Planning Your Group
Hiking Trip
By Rob Wipfler
Hiking is a fun and
rewarding activity that can be enjoyed as a family, with a group of friends, or
even solo. Getting cozy with Mother Nature requires some serious planning
however, as the last thing you need on your trip is for someone to arrive
without their essentials or for the hike to go wrong. Below, we will discuss
some of the important questions you’ll want to ask yourself to make sure that
your first trip will be as safe as it is fun.
Who are you going with?
If you are leading experienced
hikers, they will likely know what to do. But make sure you run through all of
the basics with them and that everything is in order before departing. However,
if you are planning
a trip for other first-time hikers or with young children, there is a lot to consider when
planning. For example, everyone should be on the same page about the scope of
the trip. Is everyone in good physical shape and wanting to try something
strenuous? If so, a more challenging hike may be appropriate. Are there
children in the group who will likely need to be carried for part of the trip? If
this is the case, a shorter trip would probably be best. Gauge the capabilities
of the group before your departure. Also, be sure you know first aid. Carry a
group cell phone to use in case of emergency.
It is also a good idea
to establish group ground rules such as sticking together or stopping to take a
break at certain time intervals. Knowing basic hiking etiquette, such as staying
to the right of the trail and passing fellow hikers on the left, is also
important.
Where are you going?
There are a number of
beautiful trails, mountains and canyons that are favorite hiking spots of many
seasoned hikers. You first need to determine what your capabilities are when
determining a specific route. Since it is your first time hiking, a 2-day
extravaganza may not be the best choice. For your first hike, test your stamina
and abilities with a shorter trail that can be completed within 1 day. Some
things to consider when choosing a hike include:
- Parking opportunities for the
group
- Bathroom facilities ahead of
time and also LNT (Leave No Trace) practices during the hike including
carrying out trash and waste disposal
- Length of trip
- Expertise level
- Scenic Views
Be sure that everyone
is clear on the path and operate with a leader and sweeper. The leader is the
first one in a group and stops at each and every cross trail until the sweeper
brings up the back. This will ensure that no one will stray from the group and
as a whole you will be able to stay on track.
What are you bringing?
Proper Attire
Every member of a
hiking group should come prepared with the proper attire. Hiking boots or shoes
should be worn to provide grip so you can navigate your way across slippery
rocks and uneven trails. Be prepared for weather changes. The peaks of
mountains are significantly colder than the valleys, so bring an extra layer to
stay warm while you enjoy the view. A hat is a good idea. Mother Nature is
unpredictable, so if you don’t want to spend your hiking trip soaked from head
to toe, bring raingear.
Food & Essentials
Food and water are the
most important items on your packing list. Bring at least twice as much water
as you normally drink, as you may be sweating or just get held up somewhere you
didn’t intend to. Unfortunately dehydration is a common and costly mistake that
many novice hikers make. In addition to an adequate water supply, you will want
nutritious food that will provide sustained energy. Healthy snacks such as
natural granola, trail mix and fruits are always great ideas. For lunch try
peanut butter, bagels, jerky, and pepperoni.
Other necessities for
a safe and enjoyable hiking trip are insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a
map and compass when traveling through an unmarked trail.
Hiking is a beloved
hobby all around the world, but it is a potentially dangerous one too. It’s
incredibly important to make sure the group you are traveling with is on the
same page as you so no one is overexerted. By planning out the trail location,
setting ground rules, and triple checking the items you pack, everyone will be
able to enjoy the group hiking trip!
1 comment:
Hi Lauralee,
Thanks for your post. You have some great tips for us hikers, and as we all know, packing is half the battle. Food and water are super important, and I have definitely been in situations where I did not pack enough. And you’re right, you really do pay the price. There is not much worse than being far off and not having access to water. Except for maybe shoes that are not protecting your feet.
I always wear hiking boots to protect my feet. The waterproof kind are the best and something that sneakers just can’t match. And raingear is such a good suggestion. Thanks again for the advice!
Happy hiking,
Alexis
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