У цій статті ми інформуємо про найголовніші і незаперечні заходи безпеки, яких необхідно дотримуватися для того, щоб ваш туристичний похід був приємним і спокійним.
Anyone who has ever been on a hiking trip will never be able to shake off this passion. Everyone who hasn't done it yet dreams of getting out into nature with tents and backpacks. However, hiking trips are not always about sitting by the campfire and enjoying beautiful views. Sometimes they can involve real dangers, especially if you are heading to quite remote places in challenging weather conditions. In this article, you will find a list of actions you need to take to make your hike as safe as possible.
Take Everything You Need with You
If you think this point only applies to beginners who don't know how to pack a backpack, you are deeply mistaken. Even experienced hikers sometimes make unfortunate mistakes, forgetting to pack certain items or relying on a friend who "supposedly was supposed to bring the stove".
Therefore, before each hike, make a simple checklist on paper consisting of 10 items:
- Clothing.
- Sun protection (glasses, cream, headwear).
- First aid kit.
- Fire.
- Tools and materials for repairs (tape, threads, needles, nylon cord, glue).
- Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS).
- Lighting.
- Food.
- Items for relaxation (sleeping bag, mat, tarp or tent).
- Water.
- Do not leave home until all items on this list have been crossed off.
Know Your Route
Many hikers, especially those who have hiked several times, feel extremely confident in their abilities and do not worry much about the details of the upcoming route. They dismiss all questions with a wave of the hand, saying, "We'll figure it out as we go." This is a mistake, as sometimes such confidence can lead to trouble.
Before the hike, it is essential to learn as much as possible about the upcoming area. Read guides, study the route map, and find reports from previous travelers. Pay special attention to the weather, local wildlife, and the availability of water sources.
Dress Appropriately
It is simply incredible, but more than half of the accidents in hiking trips occur not due to wild animals or injuries, but because of the wrong clothing of the participants. This is especially true for the season when you can get sunburned and freeze on the same mountain day. Therefore, be very careful in choosing your clothing and never rely on good weather.
Leave Information About Your Route
In our time, when you can call anyone and get any information in a second, many people ignore this advice. It is very likely that you will have no signal during the hike, your battery will die, or your phone will be stolen. And it is at this moment that everything goes wrong. Therefore, before leaving home, leave a message about your route and expected return time to at least two close people. Even better if it is a detailed route of your hike.
Know Your Limits
You and only you know what your body is capable of. There is nothing worse for you and your group than overestimating your abilities and at some point feeling that "I can't go on, take me back!" Therefore, it is worth clearly assessing the expected pace of movement, physical condition - yours and other participants', and the difficulties of the route before leaving home. Remember that hiking is still a form of relaxation, not a fight for survival.
Take Care of Water!
The most unpleasant and, unfortunately, common phenomenon in hiking trips is insufficient attention to water. We are so used to having clean and clear water from the tap that this reflex has atrophied in urban dwellers. Water becomes especially important in heat and during significant physical exertion when dehydration occurs in a matter of hours. Therefore, you must find out about all water sources on the route in advance and calculate your pace of movement accordingly. Also, think about having enough bottles or flasks.
Notify Animals of Your Presence
In the Carpathians, there are not many places where animals pose a real threat, especially if you choose well-known tourist routes. However, it is not worth completely ignoring this danger. Especially if you decide to head to truly wild places.
To avoid unpleasant encounters with wild animals, remember one rule: no beast is more dangerous than a human. Mountain "inhabitants" know this well and will try not to come into your sight. Therefore, try to talk more, sing, and make noise to inform everyone of your presence. Generally, they will give way and try not to come into your sight.
Do Not Split Up!
If you are traveling in a group, you must not leave anyone behind or go far ahead. If one of the participants is tired and cannot keep up, wait for them; if they cannot continue, do not leave your friend until they are in a safe place. Try to stay together and not wander off even if you think it is safe.
We have only listed the most important and undeniable safety measures that you need to follow to ensure your rest is pleasant and calm. Add your own tips and travel stories to this list, and don't forget to share this article with all your friends who hike or are planning to go hiking.
