Survival Tips for Hiking Adventures

Hey there! Are you excited about going on a hiking adventure? I know I am! But before we hit the trails, let’s make sure we’re prepared to stay safe and have a fantastic time.

1. Know Your Limits

When it comes to hiking, it’s essential to understand your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard or take on a trail that’s beyond your fitness level. Start with shorter, easier hikes and gradually work your way up. This way, you can enjoy the experience without risking injury or exhaustion.

2. Pack Smart

Always pack the essentials. Make sure you have a backpack with plenty of water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget essentials like a map, a compass, sun protection, and extra clothing layers. It’s better to have more than you need than to find yourself in a tricky situation without essential gear.

3. Dress Appropriately

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear, preferably hiking boots or trail shoes. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing weather conditions. And don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Being comfortable and properly dressed will enhance your hiking experience.

4. Stay Hydrated and Well-Nourished

Water is your best friend when hiking. Make sure you have enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. It’s also important to bring nutritious snacks like energy bars or trail mix to fuel your adventure. Keeping yourself nourished will help maintain your energy levels and prevent fatigue.

5. Stay on the Trail

It can be tempting to explore off the beaten path, but for safety reasons, it’s best to stay on the designated trail. Venturing off can increase your risk of getting lost or encountering dangerous terrain. Stick to the marked path, and you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable hike.

6. Leave No Trace

Respect nature and leave no trace behind. Always carry a garbage bag and pick up any litter you encounter. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace, such as minimizing campfire impacts and respecting wildlife. By doing so, you’ll help preserve the beauty of the natural environment for future hikers.

7. Share Your Plan

Before heading out, make sure someone knows your hiking plans. Tell a friend or family member where you’re going, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to return. This way, if something goes wrong or you’re overdue, someone can raise the alarm and help will come.

Conclusion

Remember, hiking is a wonderful adventure that allows us to connect with nature and challenge ourselves. By following these survival tips, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. So go ahead, hit the trails, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Back in December 2017, I embarked on an adventure to a stunning kloof near McGregor for a survival-light weekend. It was a trip that the whole family could enjoy, thanks to Hunt Cheney, an expert in outdoor and survival skills. Hunt Cheney is known for leading various survival training courses all over South Africa. Here, I’ll share some of the valuable tips I learned from him, so you can stay safe in the wild too.

But before we dive into the tips, let me introduce you to Hunt Cheney. He had an extraordinary upbringing in Kruger National Park, where he began honing his survival skills at the tender age of five. He even embarked on a daring adventure by spending two whole months alone in the Kruger bush – and he did so on purpose! Believe it or not, he survived with just his shorts and a T-Shirt, proving that he truly knows what he’s doing.

Imagine this: you’re out in the wilderness on a hiking adventure, far away from civilization. It’s just you and nature, feeling the crisp air on your face and the thrill of exploration. Most of us won’t ever experience the extreme challenge of being stranded in the wild for weeks on end, but it’s always good to be prepared, just in case.

That’s why I reached out to Hunt, an expert hiker, to get some insight into what gear he takes with him and his top packing tips. I wanted to know how he stays safe and prepared when venturing off the beaten path.

Welcome to the wonderful world of outdoor adventures! Today, I’m going to show you how to choose the perfect backpack for your trip.

First things first: finding the right backpack

1. Look for a backpack with a tubular design

When it comes to your backpack, balance is key. That’s why it’s important to choose one with a tubular design. This will make it easier to carry and help prevent unnecessary strain on your body. An unbalanced backpack can tire you out faster than you think. Plus, it can increase the risk of tricky situations like twisted ankles and unexpected falls. So, let’s avoid those protruding pockets and unnecessary straps that can snag on rocks or branches.

2. Don’t go overboard – choose a smaller backpack

It’s tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but trust me, it’s not worth it. Instead, opt for the smallest backpack that can fit all your essentials. Overfilling your pack can lead to discomfort and make your adventure less enjoyable. Keep it light and manageable, and you’ll be grateful during those long walks and challenging terrain.

When it comes to choosing the right backpack, it’s important to consider a few factors. Your backpack should be big enough to hold all your essential items and food, but you should aim for the smallest size possible. It can be tempting to pack your backpack to the brim, but remember that the smaller your bag, the more economical you’ll have to be with space. This will also help keep the overall weight down, which is important for a comfortable hiking experience.

1. Pack light

When you’re preparing for a hike, it’s important to pack light. You should never hike with a pack that’s more than a third of your body weight. Carrying a heavy backpack can put unnecessary strain on your body and make your hike much more difficult. Try to minimize the weight by only packing the essentials and leaving behind any unnecessary items.

2. Organize your gear

Organization is key when it comes to packing your backpack. Make sure you have compartments and pockets to keep your gear organized and easily accessible. This will not only make it easier for you to find what you need when you’re on the trail, but it will also help distribute the weight evenly throughout the backpack.

3. Pay close attention to the straps

The straps on your backpack are important for supporting the weight and keeping it balanced. Make sure the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable to provide a comfortable fit. The hip belt is also crucial for distributing the weight to your hips and relieving pressure from your shoulders. Take the time to adjust the straps properly before you start hiking to ensure maximum comfort.

4. Consider the weather

When you’re choosing a backpack, it’s important to consider the weather conditions you’ll be hiking in. Look for a backpack that is made from waterproof or water-resistant material to protect your gear from rain or snow. Additionally, make sure the backpack has a cover or a built-in rain fly to provide further protection in case of a sudden downpour.

5. Try it on

Before you make a final decision, it’s important to try on the backpack and see how it feels on your body. Walk around with it for a while to test its comfort and adjustability. Pay attention to any areas of discomfort or pressure points and see if you can make any adjustments to alleviate them. This will ensure that you choose a backpack that fits you well and will be comfortable to carry on your hike.

By following these tips and considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the perfect backpack for your hiking adventures. Remember, the right backpack can make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment on the trail!

When it comes to your backpack, it’s important to choose one with a wide and well-padded waist strap. This strap is responsible for carrying most of the weight, so it needs to sit comfortably above your hips when it’s fastened. The area where the strap connects to the bag should be well-padded and sturdy to distribute the weight evenly. By having the weight on your hips, your shoulders will feel much lighter and more comfortable.

Shoulder straps, on the other hand, don’t need to be bulky because they don’t bear much weight. However, they should be adjustable so that you can pull the backpack closer to improve balance. Lastly, make sure your backpack has a sternum strap that connects the two shoulder straps across your chest. This strap prevents the shoulder straps from slipping off while you’re walking.

In addition, consider making your backpack waterproof

In any survival situation, it’s crucial to keep your clothing dry. Using external rain covers may seem like a good solution, but they don’t always work well. They only offer limited protection in light rain and can be ineffective in windy conditions. Plus, they won’t help much if you end up getting soaked, like when you accidentally fall into deep water.

To truly waterproof your backpack, the best method is to line the inside with a dry bag. It’s important to choose a dry bag that’s slightly larger than your backpack, so it can completely fill the main compartment. Make sure there’s enough extra space at the top to create a tight seal. Once sealed, the dry bag also works as a floatation device, so even if you fall into water, your backpack won’t pull you down.

Remember, using a dry bag is the most effective way to keep your gear safe from water damage in survival situations. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught in the rain without proper protection.

Also read: If you’re looking for some amazing hiking adventures, check out these 8 expert-recommended hikes in the Drakensberg.

When it comes to packing for a survival adventure, it’s important to be prepared for any situation. That’s why I recommend using dry bags to keep your gear safe and dry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Gear List and Packing Tips

Start by packing all your essentials into a single large dry bag. This will keep everything organized and easy to transport. Then, use smaller dry bags to pack specific items like your sleeping bag and emergency clothing.

Clothing and Sleeping Gear

1. Keep a long-sleeve down jacket in a separate small dry bag. This will protect you from cold temperatures in case of an emergency.

2. Pack long thermal underwear (top and bottom). These will keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather conditions.

3. Bring a pashmina scarf. It’s lightweight and versatile, serving as a scarf, towel, head wrap, and more.

4. Don’t forget to pack a soft-brimmed hat for sun protection and a beanie for cold weather.

5. Invest in a water- and wind-resistant shell jacket. This will shield you from the elements and keep you dry.

6. Include a pair of tough gloves. Hand injuries can be disastrous in a survival situation.

7. Protect your eyes with clear or light-enhancing eyewear, especially when navigating in the dark.

8. Pack a down sleeping bag and put it in its own dry bag for extra waterproofing.

9. Consider bringing a hammock with a fly sheet. It’s compact and lightweight, replacing the need for a tent and bedroll.

10. Lastly, bring a waterproof tarp that’s big enough to use as a shelter (3×3 meters).

Survival Kit

Hey there! So, if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation and need to survive in the wild, here are a few things you should definitely have in your survival kit:

1. An emergency Mylar/space blanket or poncho – trust me, it’ll keep you warm and protected from the elements.
2. A compact, but comprehensive medical kit with medication for all sorts of ailments like pain, allergies, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and hypoglycemia – you never know when you might need it.
3. A water filtration straw and some purification drops – making sure your water is clean is crucial for your health.
4. A small cooking set and a gas stove – because who wants to go hungry, right?
5. Three ways to start a fire – this one’s super important. You’ll need a magnifying glass, flint and steel – and make sure at least two of them can work even if they get wet.
6. A slow-burning candle – not only can it provide some light, but it can also help you start a fire when you need it.
7. About two meters of cord – better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
8. A roll of duct tape – trust me, it’s one of the handiest things you can have. You can use it for all sorts of things, like fixing gear or even making repairs to your shelter.
9. A sturdy water bottle – make sure it’s made of stainless steel and holds at least 1 liter of water. You’ll also want a separate water bladder for drinking on the go.
10. A couple of clear plastic refuse bags – you can use these to collect water, among other things.
11. A few condoms – these might sound unusual, but they can actually be really useful. You can use them to carry extra water, make tourniquets, and even start fires.
12. And finally, a sharp, full-tang, carbon-steel knife – this is an essential tool for survival. Make sure it fits comfortably in your hand and has a single piece of steel from tip to butt. And remember, a blade about 12cm long is ideal – big knives might be heavier and harder to sharpen.

Well, there you have it – the ultimate survival kit. Stay safe out there!

When you’re packing your gear, remember to prioritize the weight distribution. It’s best to place the heavier items against your spine, with the lighter ones on top. Make sure the weight is balanced on both sides as well. Don’t forget to pack your rain jacket last for easy access in case of sudden need. As you pack, make sure to secure all loose straps neatly to avoid any snags while walking. You can use short sections of bicycle-tyre tube to keep them in place.

If you want more tips on surviving in the wild, check out our December issue. Inside, you’ll find an amazing slackpacking desert adventure in Namibia, 50 ways to make the most of your summer holidays here in SA, 12 excellent stays in Simon’s Town, and a thrilling Mpumalanga road trip that might just surpass the Panorama Route.