Zackary Sanders is an avid hiker and nature lover. There are so many incredible benefits to hiking. For starters, it’s a great form of physical exercise. Hiking can get the heartrate in a fat burning zone and burn calories fast. It’s also a great way to build up the lungs and improve cardiovascular health, which is critical to long-term health.
As many physical health benefits as hiking provides, there may just be even more benefits from a spiritual and mental health perspective. Zackary Sanders explains that hiking allows a person to connect with nature and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. In the digital age, it’s growing increasingly difficult to detach from work and other responsibilities. It can do wonders for the brain to embrace the great outdoors and focus solely on putting one foot in front of the other.
With hiking having so many incredible benefits, it’s important to remember that hiking can be dangerous without preparation. Zackary Sanders warns that hiking risks amplify when safety tips aren’t followed. When advancing from casual hikes to more robust outings, follow the advice of Zackary Sanders and enjoy an enjoyable and safe hiking experience.
Heading to a National Park? Talk to a Park Ranger
As a hiker begins to accumulate more and more outings, they typically grow tired of their local trail and will venture out to state or national parks. Almost all national or state parks will be staffed by park rangers. These park rangers have a wealth of knowledge about the land and can help provide information on everything from the type of terrain that will be encountered to potential wildlife that may cross a hiker’s path. Another great advantage to speaking with a park ranger is they will be aware that a hiker has headed out on an excursion. If they don’t see anyone return, they can set off to find the hiker and return them to safety.
Hike in Pairs
Expecting the unexpected is the best way to stay safe during any hiking excursion, according to Zackary Sanders. One of the best ways to ensure safety is to hike with a companion. Having a hiking friend makes it so that there’s always at least one person who can go and get help in the case of an emergency. Having a hiking buddy also provides a proper soundboard to discuss different hiking related topics. For instance, a pair needs to agree on how challenging of a hike they both are prepared for and what supplies each person is willing to carry during the excursion. An emergency plan can also be discussed as a team. Emergency plans should answer questions like who will be called in case of emergency, how reliable is cell phone service in the area that’s being hiked? How will a fully charged cellphone battery be maintained and what’s the particular park’s emergency number.
Weather Preparation
Zackary Sanders loves connecting with nature during each of his hiking excursions, but he can say from experience that Mother Nature can be quite fickle. It’s not enough to simply check the forecast before a hike. Most trails include areas where storms can pop up quickly. Thunderstorms can turn a fun hike into a highly dangerous situation when a hiker is not prepared. Preparing for weather includes understanding that things like bodies of water, tall objects and metal should be avoided during a thunderstorm, and having the right equipment to deal with terrain as it grows slippery.
Mind Your Feet
If a person was headed out on a long road trip, they would take the time to ensure they had a full tank of gas, wiper fluid, and a good set of tires. The same logic should apply to hikers knowing that their feet and legs are their only form of transportation. One classic mistake hikers make is taking their hiking boots out on a long journey immediately after they are purchased. Hiking boots need to be broken in before heading out for a long trail. In order to reduce blisters and other issues, it’s also important to have a great pair of socks. There are certain socks that are better at wicking away moisture than others. Hikers taking the time to make sure they have the proper footwear can ensure a more comfortable journey.
