Hints for hiking safely

June 21, 8:59 PMBay Area Hiking ExaminerSusan Alcorn

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Rest stop at Upper San Leandro Reservoir

With the beautiful days we're having, it's a great time to take some hikes. However, even though no one sets out expecting an emergency, accidents do happen. With the following tips, you'll be better equipped to ward off, or deal with, any problems that might occur.

1. Prevention is (generally) better than cure! Someone in your hiking party should know basic first aid and CPR. These are skills that can be needed any place, but they are even more important to have when you are several miles or hours from  medical help. Check out classes at: American Red Cross  or American Heart Association.

2. Check the local weather report (and trail conditions if possible). Always be prepared to go to Plan B (or C), if Plan A doesn't look safe. Even experienced  mountain climbers turn back when the risks are too great.

3. Start your hike hydrated. If temperatures are high, drink a liter or so of water before you leave home. Carry adequate water when you hike, and keep in mind that children are more susceptible to dehydration. The amount of water you need will vary depending on the weather, terrain, rate of travel, and your fitness and age.

When hiking, drink water every 30 minutes or so — even though you may not yet feel thirsty. If your hike will be lengthy, you may need to add electrolytes (salt replacement mixtures) to your water.

4. Wear appropriate clothing. During hot weather wear a sun hat, sunglasses that provide protection from UV rays, sunscreen of 30+ rating, and light-weight layers of clothing that can be shed or added on as necessary.

Whether you choose to wear hiking boots or trail runners (I generally choose the latter), made sure they are in good repair. I've seen rubber disintegrate from old tennis shoes, and soles flapping loose on hiking boots.

5. Leave word where you are hiking and when you should be expected to return. If there are trail registers, sign in.

6. Take maps adequate for the area. Often the free trail maps offered at a park's entrance will work, but sometimes you'll need to bring a more detailed one.

7. Bring first aid supplies. Include blister bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain-reliever, mosquito repellent if indicated, and a piece of duct tape (wrapped around your hiking pole).
 
8. Carry food. In addition to lunch, carry an energy bar to provide fuel if you need. Children need more frequent snacks, so carry such quick energy sources as raisins, nuts, a chocolate or granola bar,  seeds, an apple, and cheese sticks.

9. Have a shelter. Tuck in a wind- or fleece jacket or Mylar space blanket.

10. Pack a Swiss Army knife with tweezers and toothpick. Useful for everything from slicing cheese and salami at a picnic to pulling out splinters and cactus spines.

11. Bundle together your ID as well as your medical insurance and credit cards. Besides the obvious uses of these, a plastic card rubbed on edge across a bee-sting will remove the stinger and reduce swelling.

12. Add in a bandanna. It's a most versatile object — useful as a head covering, a washcloth, a napkin, a cooling neckpiece, a bandage or to secure a splint.

13. Wear a whistle. Important for summoning help. Carry a small flashlight. The Princeton Tec Pulsar LED pinch light weighs only 0.25 ounces. Available at REI and other outdoor gear stores.

14. Pack a cell phone — but don't rely on it in remote areas!

15. Consider hiking poles. They provide greater stability on the trail, make going uphill faster and easier, and make going downhill safer and easier on the joints.

Take time to enjoy the dragonflies photo by Susan Alcorn.

Happy trails,

Backpack45