1. You should always have a map and compass when you go hiking. By having these things you can be less stressed when you get lost.
2. Most trails have trail markers. So you should make sure that you are following on the trail and see these trail markers at regular intervals.
3. Before you leave, you should tell a family member or close friend where you are going to be. They should know the exact area and time you plan to be gone and when you will be expected out. This will give searches a place to start looking for you and know that you are missing.
4. Along your way, look for indicators along the trail so you know which way to return on your way back.
5. Be sure to not panic if you do find yourself lost. You will need to stay calm so you can think the most rational and save your energy, which you will need.
6. If you seem to have no idea where you are, then the best advice would be to sit still and keep blowing your whistle (which is under the tips and pact down farther on this page!) until someone can hear you and help.
My Tips On What To Wear:
1. Light pair of pants (the swishy kind!) or leggings for girls. This is your most basic layer so that if you get really hot you just have a thing layer underneath.
2. Light shirt. This can either be long sleeve or short sleeve, but I recommend short sleeve. Make sure it is something that you can breath in and will be able to stay cool in if you are hot.
3. Thicker pant. I usually just wear a pair of swishy pants over leggings when the weather is in the fall because air can still get through them but the extra layer keeps me warm when the weather is cool!
4. Thicker shirt or hoodie. Wear something that you will be able to put on or take off easily because you will be hot at moments but then also cold too!
5. Hiking shoes or worn down shoes. Hiking shoes is your best bet because they would be best suited for hiking(!). But if this is not the case for you, wear shoes you don't care to get dirty because they will!!
6. A light or heavy coat depending on the weather! I will leave this to your best judgement.
7. A hat! The head is one of the essentials places to keep warm so bring a hat just in case you get cold, you will be happy you have one!
8. Gloves, but only when it is prettyyy cold...
The main point is pretty much to wear layers. You are going to change from being hot to cold a lot during your hike and remember: You would rather be too prepared than unprepared :)
Things to ALWAYS bring on a hiking trip:
1. Water! Even if you feel like you will not drink much or it will not take you very long, still bring water.
2. Layers. And by this I mean wear layers of clothes that you can take off and put on depending on the changing temperature and of the exercise you will be doing.
3. Snacks. Bring a light snack that will refuel your energy when you stop at the top or along the way. Even if you do not eat it, it is nice to have just in case you did need it or if something was to happen to you where you would need food.
4. Compass and/or Map. (and know how to use one). Just in case you get lost and so you know where you are going!
5. A Buddy. In my opinion I think that it is never good to really go hiking alone, especially in my case being a girl. You never know what could happen to you if you get hurt or lost or anything crazy, so I suggest bring someone with you.
6. Pack. A hiking pack to keep everything in!
7. First Aid Kit. Just in case someone really does get hurt.
8. Whistle.
9. Matches.
2. Layers. And by this I mean wear layers of clothes that you can take off and put on depending on the changing temperature and of the exercise you will be doing.
3. Snacks. Bring a light snack that will refuel your energy when you stop at the top or along the way. Even if you do not eat it, it is nice to have just in case you did need it or if something was to happen to you where you would need food.
4. Compass and/or Map. (and know how to use one). Just in case you get lost and so you know where you are going!
5. A Buddy. In my opinion I think that it is never good to really go hiking alone, especially in my case being a girl. You never know what could happen to you if you get hurt or lost or anything crazy, so I suggest bring someone with you.
6. Pack. A hiking pack to keep everything in!
7. First Aid Kit. Just in case someone really does get hurt.
8. Whistle.
9. Matches.