5 Tips for Women To Hike Safely on Their Own
Happy Weekend! Hiking is a fun way to relieve stress, get some exercise, and connect with nature. However, it can be a bit dangerous for anyone to hike solo if we aren’t prepared - and unfortunately, even more so for women. Here’s a few tips to make it safer.
1. Know the Trail
Hiking solo on a difficult and unfamiliar trail is dangerous for anyone, even the most experienced hikers. If you aren’t an expert navigator, it’s easy to get lost on an unfamiliar trail or run into dangerous wildlife. Instead, choose a familiar or popular trail to ensure that you remain safe. Dangerous wildlife is less likely to approach a popular trail, and these trails usually have markers that show the path ahead clearly.
2. Tell Someone Where You Are
Before we head out to the trail, it’s always a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Remember to tell a friend, family member, or loved one where you’re going so that they know your location in case of an emergency.
3. Prepare for the Outdoors
The third of the five tips for women to hike safely on their own is to prepare for the outdoors. For a fun and safe trip, learn a few survival skills that every hiker should know, such as how to use your equipment properly. Remember to pack all necessary equipment, clothing, food, and water before you visit a hiking trail.
4. Check the Weather
One of the most important tips for hiking that we all need to remember is to check the weather before planning an outdoor trip. Storms, heat waves, tornadoes, and high winds are all dangerous, so it’s best to avoid them when possible.
5. Leave the Headphones at Home
The final tip we can use while hiking solo is leaving the headphones at home. While it is currently popular to hike with headphones, they do distract us from our environment. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings to have a fun and safe hike.
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