Tips for Hiking During the Pandemic

With gyms, parks, and other recreational areas closed people, we are all feeling locked inside our homes. Nature is peace and tranquility. In these times of turmoil, uncertainty, fear, and depression, it is essential more than ever to get in touch with nature and bring peace to our mind and body. The stay at home order has exempted trails and hiking as long as we maintain social distancing. Hiking close to home is an excellent, fun, and low impact activity.

Photos by Josh Willink, Gantas Vaičiulėnas, Josh Willink, Amanda Klamrowski

There are a few tips you must keep in mind and be a responsible citizen to protect others and yourself from this virus as well as enjoy it! For those that are new to hiking, you should always bring some essential items while hiking. We have organized this list for those hiking in a Frontcountry (trails close to roads such as city parks) area. One last thing to keep in mind; public restrooms are closed so, come prepared for nature’s call.

Frontcountry Hiking Essentials

1. Water – Bring more than what you think you will need

2. Navigation – Bring a map or screenshot a map encase you use signal

3. Flashlight – Bring a flashlight, or you can use your phone’s flashlight

4. Trash bag – For your trash and to pick up litter while you are hiking

5. First-aid supplies – Not just for yourself but also to help someone else

6. Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat

7. Snacks – You don’t want to get hangry

8. Extra clothes – Weather appropriate spare clothing

9. Protective equipment – Mask, gloves, sanitizer

10. Call of the wild – have a plan and make sure you pack any waste out

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1589129443401_25996 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid { margin-right: -20px; } #block-yui_3_17_2_1_1589129443401_25996 .sqs-gallery-block-grid .sqs-gallery-design-grid-slide .margin-wrapper { margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; }

Photos by JACK REDGATE, Maël BALLAND, Tobi, Darius Krause

Here are some other things to consider when hiking.

Hiking during COVID

These two items are must apart from other necessary hiking gear. You should wear the mask if you see crowded areas also sanitize your hand every half an hour, even if you didn’t touch anybody. As soon as you get back home, wash your hands thoroughly. If you have symptoms of COVID, do not go out for hiking. And if you are not COVID positive, maintain social distancing.

Choosing location

Choose the location that is close to home. You should consider your strength and stamina while selecting the path. You must also choose the track or trail that is less crowded and are wide enough. If people are coming back and you are going up. As you reach the parking lot, guess the crowd. If you think it’s crowded, don’t bother heading in.

Before heading out, tell someone that isn’t going on the hike that you are going and message them when you are back, so they know you are safe.

Hiking is an excellent mind refreshing activity, but you must follow all these tips to be on the safer side and enjoy the infinite beauty and serenity of nature. Stay safe ad keep others safe.

Hiking partner

Hike with someone you already know. Hiking with a partner keeps you moving forward and helps to keep you safe. Right now, it is not a good time to make new friends on the trail. Try to keep yourself and others safe.

Check weather

Before heading out, check the weather conditions. You would not like to get stuck during hiking with lousy weather. If it’s already raining or hot outside, don’t go on hiking as this is not the time to call and bother rescue officials.

#covid #hike #hiking #womenhiking