Hiking can not only provide you with a great form of exercise but also with one of a kind views of nature and an overall enjoyable experience. While hiking can be a lot of fun, you also have to remember that when you go out on your favorite trails that you are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Because of this, you should prepare to go hiking, taking everything you need with you that will help you get through a worst case scenario. You probably think that you will never be that hiker who gets lost, but that is what every lost hiker thought, too!

Preparing to Have a Safe Hike

Many people believe that if they are just going for a "fun" hike that they needn't prepare, but this isn't the case. You need to prepare for every hiking trip. What exactly you will bring for each trip will depend on where you are going and how long you plan to be there, but every hike requires some preparation. In fact, on every hiking trip you should bring some essential items including:

- Your cell phone (fully charged)

- A candle and waterproof matches

- Extra clothing

- A first aid kit

- A compass

- A map (and perhaps a GPS unit for the ultimate fun and safety)

- Any and all prescription medications

- A radio with batteries

- Insect repellent

- A hat

- Aluminum foil (which can be used as a signal)

- Space blanket

- Sunscreen

- Food (enough for a trip that is twice as long as you plan)

- Water

- A whistle (can be used to signal)

- A knife

Each person who is going hiking should carry their own pack with these items in it. This will ensure that each person has what they need to help them get through the hike and even stay overnight in the great outdoors. If each person has their own pack it will allow for each hiker to take care even if they get separated for some reason. Many people that go hiking don't want to bother with a survival pack, they just want to get out there and have a good time. We all want to have a good time, but when you are hiking a good time can turn into an emergency situation in a hurry. Having all of these items on hand gives you the best chance of surviving an emergency situation.