The new year has begun, and your outdoor adventures shouldn’t stop. Have you been updating your outdoor knowledge? Some tips are crucial for personal safety—check them out:
1.Avoid Wearing Synthetic Underwear

I’ve seen people wear regular thermal underwear for hiking—terrifying stuff. The best choice is moisture-wicking performance underwear. If you don’t have any, cotton is acceptable—like the kind you can buy at the supermarket. Most synthetic underwear there is made of acrylic. Though not as good as moisture-wicking gear, it’s way better than cotton.
2. Say No to Jeans

Many beginners wear jeans when heading outdoors, probably because they still think jeans are tough and durable. In reality, cotton fabrics are neither strong nor abrasion-resistant, and their physical properties aren’t suitable for outdoor activities. Once it rains, you wade through water, or you sweat heavily, you’ll quickly realize the downside of jeans. Even a cheap polyester casual pants under 20 RMB would be better. Go find a pair of quick-dry pants that suit you~
3. Choosing the Right Shoe Size

Nearly all guidebooks say your hiking shoes should be 1 to 1.5 sizes larger. My experience says otherwise. For me, shoes always get looser the more I wear them—new shoes are tight, old ones are loose. They’re tighter in the morning and looser in the evening. The longer you use them, the looser they get. So don’t buy shoes that are too big. Oversized shoes are uncomfortable. The best fit is snug and comfortable.
4. Finding Your Way

Unless you’re planning a crossing through an uninhabited area and have prepared mentally and logistically to blaze your own trail, don’t force your way through unmarked paths—even if you’re temporarily lost or trying to take a shortcut. Doing so can lead to injuries and won’t save you time or energy. It’s smarter to just turn back and find an existing trail.
5. Don’t Take Off Your Shoes During Breaks

After long hikes, your feet will definitely swell. Taking off your shoes makes it painful to put them back on. It’s better to wait until the end of the hike before removing them~
6. How to Pack Your Sleeping Bag

Some people like to pack their sleeping bags in compression sacks—that’s wrong. This method isn’t ideal. Since the sleeping bag goes at the bottom of your pack anyway, don’t use extra packaging. Just stuff it directly into your backpack, then pile everything else on top and press down firmly. That way, you make the best use of space, filling the pack solidly both inside and out.
7. Sunglasses

You might not need them on regular mountain trips—a hat with a brim is sufficient. But in snowy areas, sunglasses are essential, preferably anti-fog ones.
8. DIY Crampons

Also known as four-point crampons, these are cheap and simple, costing just a few dozen yuan. Those with decent DIY skills can even make their own. But on snowy mountains, very few people actually carry four-point crampons. On regular mountain trails, when the path gets slippery, these gadgets can play a crucial role.
9. How Many Clothes to Sleep In

I’ve heard the advice that wearing too many clothes to bed actually makes you colder, and that sleeping in fewer layers keeps you warmer. But experience shows that wearing more is actually warmer. If your sleeping bag’s temperature rating isn’t very high, it’s best to sleep in a wool sweater and fleece. Of course, wearing too much can make the sleeping bag feel tight and uncomfortable.
10. And One More Thing—Trim Your Nails

This applies not only to women but also to those scruffy guys. Don’t keep long nails during outdoor activities. You’ll find they’re not only inconvenient but also increase the risk of injury.