• Learn about the area you plan to visit before you get there.
• Pay close attention to current weather conditions, indigenous wildlife, and unique topography.
• What are the low and high temperatures for that season?
• Will you encounter snow or other severe weather conditions?
• When is the prime season for mosquitoes, black flies, or other pests that will take a bite out of you and your enjoyment if not properly reckoned with?
• Where are the water sources along your route and what is known about their quality?
• Contact the local land managers for information and safety concerns specific to the area you plan to explore.
• Review maps to learn the general lie of the land and familiarize yourself with prominent landmarks and terrain features.
• Once you have planned your route, including alternate routes and back-up camping destinations, leave your itinerary, including the time you expect to return, with a friend and with the local park ranger.

• Part of being prepared for a hike is being physically capable and knowing your own limits. To get yourself physically prepared for a hiking adventure, begin a regular exercise routine that includes aerobic activity and strength workouts. You should always consult a doctor before beginning a fitness program.
• Remember that other factors, such as lack of sleep, insufficient food, or being too hot or cold, will affect your ability on the trail and may decrease your stamina, strength or coordination.
• Drugs, medicinal or otherwise, may also have hindering effects including drowsiness, slow reaction time, and impaired judgment.

• Planning ahead and being prepared will give you a great advantage in this regard.
• Know what problems to expect and how to deal with common dangers of the land and you’re less apt to be taken by surprise when an incident occurs.
• If you do encounter a situation on the trail, remember to stay calm and take charge of the situation—before circumstances take control of you.

• Always carry a map and compass with you whenever you hike. And learn how to use them before you head off into the wilderness—otherwise, they won’t do you much good.
• Once you start your hike, stay on the blazed trail if trails are marked. Otherwise, be aware of your surroundings and make mental notes of unique landmarks so you’ll remember them on your way back.

• Wear the proper clothing. Natural fibers are best for allowing your skin to breathe but a poly-blend will dry faster. You can regulate your body temperature by dressing in layers. When you stop to rest in cool weather, put on a sweater or jacket to avoid chills.
• Long sleeves and full-length pants will protect you from sun, briars and insects.
• Be sure to travel with a hat, which will help you retain body heat in the winter and shield you from other outdoor hazards, like insects and sunburn.

• Hiking boots or good sturdy walking shoes are a must.
• Avoid painful blisters by breaking in your boots or shoes before your hike. Walk around in them for several days, or wear them to work or to the store a few times.
• Two pairs of socks, one lightweight inner sock and a heavy outer sock, are strongly recommended.

• Although it’s best not to hike alone, try to limit your group to less than 10 people.
• When hiking with a group, establish a leader, a sweep person and a plan of action for forks or a change of direction.
• Make sure everyone in your group knows the destination.
• Don’t leave the trail without asking a fellow hiker to wait for your return.
• If only one person has first aid knowledge, that person should be at the end of the group.

• Pack a first-aid kit whenever you hike. Make sure it’s fully stocked (restock it after every hike) and everything is clearly labeled. You should have plenty of bandages, antiseptic, burn treatment, sun screen, insect bite treatment, and scissors or tweezers.
• At least one person in your group should have first-aid training or equivalent.

• Always carry an extra day’s worth of food. Remember, you burn a lot of calories on the trail and will get hungry fast.
• Think before you drink. Even if it appears clean, all backcountry water should be considered contaminated and be treated either by boiling, using a purification system, or using chemical disinfectant filter before drinking.

• If you must be in the sun, cover exposed skin with sunscreen. Remember, even on cloudy days the sun’s rays can still be strong.
• Be aware that heat exhaustion, caused by prolonged physical exertion in hot temperatures, can afflict even the most physically fit. If this does occur, cool the victim down by whatever means available. Have the person rest and drink lots of fluids.

• Next to hypothermia, stream crossings take more backpackers’ lives than any other cause.
• Cross on a log or rocks, but if you must wade and the water is more than ankle deep, cross with a rope, if you have a safe means to set the rope in place. If not, use a triangle of people supporting each other or use a sturdy stick for support.
• Never face downstream. Stand or walk with your legs and body sideways to the current. Only move one foot or other means of support (stick or other person) at a time.

• “Leaflets three, then let it be!” Both poison ivy and poison oak fit this description.
• “Berries white - poisonous sight.” This fits ivy and oak as well as poison sumac.
• If in doubt, assume the plant is harmful. If exposed, wash immediately with soap and water.

• Avoid poisonous insects known to live in your hiking area.
• Don’t place your hands or any other part of your body in a place you cannot see, such as under rocks, bushes, logs or tents.
• Carry insect repellent for flies and mosquitoes.
• When hiking in a heavily wooded or grassy area, check often for ticks. If you do find one, remove it immediately by taking hold of its head and gently pulling. Ticks usually release their hold at once. If not, cover the area with oil and try again in a half hour. Make sure all parts have been removed.

• Boots or sturdy shoes (Make sure they’re broken in to prevent blisters.)
• Socks (Take at least one extra pair.)
• Underwear
• Long-sleeved Shirts or Sweaters
• Parka or Windbreaker
• Trousers or shorts
• Hat or other protective covering to shield head from insects, sun, and other harm
• Day Pack
• Canteen
• Food (Meals and extra energy-boosting trail snacks like candy bars, energy bars, crackers and dried fruit.)
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen (100 percent UV protection on the glasses and 25 SPF on the cream works best.)
• Pocket knife (Ideally, it should have at least one cutting blade, can opener, and scissors.)
• Matches, fire starter
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Map and Compass
• Insect Repellent
• Plastic Bag (To carry out your garbage, and what you find on the trail.)

Additional Resources

American Hiking Society

National Park Service

USDA - Forest Service

Bureau of Land Management

US Fish & Wildlife Service