Compared to outdoor activities such as rock climbing or sports like basketball, hiking might not appear like something that requires a lot of talent. After all, a hike is just a glorified walk from home and on a slope.
But when you’re in the woods, one bad move can result in more than just a wet foot. It could also land you on the wrong trail, injure your ankle, or force you to spend an unexpected night outside in the freezing temperature hoping someone will come and rescue you.
So, the more you hike, the more you’ll understand that hiking is a physically and mentally grueling outdoor activity. So, with that in mind, here are a few hiking skills you need to hone to have a successful hiking trip with your family, friends, or alone!
Table of Contents
Ability to Use a Multipurpose Tool or Swiss Army Knife
With the help of a Swiss army knife or a multipurpose tool, you can cut anything from large branches to small bushes at your campsite. So, while some people think you should always carry a large camping saw, most of the wood you’ll need for burning is already split down. Therefore, a smaller tool will do just fine. With a multi-tool, you can perform various first aid techniques, such as creating splints or tourniquets, that you simply can’t do with anything else. The tool can also be used to fix broken eyeglasses or equipment clasps.
In fact, if you’re truly roughing it and foraging for your own food, you can use a knife to clean small animals or fish. And although it is quite unlikely, you can also use a knife to defend yourself against wild animals.
So, learning how to utilize a knife properly is one of the most important hiking skills you need to learn. Ultimately, a knife or multipurpose tool will be your best friend when hiking in the woods or forest.
Knowing How to Use a First Aid Kit
A first aid kit will help you keep things under control, especially if you or someone in your hiking group suffers an injury. After all, it will take medical services to navigate the woods and reach your location. So, knowing how to properly use a first aid box is one of the most important hiking skills you should know, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned hiker.
If you bring some basic supplies and know how to use them, you can continue hiking even if someone on your trek sustains a minor injury. But, before each hiking trip, we strongly advise taking a quick inventory of your first aid gear. If anything is expired or missing from your first aid box, go to your local pharmacy and replace it. Your first aid box should typically contain a suturing kit, ibuprofen for pain relief, gauze, tape, scissors, forceps, alcohol swabs, etc.
At the end of the day, you should double your first aid kit’s effectiveness with knowledge. So, take a basic first aid course with Wilderness First Aid or the American Red Cross to get up to speed on your ability to use a first aid kit.
Learn How to Start a Fire
Hypothermia can be avoided with the help of a fire and a hot beverage. Furthermore, a fire will help you signal for assistance if you get lost in the woods or suffer an injury. Any hiking expedition, regardless of how quickly you anticipate finishing it, requires that you carry some fire starters. After all, it’s preferable to have the essentials than not have them at all, especially when you’re looking to start a fire to stay warm.
You can also use a fire to cook because protein bars, snack mix, and fruit will only get you so far. Furthermore, fires also help you ward off wild animals as they’re scared of fire. This also applies to mosquitoes because they don’t like being around smoke.
However, don’t forget about fire restrictions, as these are typically enforced during early fall and late summer. So, to ensure you can use fires during your trek or camping vacation, don’t hesitate to contact the Forest Service or the local natural resources organizations to learn about your state’s specific fire restrictions. However, if you live in a state that doesn’t allow creating fires in forests, you can always use an enclosed stove. Ultimately, knowing how to start a fire is probably one of the most important hiking skills you need to learn and hone.
Knowing How to Purify Water
Your muscles and body start to deteriorate when you deprive yourself of water for an extended period of time. In addition to constantly being thirsty, you might also suffer from adverse health issues when you go without water for a long time. For instance, you risk exposing your body to medical conditions, such as hypothermia and dehydration, when you don’t consume ample amounts of water on your hiking trip.
So, to keep your body hydrated, you must learn how to purify water, especially if you don’t want to carry several water bottles in your hiking gear bag. Of course, we don’t mean that you carry a water purification plant with you. Instead, purchase a water-purifying straw that directly lets you drink from ponds and lakes.
The best thing about these straws is that they are cheap. For instance, the LifeStraw costs only 19.95 dollars, weighs 46 grams, and can filter 1000 gallons of water with its long-lasting membrane microfilter.
Knowing How to Use a Map
Knowing how to read a map is one of the most obvious camping skills you shouldn’t hesitate to learn. A map can direct you to campsites, water sources, and an escape route in the event of an accident, as well as show you where you are, how far you have to go, and how long you have to travel. Of course, you can always download maps on your smartphone. However, your smartphone battery might run out, or you might get any bars in the woods.
This is where knowing how to read a physical map will come in handy. So, start practicing or take an online map reading course to learn where each and everything is while you’re on your hiking trip!
Wrapping Up
Are you ready to take your hiking experience to the next level? If yes, consider the hiking skills shared in this article to make your hike more successful. These skills will help you ensure that you, your family, and your friends remain safe and secure and enjoy their hike like it’s meant to be enjoyed! So, pack your bags and take that hiking trip you always wanted today!