It’s summertime, the weather is nice and it’s the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with Mother Nature. But before you hop on a bike and scout out the nearest hiking trail, there are a few things to consider in order to make your expedition a safe one.
Especially in these restless days of summer, it can be easy for spontaneous hikers to get into trouble if they don’t slow down and prepare themselves before venturing into the unknown. “Certainly the number one thing people should do is plan ahead,” explains Patrick Connor, executive director of the Ontario Trails Council. “Too many people, too often return to [the] wilderness with no map [and] no guide. If they don’t have a good understanding of the terrain they’re heading [into], they’re putting themselves at risk before they even leave their home,” he says.
Along with knowing your route and leaving a hiking plan with someone so they’ll know when you’re returning, Connor suggests hikers prepare by ensuring that they have a map, knowing the duration of the excursion and that they have investigated the terrain at hand.
Richard Turner, from Ottawa’s Mountain Equipment Co-op, says hiking safety definitely depends on where you’re hiking. “In Ottawa, most hiking is done in the Gatineau area and you can encounter bears [but] they haven’t been too much of a problem,” he notes. He recommended education as a valuable means of protection.
According to Turner, the best defence against animals is knowledge. He suggests hikers bring “water, snacks, appropriate clothing and, for extended hikes, a rain jacket just in case.” First aid kits, a space blanket, signalling devices, a compass and maps are also helpful, he adds.
Certified hike-leader and instructor Greg Vincent, who is preparing for an upcoming hike in England along Hadrian’s Wall, suggests wearing a hat because it could save you from heat exhaustion. “If you hike long enough you will encounter emergencies. Plan your hikes with emergencies in mind,” he says. His checklist of what to pack includes: water, sunscreen, spare socks, a whistle, pen and paper, a current trail guide and a cell phone for emergencies.
As for advice on summer hiking specifically, Darrell Newman from the Alpine Club of Canada advises: “Never trust your instincts and that internal compass in your head. It is generally very unreliable. Always have a plan on how to get out of the area that you are hiking in and trust your magnetic compass."
Even though school may be out, do your homework and rely on a simple concept that goes a long way: preparation. As Connor mentions, “Planning ahead will help your adventure, not detract from it. You can still go out and have fun, but it doesn’t have to be so risky.”