If you plan to spend a lot of time out on the trail, you will have to be prepared. Here are some tips for having a successful hike.

Before the Hike

• Get a Medical Checkup. Go to the doctor and get a physical, even if you are in good shape. Explain to the doctor that you are planning to go out on the trail and that you want to make sure that there are no health concerns that could become a problem when hiking. Get a clean bill of health before making any further plans

• Purchasing Footwear. Buy quality shoes or boots that provide protection and support. The main things to look for when buying shoes are comfort, good fit and ankle support. Never wear new shoes on a hike. Break them in and try them out on shorter distances first.

• Check Your Shoes.  Make sure there are no foreign bodies in your shoes. Rocks, splinters and other hard items that make their way into your shoes will cause you to have a bad day. Clean these items out regularly to ensure proper comfort.

• Check Your Shoelaces. If you wear older shoes on the hike, check to ensure that the laces on your shoes are serviceable before you go out. A broken lace will really slow you down out on the trail.

• Wear Quality Socks. Wear quality cotton socks and change them regularly. The type of socks is a personal preference. Wear socks thick enough to provide comfort, but thin enough to be appropriate for weather conditions.

• Determine Your Walking and Running Pace Count. Establish your walking and running pace count.  This is done by marking off a known distance and determining how many normal steps it takes to go this distance. You can then calculate how many steps it takes to go a mile, a kilometer, etc. If you find a pedometer that works well, this can be used as a secondary means of measuring distance traveled.

• Review Hiking Route. Go over the planned route before heading out with members of the team. Allow them some time to become familiar with the map, discuss the route, and ask questions.

• Plan your Route in Accordance with your Capabilities. Trying to do too much too fast will get you tired and bad things will start happening. Don’t plan a schedule that everyone can’t keep up with. Be sure to plan movement based on the slowest person in the group.

• Note Landmarks and Terrain Features. Make note of obvious landmarks and terrain features on the map that will help you find your way.

• Identify Problem Terrain. Make note of any difficult terrain (steep hills, cliffs, thickets) and plan a means to bypass or otherwise get through it

• Determine What Actions Will Be Taken In An Emergency. Write down and distribute to the group any necessary emergency frequencies and cell phone numbers to members of the group just in case someone gets separated or injured during the hike.

• Go over Tentative Plans and Procedures for Emergencies and Delays. It is important that everyone know what to do if something unexpected happens. People can get injured, get tired or attacked by wildlife. It is best to know what to do and how to do it quickly in these situations.

• Bring Maps. Bring maps of the area with you even if you think you know the way and it’s a short hike. GPS is a good backup, but can’t be trusted as the primary means of navigation. Electronic Devices can malfunction or be affected by bad weather.

• Check Your Equipment. Do an equipment check on your own gear and have team members quickly inspect each other’s gear. Sometimes people remember to check different things and your buddy might save you a lot of grief by finding a problem that you didn’t. Make sure packs fit properly, are properly packed and don’t rub your back or shoulders when walking.

• Know How to Stay on the Trail. Brief team members on the color and frequency of trail markers if they will be used for the hike.

• Bring Food. Pack enough food for a few days, even if you are just going out for the day.

• Be Prepared for Poor Weather. Rain or cold can move in all of a sudden, leaving you in a very uncomfortable position. Always have rain gear and a warm hat with you.