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Inclement weather -

For many, venturing through inclement weather is all part of the outdoors adventure, a sort of communion with Mother Nature. But beware! Unpredictable meteorological events such as blizzards, flash floods, fog, and dust or sandstorms can present an immediate threat to your well-being. Always check the weather ahead of any trek or expedition, especially into remote areas.

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Lightning -

Lightning is a frequent and serious threat in many regions. Summer is the most popular time for hiking, and it's also the most active time of year for storms. Walkers and hikers are at a greater risk of lighting exposure, since nearly all lightning-related deaths occur outdoors. The rules of thumb is if you can hear thunder, you're in danger. If possible, seek shelter. Alternatively, seek protection in a valley or depression in the terrain. Always avoid tall trees or other tall objects.

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Hazardous terrain -

If hiking in winter through mountainous regions, it's important to monitor weather conditions and avalanche risk. Be prepared for the worst case scenario by wearing avalanche beacons, and carrying avalanche probes and snow shovels.

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Tree wells -

An often overlooked winter hazard is the threat posed by tree wells. A tree well is created when the space around a tree under its branches does not get the same amount of snow as the surrounding open space. This creates a void or area of loose snow below the branches and around the trunk that is dangerous to any hikers, snowshoers, skiers, and snowboarders who fall into them.

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Landslides -

Landslides occur in a variety of environments. They can be triggered by a specific event such as heavy rainfall or an earthquake. But slope stability can also be affected by human activities such as deforestation, cultivation, and construction. Pay special attention to the elevated road or track you're following, and look out for telltale indicators of previous landslides such as the scarring indicated in this photograph.

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Crossing streams and rivers -

Traversing hazardous terrain can mean negotiating streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Crossing them can be dangerous due to poor visibility, uneven surfaces, and algae- or moss-covered rocks.

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Strong currents -

Fast moving water and strong currents can also prove hazardous. Take caution when tackling water hazards like this. Use hiking poles and tread slowly and carefully. Ideally, you should always cross a water feature with other people linked arm to arm or using a rope.

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The waterproof way -

If you know your route will take you across shallow rivers and streams, it's a good idea to wear waterproof wading boots. And remember: rubber soles grip poorly on slime compared to felt soles, crampons, or hob-nailed boots.

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Rope together -

When traveling over glaciers, crevasses pose a grave danger. It's therefore essential to hike in teams of two to five people attached by safety rope and equally spaced.

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Snowbridge -

A crevasse is a deep crack, or fracture, found in an ice sheet or glacier. These giant cracks in the ice are not always visible, as snow can be blown and freeze over the top to form a snowbridge. This can create the illusion of a unbroken surface under which the opening is concealed by an unknown thickness of snow, possibly very little.

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Glacier travel -

Basic gear for glacier travel includes properly adjusted crampons with anti-balling plates, a straight-shaft ice axe, and a headlamp, harness, and helmet.

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Using ice cleats -

A pair of strong walking shoes equipped with ice cleats will suffice in icy conditions where no glacier travel is planned for or envisaged.

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Low tide warning -

Walking beaches and estuaries can be hazardous if you're caught out by an incoming tide. Always check tide times. In no time at all a distant sea can suddenly surround you to put your life in genuine peril.

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Stranger danger -

For the most part, enjoying the wilderness is a trouble-free experience. But use your common sense when exploring remote areas. You may not be alone! Individuals encountered in the outdoors may not always be friendly and in some cases may even pose a danger.

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Losing the way -

Getting lost and losing your way can happen to the best of us. An individual may become separated from their party, or a sudden change in the weather means once visible waysigns and landmarks are suddenly shrouded in mist or fog. Carrying a map and compass, and knowing how to use them, will decrease the risk of getting lost. Likewise, a GPS device may prove invaluable, as it can pinpoint a traveler's location, revealing their exact position and the direction to roads, services, and inhabited areas.

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Metabolic imbalances -

Trekking the wilderness can severely test the mental and physical capabilities of the human body. Indeed, metabolic imbalances can affect general functioning and lead to other injuries. Carrying and drinking an adequate amount of water helps avoid dehydration, which can swiftly incapacitate an adventurer, especially in warm weather.

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Hot and sweaty -

Sweating removes not only water, but also salt. To counteract any potential deficiency of sodium, nibble on salty snacks and, again, drink plenty of water. Remember too that heat exhaustion can occur particularly if one is dehydrated or dressed too warmly. And beware that if the condition develops into heatstroke, this can be a life-threatening situation.

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Hypothermia -

At the other end of the spectrum, hypothermia, a potentially fatal drop in core temperature, can affect those caught in cold or wet weather who aren't adequately attired. Even if hypothermia does not kill the victim directly, it causes confusion, irrationality, and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of other injuries. Make sure you dress for the occasion.

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Altitude sickness -

Altitude sickness results from climbing rapidly to elevations beyond 2,500 m (approximately 8,000 ft). It's important to remember that acute mountain sickness may develop into high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema, both of which are life-threatening.

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Topical injuries -

Topical injuries, essentially soft tissue trauma, are commonplace in the great outdoors. Sunburn, frostbite, and snow blindness are typical complaints. Burns can occur when dealing with camp stoves, or when boiling pots are overturned. Lacerations may be caused by careless use of knives or axes, or contact with sharp rocks or barbed wire. A first-aid kit is therefore an essential backpack item.

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Poisonous plants -

Experiencing soft tissue trauma can also be the result of contact with toxic flora. Poison ivy (pictured) is well known for causing an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash in most people who touch it. Stinging nettle is another plant to avoid.

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Animals -

Depending on your location, pursuing outdoor recreation often means encroaching on the territory of large predatory animals such as bears and cougars. Travelers need to be aware of the potential dangers encountering beasts like these may involve.

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Insects -

That said, the greatest danger is often from insects, and in particular mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, which carry communicable diseases.

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Internal injuries -

Use your common sense when preparing for outdoor recreation. A lack of proper physical conditioning and inadequate training or experience can be your own worst enemy. Cumbersome backpacks, for example, can increase the risk of missteps and falls, particularly on difficult terrain. Back injury is a real risk.

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Blisters -

Choose the correct footwear to avoid ankle sprain and foots blisters.

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Digestive infections -

You should always carry enough fresh water to sustain you throughout your hike or expedition. But if you do need to replenish your H20, bear in mind that still surface water in the wilderness can contain viruses, bacteria, or parasites. To lessen the risk, try and fill up from a fast moving river or stream. On longer treks, pack a portable water purification unit.

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General safety measures -

They say prevention is better than cure, and you can lessen the risks associated with outdoor recreational activity by following a few simple ground rules. The common practice of traveling in a group improves safety in all regards.

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Naismith's rule -

Another precaution is informing people outside of the group of the itinerary and expected return time (expected hiking time can be estimated using Naismith's rule, a calculation of how long it will take to travel the intended route, including any extra time taken when walking uphill).

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"Ten Essentials" -

And finally, a standard precaution for all back country activities is carrying the "ten essentials"—a navigation device, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire (i.e. matches, etc.), shelter (i.e. plastic tube tent, etc.), extra food, extra water, and extra clothing.

Sources: (American Hiking) (National Park Service) (Geography Field Work)

See also: 60 essential items to pack in your travel backpack

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