Beautiful natural scenes are common hiking destinations Hiking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on trails in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness. Download high resolution version (750x1129, 150 KB)Photo taken by Daniel Mayer and released under terms of the GNU FDL. File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
Download high resolution version (750x1129, 150 KB)Photo taken by Daniel Mayer and released under terms of the GNU FDL. File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
Walking is the main form of animal locomotion on land, distinguished from running and crawling. ...
A trail, in the most general sense, is any linear route for travel. ...
Wilderness is land that has not been significantly modified by direct or indirect human activity. ...
Off-trail hiking is often called 'bushwalking', 'bushwhacking' or 'bush-bashing'. Overnight hiking is more specifically called 'backpacking'. The word 'hiking' is understood in all English-speaking countries, but regional terms also exist. In the United Kingdom, the activity is often simply called 'walking'. Australians use the term bushwalking for both on- and off-trail hiking. New Zealanders commonly employ the word tramping, particularly for overnight trips. Hiking in the mountainous regions of Nepal and India is sometimes called 'trekking'. Backpacking (also tramping or trekking in some countries) is the complete combination of hiking and camping. ...
Comparison with other forms of touring
Hiking is one of the fundamental outdoor activities on which many others are based. Hiking is the only way to reach many beautiful places overland. Enthusiasts regard hiking as the best way to see nature. It is seen as better than a tour in a vehicle of any kind (or on an animal; see horseback riding) because the hiker's senses are not intruded upon by distractions such as windows, engine noise, airborne dust in large quantities, and fellow passengers. It has an advantage over standing in one place because the hiker may cover a wide area. Outdoor activities usually mean activities done outdoor. ...
Vehicles are non-living means of transport. ...
horse, see Horse (disambiguation). ...
Highly decorative Window in a Japanese Onsen in hakone A window is an opening in an otherwise solid, opaque surface through which light can pass. ...
An engine is something that produces some effect from a given input. ...
Dust is a general name for minute solid particles of diameters less than 500 micrometers (otherwise see sand or granulates) and, more generally, for finely divided matter. ...
On the other hand, hiking over long distances or over difficult terrain does require some degree of physical ability and knowledge, as well as a backpack to carry food, water and essential equipment. Hikers may be caught in inclement weather or suffer mishaps. Some jurisdictions (for example New Hampshire) now require inadequately prepared hikers to pay for their own rescues. The simplest form of backpack (also rucksack or knapsack) is a cloth sack carried on ones back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders and below the armpits. ...
Composite satellite image showing the progress of a hurricane weather system approaching the east coast of America Weather comprises all the various phenomena that occur in the atmosphere of a planet. ...
State nickname: The Granite State Other U.S. States Capital Concord Largest city Manchester Governor John Lynch Official languages English Area 24,239 km² (46th) - Land 23,249 km² - Water 814 km² (3. ...
© This image is copyrighted. ...
© This image is copyrighted. ...
The most common symbols used in trail blazing Trail blazing means marking paths with blazes, that is coloured signs that follow each other in a certain, though not necessarily exactly defined distance and mark the direction of the trail towards a peak of the mountain or towards any other destination...
Rules of hiking - Most hikers consider safety to be the prime rule. Hazards and safety measures are discussed below.
- The principles of Leave No Trace ("Take only pictures, leave only footprints"), at least some of which are legally mandated by many jurisdictions, require that hikers leave the wilderness in as pristine a state as they find it.
- Hikers should not disturb endangered species. Hikers should be aware of any endangered species (flora or fauna) in the area, including knowing what they look like and their habitat.
- Hiking on formal trails lowers the risk of trespassing on private land not open to hikers.
- If a hiker needs to excrete, he or she should excrete more than 100 feet (30 m) away from a trail or any water source. One should dig a small hole to cover over when finished and pack out paper waste.
- Cell phones should be avoided or used at a quiet conversational level.
- When two hiking groups meet on a trail, the uphill group has the right of way.
Leave No Trace is an ecological principle of leaving an environment of habitation in such a condition as to render it impossible for future observers to discern the previous presence of the practitioners of the Leave No Trace methodology. ...
For other uses, see endangered species. ...
In law, trespass can be: the criminal act of going into somebody else’s land or property without permission; it is also a civil law tort that may be a valid cause of action to seek judicial relief and possibly damages through a lawsuit. ...
Excretion is the biological process by which an organism separates waste products from its body. ...
Right-of-way is a legal term which may have any of several meanings: priority at a crossing, or in traffic. ...
Hiking safety issues and unforeseen circumstances
In many parks, hiking trails are clearly labelled. Any hike, regardless of duration or the familiarity of the route, may possibly go awry. Possible mishaps include injury, unexpected inclement weather, and losing the trail. A simple set of equipment may allow the hiker to escape from any of these predicaments. One list of such equipment is the Scout Outdoor Essentials. The ultimate decision whether or not to bring any of this equipment is entirely at the hiker's discretion, and many hikers opt to leave most or all of it at home. Photo by Quadell File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
Photo by Quadell File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
Injury is damage or harm caused to the structure or function of the body caused by an outside agent or force, which may be physical or chemical. ...
Composite satellite image showing the progress of a hurricane weather system approaching the east coast of America Weather comprises all the various phenomena that occur in the atmosphere of a planet. ...
The Scout Outdoor Essentials, as practiced by the Boy Scouts of America, are a list of ten items or categories of items that should be brought to any outdoor activity, such as camping or hiking. ...
Another simple safety precaution is to give the itinerary and expected time of return to someone not on the hike. If the hiking party fails to return reasonably close to the projected time, this person will notify authorities and search parties will be summoned.
Cellular or satellite phones can be a valuable aid. While a call to authorities may not bring rescue helicopters, a phone can be used to get up-to-date weather forecasts and first-aid instructions. Additionally, it allows closer communication between the hikers and friends at home with regard to search parties, pickup, and other issues that may arise. This practice is not a guarantee of safety, because electronic devices may break or fail, and their presence can create a false sense of security. Users may take risks they would not otherwise take, because they feel they could just call for help. Some purist hikers frown upon satellite phones because they believe that technology should not be brought into the outdoors without serious need. Cellular redirects here. ...
A satellite phone or satphone is a mobile phone that communicates directly with orbiting satellites. ...
First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or layman can be trained to perform. ...
Extra clothing can be critically important, in cases such as unexpectedly low temperatures, or falling into bodies of water (wet clothes cause hypothermia). Hypothermia is a medical condition in which the victims core body temperature has dropped to significantly below normal and normal metabolism begins to be impaired. ...
The importance of the mind Even the best and most useful supplies are of no avail to hikers who cannot or choose not to use them properly. Confusion and disorientation can pose a greater danger to the hiker than any physical trauma. Impairment of mental faculties can result from causes as diverse as hypothermia, severe dehydration, malnutrition and a low blood sugar level, or a fall involving head injury. Falls are particularly hazardous for backpackers, because the pack impedes balance and increases the force of the fall. Hypothermia is a medical condition in which the victims core body temperature has dropped to significantly below normal and normal metabolism begins to be impaired. ...
Dehydration is the removal of water (hydor in ancient Greek) from an object. ...
Malnutrition is a general term for the medical condition in a person or animal caused by an unbalanced diet—either too little or too much food, or a diet missing one or more important nutrients. ...
An equal danger is misplaced priorities. Hikers who consider reaching the destination to be of the greatest importance risk placing themselves needlessly in hazardous situations. Successful mountaineers take safety to be the first priority, enjoyment to be the second, and the summit to be third.
Hiking in groups Hiking alone is the ultimate level of solitude. However it is more dangerous than hiking in groups. In any survival situation, a companion may be more helpful than any piece of gear. If one hiker becomes injured, the other can administer first aid and call for help. If an inexperienced lone hiker becomes lost, he may be more likely to panic and make bad decisions than a group of two or three hikers. If the weather turns foul, a group of hikers can pool its manpower, brainpower, and body heat. First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or layman can be trained to perform. ...
Within a large group of hikers, there will usually be disparities in pace. In addition to making the hike less enjoyable, these disparities may create hazardous situations. A large party will often split into a "fast group" and a "slow group". If one of the two groups takes a wrong turn, it might be difficult for them to be reunited.
If the party does not split, some members may hike at a faster pace than they should, which will increase their risk of injury. For these reasons, it may be safest to hike in a group of people with similar paces. However, considerations of pace should not deprive the group of a skilled hiker who would be of use in any survival situations that might arise. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so too should the pace of the group be no faster than the slowest person.
Hiking with children Children learn from example. Hiking can be an opportune time to communicate the importance of rules for safely and courtesy of others and the environment both verbally and by example. Always research the trail to ensure the path is appropriate for your child's age, and never allow children to run ahead or lag behind on the trail. Some trails allow strollers and child carrier backpacks are available to carry smaller children on hikes.
How to hike
What to pack, and how There are a few essential items that are always sensible to bring on a hike: - Waterproof clothing, and extra layers for warmth. Weather can change unexpectedly in many places.
- Good walking shoes, preferably ones that have been worn already. Hiking boots should offer some protection against ankle sprains. Blisters may often be avoided by wearing sock liners.
- Water. Dehydration can be a serious problem, particularly at high altitudes. In conditions of low humidity, sweat evaporates so quickly that a hiker may not notice the water loss. A lot of water is also lost through breathing.
- A map and compass is useful, even if the route is known. A hiker may become separated from the rest of the party or lose the route, even if there is no trail.
- Adequate food. Undernourishment can impair a hiker's judgment and decision-making capabilities.
Other items may be packed, depending on the length of the hike and the type of terrain and climate. Leather shoes A shoe is a piece of footwear for humans, less than a boot and more than a slipper. ...
A sprain (from the French espraindre - to wring) is an injury which occurs to ligaments caused by a sudden overstretching. ...
A blister or bulla is a defense mechanism of the human body. ...
A falling water droplet Water (from the Anglo-Saxon and Low German wæter) is a colourless, tasteless, and odourless substance that is essential to all known forms of life and is the most universal solvent. ...
Dehydration is the removal of water (hydor in ancient Greek) from an object. ...
High altitude are regions on the Earths surface (or in its atmosphere) that are high above mean sea level. ...
A map of the world by Johannes Kepler A map is a simplified depiction of a space, a navigational aid which highlights relations between objects within that space. ...
This article is about the navigational instrument. ...
The ideal center of gravity for a backpack is about the level of the upper back. An excessively low center of gravity impedes a hiker's agility, while an excessively high one will make a hiker vulnerable to toppling.
On the trail - Hikers should keep an appropriate pace. An excessively slow pace will limit the distance you can walk, but an excessively fast pace also has disadvantages: hikers become fatigued quickly; increase their risk of injury; and be forced to think primarily about maintaining their speed, rather than about the scenery. Over flat ground or on a moderate downhill, a reasonably fast hiker may travel at almost 4 mi/h (6 km/h) unladen, or 3 mi/h (5 km/h) with a full backpack, though many prefer somewhat lower speeds to enjoy the scenery. A steep uphill will slow that pace by about half. A moderate downhill will also slow the pace, particularly for people of middle age and older, and others with reduced agility.
- Hikers should avoid dehydration. On short hikes in good weather, this is not an issue. On moderate-length hikes, it may be possible to fulfill water needs by drinking plenty of water before setting out. On long hikes, especially those in hot weather or low humidity, it will be necessary to carry an extra supply of water.
- When hiking in a group, the slowest hiker should be in the lead. This will prevent the faster hikers from leaving the slow hiker behind, thus making sure that the group stays together. It is easier and safer for the faster hikers to adjust to the slow hiker's pace than vice versa.
- It's important to make sure that people outside of the hiking group know where you're going and approximately how long you'll be gone for.
Fatigue is a feeling of excessive tiredness or lethargy, with a desire to rest, perhaps to sleep. ...
Miles per hour is a unit of speed, expressing the number of international miles covered per hour. ...
Kilometre per hour (American spelling: kilometer per hour) is a unit of both speed (scalar) and velocity (vector). ...
For the historical era, see Middle Ages. ...
Old age consists of ages nearing the average lifespan of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle. ...
Agility is the quality of being quick-moving and nimble. ...
Dehydration is the removal of water (hydor in ancient Greek) from an object. ...
A falling water droplet Water (from the Anglo-Saxon and Low German wæter) is a colourless, tasteless, and odourless substance that is essential to all known forms of life and is the most universal solvent. ...
Heat (abbreviated Q, also called heat change) is the transfer of thermal energy between two bodies which are at different temperatures. ...
Humidity is the quantity of moisture in the air. ...
See also This is a list of some long-distance footpaths used for walking and hiking. ...
The Scout Outdoor Essentials, as practiced by the Boy Scouts of America, are a list of ten items or categories of items that should be brought to any outdoor activity, such as camping or hiking. ...
Adventure tourism - a type of tourism involving exploration or travel to remote areas, where the traveller should expect the unexpected. ...
External links - Need to know hiking website. (http://www.i-needtoknow.com/hiking/index.html)
- New Zealand Tramper (http://www.tramper.co.nz/) - A website of tramping related information.
- Department of Conservation (http://www.doc.govt.nz) - Government department responsible for managing public land.
- Experience Outdoors (http://experienceoutdoors.l2p.net/) - Hiking and camping based website with several useful articles.
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