4 Steps to an
Enjoyable
Hike
By
Arnel Ricafranca
Some people have fought many years of their
lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now
enjoy. That dedication and effort have been rewarded by fantastic
hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national parks systems.
In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation
and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those
dirt trails.
Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide
to take you.
1. Know the area you will be going into. Although many states, like
California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots,
even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether
it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park
office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out
on your hike so you know what to expect.
2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is
worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike,
because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the
trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an
extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is
also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for
at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the
morning.
3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions.
There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself
comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:
- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and
natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay
warm when wet. - Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus
carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.
- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good
socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause
with uncomfortable shoes and socks. Finally, a hat in cold weather is a
great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your
head.
4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be
prepared with a first aid kit that matches the hiking you will be
doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple
first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can
build you own, which should include these basics: - Different sizes and
shapes of bandages and gauzes. - Various types of tape for wounds or
fixing tools. - Suntan lotion. - A light emergency blanket (preferably
with some kind of water resistance). - Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and
anti-diuretic medications. - Small multi-use tool with a knife,
scissors, and a needle and thread. - A cell phone can come in very
handy in emergencies. It is recommended that you pack all of this in a
waterproof bag or container.
These tips should ensure a comfortable, short hiking adventure.
Author: Arnel
Ricafranca
|
