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The wonderful and mysterious world of Mother Nature makes for the perfect backdrop for some serious hiking and if you are planning to get kitted out and explore the best trails in your region, this article should help you a great deal. We offer sound advice from the professional hiking community, which should prepare you for what lay ahead.
- Dress Appropriately – We’re not talking about fashion here, rather wearing clothing that will a) keep you dry; b) protect you and c) help you retain body heat. Choosing top trekking shoes from a leading online sports clothing & equipment supplier is advised, while jackets come in a range of styles, with many pockets that enable you to be prepared for every eventuality. Invest in the right clothing and you won’t regret it; completely waterproof, you are ready for any sudden downpour. For waterproof shoes you can look on https://vessi.com/
- Know the Terrain – It is never a good idea to head off without a firm plan and knowing the terrain is a must. If you are trekking a known trail, all the info you need is available online (Google is your best friend) and don’t take on anything above your station, especially in a solo capacity! You can also visit for budget trekking poles.
- Know the Wildlife – This is more important in some countries than others; no one wants to surprise a grizzly mom with a couple of cubs! If you are in bear country, make sure you have bear spray that is easily reached; a belt/holster set up is best; know how to deploy the spray and get a brand with a long, directable jet. In the highly unlikely event you get charged by bear, take a wide stance, withdraw the spray container, point your arms forward as if you are holding a pistol and hit him as soon as he gets within range. This is sadly an unpleasant experience for the animal, which is temporarily blinded and experiences some serious sensory input of the hot and spicy kind, yet the bear is not harmed and hopefully, such an experience will make him avoid all contact with humans. Snakes can be an issue; always stamp your feet when walking through grass, dense undergrowth and brush, as this alerts snakes and they make a hasty getaway. Research all wildlife, as this will enrich your trekking experience and you do need to know all the species that are dangerous to humans and their behavioural traits.
- Reading maps – It is important that you get a handle on map reading and use them at all times; we recommend subscribing to an online app that automatically sends your coordinates to the emergency services; for a few dollars a year, you have a way to get emergency help, should you ever need it.
- Safety – Of course, no one plans to end up injured miles away from civilization and by planning your trip properly, you will not only be equipped, you also have emergency measures in place, which might save your life one day! You might want to take extra protein for a long hike, as this blog suggests.
Taking a first aid kit should be second nature, while you also need access to clean water and with waterproof clothing and suitable trekking shoes, you are ready for your very first trekking adventure. If you are planning to explore some of the many Thai National Parks, here is some up to date info.