Top 6 Hiking Dangers (3 of 4)

Top Hiking Danger No. 4: Hypothermia and Heatstroke

It doesn’t take long for temperature-related illnesses to become a dangerous problem. We hear all the time about stranded hikers suffering from hypothermia in cold mountain environments, but less discussed is the risk of heat illness. When you go mountain hiking, you’re exerting yourself for hours, often climbing steep slopes while carrying a heavy backpack. On a hot day, your body can lose substantial amounts of fluid through sweat. Heat exhaustion is no joke. It starts with weakness, dizziness, headache and confusion. It can even become life-threatening if the condition is allowed to progress to heatstroke. Of course, cold weather presents its own set of problems. Wet clothing, blistering winds, and dramatic dips in temperatures can lead to hypothermia real quick.

For all these reasons, it is essential to dress weather-appropriate and protect yourself from both sun and rain. If you’re hiking in heat, start early when possible, keep yourself constantly hydrated, and make sure to take breaks.

Top Hiking Danger No. 5: Accidents and Injuries

All it takes is a simple fall or twisted ankle to turn a pleasant hike into a rescue operation. When an ankle is injured, it is impossible to put any weight on it, and you can’t exactly spend 5 miles hopping your way down a rocky, uneven trail and towards safety.

Bring along a trekking pole and sturdy pair hiking boots that are comfortable and broken in before a major hike. And as a friendly reminder, turn around at the first sign of danger, whether it’s rain, disappearing daylight, or exhaustion.