Being a hiking newbie shouldn’t stop you from getting outdoors! And British Colombian hiking influencer Sabrina Bloedorn is here to help! Arm yourself with these hiking safety tips for beginners, then hit the trails with confidence.
Hiking Safety Tips For Beginners: Sabrina Bloedorn’s Top 5 Trail Essentials:
“Make sure you’ve got all of these with you for the best (and safest) day on the trail!”
1. Proper Layers
“Weather can flip fast in the outdoors, so always plan for anything. Rain, wind, sun or cold; you want to be ready.”
2. Electrolytes And Water
“Dehydration happens quickly, especially if you’re lost or go off trail. Bring plenty of water and consider a filtration system just in case.”
3. Bear Spray Or Wildlife Protection
“If you’re in an area where wildlife is common, always carry some form of protection and know how to use it.”
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4. Trail Navigation
“Whether it’s an offline map on your phone or a GPS device like a Garmin, having a way to navigate is key if you get turned around.”
5. Good Fuel
“Even short hikes can burn a ton of calories. Bring enough food to keep your energy up and enjoy your time out there!”
Make Your Own Fuel With These Recipes:
Dark Chocolate Power Bark
Pistachio Energy Balls
Flax Energy Bites
How Do You Stay Safe While Hiking As A Woman?
“Knowledge and trusting your instincts go a long way. If something feels off or you’re unsure about a situation, never feel bad about turning back. Your safety on the trail is what matters most.”
“As long as you stay aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut, you’re already doing the right thing. I’ve also taken a lot of boxing and self-defense classes, which have really helped me feel confident in my ability to keep myself safe out there.”
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Ever Had A Scary Moment On A Hike? What Did You Learn From It?
“I feel super lucky that I haven’t experienced any truly scary moments myself, yet! But working in the outdoor industry, I’ve seen how quickly things can go wrong, so I’ve become a big-time planner when it comes to weather and gear.”
“It definitely helps that my hiking bestie is an emergency nurse (major bonus!). But honestly, hearing other people’s stories has made me take safety very seriously. I always listen, learn and plan for the worst; every single time.”
What’s In Your Emergency Kit? Be Honest, Do You Actually Carry One?
“I do! I actually have a pre-made kit from Adventure Medical Kits. They come with everything you need for basic medical emergencies for 2 people along with a dog kit! Other items I would bring are proper emergency shells/layers along with a SPOT device.”
