You Should Not Do While Hiking – 10 Things

A lot of people love hiking. It can be a great way to clear your head and escape the stresses of everyday life. However, there are plenty of things that you should not do while you’re out hiking. The more experienced hiker will probably already know these things, but it’s worth just repeating them for those who haven’t been on the trail in a while or might be new to the sport.

10 Things You Should Not Do While Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but there are a few things you should avoid doing while out on the trail. Here are 10 things you should not do while hiking:

1. Don’t forget to enjoy the hike. Take in the scenery and stop to smell the flowers.

2. Don’t hike alone. Bring a friend and a map.

3. Don’t forget to pack the essentials like water, food, and a first-aid kit.

4. Don’t hike in bad weather. Check the forecast and dress appropriately.

5. Don’t hike off the trail. Stay on marked trails and leave no trace when you’re done hiking.

6. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Apply sunscreen often and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

7. don’t get lost! Stay aware of your surroundings and bring a map with you just in case you need it.

8. Don ‘t hike at night. It’s safer to hike during daylight hours. Bring a flashlight if you must hike after dark.

9. Don ‘t forget to hydrate! Drink plenty of water throughout your hike, especially on hot days.

10. Finally, don’t be a party pooper! Be respectful of other hikers on the trail and clean up after yourself when you’re.

1. Don’t forget to enjoy the hike.

Take in the scenery

One of the best parts about hiking is getting to experience all the beauty nature has to offer. Make sure to take a few moments along the way to stop and really take in your surroundings. Take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy the peacefulness that comes with being in nature.

Stop and smell the flowers

Hiking is also a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Mother Nature’s best work – wildflowers! Keep your eyes peeled for some beautiful blooms along the trail. And when you find them, make sure to stop and smell them!

2. Don’t hike alone

Bring a friend

Hiking with a buddy is not only more fun, but it’s also safer. If you hike with someone else, you can help each other if there’s an emergency. For example, if one of you gets hurt, the other can go for help.

Bring a map

A map can help you orient yourself and find your way if you get lost. Make sure you know how to read a map before you go on your hike. You can also bring a compass to help you navigate.

3. Don’t forget to pack the essentials

Water

You can’t hike without water! Make sure to bring enough water for the entire hike, plus a little extra in case of emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least one liter of water per person, per hour of hiking.

Food

Hiking can be hungry work! Make sure to pack enough snacks or meals to keep you going throughout the hike. If you’re hiking in bear country, you’ll also need to pack your food in a bear-proof container.

First-aid kit

Accidents happen, so it’s always best to be prepared. Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain medication, just in case.

4. Don’t hike in bad weather.

Check the forecast

Before heading out on a hike, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast. This will help you dress appropriately and plan for any potential hazards. If the forecast calls for bad weather, it’s best to wait for another day.

Dress appropriately

Dressing appropriately for the conditions is important for a safe and enjoyable hike. In warm weather, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to protect yourself from the sun. In cold weather, dress in layers to stay warm and dry. And in wet weather, be sure to wear waterproof gear to keep yourself from getting soaked.

5. Don’t hike off the trail

Stay on marked trails

When hiking, it is important to stay on marked trails. This helps to protect the environment and prevents you from getting lost. It is easy to get off-trail, especially in areas with dense vegetation. If you find yourself off-trail, stop and look for the nearest trail marker. If you cannot find a marker, retrace your steps back to the last one you saw.

Leave no trace

It is important to leave no trace when hiking. This means packing out all of your trash, including food scraps and packaging. It also means being careful not to damage plants or wildlife. Leave rocks and other natural objects as you found them. And finally, dispose of human waste properly by digging a cathole at least six inches deep and 200 feet from water sources or trails.

6. Don’t forget your sunscreen

Apply sunscreen Wear a hat

Sunscreen is an essential part of any hike, especially if you’re hiking in the summer. Make sure to apply sunscreen before you start hiking, and reapply it every few hours to make sure you’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, don’t forget to wear a hat to protect your face from the sun.

7. Don’t get lost

Stay aware of your surroundings

When hiking, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. This means being aware of the terrain, the weather, and your own physical condition. If you are not paying attention, it is easy to get lost or injure yourself.

Bring a map

Another way to prevent getting lost while hiking is to bring a map with you and know how to read it. A map can help you orient yourself and find your way back to the trail if you do get off course.

8. Don’t hike at night

Hike during the day

It’s best to hike during the day so you can see where you’re going and avoid getting lost. If you must hike at night, be sure to bring a flashlight and stay on marked trails.

Bring a flashlight

If you do hike at night, be sure to bring a flashlight so you can see where you’re going. Stay on marked trails so you don’t get lost, and be aware of your surroundings.

9. Don’t forget to hydrate

Bring water

Hiking is a strenuous activity that can quickly lead to dehydration. It is important to drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. A good rule of thumb is to drink about 1 liter (0.3 gallons) of water per hour of hiking.

If you are hiking in an area with reliable sources of fresh water, you can refill your water bottle as needed. But if you are hiking in a more remote area, it is important to bring enough water for the entire hike. A good way to estimate how much water you will need is to fill up your water bottle before you start hiking and then finish it off at the end of the hike.

Drink often

In addition to bringing enough water for the entire hike, it is also important to drink frequently throughout the hike. Your body will give you cues when it needs water, so pay attention to those cues and drink when you’re thirsty.

A good way to keep track of how much water you’re drinking is to take sips from your water bottle every 15-20 minutes or so. This may seem like a lot, but it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to hydration. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, all of which can ruin your hike.

10. Don’t be a party pooper

Be respectful of other hikers

There’s nothing worse than a party pooper on a hike. So make sure you’re respectful of other hikers, especially if you’re in a group. Keep your noise to a minimum, and be conscious of your impact on the trail and the people around you.

Clean up after yourself

Leaving trash on the trail is not only disrespectful, it’s also dangerous. Make sure you pack out whatever you pack in, and take extra care to dispose of any waste properly. If you see litter on the trail, do your part to pick it up and help keep the trails clean for everyone to enjoy.

Conclusion

Don’t be a party pooper: 10 things you should not do while hiking is a great reminder of how to enjoy the hike while also being respectful of other hikers and the environment. Make sure to follow these tips on your next hike!