Hiking Safety: Part 1

By Christine Whitmore 
Harvard Recreation Personal Trainer & Hiking Enthusiast


        As you know, during this current health crisis we have been told to stay at home as much as possible. While in this region we have done pretty well, the weeks have turned to months and people have been venturing outside more and more and discovering what the trails in New England have to offer. Being outdoors seems to be the safest option for interacting with friends and family. As an avid hiker and someone who lives next to conservation trails, I have seen that outdoor exercise has become increasingly popular. While there are hundreds of miles of easy rolling trails within a short drive of the city, this article will focus on safety guidelines for the more difficult trails and mountains in Northern New England. It contains information that is useful anywhere, specifically day hikes lasting 3-12 hours.


TEN HIKING ESSENTIALS 

The most basic rule of hiking is to ALWAYS carry the Ten Hiking Essentials. 


1. Navigation: Map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger. THE most important thing here is a MAP. STUDY The map especially if you have not hiked the trails before. Plot your route. If you are new to hiking, you will note that trails are marked with a series of BLAZES. Blazes are painted markings on trees that guide you to stay the course. It is good practice to keep a lookout for these blazes as you move along especially if it is not a high traffic trail. Most trail junctions will have a sign marking directions of intersecting trails. MAKE SURE you are heading your intended direction. A very useful app is GAIA. Even offline it will help steer you in the proper direction. 


2. Headlamp (plus extra batteries): You would never want to risk being lost in the dark woods without it! You should NEVER head out for a hike without a headlamp. Even if you know you will only be out there for a few hours and know the trail well. DO NOT rely on a cell phone as a flashlight. You may not have enough battery and it is no substitute for a quality headlamp. 


3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen.


4. First aid: Including foot care and insect repellent (as needed). The bugs in northern New England are homicidal. They can really make any hiking experience miserable. Although goofy looking, a bug net over a cap keeps the bugs out of your ears. A simple first aid kit for a day hike would include multiple size band-aids, antibacterial ointment, a pin or tweezers, 2 Benadryl tablets (in case of bee/insect sting), and a bit of moleskin for blisters. 


5. Small Knife (plus a gear repair kit): Two words: DUCT TAPE; it works for everything. Having even 12 inches or so wrapped up and tucked away can fix any hole in a backpack, jacket or shoe.


6. Fire: Matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove. Waterproof matches are fine. 


7. Shelter: Carry at all times. It can be a light emergency bivy or bivouac. This is a “sack” that looks like a sleeping bag. The lightest being made of mylar and only weighing a few ounces. Heavy duty ones are a bit more like a sleeping bag sized tent. 


8. Extra food: Beyond the minimum expectation. PB&J is a good go to. Slices of hard cheese, pepperoni, nuts, dark chocolate are all trail favorites. People often ask me what I take hiking. It is really up to you. As long as it is light, packable, and calorie dense. If you are in an area where there are bears, choose foods that have less odor, for obvious reasons. There are “odor free” ziploc bags available at most outdoor outfitters. 


9. Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation. Above all else, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT. Never leave for a hike with less than THREE liters or some filtration system. Yes it is heavy, but running out of water is MISERABLE. Many rescues happen because someone ventured out with a small bottle of water assuming it was enough. Even on a short hike this is a danger. 


10.Extra clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation. AGAIN. BE PREPARED. Rain jacket always. ALWAYS. Weather says sun? Bring it anyway. A lightweight rain jacket can save your life and can be used to sit on while you eat that PBJ. Change of shirt. Are you sweating your way up a mountain? Change that layer with something dry. NOT COTTON. You can become hypothermic sweating through a cotton shirt even in the summer. Temperatures can drop suddenly especially in higher elevations. While you might feel overheated at lower elevations you do not want to get cold up top. You may not think you need an extra set of layers in the summer, but you’ll be thankful when you have a dry shirt to go back down trail! 

        Hiking is one activity for which you need to carry gear you hope you never need to use, but if you go out there and are prepared, you can keep your trail experiences fun. 

        There are many online resources to help you through navigating your first (or hundredth) hike. You can find updates on local trails, activities, maps, closures at outdoors.org. Organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club, the US Forest Service and other local conservation organizations help keep our natural resources accessible and safe for everyone.
Location: 39 Holyoke St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

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