

1) Carefully plan your hike

You are likelier to have a safe and happy hike if you “plan your hike and hike your plan.” To rush out on a long walk w/o proper planning is asking for trouble! Always notify someone close to you where you will be and how long you will be gone.

2) Know your terrain

Utilize every resource available to get to know your hiking trail before you set out. This will prepare you for the walking conditions. For example, “Are there streams to ford? Elevation changes? Is terrain rocky or smooth?”, These are just some of the questions that can be answered before you set out.

3) Undoubtedly, know your climate

Hypothermia is real, dangerous, and misunderstood. Hypothermia can strike in relatively warm environments.

Hypothermia, plain and simple, is rapid cooling of the body. This can be caused by cold, wet, or a combination of both. Hypothermia can effectively be prevented with proper preparation.

Packing Essentials – Exploring the Great Outdoors: How to Avoid Common Hiking Hazards

1) Portable water

Habitually have fresh water available on any delightful excursion. It is also an excellent idea to bring along purification tablets or a filtration device.

The ability to produce drinking water can be just as important as the water you pack. So bring along some protein snacks, just in case.

2) First Aid Kit

Although an obvious choice, it is surprising how many folks go into the pristine wilderness without one. Items as simple as pain relief tablets can represent a welcome addition when you are far from civilization.

Other valuable items are bandages, tweezers, moleskin, antiseptic, needle, and thread (for repairs).

3) Fire and light source

Matches and a lighter are essentials for me. Pack along a lesser piece of commercial starter stick for quick fires in moist environments. Pack a small conventional flashlight and an LED light, as well.

4) Proper clothing

It is always clever to pack some extra layers. The environment will dictate the weight of these items. Err to caution, as temps fluctuate considerably, especially in mountainous environments. A spare pair of socks can be a lifesaver.

5) Orienteering

Packing along a map and compass helps to get out of chief trouble. In addition, I faithfully carry a cell phone and a stable external power source. Common sense is the most critical item to pack on your next hike properly. Making sound decisions while on the trail will secure you from the most troubling situations.

If you hike with your family members, especially children or seniors, remember they may not have the stamina to handle the same level hike as you. It would help if you ultimately made the right decision.

Hot Tent Snow Camping In Old Growth Forest Cooking With Wood Stove (Video)

“This experience, I went hot tent snow outdoor camping in an old forest. I’ve always wished to hot tent camp here in the snow. So many of the trees are centuries old and numerous feet tall.

The forest gives off an eerie vibe but seeing it is sensational. It snowed almost non-stop during the journey, and temperatures remained around 23 F (-5 C).

I cooked some tasty cheese steak sandwiches on the wood range for dinner and had rushed eggs for breakfast.”

#woodstove #hottent #camping

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Finding Camp
01:19 Tent Setup
02:43 Wood Stove Setup
04:17 Wood Processing
07:19 Cot Setup
09:22 Lighting the Stove
12:36 Cooking Dinner
15:46 Bedtime
17:52 Melting Snow for Coffee
19:55 Cooking Breakfast
21:11 Telescope
21:58 Breaking Camp