12 hiking safety tips that will help you avoid disaster
Even the easiest of hikes can take a serious and dangerous turn...
As the temperature rises, it’s time to get out of the house!
A hike can be a great way to get some exercise, explore your holiday destination, or simply enjoy a Saturday morning outdoors.
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You don't have to climb a mountain, but even a short trek in your area can be a great way to reconnect with nature and take a step back from life’s fast pace.
While you might feel well-equipped for even the shortest hike, accidents can happen, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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Here are some safety tips to help ensure you have a great day out and make it home safely.
1. Your hike should match your fitness and experience level
Some trails might seem like a challenge, have cool sights or be more convenient, but you should prioritise your fitness level when considering your hiking path.
There is more or less a standard formula to determine a trail's difficulty.
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This is a quick guide to hiking difficulty levels:
- Easy: Mostly level terrain, less than 5km in length. Suitable for everyone who enjoys a stroll.
- Moderate: Terrain with a few inclines and steeper segments, between 5km and 8km long. Good for beginner hikers who want a gentle challenge.
- Moderately strenuous: Terrain with steady inclines and steep sections, generally 8km to 12km. Best for intermediate-level hikers.
- Strenuous: Steep inclines and might feature significant elevation gain, usually 11km to 16km. Challenging for most hikers.
- Very strenuous: The toughest trails with steep elevation gain, might require rock scrambles, stream crossings, and other challenges; usually 12km or more in length. Suitable only for experienced and prepared hikers.
If you are not sure about the route you want to take, check reviews or ask an attendant at the location.
Ask yourself these basic questions: How much time will it take? Are there any major obstacles to be aware of? What happens if I were to get lost?
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Also, consider that you most likely have to make your way back again.
2. Tell someone where you're going
You might be trying to get away from it all, but someone somewhere needs to know where you're going.
Letting a friend or family member know when your estimated time of return will be will help others locate you if the worst happens.
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If you are lost, injured or tired, you might not have cell reception, but someone will notice something is wrong and look for you.
3. Use the buddy system
It's always a good idea to hike in a pair or with a group. If one person is involved in an accident, another can seek help. If you do go on a solo hike, be sure to tell someone and stick to easier, shorter routes.
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4. Pack the 10 essentials
It's important to set out with things you need and things you might need, but not pack too heavily.
These are the 10 hiking essentials:
- Hydration - Water bottle and water treatment supplies (filters, UV or chemical sanitisers)
- Food - High-calorie options like energy bars, candy bars, and fruit (enough for two days)
- Navigation - Paper or digital map, compass, GPS, whistle (for rescue/location)
- Sun Protection - Sunscreen, cap, sunglasses
- Light - Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
- All-Weather Clothing - Jacket, gloves, hat, rain shell
- Firestarters - Waterproof matches or lighter
- First Aid Kit - With bandages, disinfecting ointment, and allergy and pain medications
- Repair Kit - Duct tape, scissors, pocket knife
- Emergency Shelter - An ultralight tarp or space blanket in case your hike turns into an overnight trip or if you encounter severe weather
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5. Wear the right footwear
Sometimes we ignore the simplest advice.
Hikes can have rough terrain, slippery surfaces, and be hard on your feet.
Make sure you wear the right shoes for the activity you are doing, with enough support and tread.
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6. Know how to fall.
Taking a tumble on a hike can be a serious accident. If you find yourself falling, do not break your fall with your hands.
This can cause cuts or wrist injuries. Aim to land on your side.
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7. Spot the difference: harmful and harmless plants
Don't consume anything, and make sure you are aware of which plants can result in a reaction when touched.
These SA plants are toxic and can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and vomiting: Arum Lily, Oleander, Castor Bean, and Gifblaar (Dichapetalum cymosum).
8. Stay on the trail
Obvious but worth remembering. This isn't the start of a horror movie, so stay on track.
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9. Watch out for water and slippery footholds
Waterfalls, streams and rivers may be beautiful, but one wrong step could end in disaster.
Don't wade into water when you are unaware of the depth, and avoid stepping on slippery, wet rocks.
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10. Be wary of water
Never assume that all freshwater streams are reliable drinking water sources. They could be full of fungi or bacteria.
Ideally, you should bring enough water or a portable filtration system (followed by boiling the water).
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11. Avoid attracting animals
Resist the urge to interact with any cute or potentially dangerous animal friends.
Avoid wearing strong perfume or hygiene products, keep food in airtight containers and stay on trails.
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12. After your hike, check for ticks
As beautiful as nature is, ticks are not a pleasant experience to deal with. They latch on to you and cause serious illnesses.
To reduce the risk, tuck your pants into your socks, wear insect repellent and avoid walking through bushy areas.
Afterwards, be sure to check every part of your body for any pesky pests who decided to grab a lift.
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