Hit the trail without an epic fail
Although it seems like a no-brainer, even a leisurely stroll can be sabotaged.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
It’s a sunny day and you’re ready to hit a local trail. You load up the kids, maybe pick up a friend or two and you’re off. The day begins with promise.
Fast forward to the end of the hike:
Whining kids.
Whining spouse.
You’re thirsty and didn’t bring enough water.
You didn’t eat anything that morning and now you’re weak.
Your friend wanted to stay longer/leave sooner than you did.
You had no map, got confused and wandered aimlessly until you were exhausted.
Someone had to go to the bathroom 10 minutes into the walk. They wouldn’t/couldn’t go in the woods so the hike was blown up.
Confession
I’ve had all of these things happen multiple times. Sometimes they’ve happened locally. Sometimes they’ve happened a long way from home when the stakes are higher and the consequences more severe. I’ve learned the formula for a successful hike is to do just a little planning. Here are some factors to consider.
What is your goal?
Is it to get outdoors for a few minutes? If so, the bar is set low and it’s hard to fail. However, if you want to get a vigorous hour-long walk in, then only go alone or with a friend of similar persuasion. Otherwise, you’ll both be frustrated. Trying to get real exercise with kids in tow? Uh ….
Bring the kids?
It may not be an option to leave the kids at home. But it is an option on whether to bring them all along on a hike. Honestly, it depends on the kids. I’ve seen 4-year-olds push through a 3-miler without a hint of fatigue. I’ve seen 14-year-olds completely melt down after 10 minutes because … well, they’re 14. Again, this comes back to your goals. Want to get outside and let the kids splash around in a creek or play in the dirt? Then you can’t fail. But if you have a power walk in mind, kids have a way of sabotaging it. Don’t get me wrong: I love kids and have three of my own. That’s why I can write this paragraph.
Bring more/drink more water
Oh yes. Bring more than you think you need. If you know you have a “guzzler” in your group, bring extra just in case. My oldest is fond of drinking all his water 90 seconds into the walk, then begging for other people’s water and gasping and wheezing when his supply is gone. Also, make sure those who still have water drink it. Otherwise dehydration sets in.
Yes. You really need a map.
You may think you have a good sense of direction. I think I do too. And I’ve been lost – nearly hopelessly – numerous times. You’d think I’d learn. And I’m starting to. Your phone GPS app is helpful, but not foolproof, particularly if you have reception problems. It also generally only shows your location as a dot on a map – which doesn’t necessarily correspond to the trail. In addition to a map, an old fashioned (cheap is fine) compass can help. Because if you get lost, you at least know which direction you’re headed and where you’re likely to emerge (at some point). I’ve got stories …
Bug spray: Bring it. Use it.
A few years ago I wandered through a serene nature trail and never even thought of insect repellent. The next day I had dozens of chigger bites and was absolutely miserable. I learned my lesson. Bugs seem to ignore some people and feast on others, perhaps because of differences in body chemistry. I rarely get mosquito bites, but chiggers destroy me. Take precautions for yourself and your hiking party. Always have some repellant in your trunk. And if it’s bug season, use it.
Dress appropriately
I’m not talking about hiking chic here. I mean if it’s hot, dress for heat and if it’s cold, dress for cool. Winter hiking, you may be surprised to learn, can be quite pleasant. You usually have the trail to yourself, and with leaves off, you can see things normally blocked from view. In winter, don’t wear a monolithic parka. Dress in layers. As you exert yourself, you’ll take layers off. As you encounter wind or take a break, you’ll put them back on. You don’t want to sweat, because that will chill you. In summer, wear a hat and/or sunscreen. If it’s 90 degrees, don’t wear long pants or you’ll cook and have no options.
Did I just take the fun out of your hike? I hope not. Actually, considering these tips will restore the pleasure to your hikes. There’s mucy to explore in Greater Kansas City. Make the most of it, whether you’re alone, are tugging five kids or strolling with a friend.
Roy Harryman is the publisher of Kansas City Hiker and a graduate of the Hiking School of Hard Knocks.