Staying Safe:

Hiking and Backpacking

Table Of Contents

Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Understanding Safety …………………………………………………………….. 2
Avoidable Accidents ………………………………………………………2
Unexpected Weather or Instances ………………………………..2
Ways to Stay Safe …………………………………………………………………….3
Planning Your Trip ………………………………………………………….3
Knowing Your Limits ………………………………………………………3
Knowing Your Environment ……………………………………………3
Reducing Tragedies …………………………………………………………………..4
Less Missing People ………………………………………………………..4
Less Death ……………………………………………………………………..4
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………..4
References ………………………………………………………………………………..5

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Abstract
Outdoor recreation is considered a fairly newnew concept, only being recognized as such in
1933 (Hiking in America). The Industrial Revolution kickstarted a desire for green spaces due
the increased pollution in urban areas. As people migrated outside of cities, natural places
started to dwindle. With this, outdoor societies started to pop up. New outdoors clubs emerged
where communities could hike together and soon, clubs for younger people such as Boys Scouts
and Girls Scouts were created for the younger generation interested in the outdoors.

After World War II, the desire only increased. By 1948 “thousands of miles of hiking and
horseback trails were sign-posted and maintained.” (Hiking in America) With the increase in
outdoor recreation, the need for increased education on safety rises as well.

Understanding the background of outdoor recreation is so important but understand the safety
that needs to be considered with outdoor recreation is even more important. This is document
will help the understanding of safety such as avoiding accidents and knowing what to expect
even the unexpected such as weather. When planning a trip, it can be easy to look over the
“simple things” but these are possible the most important things to be considred.
Remembering ways to stay safe and keeping out of trouble. Knowing what you are getting
yourself into by understanding your limits and knowing the environment that you are exploring.
Lastly, the active duty to reduce tragedies during outdoor recreation is at top priority.

Understanding Safety

Avoidable Accidents

When planning a trip in the wilderness, there are many things to consider. Food, water, shelter,
communication, and navigation are all vital to keeping yourself safe. Many times, new
outdoorsmen and women get ahead of themselves when hiking and forget the essentials. One
primary concern is food and water. Making sure you have enough nutritious food for the whole
trip keeps you energized. Additionally, and access to safe drinking water can save your life.

Picking a hike of your level is also important. Often, “the biggest mistake beginners make is
overdoing it.” (Hiking for Beginners: 11 Essential Tips) Proper preparation includes looking over
the map of the trail before you go and following the markers on the trail. Veering off the path
because you were not paying attention not only destroys natural, protected landscapes, but
could get you lost and unable to get back to the trailhead.

Unexpected Weather

Always check the weather before you hit the trail to ensure you dress appropriately. This is
especially important for cold-weather hiking and backpacking. Hiking is drastically different in
different climates and elevations. Make sure you do your research and do not assume that
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hiking conditions will always be the same (Hiking for Beginners: 11 Essential Tips). Experts
recommend calling the park you plan to hike in during the planning stage of your trip. They may
have information on the weather and trail closures. Pushing your trip back a day may be
irritating but could help to avoid a preventable accident due to weather.

Ways to Stay Safe

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip, it is critical you chose a trail that fits your experience level. Choosing a
hike that is too strenuous can put you in a dangerous situation. Before you leave, try to
estimate how long your trip will take and inform someone of your plans so that people know
when to expect you back. That way, if an incident does occur, you can receive help quickly.
Further, talk to people who have done the trip before you. They may have tips and advice from
their previous experience. They will have a better idea of how many hours or days it will take
you to complete your trip and can help to plan out how much food and water you will need.
Planning everything will help prevent avoidable issues.

Knowing Your Limits

Long backpacking trips are intense. Many people train for months for through-hikes like the
Appalachian Trail on the American east coast and The Pacific Crest Trail on the west coast.
Carrying a heavy backpack and walking for hours “is challenging even for the fittest people.”
(Hiking Safety Tip Everyone Should Know) Prepare for longer trips by taking long day hikes and
short backpacking trips beforehand. This will help you get in shape and better understand your
abilities. Have a plan in case you find yourself unable to follow through with the hike.

Knowing the Environment

Making sure you know the environment you are hiking in can help make a lot of decisions.
Hiking in a desert climate could mean that there are no available water sources for miles
around you, which would alter the amount of water you bring each day. Whereas hiking in
higher altitudes requires altitude training. Another thing to keep in mind is wildlife. Research
the animals in the region you are hiking in and how to protect yourself in case you come across
them. Animals could not only cause harm to you but could take your food and gear. That’s why
it’s important you know how to handle your food supply if you are backpacking on overnight
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trips and learn skills like bear-hangs. Also, it’s advisable to periodically look back at the trail
because “looking towards your destination is a must but the trial looks very different on the
return.” (Hiking Safety Tip Everyone Should Know)

Reducing Tragedies
Less Missing People
Knowing your surroundings, planning appropriately, and knowing your limits can help make
sure that you do not become another missing person on a trail. While most people are usually
found, “there are twenty-nine cold cases of people missing in national parks dating as far back
as the 1950s.” (Arshani, 2021) regardless of new technologies, people go missing in the parks
every year. Follow safety guidelines to make sure that you do not become one of these missing
people.

Less Deaths
According to one article written by Mike Gilmour, there is a 0.00064% chance of dying on a
hike. While this number may seem extremely low, people still die every year, which is avoidable
with good preparation. Further, there are many other serious things to consider besides deaths.
Injuries are incredibly common for hikers, especially ankle injuries from falling or tripping.
While this will probably not lead to death, it may prevent you from completing a hike and
require medical assistance. Remember to watch your step and know your limits before starting
a hike.

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Figures and Tables

Conclusion
Hiking is a great way to get away from the rush of urban areas and reconnect with nature.
There are great hikes at national and state parks as less as metro parks in towns for those who
can’t travel far. It can be a great way to exercise and travel not only around the United States
but also the world. There are great communities where you can find people who enjoy the
same outdoor activities as you and give you advice if you are new to hiking. While this is great
fun, it is important to remember to stay safe. Going hiking with experienced friends, planning

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effectively, and knowing your limits and your environment can all help ensure that you will have
a positive experience.

References
“Hiking in America.” Forest History Society, 13 Mar. 2017, https://foresthistory.org/research-
explore/us-forest-service-history/policy-and-law/recreation-u-s-forest-service/hiking-in-
america/. 

Hazzard, Cris. “Hiking for Beginners: 11 Essential Tips.” HikingGuy.com, HikingGuy, 30 Sept.

2021, https://hikingguy.com/how-to-hike/hiking-for-beginners-11-essential-tips/. 

“Hiking Safety Tips Everyone Should Know.” The Active Times,

https://www.theactivetimes.com/hike-climb/hiking-safety-tips-everyone-should-
know/slide-5. 

Gilmour, Mike, and Lindsey. “Hiking Accidents Statistics: 18 Facts Trends to Consider
(Explained).” RV and Playa, 5 May 2021, https://www.rvandplaya.com/hiking-accidents-
statistics-facts-trends-to-know/.