Everybody makes hiking mistakes, but it is a part of the learning process to better your experience. You could seriously hurt or embarrass yourself in the backcountry by making the wrong mistakes; therefore, it is important to look out for these 9 common health and safety hiking errors.

1. Not Properly Packing Chemical-Based Bug Sprays

The DEET repellent can damage hard plastics like buckles as it melts nylon and polyester; hence it is necessary to pack these repellents properly in a zip lock bag, making sure they are kept away from your other essential items.

2. Not Setting a Return Time

Depending on the terrain, the descent usually takes half as long as the climb but if you are unable to reach the set summit in time, consider going back anyway, as it’s better than getting lost in the woods.

3. Being Unable to Find the Trailhead

Trails are likely to be crowded if they are more accessible than other trailheads. Therefore, finding a peaceful trailhead means discovering remote and complex pathless roads.

To prevent getting lost, contact the forest recreation managers or the local park to provide you with information about washed-out trails and roads, theft-prone path, and 4WD trails.

4. Failing to notice Storm Signs

Keep a close lookout for weather clues like a developing cloud cover, winds from the south or other directions, or a freefall. Using an altimeter watch will be helpful in this case as some of them come with an additional storm-warning feature.

If the weather starts deteriorating, seek shelter and descend to a safe place.

5. Climbing Out of Your Comfort Zone

Carefully scan the terrain ahead and behind you to ensure you can take the same route to descend, especially with steep terrain. Avoid taking shortcuts on your hike because you cannot know or see the length of the trail.

Most find downclimbing more difficult than the ascent because footholds and other obstacles in your path are less evident. Consider these four additional tips:

• Memorize the hand and footholds used by you as you climb up.
  
• Climb down facing the rock and test all hold to make sure they’re not shaky.
  
• Balance yourself using your hands.
  
• Get a better view of the holds by leaning out with arms locked out and straight.

6. Avoid Hydration Blunders

• Don’t let your water freeze on subzero nights.
  
• Replace electrolytes lost during the hike by consuming salty foods and sports drinks.
  
• Drink plenty of water as about two liters of water is lost every hour in hot weather for an active person.
  
• Carry ultra-refreshing and ultra-light coolers to prevent dehydration.

7. Not Double-Checking Your Position and Getting Caught in the Dark

Following a map to double-check your direction after each turning is important to avoid losing your way during the travel. Check the sun’s position to verify your direction – east in the morning and west in the afternoon.

Record your route’s compass direction while approaching a peak, or mark the trail with a big rock or prominent stick so you can find your way back.

An important tip to calculate how much daylight is left is to stretch out your palm at arm’s length and see how many fingers are fitting between the horizon and the sun. Each finger means you have about 15 minutes. 

Cold temperatures at night mean difficulty finding the route back. Pack a headlamp with you if darkness descends to make route-finding easier.

8. Do Not Pitch Your Tent in a Puddle

Waking up in a wet or soggy sleeping bag and tent definitely isn’t fun. Stay dry and:

• Place your tent on a flat, dry, and well-drained surface such as bare dirt or slabs of rock. Avoid pitching your shelter in shallow depressions and runoff zones which collect water as it will seep through the material. Use a footprint to keep water from entering inside and tuck its edges under the rainfly.
  
• Ensure the fabric seams are waterproof.
  
• Fix your tent in a way that it faces the wind so as to stop droplets from entering from under the rainfly.
  
• Pack and set up the tent in the following order, making the process easier: rainfly, canopy, and footprint.

9. Disregarding Hot Spots

Many people are too rushed to stop in between hikes if their heel pain flares up. It is recommended to treat any hot spot (any irritation on the skin due to excessive friction) early in time to better your chance of having a blister and pain-free day. Do the following to prevent hot spots from worsening:

1. Clean the affected area on the skin with a damp and clean cloth.
   
2. Apply a cushioned self-adhesive bandage over the hot spot and around it.
   
3. Cover it with strips of self-adhesive tape. Consider wearing new and comfortable shoes on hikes, and experiment with different hike-friendly socks, trail shoes, and insoles. 

Wrap Up

It is very important to let your friends and family know about your whereabouts when you set off for a hike. Informing your close ones can possibly be life-saving in case you get caught up with some difficulty and need assistance. 

Detouring very far off the initial ascent trail can be dangerous and cause injury, so shortcuts should be avoided, and try always staying on the established trail. Be prepared for all shortcomings when packing for a hiking adventure and steer clear of the aforementioned hiking mistakes to have a smooth experience.