When she is taking a break from helping students in Austin, Texas prepare for their SAT exams, Alissa Breindel Austin likes to spend her time walking and hiking. Those who are new to hiking often misunderstand the things that they need to do in order to stay safe and enjoy the activity and she points out the following mistakes that novices should aim to avoid.
Wearing The Wrong Clothes
You cannot head out on anything but the most basic of hikes in jeans and a pair of sneakers. Hikes will often present you with challenging terrain and varying weather conditions, so it is important to wear clothing that is both comfortable and practical. Good walking boots are a must, as are waterproof items of clothing and comfortable pants.
Not Researching The Trail
Before you head out on a hike, it is important that you research the route that you are preparing to take. Hiking with little idea of where you’re going is a surefire way to get yourself lost, so make sure you check out a map and highlight any landmarks that will help should you end up losing your way. Bring the map with you for reference during the hike.
Not Informing Others
If you are determined to hike alone, Alissa Breindel, of Austin, Texas, recommends that you inform a number of people about where you plan to go. Those who don’t run the risk of having nobody back home who knows where they are, which can be a major issue if you run into trouble during the hike.