A weekend hike in the wilderness can do good for the body. This allows you to enjoy time in nature, and it has been proven that a few hours of this each week can benefit your health and wellbeing. However, there are a few factors that you must consider before you head out.
Most hikes will require some planning, but this is even more important when the hike will last a few days. There is a lot that can go wrong in this time, and you must prepare yourself to reduce the likelihood of bad experiences, whether that is getting lost or dealing with injuries. This post has outlined four of the most essential tips to ensure you are adequately prepared before you set out on a weekend hike in the great outdoors.
Learn the Basic Survival Skills
Since even the best-laid plans can go wrong, hikers should know the basics of survival in the wild. It is often best to listen to an expert’s advice with this, especially as using the wrong information could land you in a heap of trouble – and endanger your life. The best knowledge to know that shelter, water, and food are the most important aspects of ensuring your survival.
If you take a tent, as mentioned later, you will already have shelter. For a weekend hike, it is possible to pack enough water and food for the duration of your trip, but you should know how to find both as a precaution. After all, it is possible to lose supplies or run out if calculated incorrectly.
For water, you should carry a filter or chlorine dioxide tablets to purify any water you find from a reliable source. Unclean water will make you ill. Water is vital as you can only survive three days without it. On the other hand, food is not at crucial; you could survive three weeks with no food. If you do spot edible berries, and you are certain they are the right type, you can collect and eat them if you are in a bind.
Invest in the Right Kit
Having the right kit for any hike is a good idea, but it is essential when your hike will last a full weekend or longer. Some items, like a sturdy pair of hiking boots, will need to be broken in, so you must buy them well in advance of your trip to ensure they are comfortable on your feet. Additionally, you will want to buy waterproof clothing, such as trousers and jackets, that can withstand harsh weather and be rolled up tightly for easy storage in your backpack.
Other pieces of kit you will need include a lightweight tent. The lightweight designs are preferable for multiple day hikes as they can be carried easily and set up in simple steps. Although some people might enjoy sleeping out in the open when the weather is kind, a tent can provide effective shelter against the elements, insects, and other things you might encounter on your weekend hike.
If you plan on participating in activities during the hike, then you should also pack for them. People will commonly take part in cold water dips during their weekend hikes if there is the opportunity, and this can be an enjoyable experience if you are prepared.
Research Your Route
Your preparation for the hike will also mean researching the chosen route. It is incredibly unsafe to just head off on a trail and hope for the best, especially when you are staying outdoors overnight. Instead, you should research and map out your route, selecting the best camping spots as you plan. This way, you will know what to expect for your hike.
As you research your route, you should also take the time to find exit routes leading to a nearby town along the hard sections of the hike, just in case you need to stop. Hikes lasting multiple days will often take you away from the main roads and towns, so it is beneficial to have a Plan B, C, and even D in mind before you set off.
All of this knowledge will ensure you feel confident when you begin hiking as you will know where to go, where to camp, and where you can make a retreat if it gets too tough.
Make a Plan for Emergencies
Unfortunately, there will be times when things don’t go quite to plan. This can be a lot more dangerous when you are in the middle of nowhere, so having a plan for emergencies is vital. One of the first aspects to think about is letting other people know where you are, what your plans are, and when you should return by. With this knowledge, the individual you tell can sound the alarm if they do not hear from you on your return date.
Additionally, you should carry a first aid kit with your when you are exploring the great outdoors. The items stored in a first aid kit, ranging from insect bite ointment to bandages, can help to keep you comfortable and safe. In extreme cases, some of the kit could very well save your life. You might also place a personal location beacon in the kit, which is particularly useful if you are hiking alone or in an area with poor signal. Storing it in the first aid kit means it will be on you at all times, too.
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