Let's Talk Safety First!

Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone just taking up hiking for the first time, safety is always important.  

For example, simply letting someone know where you are going and when you'll be back is a start, especially if you take to the trails solo.  Hiking alone is not recommended, though, for beginners as well as those with minimal navigational skills...!

Be Prepared.
 
This means a lot of things.  Safety is often just using your common sense... 

Food, Clothing, Shelter:    

• Do you have layers in your pack (rainshell, fleece, hat, gloves, etc.) in case the weather changes while you are out on the trail? 
• What other protection do you have against the elements?  Do you have on sunscreen & sunglasses?     
• How much water & food do you have available?  Is it enough to get you to your destination & back? 

Drink before you are thirsty, eat before you get too hungry.  We suggest taking several snacks to nibble on, keeping your body constantly fueled and avoiding the dreaded "bonk".  Filling my Camelbak with ice & water in the morning keeps the liquid cool as well as my lunch.  Having a thermos filled with hot tea available in my pack tastes really good on a cold day, too!
   
Navigational:

• Do you know which direction to go if the trail forks?  If you are hiking in a group and are spread out, wait at trail junctions or have a map/compass or guidebook with you and know how to use it.

Hazards:

• Are there exposed sections along the trail? 

For instance, hiking down into the Grand Canyon poses exposed areas with dropoffs, loose & eroded trail surfaces.  Watch your footing carefully in these areas.  Stop when you want to look at the view and to take photos. 

• What animals, if any, might you see along the trail?  Deer, elk, moose, bears, rattlesnakes?  Do you know what to do if you see one? 

Most wild animals are not just "lurking in the bushes" waiting to jump you.  However, you don't want to suprise one, especially if it has its young, big antlers, claws, teeth, etc.  Make enough noise to alert animals of your presence (but not enough to be annoying to other hikers, and please leave the bear bells at home).  Don't try to get closer and jeapordize your safety just to get a better picture and by all means, do not feed wild animals, even cute little squirrels.

• What about stream crossings?  Seasonal hazards, such as lingering snowpack?  Can you cross safely? 

 First Aid:

• Do you have a first aid kit in your pack?  Or at least one for the group (preferably more)?  And most importantly, do you know how to use it? 

Depending on your interests, there are many organizations offering basic first aid courses (and beyond!).  The Wilderness Medical Institute / NOLS offers 2-3 day Wilderness First Aid courses.  I've found their Wilderness First Responder course to be very worthwhile, but you may not wish to go that indepth.

 Equipment:

• Do you have appropriate hiking shoes, socks, pack, poles? 

Not everyone likes to hike with poles... some people don't even use regular shoes anymore (i.e., see Vibram Five Fingers)!  All I can suggest is that you have the right shoes for you for the terrain you will be hiking.  There are many good quality brands and what works for one person might not be the best for the next.  Take some time, try various shoes on (get a good sales associate to help you if you are a beginner) and above all, get a good fitting shoe.  Nobody likes blisters!  

This, by no means, is a complete list for safety.  It is intended to just get us all thinking about what we can do to minimize our risks out there and enhance our experience in the backcountry. 
What do you think is the most important thing about safety out on the trails?