The key to a fun and memorable hiking trip has nothing to do with the brand of boots you buy, the temperature of the air or what you've brought along in your pack. The first step to experiencing a really great outdoor trek is your ability to pick a safe trail. Elements of danger can be presented by nature, and by fellow hikers.



To pick a great trail, you need to know that hiking trails can vary greatly depending on where you're planning to travel. The differences between a serene vineyard stroll and a rugged rainforest trek are huge. This extreme variation is what draws backpackers to the world's trails, but for all the fun, adventure and excitement that hiking offers, trails can lead to dangerous situations. Most outdoor survival situations that occur annually are due to the hiker's lack of foresight and failure to prepare for potentially dangerous situations.

An experienced hiker isn't necessarily immune to the hazards of hiking. From beginners to seasoned hikers, there are potential struggles that can quickly develop into dangerous predicaments. Natural hazards are just a small part of the problem. When hiking over unknown terrain, or traveling far from home, the dangers lurking can come from the people you encounter along the way.

Follow these tips to help you understand, avoid or overcome the safety risks that you may be encountered when you pick a trail:

Never Hike Alone

The dangers of hiking increase substantially when you travel alone. On the other hand, hiking with at least one partner can help you to avoid potentially disastrous situations, and can enable you to overcome them. Hiking by yourself is certainly an adrenaline rush and will bring an extreme element to your trek. Still, a friend means guaranteed help if you need it, and backup if you meet harassing individuals on the trail. Solace is no replacement for security if you run into unsavory individuals. Whether you run into the good, the bad or the ugly, it's always a good idea to have a friend in tow.

Leave Your Itinerary

If you plan to take an unfamiliar trail, you must leave some information with your friends and family. Let them know where you will be hiking, and include the particular trail if possible. When registering with a park or camp office to use a trail, be sure to leave emergency contact information. You should also make note of the phone numbers for park rangers, local law enforcement and land managers.

Keep it Quiet

Make your itinerary, but don't broadcast it. Don't discuss your trip plans with suspicious strangers, the bloke at the bar or even the good-looking young thing you met at the outdoors store. Even though you're traveling an uncharted course, you shouldn't follow along with the travel plans of unknown fellow hikers. If you're hiking alone, pretend that you're leading a group of hikers that have trailed behind. Again, tell your friends where you'll be, and report your itinerary when you register. These are precautionary measures that must be taken in the event that you run into trouble on the trail.

Don't Overdress

It's never a good idea to bring any unwelcome attention to yourself, because you just don't know who you may meet on the trail. Don't hike with cash or expensive jewelry. When traveling in unknown territory you need to assume that you've left yourself vulnerable to the negative attentions of anyone you meet.

Be Smart and Sociable

Not every stranger is a source of danger, but you do need to use common sense and exercise caution when you meet an unknown individual or group. Avoid anyone who is acting strangely, openly hostile, provocative or drunk. Make a mental note about the details of their appearance, behavior and location. Remember, even though you shouldn't broadcast your itinerary to strangers, you don't necessarily need to be anti-social. Some solid and lasting relationships can be made with fellow hikers.

There are potential dangers waiting on all of life's roads. Whether hiking in the remote wilderness or trekking through the concrete jungle, choose the right path and pick your trail wisely.