Safety tips to hike alone

Safety tips to hike alone

Hiking is a wonderful activity allowing us not only to exercise but also a connection with nature as well as our inner selves.

That's why many people prefer to hike alone rather than in a group, just to avoid the noise and interference others may mean, interfering with such connections.

Obviously, there's nothing bad in group hiking, but for some people, that's not always the best choice, and tend to hike alone but even when this is a peaceful activity, it's not risk-free, especially when you are in remote areas, far from help, and out of contact with other human beings.

That's why it's important to keep in mind the following tips to keep yourself safe when hiking alone.

1. Plan a route and keep following it
Planning a route will allow you to make some investigation before going to hike. Data such as unevenness, weather conditions, water sources, landslides, or any other potential danger may be assessed online as well as several other sources, being particularly important when you are going to hike in a place where you have never been before.

Solo Hiking

Once the route has been planned, adhere to it to avoid surprises along the way.

2. Inform your close relatives or friends where about your route
That's extremely important because, in case of an emergency, they will have critical information for emergency rescue teams about where you might be.

In this regard, it's extremely important to inform also an estimation of how long you will be out, this way your loved ones at home might begin a search in case you don't show when it's supposed to and they don't have notices about you and your wellbeing.

3. Try to keep in contact
Even when some areas are so far from civilization that it might be impossible to get in contact with anyone, it's always a good idea to have a cell phone and a radio with you, hoping to have a signal connection in case something happens and you need to ask for help.

Regarding this point, it's important to keep contact through messages or calls at regular intervals previously agreed with those at home, this way, if something happens, they may warn authorities.

Of course, if you know there's no connection in a given area (see point one), set information contact just before entering and leaving it. The timeframe you pretend to be in the out-of-contact zone will be crucial in case you need help.

4. Bring enough water with you
In many areas, there are water sources available but the best choice is to bring your water with you since sanitation conditions of natural water sources are unknown.

However, in case of an emergency you always may have access to such sources but don't forget to pack a potabilization device with you, especially in long hiking expeditions.

5. Don't forget your first aids kit
Even a minor injury may turn into a big problem when you are alone and far from help, so bring with you a first aid kit including not only general, basic materials and equipment but also regular and emergency medication you might need.

In the case of regular medications and a long excursion, get some extra doses, just in case you stay out more time than expected.

As you may see, hiking may turn into a big problem if you are not ready to face unexpected situations.


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