Avoiding accidents or unwanted incidents during the trip to the mountains should be the top priority of any mountaineer. If you are planning to go mountaineering or on a hiking trip then you should be aware of the dangers and how to avoid them. This blog will help you get to know about the things that can go wrong and how to avoid them from having a safe and cheerful trip.

 

Have Prior Knowledge of Weather

The weather in the mountains is ever changing and the most reliable forecast of the mountain weather can come from the Met Office and MWIS. Pack your kit bag according to this forecast and have all the necessary safety gears along with you. Always plan your route and days of the trip in such a way that you don’t get caught up in the bad weather. For example, wind speeds in the summer season can get really high during your hike. If you find that wind speeds are touching anywhere near the 30mph in the forecast then you should avoid travelling to the narrow ridges to prevent yourself from getting blown away. If winds are above 60mph, avoid your whole trip altogether.

Navigating Safely in the Mountain

We all are used to our traditional ways of navigation while travelling. Using the satellite navigation of car, Google Maps on our phone or using Street maps is easy in a normal environment. However, when you are in the mountains, challenging weather conditions in the mountains can make you commit navigation error that can cause you to get stranded in the wrong trail. The ability to use a mountain map along with using a compass becomes a key point in navigating safely in the mountains. Along with these, get a grasp on route planning, identifying route in difficult weather or low visibility. Always try keeping a note of your trail with your family or friends at the base camp and try being in contact with them or inform them about where you are in your way. This will help people in rescuing you in case of any mishaps.

Have a Basic Kit Ready

A simple kit for people going into the hills in summers should consist of a 30-40 litres Rucksack, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, high-quality boots and socks for preventing unwanted injuries and making the walk more comfortable, torch with spare batteries, sunblock compass, personal safety aids and medicines. Make sure your kit contains all the necessary equipment to tackle the ever changing weather of the mountain. Having the right set of equipment can prevent injuries and will also help you endure tough conditions if the weather gets worse or you get stranded away from your path and wait for the rescue team to save you.

If you are following the above tips, you will be able to avoid accidents or getting caught in bad weather but still, you should always have a rescue plan ready for keeping you safe. You can call 999 and ask for rescue in the mountains in case of any unwanted incident. Always keep your team members and family informed about the trail you are taking, the weather conditions and if possible tell them your locations when on the way. If there is no network coverage for your phone then try keeping a satellite phone with you for emergencies. These things will help the rescue team find you or get you immediate help. With this knowledge of basic know-how, you are good to go on your summer hiking trail to the hills.