| Outdoor activities have been on the rise and get | | | | tremendously help prevent the rolling of your |
| more and more popular every year. The most | | | | ankles should you step on an uneven surface. A |
| popular wilderness activity is by far hiking. Hiking | | | | bad enough sprain could prevent you from hiking |
| can be a very healthy, safe, and fun way to | | | | out even if you are really close to your car or |
| enjoy the outdoors and get some sunshine. While | | | | the trail head. |
| hiking is a very safe activity to enjoy there are | | | | Extra layers are another essential thing to carry. |
| dangers to be aware of. In a wilderness area you | | | | Check the weather forecast beforehand so that |
| could get lost, become injured, or be caught in a | | | | you know what to expect. If there is a chance of |
| sudden change of weather. | | | | rain bring a waterproof jacket. Always bring a |
| If you have never gone hiking before the best | | | | lightweight jacket or pullover; fleece, wool, |
| time to start would be late spring or the summer. | | | | synthetic, or down. Extra socks are always a |
| This will ensure that most or all of the snow in | | | | good idea in case your feet get wet. |
| the mountains will be gone and it will be a little | | | | The other essential item to carry is a first aid kit. |
| warmer out. Some hikes are very mellow and | | | | This should include at a minimum some aspirin and |
| close to a busy road so you don't really have to | | | | duct tape. Band-aids, gauze, and antiseptic wipes |
| worry about getting lost but you should still be | | | | are also useful. Any special medication you might |
| prepare. You always want to make sure you | | | | need should also be brought. |
| bring at least 2 Liters of water and plenty of | | | | There isn't much to hiking. Your local bookstore or |
| snacks so you can maintain your energy level. | | | | library as well as the Internet will be full of |
| Getting dehydrated will affect your reasoning skills | | | | information on trails in your area to visit. |
| and you might make a very poor choice. Not | | | | Remember to bring extra layers, water, food, |
| eating will lower your energy levels and you might | | | | and first aid supplies and you could start hiking |
| not have enough energy to hike out. | | | | tomorrow. Always research the area you are |
| You want to have a good pair of hiking boots or | | | | going first and if you are not familiar with the |
| trail running shoes that offer excellent ankle | | | | area bring a map and compass if possible. Don't |
| support. The most common injuries while hiking | | | | forget to always bring a friend just in case |
| are twisted or sprained ankles and blisters. Make | | | | something does happen. |
| sure to break in your shoes or boots before | | | | You don't have to bring a 30 lb pack worth of |
| going on a long and arduous hike so you will | | | | gear; make sure you will be comfortable wearing |
| reduce your chance of getting any blisters. Having | | | | your pack and don't choose a hike outside of |
| a good somewhat stiff hiking boot will | | | | your limits. Get out there and have fun! |