10 Hiking Safety Tips Every Adventurer Should Know

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Always research the trail — know the distance, elevation, and current conditions before heading out. Check recent reports for closures or wildlife activity. Check the trail map, distance, and weather. Trust me, it’s way better than realizing halfway up that it’s a 10-hour hike

Tell Someone Your Plans

Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to return, especially for remote trails. Even if it’s just a quick text: “Hey, I’m hiking Joffre today, back by 6!”, it’s an easy habit that could seriously save your life.

Check the Weather Forecast

Mountain weather changes fast. Sunshine at the bottom, snow at the top — it happens! Avoid hiking if storms, heavy rain, or extreme heat are expected.

Pack the Ten Essentials

Water, snacks, layers, first aid, headlamp, map, and a bit of extra food. You never know! Carry navigation tools, fire starter, knife, extra clothing, sun protection, and emergency shelter.

Dress in Layers

Start cool, bring a warm layer, and always pack a rain jacket — even if the sky looks clear. Avoid cotton, and bring a waterproof jacket even if it looks sunny

Stay on Marked Trails

Getting “creative” off-trail sounds fun until you’re lost with no cell signal 😅 Stay on the path and respect nature.

Know Your Limits

Listen to your body. If you’re tired, take a break. If you feel off, it’s okay to turn around. The mountain’s not going anywhere!

Stay Hydrated and Eat Often

Dehydration hits faster than you think. Sip often and snack up to keep your energy high.

Be Wildlife Aware

They’re cute, but not your hiking buddies 🐻🦌 Admire from afar and never feed them. Bring bear spray

🐻 What to Do If You See a Bear

1. Stay calm — don’t run!

   Running can trigger a chase. Instead, stand your ground and speak calmly so the bear knows you’re human.

2. Give it space.

   Slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the bear (but don’t stare aggressively). Leave an escape route for the bear.

3. Make yourself look big

4. Raise your arms, open your jacket, or stand on a rock if you need to.

5. If it’s a black bear and it approaches:

   Make loud noises, clap, shout, or use bear spray if it gets too close. Black bears usually just want you gone — make sure they know you’re not prey.

6. If it’s a grizzly:

   Do not make eye contact. Back away slowly. If it charges and makes contact, play dead by lying on your stomach, hands behind your neck, and legs apart. Stay still until it leaves.🐆 What to Do If You See a Cougar

   - Make yourself look big and confident. Stand tall, open your jacket, wave your arms, and make loud noises. Never crouch down or run — that triggers their instinct to chase.

   - Maintain eye contact. Unlike with bears, don’t look away. Keep your eyes on the cougar and face it the whole time.

   - Back away slowly. Speak firmly and move backward without turning around.

   - If it shows aggression: Throw sticks, rocks, or anything you can to scare it off — don’t show fear.

   - If it attacks: Fight back with everything you’ve got — aim for the eyes and face. People have fought off cougars before and survived!

Leave No Trace

Respect nature by packing out all garbage, staying on trails, and leaving what you find so others can enjoy it too.