Ron is, among other talents, a highly experience hiker. Today, while talking with him about some upcoming trips, he reflected on the significant number of rescues and hikes gone bad over the past several months. That prompted him to send me his “Five Rules for Hiking Safely” which, because we’re in the middle of hiking season here in the Northeast U.S., I thought I’d reprint with his permission.

Note that these resonate for me personally because of a few challenging moments I faced out on the trail – one in particular in Death Valley when I became lost in 100+ degree heat and my water supply was depleted. Needless to say, it was a lesson learned and I now head out much more prepared.

Ron’s rules are worth heeding – No. 3 is my favorite. Send them to people you love. Thanks, Ron!

Five Rules for Hiking Safely (by Ron Crandall):

1. Don’t go alone.
   1. Hiking with a friend is more fun and safer and, in an emergency, two heads are better than one.
   1. If you do go solo (even if not), have reliable ways to communicate with friends/family or rescuers.
   1. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member with planned route and return time.
   1. Pack a satellite communicator or smart phone with satellite capability. There may not be cellphone coverage in backcountry areas. Bring power back-up with cable.
   1. Pack signaling devices, (whistle, mirror, flashlight with emergency beacon).
2. Know the conditions and be dressed and equipped appropriately.
   1. Know the weather forecast “on the trial”, not just for when you “plan” to be hiking but also over-night and the next day.  Know the wind chill expected for the area.  Weather can change quicky and unexpectedly in mountain terrain.
   1. Guard against “Cold, Wet, Wind”.  Have the appropriate Clothing for the conditions, (hat, gloves, neck gaiter, rain gear, insulation layers).  You lose much of your body heat from your head and neck.
   1. Know the trail conditions, (i.e., wet, snow, ice), and have appropriate Footwear for the conditions, (waterproof boots, gaiters, micro-spikes, snowshoes etc.).
3. Don’t lose the trail.
   1. Read the trail guide before starting.
   1. Pay close attention to trail markers.  If you don’t see any markers for a while, backtrack to where you last saw a blaze or cairn.  Fresh leaves or snow can make the trail harder to distinguish from other paths through the woods.
   1. Bring a navigation method that you know how to use (GPS with backup power, paper map & compass, etc.).  Bring a Flashlight and/or headlamp in case you need to navigate in the dark.
4. Stay fit and avoid any physical compromise.
   1. Don’t undertake a hike you are not physically prepared for.  Don’t overestimate your abilities. Don’t underestimate the difficulty of the hike.
   1. Pack a basic first aid kit.  Know basic first aid for the most common hiking injuries.
      1. Those conditions include the following: Blisters, Sunburn, Insect Bites, Sprained Ankles, Cuts Scratches and Bruises, Dehydration, Hypothermia/Hyperthermia, Muscle Strains and Sprains, Trauma from falls, Broken Bones.
   1. Hypothermia can be deadly.  Know the “early signs” of hypothermia and know what to do to combat that condition.  If you get hypothermic, your coordination and judgement will be impaired.  If you’re shivering, your body is telling you to get warm.
   1. Don’t take unnecessary risks near ledges or with unsure footings (wet, ice, black ice, unstable ground or rocks).  The Selfie is not worth dying for.
5. Be prepared for everything to go wrong (it happens to even experienced hikers).
   1. Be prepared to spend an unexpected, uncomfortable night or two in the woods.
   1. Know the survival priorities, Warmth (Clothing, Shelter, Fire), Water, etc. and have the appropriate knowledge and equipment with you to meet those basic needs.