The Adventures of Hiking

The wild, wilderness, forest (or whatever you call it) can be for everyone to enjoy. I enjoy the peace of it all.  When hiking or camping in the wilderness, clean up after yourself. Leaving no trace behind means leaving no trash and leaving things the way you found them. 

While planning your trip, please consider the national Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics guidelines as a way of life while camping or hiking.

What are the Leave No Trace Principles? 

1) Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you are visiting
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use 
• Repackage food to minimize waste
• Use a map and compass 

2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites
• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams
• Keep campsite small: concentrate in areas of low vegetation
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail even when it’s wet or muddy

3) Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Look around the campsite, and trail for spilled food and trash. If you pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of all trash in the proper place. You can find bear-proof trashcans at the beginning of most trailheads.
• Dispose of human waste in catholes (holes dug 6-8 inches deep) and 200 feet away from trails and water sources. Cover and disguise the hole. (Some places require you to pack out human waste as well. Check the rules of the location you have chosen before you leave home)
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry the water 200 feet away from lakes and streams and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Strain the dishwater of any food remnants and spread the water 20 feet away from lakes and streams. Pack food scraps out and place them in the bear-proof trashcan at the head of the trail.

4) Leave What You Find

• Examine but do not touch historical or structural artifacts
• Avoid damaging live trees and plants
• Leave areas as you found them. Don’t dig trenches or make things like tables and lean-tos.
• Avoid introducing new or non-native species to the area

5) Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Where fires are permitted, use fire rings or already established firepits
• Camp in areas where firewood is plentiful 
• Take firepans, lightweight camping stoves (these make fires quick and easy), or build mound fires to leave no trace
• Only use the firewood that’s in the area. Never pack in any wood that is not native to the area you are staying

6) Respect Wildlife

• Do not disturb, feed, touch, or approach wildlife
• Observe wildlife from a distance
• If you see wildlife in need of help, do not approach or attempt to help. Injured wildlife can and may harm you and cost you a hospital visit.
• Dispose of human waste properly. Catholes should be dug 6-8 inches and 200 feet away from water sources. Pack all trash out with you.

7) Be Considerate to Others

• Keep pets under control
• One rule that most hikers/campers live by is when you are going downhill and someone is coming uphill, you move to the side to let them through.
• On some trails, there is an exception that bicyclists, will yield to both hikers and equestrians. Always let your fellow adventurers know you are passing them.
• Let the sound of wildlife and the wild surround you. Please do not make loud noises or sounds.

I hope you enjoy your time adventuring in the wilderness. For more information on the 7 principles, check out the Leave no Trace organization and its mission statement. Please leave nothing behind and take nothing with you. Begin your adventure today!

 Do you know who would make the best hiking companion? Your dog! Hiking with your pet is both relaxing for you and them as well. Not to mention the exercise the both of you will get while out on the trail.  Exercising is just one of the benefits of hiking with your pet, but several more. 

Before you go you should check to see if you are allowed to take your pet with you. Hiking with your pet is great and rewarding but some trails don’t allow dogs. You can find information about most trails on Google or you can buy a trail guide.   

I brought up the topic of hiking with your pet in a previous post. Let’s talk about what equipment your four-legged friend may need, what the trip may look like, can your four-legged companion make the trek, and other tips for hiking with your pet.

How can I prepare my dog for hiking?

If you want to take your dog hiking, you need to get them ready for hiking. Let’s go over some ways you can do this.

Is your dog sepsiptible to weather changes? Can they handle the prolonged activity? Some dogs don’t handle these changes well. Dogs with small or short nasal openings like bulldogs and boxers might have difficulty breathing. This will be a problem or fatal for your hiking partner. 

Do you have an older dog or puppy? Again they may not handle the changes in weather as you walk the trail. Older dogs may have issues keeping up on long hikes due to their joints (old age) and puppies don’t have the stamina to keep up.

Before taking a long hike, take your dog on smaller hikes. I suggest starting with short walks on paved trails and sidewalks. As you go on more and more walks, try different terrain and elevation types. When you are hiking, the terrain is not always flat or smooth. Most of the terrain you encounter will be uneven and sometimes rough. All that walking will toughen your dog’s footpads, making it less painful to walk over rough terrain.  As time goes by, your dog’s stamina grows, allowing them to accompany you on longer hikes. Maybe you can take them camping if you decide to go. (That’s a post for a later date)

Make sure to keep your hiking companion under control. There will be other dogs, people, and wildlife on the trails when you go. Make sure that you keep them within eyesight and/or they can hear you. If they don’t come to you when you call them, you may need to retrain them. Not everyone loves dogs as much as you do. Make your dog sit with you off-trail as other hikers are approaching (That’s good hiking etiquette). Wild animals do live in the area and could pose a threat to your dog as well as your dog being a threat to them. This scenario may not end well for both parties. It is important to keep your dog under control.

And most importantly, leave no trace behind. If you don’t want to carry your dog’s waste out with you, take a small shovel and bury it. This method works best in my opinion especially if you’re on a long hike or camping.

 
Hiking Essentials For Dogs

  Just like you, your dog will need a few things for the trip. You can find hiking essentials for dogs at your local pet store, online, and stores that sell outdoor recreation equipment. Here is a list of a few essentials you should take when hiking with your pet:

• Food and or treats- Food is vital for energy levels. 
• Water Bottle and/or a collapsible bowl- You don’t want them drinking from stagnant water sources. Collapsible water bowls are compact and easy to carry. Smart water bottles work best because they are light and the quantity is just right. 
• Pet safe insect repellant- Insects are pests to everyone including your pet. Mosquitos and ticks can carry diseases that are fatal to your best friend. You must protect them as well as yourself. 
• Waste bags- Leave no trace behind of you or your pet there. Pick up their waste and take it out with you. 
• Rain Jacket- The weather can be unpredictable and very harsh at times. A Rain jacket will help keep your friend and your vehicle dry.
• Towel- If you’re not feeling the rain jacket, a towel will do. 
• Extra leash- Just in case your primary leash breaks.
•  Boots or shoes- Sometimes the terrain is rough and your dog’s paws may get injured. The boots/or shoes will prevent some injuries but not all. Be mindful of where you and where your dog is stepping.

The most common dangers to dogs while hiking

I touched on this subject earlier but let’s talk about other common dangers to dogs while hiking.

Bugs are the worst. Ticks and mosquitos are by far the ones to watch out for the most. They carry all kinds of potential diseases and illnesses that can make your friend sick.

Animals like coyotes, bears, wolves, and other predatory animals may be around.

Injuries may happen. It would be best to have a doggie first aid kit handy. 

Snakes. A potential snake bite could be fatal for your friend. Be careful.

Plants: Several plants could be a danger to your dog. Always keep them within eyesight.

Cliffs and holes are everywhere when you are hiking. Falling off of a cliff or into a hole could cause serious injury or even death.  Be mindful of your surroundings when out in the wild.

Hiking can be both fun for you and your pet, but there are hidden dangers all around you. Keep your head on a swivel and stay alert. Have your trail selected before you go out. Do your research on the trail you have chosen to hike. Make sure the trail has a good rating for pets and can be easily traversed by them. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Be sure to have water and a first aid kit. The key is to plan and have fun on your adventure.

Hiking is both relaxing and good for your health. It builds muscle, gives you a workout, and clears the mind. It’s hands down one of my favorite activities. I try to go as often as I can. For me, it’s the sense of adventure. Going into the woods, on a new trail, or even an old one and discovering something new.

My favorite part about hiking, getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I get to relax for an hour or several hours depending on how long I want to hike. Breathing fresh air, the calm and soothing sounds of the woods, and the scenery. I’m sure you’ve seen photos on the internet or billboards, the woods are in the background and they are smiling and happy. Imagine that is you and you’re looking at that same scene in real life. Sounds good huh.

You don’t have to go alone on your adventure (I should have mentioned that earlier). You can take your loved ones and friends. It’s a good idea to take someone with you just in case an emergency arises and you can’t make it back to your car or beginning point. The adventure will be even more fun with a companion(s). Make it a getaway just for a few hours or days if you want to camp.

If you wish to get away and relax, you should give hiking a try. The scenery, calming and relaxing nature of the outdoors will rejuvenate you, help you to re-focus, and have you feeling great. But before you go, here are a few things to consider to get you started. 

What Should I Bring With Me

Get a backpack that suits your needs. A day pack (18-30L) will work for everyday use and short hikes. If you are going hiking and camping, I suggest getting a larger backpack. You will need more supplies on that trip. Never pack or bring more than you will need. All the unnecessary things will just add weight.

I suggest a paper map and compass. Yes, an actual old-school map. You can download an app with all the maps of the trails you plan to hike but never fully trust technology. Your phone could fail at any time (or worse you lose it). Many places in the wilderness won’t have cell service or it’s very low signal so you will need these just in case. Also, pack a first aid kit, poncho, snacks (suggestions: granola bar, trail mix, chips), and a bottle of water.

You may want to purchase a whistle. (The Osprey day pack I have has a whistle on the cross strap) These are to be used in emergencies and alert others in the area where you need help. I highly recommend you get one of these.

The Weather

Always and I mean ALWAYS check the weather. You can download a weather app for the most accurate and up-to-date forecast before you go out on the trail. I know I said previously that cell phones could lose signal while hiking but it’s never a bad idea to be prepared. Knowing the weather forecast will help you dress better for the hike that you are about to take. You don’t want to be overdressed or underdressed for your trip. You have a backpack, right? It’s never a bad idea to bring extra clothes with you. I normally pack a light pullover or small jacket in my pack when I go hiking.

Would you like to know what can help predict the weather while on your hike? Clouds and their formations. You don’t have to be a meteorologist or an expert. Certain cloud formations can give you a preview of what type of weather is coming. For example, thunderhead clouds are flat at the bottom and have a huge top that rises into the sky. This is an indication that a storm is coming. You should turn around and go back to your starting point.

You Can Bring Pets on your Adventure

Taking your four-legged friends on your hike is a great idea. They are always ready and willing to go. Hiking with your dog will help them stay healthy and keep them in shape. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure the trail allows dogs and if they do, follow all rules and regulations.

Keep your dog on a leash. This will help your dog as well as other hikers on the trail stay safe. An unleashed dog can run off/ out of sight, interfere with wildlife, and may cause damage to the habitats of the wildlife.

You may want to consider treating your dog with flea and tick treatment. This will keep them from carrying any small critters home or potentially getting sick from a bite. I will give my dog a bath with flea and tick shampoo before we leave and after we get back. A flea and tick collar won’t hurt either.

Pack some dog food and water as well. Depending on how long you hike, you can give them the food in small amounts as you walk along. This will keep their energy level up as well

I do just a few things to ensure my dog stays healthy, safe, and energetic. I’ve just touched on a few things you can do for your dog but there are plenty of other things you can do as well. Please do your research and consult your dog’s veterinarian before taking them hiking.

What Should I Wear

You don’t need to purchase expensive clothes to wear while hiking. Although if you’re going on a hike in/camping trip, you may want to invest in some good clothes. But if it’s just a day hike, you won’t need anything but a good set of sneakers, a pair of comfortable pants, and a shirt.

The most important part of your wardrobe will be your shoes. Boots are a better choice because they will give better ankle support than sneakers. The terrain might be rocky, uneven, and may be filled with tree roots and ruts. Again you don’t need to purchase an expensive pair of boots. Get the best pair you can within your price range. Get a pair that is made of waterproof material yet breathable.

When you are deciding on a shirt and pair of pants, avoid clothes made of cotton. Synthetic, moisture-wicking material works much better at keeping you cool. They also dry very quickly. Dry clothes aren’t as heavy as wet clothes. Don’t forget to check the weather as it will determine what you will wear while out on a hike.

Protection

There are lots of critters in the wilderness (yes you are going to see a few of these) Bugs, deer, bears, coyotes, elk, goats, and snakes just to name a few. The bugs will be the most problematic. I suggest bug spray that doesn’t run off when you sweat. Off! is just one brand of bug repellant that doesn’t wear off when you sweat. You should buy a can of bug repellant and add it to your hiking bag.

Bears will be in some places when you go hiking but it’s rare to see one. When you arrive at the trailhead, there will be signs posted that will indicate if they are in the area. Don’t let that deter you from a relaxing walk through the woods. You can buy something called bear spray. The bear spray also works on other animals as well. Please educate yourself on how to properly use and deploy this spray.

Snakes! Yes, snakes. Most of the snakes you will encounter will be nonpoisonous but you should treat them all the same. If you happen to see one, you should take a wide path around it to avoid any contact. If you have a four-legged friend, keep them close to you so they avoid getting hurt or causing injury to the snake. (Yes I know it’s a snake. Be kind)

Are you Ready

Are you all set? Are you excited to go? I am! I was ready to go the moment I started typing this post. Hiking is a good way to relax, see nature, and have fun. It’s not an Olympic sport and you don’t have to be in top shape to do participate. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker or survival expert either. Grab a bottle of water, some family or friends (four-legged as well), your backpack full of supplies, and some nice comfortable clothes, suitable for the day.

The key things to get you started are above and ready for your use. There are several lists of things to take, to do, not to do, and what to be careful of. Always do your research on the area you plan on hiking in and pay close attention to your surroundings. As you start hiking more and more, several things will become second nature to you. (See what I did there?)

I’m getting up now and heading out on the trails. Maybe I’ll see you out there. Be safe, Be careful, and have some fun!

Will you see some beautiful sites? Yes

Will you You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker or outdoor expert to go. Just go and have some fun!

About Robert

When I was a child, I loved being outdoors. Growing up in the country led me on several adventures. Most of the day was spent exploring, walking through the fields of tall brush, trees, and various small hills. As an adult, I still love the great outdoors.

As I have become older, I still love being outdoors and hiking gives me the adventure I need. It allows me to breathe, explore and take in all the world’s beauty. No phone reception, cars going by, crowds of people, and the best of all, no computer screens. The only thing that stopped me was sprained ankles and foot pain.

One thing you need to pay attention to is your footwear. It doesn’t matter where you are, the terrain you’re or what you are doing. Footwear is very important. I can’t count the number of times I’ve sprained and /or twisted my ankles. Sneakers are good, but they aren’t good on all terrain. A good pair of hiking shoes or boots can take you further.

A Better Experience

Hiking can be fun and a learning experience at the same time. When I’m walking up the trail, my head is in the trees, sky, and off in the distance. Not paying attention at all to where I’m stepping.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve stepped on a rock, tree root, or loose earth and have injured myself somehow. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, I would have to turn back or worst yet, get a friend to help me back along the trail to the car. Was I mad, hell yeah I was? I’ve ruined my friend’s hiking experience and I’ve put a halt to my adventures for the day.

Paying attention and taking precautions is always the way to go. That’s why buying the right shoes is the best call.

What I Want For You

I want you to go hiking. Get outdoors and get moving. Find an adventure and go see the beautiful creations and scenery that this earth has to show you. Go places that you haven’t been to. Take pictures, lots of them!

But first, find the right footwear and other accessories that you may need on your adventure because you can’t go without the proper gear. Find it here on hiking shoes and accessories.

Now go and have some fun. See all the things.

Robert Stoner
email: robert@theadventuresofhiking.com