Released July 24, 2009
LITTLE ROCK - Hiking is a great way to take in the beauty of the Natural State while getting fit, but never set out without knowing the basics of staying safe.
Before hitting the trails, it's important to let someone know where you'll be and when you'll be back, as well as who's in your hiking party, said Mike Klumpp, associate professor 4-H Youth Development with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
Wearing clothing made of fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin is a good idea, as is putting on comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes and absorbent socks.
Essentials hikers should take to make their treks safer and more pleasant
The list includes:
- Water - Water is the most important essential on the list, said Klumpp. Hikers need to drink about 4 ounces of water every 20 or 30 minutes of a good strenuous hike with a pack. "For someone my size - I'm about 200 pounds, a little over 6-feet tall - about two quarts of water is right," he said. "And I make sure I'm well-hydrated before I go out. That helps, too."
- A small first-aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries - Even for a day-hike, said Klumpp. "You never know what could happen," he said.
- Food - Granola bars are a good option, or small lunch if you plan to be out all day.
- A map and compass - "You should have a good understanding of the map and know how to orient the compass with the map," said Klumpp.
- Matches or a fire starter
- A pocket knife
- Sun protection
- A whistle
- All-purpose paper
- Rain gear - "You should check the weather the morning before you leave, and be aware of any thunderstorms that might crop up," said Klumpp, who suggests taking a poncho or lightweight rain jacket.
Lightning
If a storm does crop up, the biggest threat would be lightning.
"People need to make sure they know what to do if there's lightning," said Klumpp. "Counting from the time you see a flash - one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three and so on - until you hear a clap of thunder will give you an idea how close the lightning is. A flash to thunder of five seconds equals lightning distance being one mile away.
"Taking immediate defensive actions is recommended when lightning is indicated within 6-8 miles," he said. Squat or kneel with your feet together, and tuck your head.
Peaks and ridges are dangerous places to be during lightning storms, so move quickly to a lower elevation, away from water, and take off backpacks with metal frames. Dense woods offer the best protection; avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or trees that are much taller than those around them.
Weather aside, it's a good idea to take a cell phone on the hiking trail. Klumpp used his cell phone to call an ambulance several years ago when a girl on Pinnacle Mountain fell and broke her ankle.
"Cell phones sometimes do come in handy and on my bigger trips - like out West, to New Mexico - we carry satellite phones for that purpose, too," he said.
Wildlife
Wildlife such as snakes and bears can be a challenge while on a hike. Klumpp said it's important to know how to react.
"If you encounter a rattlesnake - or any kind of snake - my best advice is to walk away. Let it go," said Klumpp.
Most snakes will slither away given the opportunity, but should you be bitten, Klumpp said, you should stay calm and get medical help as quickly as possible.
Brown bears are out there, said Klumpp, and if you see one, you should avoid them, too - especially those with cubs.
"If you come across a bear with a cub, just try to go in the opposite direction," he advises. "Make lots of noise and back away."
Wildlife or no, there are several reasons you should always hike with a buddy.
"Probably the biggest creature we have to deal with out there is man," said Klumpp. "You have to be aware of your surroundings, use common sense and don't hike alone."
Visit the extension's Web site, http://www.uaex.edu, or contact your county extension agent to learn more about Walk Across Arkansas or hikes offered as part of the Arkansas 4-H program.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2009/0724hiking.htm
Writer: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
