Know your Trail
Before You head out on any hike you must know your trail. Where are you going? What route are you taking and what will the weather conditions be like?
Maps
From small hikes to big hikes, from paper maps to electronic maps, no matter where you go you must know where you’re going. With today’s technology, the maps on your phone are practical and offer many options for different hikers. The app I use is called All Trails. It has thousands of different maps and trail routes for you to determine the best route to your destination. This app also allows you to layer multiple maps so you can choose what type of map works for you at that moment. From satellite to topographical maps it allows you to see where you are while keeping you on track. Even with all the technology at our fingertips it is still smart to have a backup paper map in case of emergency.
Weather & Conditions
Weather is a tricky thing. Some hikes are boiling hot and only require a t-shirt and sunscreen, while others can be the complete opposite with sub-zero temperatures and specialized equipment needed. To ensure you are properly prepared with the right gear and expectations you must check the weather before you go on any hike. If you check the weather forecast ahead of time you can choose the best window to make sure the conditions are on your side for your hike. If you don’t, you could get caught in a heat wave, a blizzard or rain storm and you don’t want that. An amazing website you can use to check the weather is
Mountain-Forecast.com
Be safe. Be Prepared. Have Fun.