10 Problems Hikers Can Face And How To Avoid Them

Hiking can be one of the most pleasurable or one of the worst experiences, there’s no in-between. It all depends on how well you’re prepared for the task and your attitude towards it. Ill-equipped and inexperienced individuals are bound to face problems, may it be hiking or any other activity in general.

While it may be easy to overcome some mistakes, others can have irreversible consequences.

But we don’t mean to scare to you! Hiking is probably one of the most fun and therapeutic activities one can do!

If you avoid the 10 hiking mistakes mentioned below you should be able to make the most of your experience.

1. Exhaustion

One of the first and most common problems faced by the hikers is fatigue. Carrying backpacks, loaded with supplies that would last for days, isn’t easy. It requires an individual to have a proper 8-hour sleep and an energized body to carry on with the hiking. In order to avoid fatigue, one shouldn’t compromise on a good night’s sleep or the required calorie intake. Carrying glucose supplements and ORS (orally rehydrating salts) can further aid in reducing fatigue.

2. Poor clothing

Wearing your favorite pair of denim while hiking is a rookie problem and one that can drastically ruin your entire hiking experience. Hiking requires clothing that allows you to move freely. The last thing you’d want is being unable to raise your leg high enough to climb a rock due of tight pants. Choose clothing in which you can move every part of your body freely. Also, wear protective gear in order to avoid injuries.

3. Knee and foot pain

It’s almost impossible to avoid knee and foot ache while hiking because your legs are the MVP for the job. Using them constantly on uneven terrain is bound to make them hurt. To tackle this, be sure to carry painkillers and multivitamin supplements with you to keep your body at its best. Also, invest in comfortable climbing shoes to avoid foot aches. Above all, take breaks in between to give a timeout to your feet. Don’t over-do anything as it may lead to irreversible problems.

4. Blisters and cuts

Blisters are really common as hikers wear the same shoes and clothes for days on end. Sweating and constant rubbing of shoe against the ankle, and bag straps over the shoulders, can easily cause blisters to show up. To avoid this, purchase comfortable bags and shoes that are neither too tight nor too loose. If you’re comfortable, use silica packets in your shoes to reduce moisture. Carry a first-aid kit with you at all times.

5. Intense Thirst

Hiking is a tiring exercise that requires a good amount of energy and stamina. To help with that, water is your best friend. Dehydration can significantly impact your hiking performance. It can lead to more than just fatigue and dizziness; it can also lead to you passing out. It is advised that you carry a good reserve of water and replenish it, whenever you can, along the way.

6. High altitude sickness

One of the major and common problems faced during hiking on high altitudes is

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. Since the oxygen levels on high altitudes is low, hikers who haven’t experienced such scenarios prior, tend to get dizzy and nauseous. To avoid worsening of the AMS, it is suggested to rest in order to allow your body to adapt to the new environment. Take long and deep breaths and eat something good in order to cope with the change in environment.

7. Sun burn

Since hiking is obviously an activity done outdoors, be ready to be exposed to the burning rays of the vitamin D for long hours. Since too much of anything is bad for you, carrying a sunscreen won’t be the worst idea. Unless you want to return with a tan that would make people question your ethnicity, please carry a sunscreen. At high altitudes, the sunrays are much harmful and can even lead to skin diseases.

8. Diarrhea/upset stomach

This one can be a nightmare! Imagine having to go for a ‘number two’ after every little while and your whole hiking team obviously knowing about it. Besides being embarrassing, it’ll also cost your team valuable time and make the hiking trip longer. If you want your peers to take you to a hiking trip more than once, be sure to avoid getting an upset stomach. You can do so by not consuming junk food and by only drinking purified and/or boiled water. Carry medicine too to effectively combat the problem.

9. Over confidence

Being too optimistic and undermining the signs of danger can come at a cost that not only you, but also your peers may have to incur. So be realistic and make democratic decisions to ensure you have everyone’s confidence.

10. Ignoring weather forecast

Mentioning this at last because we hope you won’t be making this obvious and very crucial check before leaving for the hiking trip. Checking the weather forecast is extremely necessary as it can impact the whole hiking trip. You can be geared up to your best but if you don’t know what’s ahead, it’ll all be in vain. Imagine ignoring a storm warning. Even the best mountaineers and hikers can’t guarantee safety in such cases that is why it’s best to avoid hiking at such times.

Moreover, we’ll always suggest that you consult a professional trekker and hiker in order to avoid some other common/uncommon problems that you might face on your trip.

In order to ensure a comfortable and fun hiking trip, be sure to check out our collection of some of the best lightweight backpacks. As an award-winning Backpack Company from New Zealand, we have some of the most comfortable, ultra light, scientifically balanced backpacks that ensure your body doesn’t give-out easily

If you’re not sure which backpack to purchase orur online pack selection guide is a good place to get started.

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