Hiking is a good hobby for people wishing to have outdoor fitness and fun experience. Before hitting the hiking trail, you need to be aware of hiking risks. Most risks can be reduced if not eliminated.

Whether you are new to hiking or experienced, you should be aware and educated so that you can reduce any associated dangers. Read the post below to understand some risks of hiking trails you should prepare for.

Natural calamities

Natural calamities such as hurricanes, flooding, lightning, wildfires are common during hiking. Hurricanes may be more common during warm weather and wildfires during drought. Prepare for such risks by taking the necessary safety measures through understanding the kinds of disasters that can strike.

During harsh climatic conditions that may be unfavorable to hiking, you can choose other fun outdoor activities such as boating. Boating offers an opportunity for many sports activities such as surfing, skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and more. However, you should ensure that you have the safety skills needed to operate a boat.

You can enroll with Ilearntoboat.com and acquire boating education after passing the Oregon boaters license test. Ilearntoboat offers boat courses with no timers, which means you can complete the course at your own pace. Upon the course completion, you receive the boater education card that qualifies you to operate a boat.

Inadequate water

Water is needed for survival on the hiking trail. If you fail to bring enough water and are not sure of any sources, it can make the experience unenjoyable and, in some cases, life-threatening. It is very difficult to find clean water on the hiking trail. You may need at least two liters each day and the amount can vary depending on the weather.

Before hitting the hiking trail, take some water to stay hydrated. Carry enough water and ensure that it is easily accessible. If you are embarking on a day hike, you can consider bottled water and remember to balance water consumption with food intake.

Physical injuries

The most common injuries during hikes include sprains, cuts, and blisters. A common type of sprain occurs at the ankle and is a result of failing to wear the right hiking shoes. Wear good hiking boots and, if possible, use hiking poles to improve your stability. Cuts may be hard to prevent, although in most cases, they are not serious.

Blisters can be caused by friction between the footwear and your skin. Ensure that your socks don’t flip as you walk and that the boots fit tightly. Try to avoid wearing new boots directly from a shop as they may be uncomfortable.

Wildlife encounters

There are some areas where wild animals may show up on hiking trails. However, the types of wild animals may vary depending on your location. Ensure that you are aware of the kind of wild animals you may encounter along the way. Learn what to do in case of such occurrences.

To minimize wildlife encounters, travel in groups and make some noise through singing and talking. This may help to avoid scaring the animals. Avoid wearing headphones while on the trail, else you miss noises that may indicate the presence of animals.

Getting lost

Getting lost is a common occurrence among sole hikers. Sometimes it could be fear of bear attacks. If you don’t research well about the geography of the hiking trail, you may get lost.

Some online trail reports may be inaccurate but you can find detailed information by searching the name of the hiking trail. Obtain a map to guide you throughout the hike. You can find maps at gift shops, park offices, ranger stations or buy them online. Learn how to navigate with a compass and a map.