hike
The best tips to get to your destination safely
A healthy self-assessment is required when hiking.
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Many Germans have discovered hiking for themselves. In order to arrive at their destination unscathed, mountain lovers should follow these tips.
Many people are drawn to the mountains in their free time. Because hiking is not only healthy, the beautiful landscapes and the view from the summit make up for every effort. However, beginners in particular should pay attention to a few points in order to arrive at their destination safely and unscathed.
Find your own pace
As the German Alpine Association writes on its website, a realistic self-assessment is extremely important. Because hiking is endurance training and gets the cardiovascular system going. However, if you are under time pressure and rush up the mountain, your circulatory system can collapse. Even if you are traveling as a group, everyone should go at their own pace. If someone is slowing down, either adjust the speed or stop and wait. Make sure that the person does not fall too far behind – if there is an accident, nobody in the group will notice it.
Plan the route well
A good self-assessment is also required when planning a tour. Whether altitude, difficulty or length of the route – you should be honest with yourself on all these points. If the word “via ferrata” triggers a queasy feeling, in case of doubt you should rather choose another tour. It is always wise to do your research on the internet. Often there are experience reports and assessments of the degree of difficulty or the nature of a path. In order not to lose orientation, a map, GPS or a navigation app is essential.
Keep an eye on the weather
Make sure to check the weather before you set off. Because a strong thunderstorm or a sudden snowstorm can be a serious danger in the mountains. But: a rain jacket is always a must-have. Because the weather changes very quickly in the mountains.
Stay on the way
It is not only advisable to stay on the designated trails for nature conservation reasons. Because anyone who is disoriented in the field increases their risk of tripping and falling enormously. In addition, dangerous abysses can emerge or rockfalls can fall. Therefore, do not take any supposed abbreviations. Should hikers lose their way: go back to the last known point and try to find your way back using a GPS or hiking map.
Take enough breaks
When hiking, it is important to take enough breaks. Fruit, nuts or a muesli bar are suitable as quick energy suppliers on shorter tours. If you are on the road for a longer period of time, sandwiches are ideal. Most of the hiking trails have alpine pastures on the route. Important: always have enough water with you! Two liters per person recommends the German Alpine Association on a moderately difficult day tour. If you run out of water, you can usually fill up the bottle at the hut keeper on request.
Correct behavior in an emergency
If, despite all caution, an accident occurs, the motto is: keep calm. For example, if someone has had a bad fall, make an emergency call straight away. Until the rescue workers are on site, calm the person down, place them on their side and keep them warm. Never leave the person affected alone, instead call other hikers to the attention of you. In order to be prepared for an emergency, a first aid kit is also important. This includes all the necessary utensils such as plasters, compresses, a rescue blanket, etc.