-
Start
out slowly, gradually increasing your pace and distance traveled.
-
Let
the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially
important when children are part of your group.
-
Plan
the trip ahead of time and assign tasks that people enjoy.
If someone doesn't like to cook, don't force them. The goal
is to have a good time outdoors.
- Take turns
leading the group and sharing decision-making responsibilities.
-
Hike
and travel in groups as much as possible, especially during
winter and in hazardous terrain.
-
Leave
your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in
with them upon your return.
-
Learn
basic repair skills for changing a bike tire or fixing a backpack.
Remember to take repair kits on your trip.
-
For
every 1,000 feet of elevation, the temperature often drops
three to five degrees.
-
Wear
sunglasses and a hat or visor when you hike. Snowblindness
caused by the sun's glare on snow, can also be caused by sunlight
reflecting off water or boulders. Keep your eyes and face
covered, especially during your first few days outdoors.
-
Bring
sunscreen no matter the season. You can get a painful sunburn
even in subfreezing temperatures.
-
Develop
an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone
knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency
arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop
and blow" if they become lost.
-
Take
frequent rests or vary your pace to recover from strenuous
activity spurts. A steady pace will get you there with less
discomfort than the sprint-and-catch-your-breath approach.
-
Drink
plenty of water. Water is heavy to carry, but thirst on the
trail is a hazard. Take a tip from athletes: Before a hike,
drink some water so you're well hydrated and energized. Don't
run out of water. Never drink your total supply between refills.
-
Water
supplies are unpredictable. It's better to arrive at a gushing
stream with 1/3 quart of water left then to arrive at an empty
stream bed and have no water left at all. Treat or filter
all water and rehydrate to your heart's content at the water
supply.
-
Carbohydrates-energy
bars and fruit provide an instant pick-me-up on the trail.
-
Bring
a first-aid kit tailored to your outing.
-
Give
yourself about two hours of daylight to set up camp.
-
Be
sure to keep pets on leashes in restricted areas, especially
in cattle and sheep country. Bring water for pets and make
sure they have name tags. Watch for injuries to your dog's
foot pads in rocky areas, or in extremely hot terrain.
-
Pay
attention to local regulations, especially concerning camp
fires. In many areas fires are prohibited and you must use
a camp stove.
-
Dress
in layers. Polyester clothing worn closest to your skin will
trap warm air next to the skin and transfer or wick body moisture
away.
