I’m sure many would agree that summer is the best time to wander into the backcountry. Not only can you hike in lighter clothes, but the longer daylight hours give you more time to immerse yourself in nature.
As an avid hiker myself, I know firsthand how rewarding hiking can be, but it’s not without a few heart-pounding surprises. One time, I crossed paths with a man holding a machete! Lucky for me, he was just out collecting firewood as he was camped nearby.
But since no one else was there (except for my powerful-barking Chihuahua), I imagined myself becoming the next story inspiration for Wrong Turn. And what if he really had bad intentions? 🏹😓
Jokes aside, hiking isn’t without risks. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to share the lessons I’ve learned from my experiences, along with some practical safety tips passed on by my fellow hikers. Let’s unpack everything you need to know to ensure your next summer hike is safer and a lot more fun.
What to Do Before the Hike
Spending more time shopping for hiking gear rather than planning the actual hike is one of the biggest mistakes many people make. Don’t worry; when I was a beginner, I was guilty of this, too. 🤭 While packing the right equipment (we’ll get to that later) is essential, preparation goes far beyond that.
Acknowledge Limitations
For starters, you’ll need to realistically evaluate your fitness level and experience before choosing a trail or pushing yourself further.
When I first got into hiking, I decided to challenge myself by tackling a trail that’s 2,000 feet above sea level. While it’s now part of my weekend routine, I really thought I was going to die on my first time.
Don’t get me wrong; I was physically fit and well-prepared for heat exhaustion. However, I didn’t give altitude sickness much thought, which is also a real danger when hiking. Looking back, it was a major oversight that I want you to avoid.
So before you start or up your hiking game, assess the following about yourself:
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Do you have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by weather, altitude, or physical exertion?
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What outdoor skills do you have? Have you mastered any survival skills?
If you’ve got your sights set on a trail with significant altitude changes, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to handle thinner air. The best way to ease into it is to pair your cardio workouts with specific breathing exercises.
The same goes for heatstroke. You'll want to ensure you can hike for hours in the scorching heat while carrying a fully loaded backpack. If you have a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes, it’s wise to check in with your doctor first.
At the end of the day, only you know your abilities and comfort level. To stay on the safe side, only choose a trail that matches your abilities and limitations.
Research the Trail to Identify and Prepare for Potential Hazards
Finding the right hiking trail begins with assessing your fitness level and experience. The second step is to investigate a trail's terrain, estimated completion times, and current conditions. You’ll also want to know what wild animals live in the park so that you can prepare for a chance encounter.
To get a trail map, you can use apps like AllTrails and Gaia GPS or visit the official websites of national parks. While you're at it, try searching online for recent reviews to find out what other hikers have to say and whether the park has convenient amenities.
After selecting a trail, make sure to download the offline map and examine the trail markers, landmarks, and evacuation routes. Even better, swing by the Visitor Center to chat with a ranger before the hike. Rangers provide more info about a trail than anyone else.
Tell a Trusted Contact
Tell a friend or a family member 🏡🌳 where you’ll be hiking, ⏱️ when you’ll arrive and return from your hike, and 👫 who’s accompanying you. Ask them to call the authorities in case you don’t return from your trip on time.
For everyone’s peace of mind, consider using a GPS Air Tracking Tag Keychain so that you can share your location in real time via the Apple Find My app.
Check the Weather
Did you know? Thunderstorms are more frequent in summer, and they can strike suddenly. So, always check the weather forecast. Will the weather make hiking more difficult? If you think so, you might want to reschedule your hike or pack extra gear if you find it manageable.
What to Do During the Hike
What you do during the hike is just as important as the meticulous planning that came before it. Here are a few key practices to keep in mind to help things go smoothly once you’re on the trail.
Protect Yourself from Vector-Borne Diseases
Running into a large, furious mammal or a ravenous reptile can be dangerous, sure—but what’s more likely is the risk of picking up mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These pests pose a much bigger threat to hikers than a bear ever will!
That said, you’ll want to apply a generous amount of insect repellent to exposed skin before you begin your hike. Instead of wearing shorts, opt for pants, as they provide better protection against insect bites, poison Ivy, and scratches.
Find a Sustainable Pace and Maintain Effort
Fueled with excitement, I used to start my hikes at a fast pace and power through long uphill stretches as if I had something to prove. Guess what? I looked impressive only for the first 15 minutes.
So, what’s considered a good hiking pace?
Many seasoned hikers might tell you that a pace of 2.5 to 3 miles per hour is ideal, but it’s perfectly fine to dial it back a bit, especially if you’re a beginner. A heavy pack, difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and companions can all slow you down, and that's fine.
What matters most is your ability to maintain stamina over time, particularly on longer hikes. Hiking at a fast pace is more likely to result in fatigue and injury than staying on the trail for an extended period.
If you’re hiking with a group, it’s smart to let the slowest hiker set the pace so no one gets left behind. A good rule of thumb? If your group can carry on a conversation while walking, you’re probably moving at just the right speed.
Take Breaks Roughly Every Hour
I have friends who refuse to take breaks unless they’re exhausted, but taking frequent breaks is essential so that your muscles and joints recover.
Even if you don't feel hungry, you’ll want to keep snacking and drinking water to avoid low blood sugar levels and dehydration. Many hikers follow the “a bar an hour” 🍫🕐 rule, and it works well, but don’t stop there.
You’ll want to stretch a little during breaks to prevent muscle stiffness. Breaks also give you a chance to check for minor injuries, adjust your gear, or double-check your position on the trail map.
Personally, I keep most of my breaks around five minutes. But if I stumble on a breathtaking view, I’ll gladly take 15 to 20 minutes to soak it all in. After all, it’s part of the joy of hiking.
And when I let my dog tag along, I make more frequent stops to give him a chance to rest, rehydrate, and take in the battery of smells and sights.
Keep a Safe Distance from Wild Animals
If you’re an animal lover like me, spotting woodland critters is probably one of the joys you look forward to when hiking. But still, you’ll want to contain your excitement and avoid feeling too comfortable around animals. Fatal animal encounters do happen, albeit rarely. It’s foolish to try to think we understand a wild animal’s mindset, but it’s wise to prepare just in case things go south.
Make Noise to Alert Animals of Your Presence
Wild animals are wary of humans, particularly Eastern black bears. Although they move like stealthy ninjas, they’re relatively timid and will move away when you alert them of your presence. Then again, that doesn’t mean they won’t attack if you do something stupid.
That’s why hiking with a group is advisable in parks or trails with notable wildlife. Not only does it provide safety in numbers, but it also naturally makes more noise and makes your presence even more obvious to animals in the area.
But if you prefer hiking alone, you have the option to sing like a Disney princess or carry bear bells or personal alarms like the Bear 130-dB Personal Alarm Self-Defense Keychain.
Carry a Bottle of Bear Spray Just In Case
Have you seen the bear attack scene in The Revenant? You can absolutely feel the brutality of a grizzly bear through DiCaprio’s acting.
While I’m not trying to scare you, it’s a reminder that such encounters could happen if you come across a grizzly bear. There are too many unpredictable factors at play when facing a grizzly, so it’s safest to assume the bear sees you as a potential threat.
If you’re ever unlucky enough to cross paths with one, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and still. Stand upright. Don’t run. After all, no human can outrun or intimidate a bear.
Slowly begin to back away while reaching for your bear spray, just in case. The good news is, if you remain non-threatening, the bear may lose interest and walk away on its own.
ℹ️ Bear spray is a highly concentrated pepper spray that creates a cloud of irritant between you and an angry bear. It causes discomfort and temporary blindness to incapacitate any large mammal long enough for you to back away slowly and leave the area. Some parks restrict bear sprays and certain self-defense tools, so always check regulations first before packing them.
Don’t Approach or Feed Animals
Never approach a wild animal, no matter how harmless they may appear. Baby animals might look cute and docile, but their protective mothers are usually nearby and can become hostile at the slightest hint of a threat.
Please remember that wild animals are unpredictable. A deer might seem calm one moment and then suddenly panic, potentially injuring you. Even smaller animals like monkeys and raccoons can pose serious risks as they are known carriers of rabies.
Also, leaving food for wild animals creates long-term problems, so please don’t. When animals start associating humans with food, they can become aggressive when they don’t get what they expect. Not only does this endanger people, but it also puts the species at greater risk of harm or removal from their habitat.
If you really want to observe animals, I suggest bringing binoculars or a DSLR camera with wildlife-friendly features so that you can shoot stills or video footage from a distance.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings and Stick to the Trail
Staying on the trail is always the safest option, especially when hiking on steep terrain or through forests with dense overgrowth. Even if you feel physically capable of cutting switchbacks or going off-route, it’s important to follow established guidelines.
In more popular parks, remaining on designated trails is not only encouraged but often required. Trails are thoughtfully constructed to make hiking more manageable while also protecting the surrounding environment. Wildlife, too, generally avoids trails due to frequent human presence, which adds an additional measure of safety.
When hikers consistently walk off the main trail, they unintentionally create side trails. This can severely damage fragile vegetation, disrupt local ecosystems, and increase soil erosion. Over time, these effects can result in long-term harm to both the trail and the natural environment.
Even in areas where off-trail hiking is permitted, it is essential to proceed with care and follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the wilderness for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Complete Summer Hiking Gear Checklist
Here are the essential items to bring on a summer hike, but feel free to add more based on your personal needs and the specifics of your trail.
Clothing
👕👖 Wear a lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt and pair it with abrasion-resistant, fast-drying pants. A pair of shorts is okay, but pants provide better protection against the sun, poison Ivy, biting insects, scratches, and other trail hazards.
😎🤠 Cover up with a good windbreaker. Summer winds can get surprisingly chilly. Likewise, consider wearing sunglasses and a sun hat for optimal sun protection.
🧦🥾 Wear thick, breathable socks to keep your feet dry and blister-free. Tuck your pants into your socks to minimize exposure. Choose hiking boots with ankle support. Pack ankle and knee support as a smart precaution.
🎒👚 Bring extra clothes for sudden weather changes.
Snacks
🥓🧀 High-energy snacks like trail mix, jerky, protein bars, dried fruit, or even a peanut butter sandwich are the best snacks on the trail. They provide much-needed fuel without making you feel full.
Water and Sports Drinks
🍶🧃 Hydration is critical on any hike. While water should always be your top priority, you'll also want to bring electrolyte-rich sports drinks. I always carry more water than I think I’ll need, and some Gatorade.
Navigation Tools
🗺️🧭 A printed map, a compass, and a navigation app on your phone or smartwatch can be lifesavers. You don't want to rely solely on technology. Batteries die, signals disappear, and apps crash. I always download offline maps before heading out and keep a physical map and compass just in case.
Don’t forget to bring at least one or two power banks. After all, GPS navigation, picture taking, and video recording can drain your battery fast.
Lighting
🔦🔋 Whether it’s a flashlight or a headlamp, reliable lighting is a must, even on a day hike. I’ve been caught on the trail at sunset more times than I’d like to admit. Headlamps are my go-to since they keep your hands free, but whatever you choose, make sure you pack extra batteries
First-Aid Kit
🩹🧰 Mine includes bandages, gauze, medical shears, gloves, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, and a few key over-the-counter meds like Benadryl, ibuprofen, and anti-nausea tablets. It may seem like overkill—until you need it.
Fire-Starting Gear
🪵🪔 Whether it’s for warmth, emergency signaling, or just cooking marshmallows in a pinch, having a way to start a fire is a solid backup plan. I always bring waterproof matches, a reliable lighter, and sometimes a small fire starter stick. You never want to be caught in a cold or wet emergency without a flame.
Repair Kit
✂️🔪 A basic repair kit should include tape, scissors, a sturdy knife, maybe some zip ties or safety pins. Whether it’s patching a hole in your backpack, fixing a torn strap, or opening a stuck zipper, these little tools go a long way when you’re miles from help.
Final Thoughts
Summer opens the door to countless adventures, but those adventures are only as good as your preparation. So, plan down to the last detail. Choose a trail that matches your fitness and experience level, and pack the right gear and equipment.
Whether you’re hiking solo or with a group of friends, you’ll want to make sure you stay on the trail and avoid making impulsive decisions or going off-plan. Making unnecessary detours sounds thrilling, but it can quickly lead to trouble.
So, are you ready to hit the trail? Pack smart, hike safe, and leave the wild better than you found it. Happy hiking! 🥾🌲
