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The key to a great hiking trip isn't about the brand of boots you buy, the temperature of the air, or what you've packed in your picnic. To experience a really great outdoor trek, you need to know how to pick a trail. The safety of the trail you choose can be compromised by nature, and by fellow hikers. To pick a great trail, you need to know that hiking trails can vary greatly depending on where you're planning to travel. The differences between a serene vineyard stroll and a rugged rainforest trek are huge. This extreme variation is what draws backpackers to the world's trails, but for all the fun, adventure and excitement that hiking offers, trails can lead to dangerous situations. Most outdoor survival situations that occur annually are due to the hiker's lack of foresight and failure to prepare for potentially dangerous situations. Being an experienced hiker doesn't mean that you're immune to the hazards of hiking. Beginners and seasoned trekkers alike face struggles that can quickly develop into dangerous predicaments. Natural hazards are only a small part of the problem. When hiking unknown terrain, or traveling far from home, the dangers you confront can come from the people you encounter. You can recognize, avoid and overcome some common hiking safety risks by following these tips: Hike with a Buddy The dangers of hiking increase substantially when you travel alone. On the other hand, hiking with at least one partner can help you to avoid potentially disastrous situations, and can enable you to overcome them. Hiking by yourself is certainly an adrenaline rush and will bring an extreme element to your trek. Still, a friend means guaranteed help if you need it, and backup if you meet harassing individuals on the trail. Solace is no replacement for security if you run into unsavory individuals. Whether you run into the good, the bad or the ugly, it's always a good idea to have a friend in tow. Leave Your Itinerary It's essential that you leave some information with your friends and family if you plan to pick a trail that's not familiar. Tell your friends where you will be hiking, and include the particular trail if possible. If you're registering with a park or camp office to use a trail, be sure to leave emergency contact information. You should also have the phone numbers for local law enforcement, park rangers and land managers. Keep it Quiet It's important to make your itinerary known to close friends, but don't broadcast it to everyone. You shouldn't discuss your travel plans with suspicious strangers, the camp store clerk or the guy at the local bar. Don't travel with unknown hikers, even if you're hiking an uncharted course. If you meet another group and you're hiking alone, pretend that you're leading other hikers that have trailed behind. Make sure that your friends know where you will be, and register your itinerary. These are precautionary measures that can protect you if you run into trouble on the trail. Don't Overdress You never know who you'll meet on the trail, so don't bring yourself any unwelcome attention. This is no place for your Rolex watch or a roll of cash. When hiking an unknown trail, you need to assume that you're leaving yourself vulnerable to the ill attentions of anyone you meet. Be Social and Sensible Not every stranger is a source of danger, but you do need to use common sense and exercise caution when you meet an unknown individual or group. Avoid anyone who is acting strangely, openly hostile, provocative or drunk. Make a mental note about the details of their appearance, behavior and location. Remember, even though you shouldn't broadcast your itinerary to strangers, you don't necessarily need to be anti-social. Some solid and lasting relationships can be made with fellow hikers. Potential dangers lay along all of life's roads, whether it's a hike in the wilderness or a potential career change. Think about what may be waiting around the corner, and choose your path carefully.
Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com
Author Horace Jurdon contributes to numerous popular Internet sites, on sports instruction and sports leisure themes.
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