A hike in nature is something wonderful, is fun and creates unforgettable experiences. To make this unforgettable experience possible, we have put together a few tips that will help you to plan your tour and prepare for any eventuality.
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Not everyone is a natural-born hiker and not everyone is in the same physical shape. You should consider the two following questions because hiking tours come with different degrees of difficulty: 1. What is the destination? 2. How far do I want to hike?
Know your limit!
Select a route that suits your ability and don’t overdo it.
Use maps and other sources for your preparation work!
Once you have settled on a starting and end point, use maps, travel guides and other information to learn about the geographic features of the trail – the more you know, the better you will be able to address any problems that may arise.
“Preparation is everything! Always take a smartphone with you and let a friend know where you are heading!”
No matter whether you set off alone, with a partner or in a group, a hike in nature always involves minor and major risks that can be kept to a minimum with the help of the best possible preparation.
Once you set off, always remain reachable!
Take along a mobile phone or smartphone and a portable charger and inform at least one friend who can serve as an emergency contact or a hut that is located along the route. Let them know which area you will be using and what your destination is.
Stay together!
If you are with a group, you should take advantage of this benefit and always keep your co-hikers in view. By doing so, everyone can keep watch on everyone.
Regularly drink water!
You can easily become dehydrated on hot days. Start off with enough water and keep your thirst in check.
Take breaks!
Just like taking regular drinks of water, you should also take regular breaks and eat something.
“Never leave the trail! If you stay on the trail, you will never lose sight of it.”
— Arthur | LOWA Manager Service Department
Putting your hiking boots on and just setting off! If you are planning to do a solo hiking tour for the first time, you need to heed a few simple tips. To ensure relaxed hiking, you should, in general, do the following three things: obtain information about your route beforehand. If in doubt, select an easier tour to start with. Ensure you have the right equipment to take with you.
Stay reachable!
Take a mobile phone/smartphone with you (+ power bank) and let a friend know where you are going and when you have reached your destination.
Prepare yourself!
Take a first-aid kit and a hiking map.
Don’t go aside!
Stay on official trails and use premium hiking trails.
Listen to yourself!
Listen to your body, find your rhythm and take breaks. Pay attention to your feelings and get help if you need it.
Check the weather!
Check the weather forecast ahead of time.
“In general, you can avoid unnecessary risks by staying on the trail, using premium hiking trails and, as mentioned in the beginning, checking the weather report before you set off on the tour.”
— Alix von Melle | LOWA PRO Team
The weather can change suddenly, especially in the mountains. Trails and paths become hazardous to walk on in rainy, stormy, windy, foggy and chilly conditions. Be careful – and if the weather turns bad, seek shelter in a hut. Animals and the natural environment will tell you if a storm is brewing. Before your tour find out more about the various cloud types that you are likely to encounter. If cumulus clouds are looming and it is getting mistier, that means inclement weather. The same applies to thickening cirrus clouds and descending stratus clouds.
Signs of bad weather:
Wind
The wind changes direction and picks up considerably
Mist
Early morning mist keeps on rising and does not dissipate
Clouds
Certain cloud formations, e.g. cumulus clouds
Floor
Particularly large number of earthworms on the forest floor
Further signs
Atmospheric pressure drops, swallows fly lower and excellent visibility
“Tannenzapfen öffnen ihre Schuppen bei gutem und schließen sie bei schlechtem Wetter.”
— Arthur | LOWA Manager Service Department