Complete Hiking Safety Guide: How to Prepare for Your Next Trail Adventure

The "10 Essentials" is a list of items that should be in every hiker's backpack, regardless of the length or difficulty of your hike. These items can save your life in an emergency.

1. Navigation (Map, Compass, GPS)

Why it matters: GPS devices can fail, batteries die, and cell service is often nonexistent in the backcountry. A physical map and compass are essential backup navigation tools.

• Recommended: USGS topographic map of your hiking area
• Skill required: Learn basic map reading and compass navigation before you need it
• Pro tip: Mark your route on the map before you leave and share it with someone

2. Sun Protection

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+, water-resistant)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sun hat with wide brim
• Lip balm with SPF

Why it matters: UV radiation increases 8-10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Severe sunburn can turn into a medical emergency.

3. Insulation (Extra Layers)

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Bring:

• Insulating layer (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof/windproof shell
• Extra warm layers (even in summer)
• Gloves and hat for cold weather

Pro tip: Follow the layering system: base layer (moisture-wicking), mid layer (insulation), outer layer (wind/rain protection).

4. Illumination (Headlamp/Flashlight)

• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Extra batteries
• Backup light source

Why it matters: Even on a day hike, you might be out longer than planned. Hiking in the dark without a light is dangerous.

5. First-Aid Supplies

Your first-aid kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze pads and medical tape
• Blister treatment (moleskin or blister pads)
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions
• Elastic bandage for sprains
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers and safety pins
• Emergency whistle
• Personal medications

6. Fire Starter

• Waterproof matches or lighter
• Fire starter cubes or tinder
• Keep in waterproof container

7. Repair Kit and Tools

• Multi-tool or knife
• Duct tape
• Gear repair supplies
• Emergency shelter (space blanket or bivy)

8. Nutrition (Extra Food)

Bring more food than you think you'll need:

• High-calorie, non-perishable foods
• Energy bars, trail mix, jerky
• Emergency rations (extra day of food)

9. Hydration (Extra Water)

• Carry at least 2 liters for a day hike
• Water purification method (filter, tablets, or UV purifier)
• Know water sources along your route

Hydration rule of thumb: Drink about 1 liter per 2 hours of moderate hiking, more in hot weather or high elevation.

10. Emergency Shelter

• Emergency bivy or space blanket
• Lightweight tarp
• Large trash bag (emergency poncho/shelter)

Research Your Trail

Before every hike, you should know:

• Distance and elevation gain: Understand the physical demands
• Trail conditions: Check recent trip reports for snow, water crossings, closures
• Weather forecast: Check forecast for trailhead AND summit
• Sunset time: Plan to be off the trail well before dark
• Permits required: Some trails require advance permits

Share Your Plans

Always tell someone your hiking plan:

• Which trail you're hiking
• When you're starting and when you expect to return
• Emergency contact information
• What to do if you don't check in by a certain time

Check Your Fitness Level

Be honest about your abilities:

• Beginner: 3-5 miles, under 1,000 ft elevation gain
• Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1,000-2,500 ft elevation gain
• Advanced: 10+ miles, 2,500+ ft elevation gain

Rule of thumb: Average hiking pace is 2 mph on flat terrain, add 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Understanding Mountain Weather

Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly:

• Temperature drops: Expect 3-5°F cooler for every 1,000 feet gained
• Afternoon thunderstorms: Common in summer, especially in the Rockies
• Wind chill: Can make temperatures feel 20-30°F colder on exposed ridges

Lightning Safety

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you:

• Avoid: Open summits, ridgelines, lone trees, water
• Seek: Lower elevation, dense forest (away from tallest trees)
• Lightning position: Crouch on balls of feet, minimize contact with ground
• The 30-30 rule: Seek shelter if time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less. Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming.

Recognizing Hypothermia

Early symptoms:

• Shivering and cold hands/feet
• Confusion and poor decision making
• Slurred speech
• Stumbling or lack of coordination

Treatment: Get out of wet clothes, add dry layers, eat high-energy food, drink warm fluids, seek shelter.

Before You Leave the Trailhead

• Take a photo of the trail map/sign
• Note the trail name and trailhead location
• Set your GPS/phone to track your route
• Orient your map to your surroundings

While Hiking

• Turn around frequently to see what the trail looks like on the return
• Note landmarks and junctions
• If the trail becomes faint, stop and assess before continuing
• Check your map at every trail junction

If You Get Lost

STOP:

• Stop moving
• Think calmly about your situation
• Observe your surroundings
• Plan your next move

Most people who get "lost" are only a few hundred yards from the trail. Retrace your steps to the last point you were certain of your location.

Emergency Signaling

• Whistle: 3 blasts = universal distress signal
• Mirror/reflective surface: Signal aircraft or distant rescuers
• Ground signals: Large X or SOS made from rocks/branches
• Cell phone: Even without service, 911 may connect via other carriers

Bear Country

• Make noise: Talk, sing, or clap to avoid surprising bears
• Carry bear spray: Keep it accessible, know how to use it
• Store food properly: Use bear canisters or hang food when camping
• If you encounter a bear: Stay calm, don't run, back away slowly, make yourself look large

Moose and Elk

• Give them wide berth (at least 50 yards)
• Never get between mother and calf
• If charged, run and get behind a tree

Snakes

• Watch where you step and put your hands
• Give snakes space to retreat
• If bitten: Stay calm, remove jewelry, keep bite below heart level, seek immediate medical help

Ticks and Insects

• Use insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
• Wear long sleeves/pants in tick areas
• Check for ticks after every hike
• Remove ticks promptly with tweezers (pull straight out)

Blisters

Prevention:

• Break in boots before long hikes
• Wear moisture-wicking socks (wool or synthetic, never cotton)
• Apply moleskin or tape to hot spots immediately

Treatment: Don't pop blisters unless necessary. Drain if large, clean area, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with blister bandage.

Sprains and Strains

Prevention:

• Use trekking poles for stability
• Watch your footing, especially on descents
• Take breaks before you're exhausted

Treatment: RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Altitude Sickness

Symptoms above 8,000 feet:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness
• Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
• Shortness of breath

Prevention:

• Ascend gradually (don't drive to summit and hike)
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Spend a night at altitude before summit attempts

Treatment: Descend to lower elevation, rest, hydrate

Stick Together

• Hike at the pace of the slowest member
• Stop at every trail junction to regroup
• Designate a leader and a sweep (rear person)
• Everyone should carry the 10 essentials

Communication

• Establish check-in times if hiking in cell range
• Use two-way radios for larger groups
• Discuss emergency plans before starting

Solo Hiking Considerations

Solo hiking increases risk but can be done safely:

• Tell multiple people your detailed plan
• Consider a satellite messenger device (inReach, SPOT)
• Stick to established, popular trails
• Be extra conservative in decision-making
• Carry extra supplies

Summiting is optional. Coming home is mandatory.

Turn Around If:

• You're not making good time and will be out after dark
• Weather is deteriorating (incoming storms, increasing wind)
• Trail conditions are worse than expected
• You or someone in your group is exhausted, injured, or showing signs of illness
• Your gut tells you something isn't right

The Summit Fever Trap

Many accidents happen when hikers push too hard to reach a summit despite warning signs. Remember:

• The mountain will still be there tomorrow
• Most accidents happen on the descent when you're tired
• There's no shame in turning around

The 1 PM Rule: On big mountains, if you haven't summited by 1 PM, turn around. This ensures you descend before afternoon thunderstorms and have daylight for descent.