As spring returns to the earth and all things come back to life, going out for a walk is undoubtedly the best choice. During this time, spring hiking has become the top choice for many families and outdoor enthusiasts. However, in recent years, accidents such as hikers getting lost and stranded during mountain climbing have occurred frequently, with some even paying the ultimate price. Therefore, safety must always be a top priority.
Before climbing, you should first choose a suitable mountain based on your personal physical condition. Try to avoid climbing in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower, and maintain a slow pace. You can adjust your clothing to adapt to the air temperature while ascending and descending. People with weaker constitutions, those who have just recovered from illness, elderly individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or poor coronary artery blood supply, as well as those experiencing dizziness, chest tightness, or palpitations, should not participate in mountain climbing activities.
Travel with companions. After planning your hiking route, inform your family and friends of your intended time, location, and route. Before setting out, carry items such as a map, compass, mobile phone, flashlight, rope, food, medicine, raincoat, and knife. It’s best to wear non-slip, high-top hiking shoes—avoid high heels and leather shoes to prevent inconvenience and safety risks. Wear bright-colored clothing so rescuers can easily spot you if you get lost or stranded. Also, try to travel light and bring only essential items to reduce the load.
To prevent injuries such as sprains or fractures during the climb, make sure to do sufficient warm-up exercises beforehand. This includes your ankles, knees, hips, and wrists. Additionally, your posture should differ when going uphill versus downhill. As the saying goes, “The ascent is easy, the descent is hard.” When descending steep slopes, walk sideways to prevent slipping. Hiking, like long-distance running, tests your endurance, so failing to manage your stamina properly and exhausting yourself too quickly can be dangerous. Plan your rest periods wisely—take a 5 to 10-minute break every hour of climbing, or a 1 to 2-minute break every 20 minutes on steep slopes. Maintain a steady pace while hiking; avoid alternating between too fast and too slow. Don’t shed layers of clothing too quickly—wait until your body warms up before removing excess layers.
If you get lost or stranded while hiking, stay calm and avoid panicking. If your phone has signal, immediately call for help or contact local authorities to request rescue. If you manage to get in touch with rescue teams, stay put or wait in an area with clear landmarks. Never take chances or attempt to find another route on your own. Also, be cautious with fire—do not discard cigarette butts carelessly to avoid causing wildfires.