It’s vital that you try to stay safe when trekking.
Anything can go wrong, and you may only have yourself to depend on.
Here are some tips to minimize danger when out in the wilds.
Pay Attention to Health and Medical
You never know when something will go wrong, but it can happen at any time. The wilderness is full of dangers and hazards to your health. Going out so far beyond civilization means you will be far from hospitals and medical help. Therefore, you need to take items with you just in case the worst happens. A medical kit with anti-bacterial products, gauze, and blister packs will help. But you could also be waiting for a long time for help. Healthy emergency food kits are an excellent way to ensure you weather the storm and will help increase your chances of survival.
Keep Your Phone with You at All Times
Cell phone coverage is a lot better than it once was. So your phone is a vital tool for getting help in an emergency. Therefore, it’s best to take your personal phone with you when heading out on an adventure.
Additionally, a backup phone with a full charge will also be of great assistance. That way, you always have a means of communication should your main phone lose its charge. However, it’s important to note that remote areas may not get a signal. IN that case, you could consider buying a satellite phone or activating GPS tracking on your cell phone.
Learn to Climb and Navigate Terrain
Trekking doesn’t only involve walking. Many hiking trails are full of rugged terrain, so it’s essential that you learn to navigate it. You will undoubtedly come across cliffs, drops, rivers, and rocky areas when out on an adventure. Any of these are extremely dangerous without paying attention. So you need the right gear and skills. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get some climbing training before heading out. Such training involves using harnesses, clamps, and chalk effectively. Otherwise, climbing and rugged traversal will be substantially more dangerous.
Invest in the Best Footwear You Can Afford
Jogging around your local park is OK with your trainers. But using this type of footwear when trekking won’t do. For anything more intense than a dirt path, it’s best to invest in high-quality, rugged footwear. If you don’t like boots, hiking shoes are available that aren’t as bulky. And you can get this type of footwear from popular brands like Nike and Adidas. While these are more controlled than heavy-duty boots, they don’t offer the same amount of protection. So it’s up to you to decide what is best for your situation based on comfort and location.
Don’t Forget About the Dark
The night can quickly come upon you when you are out in the wilderness. And thick forests can block out a lot of light during the day. Therefore you must take a quality flashlight with you to find your way. Unfortunately, older flashlights aren’t as reliable as newer ones. LED lighting lasts much longer and provides superior illumination. There are many brands you can choose from. Still, some of the best lighting for outdoor activities is typically more expensive. However, like many products, you get what you pay for. And you really should get the best you can afford.
Summary
To stay safe when trekking at all times, ensure you take a medical kit just in case. And always bring a backup phone. Additionally, get the best gear you can afford between comfort and cost.