Hiking outdoors is a lot of fun but can be dangerous if you are not prepared.

The first and foremost preparation you need to do is to get information on the hiking location. Review a map or Guidebook of the area you are visiting and note special features. Sign in on Trailhead registers and stick to your planned route. Tell Someone Where You Are Going And When You Expect To Return. If parking your car near the trail, leaving a plan of your trip turned facing upward inside can be a great help for searchers should anything go wrong.

Yes, you need to be well prepared to make your hiking experience a lot more enjoyable. You could probably just buy a commercial survival hiking pack but if you want to bring a pack that caters to your own specific needs, consider putting together one yourself. When putting together a survival hiking pack, consider function over taste. Probably the most important component of your survival hiking pack is your supply of water. A basic first aid kit is another important component of your survival hiking pack. (Make sure your first aid kit is complete).

Some other suggested items could include a high quality multi-tool or knife, a good compass and a GPS (and the skill to read them), waterproof matches or some other means of starting a fire, flashlight, (There are many different ones to choose from, but when I’m hiking outdoors LED lights are hard to beat). Also a good headlamp can help to keep your hands free, whistle, energy bars, and flagging tape (to mark your way if not familiar with the area).

Wearing a good pair of hiking boots will make your journey more comfortable. The boots should have aggressive treads patterns to make hiking on difficult surfaces a lot easier. Also make sure to wear boots before going on long trips so that they have a chance to get broken in. You want to make your trip as comfortable as possible and getting blisters does not help you to enjoy your hiking outdoors experience.

I have been a Search and Rescue member in my county for about six years now and have learned a lot of things about hikers and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors. But the main thing I have learned is that no one is ever lost (at least that's what they will tell you).

If you know you are lost do not hesitate to call us if you have your cell phone and get somewhere that you can get a signal. And make sure to let someone know when you plan to be back and if not there within a reasonable time after that time have them call us out. (That’s what we are there for and most of us live and train to be there to help)It is not a burden nor does it cost you anything (in most instances).

It is better to stay where you are at and have us find you in a reasonable time then to wait and wander farther down the wrong trail and have it take more time to find you increasing the risk of being hurt in the process. Please be safe and smart.

And last but not least some helpful information in case you do get lost (from a Searchers point of view)

• Stay calm, do not panic.
• S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan.)
• Try to return to a familiar location if within reasonable distance; do not go too far off your original route.
• If still lost: STAY PUT, Rescuers will most likely find you within 24 hours.
• Blow your Whistle to signal that you are in trouble and need assistance.
• Stay warm and dry; put on extra clothing to avoid Hypothermia.
• Build a fire to keep warm and to help guide Rescuers to your location.
• Drink plenty of water; do not let yourself get dehydrated. Make every effort to purify water from natural resources.
• Seek some sort of shelter for protection and comfort.
• Eat foods to keep your energy, Some Berries, Plants and Insects can be eaten safely; Learn which ones by making this part of your preparation and planning.
• If injured, First Aid should be administered as necessary.

So if you decide to take up the fun and experience of hiking outdoors I hope some of these tips will help you to enjoy your new adventures safely and a little more comfortably. Also if you are in the market to start your new adventure please visit Oregon Coast Outdoor.com for all your equipment needs.

Enjoy and be safe.

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