5 Essential Hiking Safety Tips

Mountain hiking has its rules that we should follow due to our safety as well as to safety of the entire group. And this applies not only to winter when the mountains can be challenging even for highly experienced mountaineers, but also for summer, when we may tend to underestimate it a little. Let´s check some essential tips that can save a lot (perhaps even a life) including the work of Mountain Rescue Service.

1. Plan ahead 

Before you go on a hike, have at least rough travel plan/itinerary. Adapt the difficulty of the hike to your abilities. And if there are more people involved, make sure to adapt it to the weakest member of the group, whether it is a child, senior or disabled person. if you are still unsure, test it on a less demanding hike first. 

We will be talking more about gear, however, even on your "test hike" we recommend to bring a backpack of at least similar size and weight that you are planning to take on your "big" adventure. You will know if you can carry it on your back the entire day, respectively the entire trip.

TIP: Do you know, how to pack your backpack for any adventure or how to prepare for multi-day hiking trip ? Or what are the best Czech and Slovak hiking trips ? All this can be found in our articles. 

Make sure to adapt your trip to the weakest member of the group. 

2. Check the weather forecast 

Few days before your "big trip" start to check the weather forecast in the area where you are going. If the forecast isn´t promising, consider changing the plan, whether it would be change of a date or place. Storm in the mountains can be something totally different than a storm in the city. Moreover, if you have no place to hide, it can be really dangerous.

TIP: Do you know what to do when you get caught by storm ? Tips that they will help in such situation, can be found in one of your another articles.

The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change quite quickly,sometimes even within couple of minutes. It is therefore good to have "plan B", in case the weather changes. One thing is related to this : before you go, inform your friends and relatives where are you going. If they don´t hear from you for some time, they will at least approximately know where you are.

Never underestimate the mountains as well as do not overestimate your abilities

If the weather gets worse, take the shortest way back to the valley. However, it should always be the designated path as one of the other rules is that you should not be going off the marked path. Luckily, in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, most of the trails are well marked, so here you don´t need to worry about it that much.

The similar strategy also applies to situation when you find out that you have overestimated your abilities and you can not simply make it ( or someone else from your group). 

3. Understand hiking trail signs and symbols

No matter where you are going, you should always know local hiking trail signs and symbols. Have good understanding of individual signs and symbols and possible risks. 

This also means to be able to understand signs in local language. For example in Bosnia and Herzegovina you can still see a landmine warning signs. 

If you are planning a hiking abroad, always know the local situation and possible risks.

4. Always carry a first-aid kit 

Always make sure, that at least one member of your crew carry a first-aid kit ( you can always swap its carrying). Before each trip, always check the content of your first-aid kit and learn how to use it. Know the basic first aid techniques and in case of injury do not panic. 

Save important numbers

Save important numbers just as Emergency medical service (155 in the Czech Republic) and Mountain rescue service ( in the Czech Rep +420 1210).

However, there is not always mobile phone signal ( assuming we carry charged mobile phone). In such cases, try to keep calm and call for a help. In the Czech mountains - if you are staying on the marked trails – there should always be someone withing hearing distance. 

Alpine distress signal 

Alpine distress signal is a distress signal in the case of mountain emergency. It involves repeating signal six times within a minute, then pausing for a minute before repeating using a flashlight for example. 

The reply to such a signal is given with three successive indications per minute and likewise repeated after one minute break. Just as you expect someone to help you, be also prepared to help other tourist in need.

5. Do not neglect other important gear 

Do not forget other important gear when going on your hiking trip to mountains. We have already mentioned firs-aid kit and pocket flashlight, but it is also appropriate to pack a knife, possibly stove and cookware, in case you are planning to cook. If you want to "skip" cooking, you can use so called MRE food – which is simply meal-ready-to-eat.

Do not forget to take enough food. Idealy some instant energy food just as protein bars, chocolate or nuts. Whether you decide for already mentioned ready-to-eat-meals or any other food, you should always opt for high energy and calorie dense foods.

Always have plenty of drinking water with you, no matter whether you carry bottle or hydration reservoir, and do a research where you can refill it. Ideally, plan your trek that has at least two water refilling stations. If you are unsure about the quality of the water, pack some portable water filter as well. 

Make sure you always have essential outdoor gear. The conditions can be changing quickly and you never know when you need it.

You should also carry enough of clothing in case the weather changes – if you are wearing shorts, make sure to also pack long pair of trousers, as well as spare shirt and socks. Even in summer, the temperatures may go down so some jumper and windbreaker are needed too. And of course - wear proper hiking shoes. Definitely do not try mountain hiking in sandals or your favorite pair of sneakers.

Other gear include for example headlamp, powerbank, navigation equipment including those “paper”ones (paper map, compass, magnetic compass…), ALU foil (at least 2 pieces), sunglasses and some scarf or other headwear. And also insect repellent.

Finally: Be considerate  

The most important rule that summarizes all of the above is to be considerate. This also means how we treat nature. The rule to keep our environment clean and safe is well known, but it is good to remind that, especially in case of mountain hiking. And never underestimate the mountains.

Also respect wild animals that you will encounter, whether they are grazing cows or wild animals in the forest. We should never turn our backs on these animals. Do not make unnecessary noise and if you are taking your dog, always keep it on a leash. Even the best behaved dog may startle in unknown territory and you could lose it when runs away.