Another short hike in the mountains or through the forest? If not properly prepared, the current temperatures and snow at higher altitudes can have fatal consequences for hikers.
Hiking is currently more popular than ever. But especially the winter time holds many dangers for hikers, which are often underestimated, especially by beginners. The days, for example, are very short – appropriate time management is required in order not to be surprised by darkness, for example. Also, one should not underestimate the low temperatures. The higher you go, the colder and frostier it can get. It is all the more important to make sure that you have warm clothing and the right equipment.
Actually, this always applies when hiking, but especially these days: Make sure you have the right footwear – it should be non-slip and waterproof. Because with the sinking temperatures, the hiking trails hardly dry out – and the risk of slipping increases. If there is frost or snow, it can sometimes get really slippery. And: Damp or wet leaves on the hiking trails also increase the risk of slipping.
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Hiking accidents: How to avoid unnecessary risks
It doesn’t matter what time of year: when hikers head into the mountains, danger moves with them. Because if you go on a hike there, for example with the wrong shoes – the sneaker summiteers really exist – you are sometimes exposed to considerable and even fatal risks. In winter you should generally avoid hiking in higher regions.
According to the current mountain accident statistics of the German Alpine Association (DAV) 2019/2020, there were almost no 33 percent of all accidents/emergencies among the members on a hike. And: Of the 28 deaths in 2020, around 43% occurred while hiking and 11% while climbing. The actual number is probably even higher, because of course more people hike in the mountains than the almost 1.4 million organized DAV members.
In order to avoid accidents and emergencies in the mountains as far as possible, you should heed the following points:
- Only start with the right equipment – even for lower temperatures
- Make sure you have enough stamina and physical fitness
- Stay alert and don’t get distracted
- Beware of recklessness and overconfidence
- Familiarize yourself with the route and terrain beforehand
- Remember that the days and hours of sunshine are shorter in autumn and winter
- Expect sudden weather changes
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Hiking is a popular sport: almost 40 million take part
What did we used to moan about when our parents said “We’re going for a hike on Sunday, kids”. But the older you get, the more you get out of hiking. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, unspoilt nature and physical balance to a sedentary office job: hiking has a lot to offer and is therefore one of our favorite leisure activities.
According to a Statista statistic (basis: AWA)), there was a shortage in 2020 7.03 million people among the German-speaking population aged 14 and over, who often hike in their free time. There are still about 31.8 millionwho go hiking at least once in a while. Together almost 40 million wanderr in this country. Hiking is also one of the preferred forms of vacation for Germans. According to Statista, there were around 17 million Hiking as the main activity of their trip. This makes it the fourth most popular type of holiday.
Particularly important: the right hiking shoes
Whether for long hikes in the lowlands or hiking in the mountains: the right footwear is one of the most important pieces of hiking equipment. Our partner “Outdoor Magazin” tested 16 pairs of light hiking boots in 2020 and evaluated them according to various criteria. So the requirements for decent hiking shoes are relatively clear: they have to be well made, comfortable to wear and waterproof and also offer a good grip. The winner of the comparison test was the Salewa Alp Trainer Mid from about 135 euros. You can find the complete test report here; we have summarized the best hiking shoe recommendations from the test in the following table:
Comfortable and enough storage space: the best hiking backpacks
A good, sufficiently large hiking backpack with the appropriate carrying comfort is also indispensable for the hiking tour. For example, a hiking backpack with a capacity of around 25 liters offers enough storage space for a day. And if you limit yourself a bit, it’s even enough for a weekend tour with an overnight stay. On longer tours, however, you need more space in your backpack: a 45-liter backpack is ideal for a week’s tour, but if you’re on the road even longer, you can of course strap 60 liters and more on your back.
Our partner “Outdoor Magazin” has tested 17 current hiking backpacks with a volume of 20 to 30 liters in practice and evaluated them according to criteria such as storage space, comfort and handling. You can find the complete test report here.
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