Hiking Survival Tips
Hey, OneSelfers! I hope that you enjoyed my latest blog post Being In Nature: Hike With Me. If you haven’t read the blog post, click here to get the scoop. It’s been a long time since I have done any hiking, period. The last time that I actually did a hike was when I was in Girl Scouts in middle school. Yikes, that was half my life ago… well I’m here to give you some major tips if you, friends and family want to plan a trip to any National, State, Historic, Memorial, etc. parks across the United State.
1. Start Small
If you have never hiked before, mostly all national and state parks have maps and signage for different trails to hike in their parks. The trails range from 1 mile to about 4 miles and beyond. Make sure to clear you hike with a health provider and take a beginner hike trail. Someone at the Ranger Station can help you out.
2. Friends Family Hike
Plan a hike with your friends, family members, significant other, etc. When I went hiking this week, I went with my bestfriend and our friends (which we invited.)
Make sure you plan your trip in advance. I know when my bestfriend and I planned out Big Sur trip with have to postpone our trip a few time due to fires. The best way to check for any updates is through your state’s parks and recreation [California] and National Parks Service website for any updates.
3. First Aid Kit
This is a huge one…which we forgot. We didn’t have a first aid kit and guess what? My friend Miracle fell the first five minutes into the hike. The crazy part was that we weren’t even on a trail yet. Can’t make this up. Thank goodness other fellow hikers had a first aid kit and using my Girl Scout knowledge to wrap her up, including using my hair scarf on my head.
Make sure you pack a first aid kit. You can buy a first aide kit any major store such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Big Five, you name it. Or you can make you a mini one to put into your bag (that I have when I travel to different cities).
4. Check The Weather
This is the second biggest thing. It can be hot, cold, raining, natural fires, etc. This will help you prepare if you need to wear lighter clothes or heavy clothing
Each state and recreation park website can tell you the weather of that day. And also Google.
5. Tell Someone Your Location
This should be above the first aid kit. When I went hiking on Monday, I was telling everybody that I was going hiking. Depending on some parks you may not have reception. Before you go into those areas of the park make sure you let a family member or friends know where you will bat and the exact location.
6. Packing Essentials
Here is a list of what we had packed as our essentials
Backpack
When my bestfriend Mark and I plan this trip he told us we need to get backpack. And it was a great investment
RUPUMPACK Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack with BPA FREE 2L Water Bladder - Keeps Liquid Cool up to 4 Hours for $24.99 on Amazon.
Snack
~Trail mixs (Winco)
~ Sandwiches (We made a day before the trip)
~2 extra water bottles (which fit in the backpack)
~Fruit: mangos, grapes, cucumbers
~Chips and/or healthy options
Electronics +
Make sure all devices are charged: Cell phones, cameras, power bank
Selfie stick
Here is a list for what we will pack the next time
REMEMBER THE FIRST AID KIT!!!
7. Stretch Before Your Hike
I didn’t do this and ending feeling the burn for two days after the hike. Do some light stretching before your hike, during your breaks, and when you are completely done. You have been warm.
8. Music (OPTIONAL)
I feel like I would be the one to get lost. When I could. So I was in charge holding the portable radio. Not only its way if someone far away from you and you can’t hear the sound, you need to stop and turn back around to make sure that person is okay.
Note: The best music to listen to on a hike will so be K-POP. You will thank me later! If you don’t want to listen to music, it’s totally optional. Listen to nature. It’s so peaceful just hearing everything around you,
9. What To Wear
~Shoes: Make sure they have a grip on the bottom if you can’t afford hiking boots. Like running shoes with grips. You can find some for $34.99 to $49.99
~Socks: Ankles or higher.
~Top: Dri-FIT would be the best in my opinion. If you don’t got that like a workout shirt. But dress for the weather is key.
~Bottom: Dri-FIT would be the best in my opinion. If you don’t got that like a workout shorts', capris', or long pants'. But dress for the weather is key.
10. Live In The Moment
Yes we take all the pictures in the world. Have the best selfie for the gram. Just live in the moment while on your hike. Discover the trees, sounds, and everything in between.
If you OneSelfers have any tips for future hiking trips, list them down in the comment sections below. I hope these tips can help you on your next adventure.
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