9 Golden Rules Of Hiking

Golden Rule ~ 1    

Planning

There are numerous ways to search for a destination. Friends, family, or co-workers can often render the best, pre-tested ideas. But there are many apps available as well that provide sufficient data to assist you with your decision. A few we have used with success are ‘All Trails‘ or ‘Google Earth.’ Bookstores and outdoor stores also supply great resources for trail maps, guidebooks, and suggestions. The U.S. Forest Service itself is another fabulous resource. 

If you plan on going outside of cell service and are exploring unfamiliar trails, we recommend obtaining an actual map as a backup in case you lose cell service or battery power.

Acknowledge your physical abilities and limitations. Trail descriptions will furnish the difficulty level, elevation gain, and length of each trail. Use this information in conjunction with your physical condition to estimate the amount of time needed to complete the hike.

In estimating schedule for the entire day, several factors need to be considered.  Such as who will be joining you? Where and when will you meet up? When will you head out for the trailhead, before or after coffee?  How long is the drive? Have you planned extra time for things like traffic, stopping for gas or picking up permits?  From your trail research, you know roughly how long it should take to complete it, but did you add ‘buffer’ time? Be sure to add extra time need for sightseeing, breaks and photo ops.

~ Always check in with the National Park Service to learn about trial updates and required hiking permits, parking permits, and other fees or limitations. Often these items will need to be obtained before reaching the trailhead.

Golden Rule ~ 2     

Buddy System

For many folks, hiking alone is preferred, and there are advantages to this. For instance, you have complete control over all decisions, the solitude and travel time are at your own pace. Flying solo may work great in city parks or a well-populated trails, but the best practice, and the most widely recommended one, is to take a buddy. There are undoubtedly great benefits to sharing the sights and sounds with a companion in additional to the level of security and safety it provides. 

 ~ Canine Companions ~ Many folks like to include their dog as their trusted companion, but unfortunately, many parks and trails these days are closed to dogs, even those on a leash.

Double-check the rules and regulations before leaving home.  

      ~ Tip:  With concerns for the Coronavirus, remember to respect your fellow trail thumper. Be mindful to keep your distance and pull up your facemask when you are near someone. Most importantly, greet them and share stories or information on the trail or views ahead.

Golden Rule ~ 3 

Logistics

Now that you know where you are going and with whom, it is time to organize and coordinate a few needs.

  ∼ Make serious consideration for the weather as it will affect your time frame and what you pack. Be prepared for the elements in both their best and worst scenarios. You may need a sun hat or mittens, depending on the forecast.

  ∼ Leave a copy of your detailed itinerary with a trusted friend or family member who will be staying behind.  Use this trip planner form to ensure you leave the right information and let them know that you are practicing the Golden Rules of hiking.  This will increase the efficiency of the Search and Rescue efforts if unfortunate circumstances occur.   

    Tip:  Empty your car’s contents before departing home, including the trunk, offering no temptation for thieves.

Although most trails are available online, the old school practice is to carry a compass and map. Electronic equipment and cell service are not always reliable.

    Tip:  Fold your map to reveal the trail for quick reference and store it in a plastic zip bag to keep it clean and dry. If you don’t know how to use a compass in conjunction with a map, watch this video from REI on How To Use A Compass And Map. 

Golden Rule ~ 5  

Ten Essentials Of Hiking

Now that you know where you are going and with whom, it is time to organize and coordinate a few needs.

  ∼ Make serious consideration for the weather as it will affect your time frame and what you pack. Be prepared for the elements in both their best and worst scenarios. You may need a sun hat or mittens, depending on the forecast.

 ∼ Leave a copy of your detailed itinerary with a trusted friend or family member who will be staying behind.  Use this trip planner form to ensure you leave the right information and let them know that you are practicing the Golden Rules of hiking.  This will increase the efficiency of the Search and Rescue efforts if unfortunate circumstances occur.   

    Tip:  Empty your car’s contents before departing home, including the trunk, offering no temptation for thieves.

Golden Rule ~ 6  

Fueling Your Body

There is nothing like hiking and fresh air to build up an appetite. The best way to maintain your energy level throughout the journey is to consume several smaller snacks during the hike. Be sure to have a variety of dried fruits, proteins, and carbohydrates. To keep your food 

fresh use organic foodwraps, then place all food inside one large bag, so when stopping for a rest, you can easily remove them from your pack without the need to dig through your gear for the desired snack. 

    Tip:  Be sure to include a special treat to indulge in while enjoying the view you have worked so hard to reach.

Golden Rule ~ 7

Hydration

It is often overlooked and underappreciated until it is too late. Be sure to pack plenty of water and consume it in modest amounts throughout your trek. If you are hiking near a natural water source, carry a small water filter as a backup.

Chugging will cause discomfort as well as deplete your supply before the end of the trail. Without enough fluids, you will tire quickly, experience confusion, dizziness, and possibly rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing. There are several other indications of dehydration, and all should be considered severe. An easy solution, however, is to stay hydrated by consuming fluids regularly.

Golden Rule ~ 8

Recording Your Adventure

You put a bit of work into the planning and execution of a perfect day, so remember it with photos, a sketchbook, or journal to reflect on how the day unfolded. By including the detailed preparations from the golden rules you followed, along with your experiences, your notes will be easy to reference at a later date for future outings. 

Golden Rule ~ 9

Outdoor Etiquette and Leave No Trace Principles

Enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors is not only good for our souls but a real privilege.  A responsibility that should be taken seriously.  We must teach and demonstrate to others how to leave it as we found it, or in some cases, better than we found it.  Carry a trash bag and gloves to remove any trash left behind by others.  Try not to disturb nature of any form, stay on the trails, and be a Good Steward by following the Golden Rules Of Hiking.

Golden Rules 

Conclusion 

There is piece of mind in knowing your prepared. By putting into practise these simple 9 Golden Rules Of Hiking, you will allows room to enjoy your hike, take in the beauty and feed your soul.  Each day is new, never to be repeated.  Fill it full of grace, take in the wonder, appreciate the diversity and show gratitude for the gift.