- When you’re hiking uphill, especially with a backpack, take short steps, keeping your weight even. Don’t lean into the hill too far, especially on wet terrain - you will slip forward. Likewise, when going downhill don’t get in the back seat or you will find yourself on your seat.
- Keep your boot or trail shoe laces in tight loops. Boots and trail running shoes tend to have long laces. If you tie them and leave a big loop, your shoelace loop will find a root or something else to catch on and could start a nasty fall. So back lace down your boots or otherwise shorten your laces to keep them tight.
- Wear gloves. Short finger biking gloves are good, but you can use any kind that keep your palms from getting blisters from the pole handles and will aid in climbing.
- Buy a small First Aid kit, a small flashlight, and a multi-purpose tool like a Swiss Army knife.
- Carry a small roll of duct tape, the universal fix anything.
- Dress for the day’s weather, but be prepared for whatever possible weather your area can throw at you.
- Be sure your cell phone has at least some service in the terrain you will be in.
- Carry a topographical map and know how to read it and how to use a compass.
- Think about investing in a GPS for your hiking. It’s a great gadget to have and to insure your safety.
First Page: Hiking to Keep Your Ski Muscles Strong
