Hiking Safety

Hiking safety is very important, whether you are going on a day hike, a three-day backcountry excursion, or even a family picnic.

No one ever plans to get into trouble when enjoying the outdoors, especially if you are just going out for a picnic. However, injuries can occur (such as accidentally slicing your finger while preparing your picnic lunch, or perhaps twisting your ankle in a gopher hole while playing frisbee). Hiking equipment can fail. Weather can change quickly. Even day hikes, where you are expecting to return in a few hours, generally involve travel in wilderness areas where there may be few or no other hikers.

Being prepared for hiking safety is crucial. Be sure to bring your hiking safety checklist with you on each and every picnic and hike. These items will help you mend bodies, repair equipment, and see you through an unplanned overnight stay in the wilderness.

Learn how to build your own first aid kit.

Part of your hiking safety routine should also include preparing a Trip Plan before you leave. The trip plan contains all pertinent details of your hike: the time/date of departure and expected return, the specific route you'll be taking, emergency contact information, and a list of exactly who will be going with you. This trip plan should be left with a loved one at home or in your vehicle.

Hug A Tree and Survive

One of the most important hiking safety tips I recommend is the Hug a Tree and Survive program. It originated in San Diego, CA, after a nine-year-old boy became lost and tragically died in the wilderness. This quick, easy program is highly recommended for both adults and children.

Give each hiker a whistle and an orange plastic garbage bag. The bag must be orange (not a traditional green garbage bag) for the best visiblity.

As soon as you realize you may be lost, it is important to remain calm. This helps you to stay rational and think clearly.

• Stop immediately and "hug a tree and survive" - in other words, stay where you are. You may think you are heading back towards the trail, when you could be heading further and further away.

• Blow three short blasts on your whistle - three of anything is a universal distress signal.

• Make a hole in the garbage bag and put it on. This keeps you visible. The garbage bag can also help keep you warm and dry.

Your chances of being found are much greater if you do not wander any further.

If you are hiking with children, please see our Hiking with Kids page for more outdoor emergency preparedness tips targeted specifically for a child's needs.

Don't Get Lost!

To avoid losing your way, start with these simple guidelines:

• Hiking safety always includes hiking with a partner. If you are alone and seriously injure yourself, you will have no one to help you.
• Unless you are a well-seasoned hiker, stay on well-marked hiking trails. Be aware of the direction your trail is taking you - is it a loop that brings you back where you started from, or is it a winding path heading to a lake with the same return route?
• Avoid exceeding your water fording or climbing abilities, as well as distance.
• Take along a map and compass, and teach yourself how to use them. A GPS unit can also be very useful; but keep in mind that GPS units are not always functional in the back country.

While hiking, make a mental note of your surroundings - landmarks, trees, large rocks, streams, hills, etc. This will give you a mental picture of your hike if you need to retrace your path.

If you hike in an area with a high viewpoint, you can use that perspective to look for your trail, campsite, parking lot, etc. Take a note of which direction the sun is moving.

Above all, if you do get lost, remain calm, think clearly, and remember the Hug A Tree and Survive Program.