Hiking

Hiking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery, particularly in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness, and usually on trails.

Table of contents

1 Nomenclature
2 Advantages of hiking
3 Hiking code
4 Hiking safety issues and unforeseen circumstances

4.1 The importance of the mind
4.2 Hiking in groups

5 How to hike
6 See also

Nomenclature

The work "hiking" is understood in all English-speaking countries, but in the United Kingdom the same activity would more often be referred to as "walking", while in New Zealand it is invariably called tramping. Off-trail hiking is sometimes called bushwhacking. Hikers usually carry small backpacks with essential gear. Overnight hiking is more specifically called backpacking.

Advantages of hiking

Hiking is one of the fundamental outdoor activities on which many others are based. Hiking is the only way to reach many beautiful places overland. Enthusiasts regard hiking as the best way to see nature. It is seen as better than a tour in a vehicle of any kind (or on an animal; see horseback riding) because the hiker's senses are not intruded upon by distractions such as windows, engine noise, airborne dust in large quantities, and fellow passengers. It is seen as better than standing in one place because the hiker may cover a wide area. On the other hand, hiking on a serious basis does require some degree of physical ability and knowledge, and hikers may get caught in inclement weather or suffer mishaps. Some jurisdictions (for example New Hampshire) now require inadequately prepared hikers to pay for their own rescues.

Hiking code

Many hikers adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace, which require that everything brought on a hike, biodegradable or otherwise, be carried back out to leave the area pristine.
It is also important to adhere to safety principles, discussed below
Unless on formal hiking trails, hikers must always be careful not to trespass on private land

Hiking safety issues and unforeseen circumstances

Any hike, regardless of duration or the familiarity of the route, may possibly go awry. Possible mishaps include injury, unexpected inclement weather, and losing the trail. A simple set of equipment may allow the hiker to escape from any of these predicaments. One list of such equipment is the Scout Outdoor Essentials. The ultimate decision whether or not to bring any of this equipment is entirely at the hiker's discretion, and many hikers opt to leave most or all of it at home.

Another simple safety precaution is to give the itinerary and expected time of return to someone not on the hike. If the hiking party fails to return reasonably close to the projected time, this person will notify authorities and search parties will be summoned.

Cellular or satellite phones can be a valuable aid. While a call to authorities may not bring rescue helicopters, a phone can be used to get up-to-date weather forecasts, and first-aid instructions. Additionally, it allows closer communication between the hikers and friends at home with regard to search parties, pickup, and other issues that may arise.

Extra clothing can be critically important, in cases such as unexpectedly low temperatures, or falling into bodies of water (wet clothes cause hypothermia).

The importance of the mind

Even the best and most useful supplies are of no avail to hikers who cannot or choose not to use them properly. Confusion and disorientation can pose a greater danger to the hiker than any physical trauma. Impairment of mental faculties can result from causes as diverse as hypothermia, severe dehydration, malnutrition and a low blood sugar level, or a fall involving head injury. Falls are particularly hazardous for backpackers, because the pack impedes balance and increases the force of the fall.

An equal danger is misplaced priorities. Hikers who consider reaching the destination to be of the greatest importance risk placing themselves needlessly in hazardous situations. Successful mountaineers take safety to be the first priority, enjoyment to be the second, and the summit to be third.

Hiking in groups

Hiking alone is the ultimate level of solitude. However it is more dangerous than hiking in groups. In any survival situation, a companion may be more helpful than any piece of gear. If one hiker becomes injured, the other can administer first aid and call for help. If an inexperienced lone hiker becomes lost, he may be more likely to panic and make bad decisions than a group of two or three hikers. If the weather turns foul, a group of hikers can pool its manpower, brainpower, and body heat.

Within a large group of hikers, there will usually be disparities in pace. In addition to making the hike less enjoyable, these disparities may create hazardous situations. A large party will often split into a "fast group" and a "slow group". If one of the two groups takes a wrong turn, it might be difficult for them to be reunited.

If the party does not split, some members may hike at a faster pace than they should, which will increase their risk of injury. For these reasons, it may be safest to hike in a group of people with similar paces. However, considerations of pace should not deprive the group of a skilled hiker who would be of use in any survival situations that might arise.

How to hike

When hiking in a group, always keep your distance from the person in front of you: at least 20 feet (7 meters), but never so much distance that you can't see the other person. If you follow too closely, you will be able to see little other than the other hiker's back. If you keep a good distance, you will be able to see the scenery and spot any hazardous objects in the trail (i.e. holes, tree roots, large rockss, poisonous plants). This rule may be difficult to follow under some circumstances, but it is very important to an enjoyable hike.
Keep an appropriate pace. An excessively slow pace will limit the distance you can walk, but an excessively fast pace also has disadvantages. You will become fatigued quickly, increase your risk of injury, and be forced to think primarily about maintaining your speed, rather than about the scenery. Over flat ground or on a moderate downhill, a reasonably fast hiker may travel at almost 4 mi/h (6 km/h) unladen, or 3 mi/h (5 km/h) with a full backpack, though many prefer somewhat lower speeds to enjoy the scenery. A steep uphill will slow that pace by about half. A moderate downhill will also slow the pace, particularly for people of middle age and older, and others with reduced agility.
Avoid dehydration. On short hikes in good weather, this is not an issue. On moderate-length hikes, it may be possible to fulfill your water needs by drinking plenty of water before setting out. On long hikes, especially those in hot weather or low humidity, it will be necessary to carry an extra supply of water.
When hiking in a group, place the slowest hiker in the lead. This will prevent the faster hikers from leaving the slow hiker behind, thus making sure that the group stays together. It is easier and safer for the faster hikers to adjust to the slow hiker's pace than vice versa.