Hiking isn't a dangerous hobby. Enjoying God's creation is fun and relaxing, however, when you head off into the woods and far from civilization, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.  Especially if you are going where your mobile phone doesn't have any reception.

Don't travel alone

Like any rule, there are exceptions. If you're just going for a stroll in a nearby, well-traveled area you're as safe there as anywhere. But if you travel through heavily forested areas, with steep canyons and winding trails, you can easily get lost. And, of course, there are lots of gradations in between. Use your judgment.

Traveling with a partner will help you in many ways, especially if he or she is an experienced hiker. People in pairs are much less likely to panic. They can assist one another up steep grades and apply first-aid when needed.

He or she can travel back to the trail head if you're injured. And, if needed, body heat can be much better conserved when there are two traveling together. Hypothermia has killed more than one lost hiker before they could be rescued.

Plan your hike and destination

This tip is a lot like #1. The same concern applies - you don't want to get lost. Stay on clearly marked or well-traveled trails until or unless you are experienced enough to create your own path. 

A map, a compass and/or a GPS unit is a must for any kind of serious hike.  With all of the information available online today, there is no excuse for heading into the wilderness without being prepared.  Use Google Maps and Google's satellite imagery to checkout the area before you leave.  Now it takes just minutes to get a birds eye view of your planned route.

Bring along some simple survival gear

You can go overboard on gear. But for anything more than a simple, two-hour hike over easy terrain, why not toss a few things into your backpack just to be on the safe side?  If you hike often, why not setup a daypack with everything you need and keep it in your car.  That way you'll have it when you need it and if you ever experience a breakdown, you'll also be prepared.

  1. Bring along a lighter or some water proof matches
  2. Create a simple first aid kit with gauze and bandages, some antiseptic cream and a travel bottle of pain relievers
  3. A flashlight

Bring Along Some Basic Provisions

Water or other fluids like sports drinks are obviously vital. You can lose a lot of fluid even over a two-hour period on a hot day. Heat stroke can kill, but is easily preventable. Being dehydrated will significantly reduce physical performance. Just remember water weighs about 8 lbs per gallon. Take what you need, not much more.

Except in emergencies, avoid drinking out of streams. Forget TV commercials. Natural water sources can be filled with bacteria.  Sure, your proably safe to drink it, and if you are in desperate need to re-hydrate, you may have to do it but avoid it.  Bring along your own water.

Take enough food to last you the anticipated hike time.  Even if you only plan to be gone a few hours, bring along some snacks.
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There are so many choices available for backpacks today that before looking at the details it can be helpful understand the basics.  What are you going to use it for primarily?  Weekend overnight trips?  Day trips?  Extending backpack adventuring?

Consider first how much you intend to carry. To a significant degree, that will be determined by how long you intend to hike and in what conditions. An overnight trip in an area with a snack bar or restaurant calls for one strategy. A weeklong trek far from civilization is another kettle of fish entirely.

As a starting point, remember that you'll need around a gallon of water for each day.  Depending on where you are heading and the availability of clean water, you may need to bring along quite a bit.

Depending on how strenuous your hike will be, you'll need about a pound of food for each day.  The more vertical your route the more calories you'll consume, so be sure you know what is ahead of you before you hit the trail.


Hiking is great exercise, however, you can put your health in danger by ignoring your body's need for salts and carbohydrates.  Fluid intake is the most important element. Imbalances of electrolytes can leave you on the ground every bit as exhausted as a marathon runner.

Consider your overall level of fitness. If you're really fit, you can carry more weight farther. But don't go overboard.  Experienced hikers minimize their load.

That load is sometimes called FSO (From the Skin Out) weight. That's loaded backpack weight (20-50lbs or more), socks and shoes (around 3lbs), etc. One sub-category is called pack weight, which includes just the contribution from an empty backpack. Pack weight varies by material, quantity of aluminum tubing incorporated, etc.

Consider how you intend to carry the weight. The majority of backpacks have a large number of internal and external pockets and flaps, as well as loops and buckles to carry add-ons.

The flaps can be the kind that flip over the entire pack, to keep out dirt or water. Smaller flaps are often used to cover buckles or other components that can produce discomfort or snag. Loops and buckles are used to allow you to carry hiking poles, bungee cords, tenting equipment, water bottles and so forth.

Plan to keep the overwhelming majority of the weight inside the pack. Doing otherwise shifts the center of mass making it harder to carry and maintain your balance.  

Try a number of packs out before buying. Women in particular will want to be careful, since even packs of the right size may not fit comfortably and comfort is vital to enjoying your hike. You'll be carrying it and the load hours and maybe days!

Make sure you have enough adjustment length on shoulder straps, belt loops and other elements to make the pack feel like an extension of your body. Take along some items to put in the pack to give you a realistic idea of how a loaded pack will actually feel and operate.
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