Planning Your Hike
Pick your hike based off your fitness level. It is important to be honest with yourself when selecting a hike. Easy trails are generally well maintained with little to no elevation gain. Moderate trails have steadier ascents and descents with some mild obstacles in the trail such as roots and rocks. Strenuous trails are longer, steeper, more obstacles and more technical hikes. In general, hiking difficulty ratings a very region to region and I have found that strenuous hikes on the East Coast of the USA would be more likely given a moderate ranking on the West coast of the USA. Keep all of this in mind when selecting your hike.
Know your trail
Review the maps and trails before you head out. It is advisable to review your trail map prior to starting on your trip. Great hiking apps such as Alltrails will give you the length of the trail, reviews, ability to download the map prior to going so you can trace with your GPS, and general time to complete the hike. It is also great to look for emergency exit points and water sources along the way in case of emergency. For multi day section hiking mapping out where you expect to be camping each night will be useful. Bringing a compass, map and GPS can be extremely useful.
Electronic Preparedness
Cellphone preparation is important. Making sure that your cellphone is appropriately charged prior to leaving for the hike. In addition, conserving battery by going on airplane mode or turning off unnecessary apps. You will likely lose cellphone coverage on the trail. You can pre-download a map of the area and even on airplane mode it will track you via GPS. Your cellphone can be a lifeline as has a compass, GPS, flashlight for emergency services but these all become obsolete if you lose battery power. Carrying a portable charging device that has been adequately charged can be a lifesaver. You should always consider carrying other devices such as headlamp/flashlight or compass/map in case of emergency and loss of battery on cellphone.
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going
Beverly Sills
Review the weather
Especially for day hikes checking the weather and planning accordingly is extremely useful. It is also important to be where that weather can dramatically change and is unpredictable. In the event of a sudden storm, move away from exposed places to take shelter. Because weather can be unpredictable, bringing layers and rain gear can truly protect you from the elements.
what to pack
Remember to pack accordingly and make sure that your bringing along the ten essentials.
inform on hiking plans
Inform family or friends of your plan for hiking and when your expected to return. If you are back packing on a multi-day hike it is advisable to let this person know where you will be expected to camp each night and the sections of the trial you will be hiking during the day in case of need for evacuation or location.
enjoy
Lastly, enjoy the hike! You’ve prepared so make sure to get the most out of your hike and nature. You deserve it!
