We are not expert hikers, but we would consider ourselves prepared leisure hikers. We hike all 4 seasons here in Canada, and in this post I’m going to share some 16 hiking tips to help you prepare and have a safe hike! I’ve broken down the tips into three main categories: hiking tips before your hike, hiking tips during your hike, and hiking tips after your hike. So, without further ado, here are the hiking tips!
Hiking Tips for Before Your Hike
1. Check the forecast in advance – if it’s calling for extreme weather conditions (heat, rain, snow) it might be a good idea to reschedule your hike. But checking the weather in advance can help you choose the right gear and clothing for your hike.
2. Look up trail conditions – for Ontario Parks, you can usually find any updates on their website. If you’re going hiking somewhere else, make sure you know where to find specific trail information in advance.
3. Lay out your gear the night before – you don’t want to forget anything because when you’re out on the trails, you’re going to have to make do with what you have.Â
4. Plan your route and let someone know where you’re going to be – this is especially important if you’re hiking solo. But even if you’re hiking with another person, it’s good to let someone know where you’ll be in case of emergency.
5. Pack extra items like gloves and socks – when you’re hiking in the winter, one of the worst things to happen is if you end up with wet socks or gloves because toes and fingers get cold quickly. Pack an extra pair of each in a zip lock or plastic bag to ensure they stay dry in case you need them. Additionally, if you’re hiking in spring, summer or fall, getting a soaker sucks! So at least you can have some dry socks if needed.
6. Prep your water bottles – I’d suggest bringing water bottles in the winter because they are less likely to freeze than a hydration bladder tube. And in the summer, make sure you have lots of water (bottled or in a hydration bladder) to ensure you don’t get dehydrated.
During Your Hike:
7. Dress for the weather – Wear comfortable shoes and bring a spare pair to leave in the car (if you have that option!). If you’re hiking in the winter, make sure you have warm waterproof boots! Dress appropriately for the season and wear layers so it’s easier to cool off, or keep warm. Waterproof gear is always a good idea, just in case it starts to rain! Especially in the spring and autumn seasons.
8. Keep hydrated – I already mentioned prepping your water bottles above, but keeping hydrated is really important no matter the season. Especially so in the summer months when you may be sweating a lot if it’s a strenuous/hot hike.
9. Bring snacks – If you’re like me, you might already pack snacks for most outings, but it’s especially important for hiking. Make sure you have some granola or protein bars, nuts, jerky or other easy to carry snack. You don’t want anything that needs to be kept cold – so pick items that provide some needed protein and carbs to keep you feeling at your best during your hike.
10. Keep your electronics warm & waterproof – If you’re taking electronics like cameras, phones, GPS devices, etc. make sure you keep them warm. Cold weather eats up batteries very quickly and you don’t want to run out of power on your hike. Similarly, make sure you have waterproof bags or covers for all of your electronics so they don’t get waterlogged on your hike.
11. Bring a charging battery and cord – Extra batteries or portable batteries are a must for hiking. If you are using your phone for photos or GPS coordinates you will want to ensure you have an additional battery or a portable charger to ensure you have that option in case of emergency (pending you have cell signal!).
12. Pack a bag of essential gear – I always have a kit that I throw into my backpack with some essentials including Kleenex, sunscreen, lip chap, any camera gear, a lighter/matches, flashlight, and a first aid kit. If you’re going to a remote location I’d also recommend a compass/map, and an emergency shelter and an emergency blanket (one of those tinfoil ones that pack up really small).
13. Don’t leave valuables in your car – No matter how long you plan to hike for, it’s never a good idea to leave valuables in your car. Especially if they are in plain sight. Make sure you take all valuables with you, hide them, or don’t bring them at all!
After Your Hike
14. Hydrate – Again, hydration is very important. Make sure you have extra water post-hike – you may be more thirsty than you realize!
15. Connect – If you had anyone on “alert” while you were hiking, make sure you let them know when you’ve returned to your vehicle or made it back safely.
16. Eat a real meal – After your hike, make sure you take time to eat a proper meal. Hiking can be very strenuous and use up a lot of energy. Try to have a nutritious and protein-rich meal after your hike to reenergize.
Hiking Tips Summary
I hope these hiking tips can be helpful if you’re planning a hiking trip regardless of your experience hiking. It’s always good to pick up a few new tips to make your hiking experience safe and comfortable. If you have any additional hiking tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!
