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Explain and demonstrate the main points of good hiking practice
Explain and demonstrate the main points of good hiking practice
When two groups of hikers meet on a steep trail, there may be contention for use of the
trail. To avoid conflict, a custom has developed in some areas whereby the group
moving uphill has the right-of-way. In other situations, the larger of the two groups will
usually yield to the smaller.
Being forced to hike much faster or slower than one's natural pace can be annoying, and
difficult to maintain consistently. More seriously, walking unnaturally fast dramatically
increases fatigue and exhaustion, and may cause injury. If a group splits between fast
and slow hikers, the slow hikers may be left behind or become lost. A common custom is
to encourage the slowest hiker to hike in the lead and have everyone match that speed.
Another custom is to have an experienced hiker sweep up the rear, to ensure that
everyone in the group is safe and nobody straggles.
Hikers often enjoy the silence and solitude of their surroundings. Loud sounds, such as
shouting or loud conversation, disrupt this enjoyment. Some hikers purposely avoid loud
sounds, out of deference to other hikers. Staying quiet will also increase the likelihood of
encountering wildlife. (This is a hazard if dangerous animals are present; see "Personal
safety hazards".)
Hikers sometimes trespass onto private property from public land or rights of way
(easements). Such trespass can alienate the property owners and (in countries where
rights of way are not protected by law) close down hiking rights-of-way. To maximize
hiking opportunities for everyone, most hikers will either stay on public land and
easements, or solicit permission from property owners. Staying on well-marked trails
avoids the possibility of trespass.
Tree branches or other vegetation often hang low across trails. A passing hiker may
cause a tree branch to snap back in the face of a hiker behind. While it is courteous to
warn following hikers if a branch is likely to snap back, it is every hiker's responsibility to
allow enough space between himself and the hiker ahead to avoid the hazard.
When two groups of hikers meet, it is considered a common courtesy to exchange
greetings (either verbal or physical (e.g. smiles and friendly nods)). To pass another
group without such acknowledgement is seen as rude.
Memorize and practice the 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
o Plan ahead and prepare.
o Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
o Dispose of waste properly.
o Leave what you find.
o Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
o Respect wildlife.
o Be considerate of other visitors.
Thick socks
Jeans
Light Shirt (short sleeve)
Light Shirt (long sleeve)
Hat with a wide brim
Boots
Cold Weather Clothing Remember to dress in layers. This will allow you to control your
temperature better. In cold weather, you do not want to sweat, because that will soak your clothing
and chill you. If you find yourself working up a sweat, remove a layer of clothing, or open a zipper.
Rely on wool rather than on cotton, because wool stays warm even when wet. There is a popular
saying among experienced outdoorsmen that "Cotton kills." This is because when cotton gets wet, it
steals the body's heat which can lead to hypothermia and death. Your outer layer should be wind-
proof, as this greatly increases the warmth of your clothing. Here is a list:
Thermal Underwear
Light shirts (polyester or some other synthetic)
Heavy Shirts
Wool Sweater
Wind Breaker
Fleece Pants (synthetic)
Nylon Pants (as the outside layer) or snow pants
Overcoat
Wool Socks
Boots
Warm Hat
Sleepwear For comfortable sleeping and for modesty on overnight trips, bring pajamas or a sweat
suit. In many places where it is warm during the day it gets cold at night, so be prepared.
Water bottle
Water purification equipment
First aid kit
Blister kit may be part of the first aid kit):
Mole skin
Bandages
Needle or pin
Lighter
Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic wipes
Extra socks
Extra shoe/boot laces
Flashlight (torch)
Compass
Map of the area
Guide book about the trail you are using
Day pack (a small backpack)
Hiking shoes or boots
Knife
Rope
Trail mix
Insect repellant
For a long day hike you will also need to plan on a meal or two. Select foods that are low-weight
(you will have to carry it remember), high calorie, and easy to prepare (or require no preparation). If
your food requires preparation, be sure to bring whatever you need to prepare it (such as a
backpacking stove, a mess kit, and eating utensils).
Carry your trail mix where it is easily available for snacking as you walk.
1. Nothing living in the water: If you cannot find any signs of life in the water, it is
very likely to be unfit for drinking. If plants and animals cannot live in the water, it
may contain poisonous chemicals.
2. Oil film on surface: Runoff from roadways can deposit petroleum-based oil in the
water. If you see a rainbow slick on the surface, this is a sign of pollution.
3. Foul Odor: Foul smelling water is sure to be foul tasting as well, but the damage
caused by drinking it may well extend beyond the taste buds.
8. Describe proper clothing and foot gear for cold and hot
wet weather hiking.[edit | edit source]
Cold, Wet Weather[edit | edit source]
Keeping dry is not only important for comfort - in cold weather it is also essential to safety. Bring an
extra set of clothing with you so that if you do get wet, you'll have something to change into. To stay
dry, wear a water-proof outer layer. It is also essential to dress in layers and to vent your clothing to
avoid sweating. Perspiration will soak your clothing just as quickly as precipitation.
Footwear should be as waterproof as possible and provide warmth. To avoid blisters, footwear also
needs to be snug. Many hikers prefer mukluks for cold-weather hiking.
1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Headlamp/flashlight
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Matches
10. Knife
A 10-mile hike should include one meal, and it should provide about 2000 calories. The meal can
consist of the "main" portion which is eaten as a meal, as well as "trail food" which is eaten while
walking. GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) is the classic hiking snack.
The description of the route can be simple, but it should be detailed enough so that others can
retrace your steps. Leave the plan with someone who is not going with you in case there is an
emergency and you are unable to return when planned. This information is essential to a rescue
team should the services of one become necessary.
c. Two 10-mile (16.1 km) day hikes on different routes[edit | edit source]
A 10-mile hike will generally take all day, so plan to set out early in the morning and return in the
evening. Everyone should bring a lunch.