Since the pandemic, our world has undergone significant upheaval, and many individuals now feel more alone. Many people now work from home regularly, and the 24/7 cacophony of social media, email, and everyday life can make us more anxious.
Our brain receives a much-needed recharge when we disconnect from technology and re-engage with nature. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to camp or want to explore areas that have never been explored before, hiking in remote locations can be an exciting way to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air.
Hiking has long been a popular activity, but people are always looking for a new challenge. There has been a steep rise in the popularity of hiking as an activity. Nearly 59 million Americans engaged in hiking-related activities at least once in 2021. This reflects an increase of 80.4% and is the highest level the North American nation has seen since 2010.
However, there are dangers associated with hiking in remote areas that you should be aware of before setting off on your adventure.
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Pack Extra Clothing
Always Pack extra clothing. Wear layers, and bring a warm hat and gloves so you can adjust to the temperature as you hike. Bring rain gear, just in case it rains while you’re exploring these remote areas. Even if it’s not raining now, there could be thunderstorms later in the day.
If that happens to be where you are, then it’s best to be prepared with some rain gear. It’s also important to remember that temperatures can rise quickly during these types of storms. Pack extra food and water just in case this happens too.
Pack Extra Food
When you’re hiking through remote areas, it’s important to pack extra food and water. You never know what might happen, and being stranded without the supplies you need can be dangerous.
Having a map of your planned trail is always helpful in case something unexpected happens during your hike that forces you off course or if there are unsafe conditions along the trail, such as downed trees lying across it. A compass will help guide your way back home if all else fails, but make sure to bring extra batteries because sometimes compasses don’t work right away due to weather conditions or other factors.
Don’t Do It Alone
When you’re exploring a remote area, it’s important to have a buddy. This is a person who will keep you safe and look out for your well-being. How do you know if the person you are hiking with has adequate skills and experience?
You also want to make sure that your hiking partner brings along a map so that both of you can study it thoroughly before beginning the hike, so everyone knows where they will be going and how long it will take them to get there. If one of your partners doesn’t know how to read maps, then bring along an extra pair of eyes on this adventure.
Bring Maps
Maps are essential for navigation while in remote areas. You can use them to plan your route and find the best way back out, as well as plot out nearby resources or services.
The most important thing is that you have a map on hand at all times. Some people even keep multiple copies of their map in case they drop one while hiking through rough terrain. Once this is assured, you can enjoy your adventure more.
If you live in an urban location, hiking is a fantastic way to get some fresh air. Numerous studies show that going on a hike in nature has positive effects on general health. Walking for an hour each week is linked to longer lifespans in humans.
Medical Airlifting While Trekking
While traveling at high elevations, weather-related catastrophes and other unforeseen calamities are common occurrences, and you never truly know what may go wrong on your excursion. Finding a medical airlift or air ambulance service is occasionally the only choice if an injury requires emergency medical treatment. It is important to keep a list and contacts of air ambulance companies that can help you immediately.
Air ambulances are used to transport patients who need urgent medical treatment. All medical care providers are required to abide by the strict regulations that have been implemented by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To reduce the danger of fatalities and accidents while delivering any medical care, the FAA has set several limits in place.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a list of emergency contacts in your pocket or wallet. Include the contact information for the nearest hospital, as well as any other medical facilities in the area, such as urgent care centers and mobile clinics.
If you have health insurance, be sure to keep track of your health insurance card and policy number on hand so that you can quickly provide it if needed.
Let Others Know Your Whereabouts
When you are hiking in an unfamiliar area, it is important to let someone know where you are going and when you will return. While this may seem obvious, we all have been guilty of going on a hike without telling anyone our plans.
You should always let someone know exactly where your destination is and have them call for help if they don’t hear from you in a reasonable amount of time (usually within 24 hours).
If there is no cell reception available or if the trip will take longer than expected, use a GPS tracker like Spot or DeLorme to communicate with friends and family (make sure these devices are charged before heading out).
Always be Ready to Change Your Plans
It’s important to be flexible when you’re planning your hike. The weather can change, the terrain can become more difficult, or something else could happen that makes it necessary for you to change your plans.
It also helps if you have an alternative plan in case something unexpected happens during your hike; for example – maybe another team member gets sick and needs medical attention right away. Or maybe there’s an emergency situation at home? These things happen all the time when people are exploring remote areas, so don’t let yourself get caught off guard by being unprepared.
If you follow these simple safety tips for hiking, you should be able to enjoy your outdoor adventures without worry. Always remember that no matter where you are, there are risks involved with hiking and exploring remote areas. That’s why it is important to always be prepared for the unexpected.