Lykkers, are you feeling excited about hitting the trails and exploring nature? Hiking is a great way to relax, enjoy fresh air, and challenge ourselves—but going unprepared can turn a great day into a risky one.

So, before we head out, let’s make sure we’re fully equipped, aware, and ready for anything.

Plan Ahead Before the Hike

Before any hike, we should evaluate our own fitness and health condition. It's important to choose a route that matches our physical ability—nothing too steep or complicated. Let’s take the time to map out the trail in advance and download offline maps, just in case we lose signal.

We also need to understand the area we’re visiting. This includes checking terrain conditions, available facilities, local habits or rules, and any known safety concerns. If there's a chance we might stay overnight or take longer than expected, it’s smart to bring basic camping gear, just in case.

Don’t Forget These Essentials

Here’s a quick checklist of must-bring items:

- Windproof and warm jacket: Weather can change anytime, and it’s better to stay protected.

- Food and water: Pack enough drinking water and high-energy snacks like granola bites, nuts, and chocolate.

- First-aid kit: Include band-aids, pain relief, and medicine for small injuries or emergencies.

- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats help keep us safe from harsh sun and wind.

Safety Comes First on the Trail

We should stay alert to a few common outdoor challenges:

- Allergies and bugs: Masks and antihistamines help with pollen. Long sleeves and bug repellent protect us from insect bites.

- Wild animals: We should pay attention to the ground and surroundings. Making noise with a stick is a helpful way to avoid unexpected wildlife encounters.

Hike Smart with These Tips

Let’s hike with friends whenever possible and stick to well-developed trails. Exploring unmarked or restricted areas can be dangerous and is best avoided.

Clothing plays a huge role in comfort and safety. We should dress in layers and follow the simple rule: “Take it off when warm, put it on when cold, and change if wet.” Gloves, hats, and dry socks are good additions. Don’t forget to bring a phone or communication device, and always follow local safety guidelines about fire prevention.

Respect and Protect Nature

When hiking, let’s remember to pack out everything we bring in. We shouldn’t litter, step on plants, or pick wildflowers. By taking care of nature, we help keep the outdoors beautiful for everyone.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

If we get lost or face danger, staying calm is key. Avoid wasting energy, call for help, and wait for rescue rather than trying to find our own way out.

- Signal for help: Use the SOS code—three short, three long, and three short signals. We can use a flashlight at night or a mirror during the day.

- Find water: Check low valleys, green vegetation, or animal tracks. A plastic bag tied to fresh leaves may collect condensation water.

- Build shelter: We can use tree branches, stones, or gear to create a simple shelter.

- Handle falls carefully: After falling, move slowly and check for injury before standing. If someone has serious injuries, like spine or hip fractures, don’t move them—wait for professional help.

Make Hiking Easier with Smart Tricks

- Outward feet: Slightly turning feet outward helps reduce stress on knees when going uphill.

- Small steps: Keep steps short to avoid losing balance.

- Weight shift: Shift our weight to the front foot after placing it down, then move the next leg.

- Straight posture: Keep the head, waist, and ankle in line to better support the body.

Downhill? Use These Three Techniques

- Short steps: On steep slopes, use short steps no longer than our foot length.

- Sideways method: Turn sideways and let the lower foot go first, keeping the weight on the back leg for balance. Use hands if needed.

- Zigzag walk: On sharp slopes, zigzag walking spreads muscle effort evenly and avoids over-fatigue.

Post-Hike Recovery Matters Too

After hiking, let’s not forget to care for our body:

- Stretch: Take 5–10 minutes to stretch. This reduces soreness and helps our muscles recover.

- Eat well: Meals should be easy to digest, with enough sugar, some protein, and plenty of veggies and fruit.

- Get rest: Sleep allows our body to repair and recover—one of the best parts of a good hike is the peaceful sleep after!

Who Should Avoid Hiking?

Some people should avoid hiking due to physical conditions. For example:

- People with joint issues: Hiking increases knee stress.

- Those with chronic illnesses: Conditions like heart disease or breathing problems may worsen.

- Those lacking exercise habits: Suddenly doing high-intensity hiking could be harmful, especially for older adults or those with low fitness levels.

Let’s Hike the Smart Way!

Every hike is a chance to explore, grow stronger, and enjoy peace. But smart planning is the real key. Let’s pack wisely, stay safe, care for the environment, and respect our limits. Lykkers, are you ready for a hike that’s not only fun but also safe and stress-free? Let’s conquer the trails, one careful step at a time!

The 10 Essentials - Never Hike Without These! (Plus Hiking Tips)

Video by West Coast Elements