How to Hike Smart

Hiking is a favorite summer pastime for a lot of people. The warm weather, the great exercise, and the opportunity to appreciate nature are all big reasons that hiking is so popular. Even though hiking is something most people have done at least once in their lives, there are still some ways to hike smart that even people who have hiked a lot need reminding of.

If you're planning on doing a lot of hiking this summer, then you need to make sure that you're hiking smart so you can stay safe and enjoy the experience as much as possible. From knowing when to hike to making sure you always have a portable backup battery on hand, here are some never-fail tips to help you hike smart this summer. 

Hike With Other People

There are plenty of us out there who enjoy a good, solitary hike. However, thanks to things like wild animals and slippery rocks, we all know that hiking alone is not the safest way to hike. If you really want to hike smart, it’s a good idea to have at least one other person along with you. One good way to make sure that you're always with someone else while you're hiking is to join a hiking group. Not only will you be safer while you hike, but you might hike more than you would have otherwise, and you’ll have a great opportunity to socialize with other people.

If you really do enjoy hiking alone, something else you can do is hike in places where there are typically a lot of people. That way, even if you are hiking alone, there will be plenty of people around to help if something does go wrong during your hike. However, the best option for staying safe while you hike is still to have someone actually with you.

Carry Plenty of Food and Water

During the summer, you might go on a variety of hikes that range from easy to difficult, and for each of these, you have to prepare differently. One of the most important things you need to take with you while you're hiking is plenty of water. Now, if you're just doing a quick 1-2 mile hike, you may be able to get by with a single water bottle. But if you're going on a longer hike, you'll likely need more than a single water bottle.

Of course, the length of the hike isn't the only factor for how much water you might need. It also can depend on where you are hiking. A hike up in the mountains, for example, might be cool enough that your body doesn't demand as much water. But if you're hiking in a warmer climate, particularly in a desert climate, it will be much more necessary to have plenty of water with you.

Something else you should consider as you're preparing for your hike is which foods to take. Again, if a hike is pretty short, you may not need much, if any, food with you. But for most hikes, it's a good idea to at least have one snack with you in case you get low on energy. Good hiking snacks include things like trail mix, apples, crackers, and even gum. But if your hike is going to last several hours, you'll likely want to take a small meal along as well. Sandwiches are a great option for hiking because they pack easily and can be eaten at any time.

Pick the Right Time of Day

Some people may not think too much about what time of day they are choosing to hike, but if you want to make sure you're hiking when it isn't too hot or that you'll be able to finish the hike before dark, the time of day really is important to consider.

For example, if you're hiking in a desert area, it's usually recommended to hike earlier in the day before the heat really sets in so you can avoid problems like heat stroke. Even though the time of day isn't the first thing people think of with hiking smart, it can actually be a major factor in your safety while you hike. So consider the climate you're in, the length of the hike, and so on to make sure that you and your hiking buddies will be hiking at the best time possible.

Take a Portable Backup Battery

Another thing people don't think much about when going on a hike is the need for electricity. Now, if you're on a shorter hike, you can probably get away with not having backup power with you, but if you're going to be on a hike that's even sort of long, then you ought to carry a portable backup battery with you.

You might think it's not entirely necessary to have a portable backup battery with you on a hike. The last thing you want on your hike is for your phone or another device to completely die on you. Whether you’re just wanting to take pictures or you've had an emergency and need to call for help, making sure that you have enough power to do so is essential for smart, safe hiking. If you need backup power for hiking, Lion Energy is a great place to start looking for portable batteries.

Care for the Places You Hike 

Hiking really can be a lot of fun. It's a great way to bring people together in the out-of-doors to experience and appreciate nature while also challenging and pushing your bodies. But if we are not conscious about our hiking habits, hiking can become less enjoyable.

As we hike, we need to take care of the nature that surrounds us. And honestly, it's really simple to do so. We can make sure we aren't leaving behind any trash or pick up litter that we may see along the way. We can enjoy the scenery around us without damaging it or trying to take pieces of it away for our collections. We can maintain the peace of nature by not contributing to noise pollution and instead just enjoying the sounds around us. And we can use power sources that are sustainable and renewable so we don't pollute our environments. 

It doesn't take much to care for the environment around us. By making small and simple choices in our actions as we spend time outdoors, we can protect and respect the beautiful natural environment we live in.