Comments on: Hiking Tips from The Trailmaster

By: SurvivalGuru

SurvivalGuru — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 16:37:01 +0000

Good overview of common sense items that people may forget. I’d definitely add a whistle, shelter, first aid. Also, in addition to knowing when the sun sets CHECK THE WEATHER. T-storms frequently come in the afternoons on peaks so start your hike early. You should have a really good quality survival kit with survival and first aid. AXP sells them at http://www.axpkits.com.

By: stephen

stephen — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 03:50:22 +0000

I enjoy a 5 mile walk with my dog every morning. My socks are full of holes and I tend to wear my shoes loose. I have developed impressive callouses on my heals that don’t get sore with my loose shoes or holey socks. I’m ready to walk all day and I never use boots. I hate boots.

By: liquid_boy

liquid_boy — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:56:13 +0000

In reply to Wicker67.

I completely agree. A whistle can be a true life-saver.
And, if you can find a vital use for it, and you can carry it, then you should take it.
It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

By: michael

michael — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:03:37 +0000

i allways take my night vision,my compass and maps mean everything.

By: Jay

Jay — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:00:44 +0000

I agree about watching where you walk. Stop when you want to look around, but watch your step. I always carry a walking stick. Always. And the most important thing you can do (sounds like common sense, but some forget) is tell someone where you’re going, and when you expect to be back. If you get hurt, you are not going to see help if no one knows you are gone. I would also add orange reflective tape to your kit. If you must venture off trail, leave breadcrumbs. Either to find your way back, or so someone can find you.

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:46:37 +0000

Another issue about safe hiking: I have a friend who didn’t pay attention to where she put her feet on the trail. She fell, and as she fell, somehow twisted a leg and fractured her leg. I suspect her backpack was overloaded, as she overloaded her pack on a hike I did with her. Anyone on the trail needs to pay more attention to where they put their feet than on the scenery. When I want to look at scenery, I stop walking and look, then put my eyes on the trail when I start moving again. This is especially important when we are over 50 (way over 50).

By: jim 28th reg.

jim 28th reg. — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:05:46 +0000

Love hiking even at 69 yrs. but can’t get my wife into it anymore she’s only 58. Had three kind of bad but funny (now) experiences when we were younger – she just couldn’t see the enjoyment in them.
Take way to much space here to recite them so let it just be said I sure miss the Boy Scouts and it’s a shame the way this country has forgotten such a wonderful organization.

By: Wicker67

Wicker67 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:48:47 +0000

Great article. It’s truly unfortunate that many do venture off unprepared. I am a fan of having too much just in case.

I agree with your list of 10 things, but I always carry an 11th. A whistle. I have a fear of being lost, hearing rescuers, but them not hearing me. I do like reading about what others consider a “must carry”. It helps me stay that much safer.

Thanks for posting.

By: Mick

Mick — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:47:13 +0000

very nice article a lot of info. love this website