(A useful blog from http://www.emsexploration.com)
1.
Failure to Prepare
Working
out in a gym, running, biking, and many other forms of exercise is definitely
beneficial to your well being, but it won’t get you in “hiking shape”. The
“incline” feature on a treadmill doesn't come close to simulating the
experience of hiking in New England’s rocky terrain for six or more hours. The
only way to really get in shape for hiking is to hike. Start out small and work
your way up to your goal.
2.
Improper Clothing and Supplies
Most
people know the basics about what to wear and carry while hiking. At times I
see people hiking with sneakers or (seriously) flip flops on a 4000-footer
peak, but most of the time people are wearing boots, dressed in layers, wearing
sunscreen, and have plenty of water.
Unfortunately,
many take it too far. Terrified of leaving something behind, some carry a day pack
stuffed with so much extra clothing and food to last a week and carry every
gimmicky hiking gadget out there.
When
you prepare for a hike, take reasonable precautions. For day hikes, dress in
light layers and carry the water and food you need. Do carry some extra. With
experience you will figure out how much you will need. Minimize what else you
carry to the necessities. If you recently purchased or plan to purchase a pack,
wear it on a few short trails to familiarize yourself with how it feels to hike
with it.
3.
Poor Choice of Trail
It
almost goes without saying that hikers should consider the length, time, and
difficulty level of a trail in deciding whether to try it. Hiking a trail that
is too long or strenuous for you will sap you of your energy, frustrate you and
your hiking companions, and leave you with very sore muscles the next day.
Don’t get too caught up in hiking the highest peaks or doing the “must hike
mountains” because of the view.
You
can avoid this by (once again) starting small and working your way up. Cut your
teeth on short, easy trails, then gradually increase the length and difficulty
level of your hikes. Before long, you’ll be able to enjoy full day hikes or
overnight trips. In the meantime, those longer and more strenuous trails aren't
going anywhere.
4.
Not Taking Time to Adjust
You’re
almost to the summit, only a couple steep sections to go and you’ll be there.
You start to sweat more, but decide to continue on as you’re so close. Big
mistake. When you begin to overheat, especially on a winter hike, it is crucial
to delayer. All the sweat you’re trapping in will freeze once you are exposed
to wind and could cause hypothermia. Don’t forget to take time to add layers a
little before you’ll really need them. An exposed summit in 50 mph winds is not
the place to try to put a jacket on.
5.
Not Checking Trail Conditions
New
England weather is highly unpredictable, especially in the Mountains. You may
run into some unexpected snow and ice in October or impassable stream crossings
in the Spring. Always check trail conditions online several times before any
hike. Be aware of the worst case weather scenario and pack the gear to deal
with it. Trails NH is a great resource to look up the trail conditions for any
peak as it compiles trip reports from every major blog and forum. The Mount
Washington Observatory is another great resource.
6.
Setting the Wrong Pace
Be
cautious of how you start a hike. It is very easy to try to speed through a
moderate section at the beginning of a hike to improve your overall hiking
time. Setting a really fast pace at the beginning will tire you out by the time
you hit your first set of switchbacks. When you arrive at a difficult climb,
you’ll need to rest every couple of feet.
When
you begin your hike, pace yourself; you’re not running a race. Remember, once
you reach the summit, you still have to return to the trailhead. Save your
energy, or you risk exhausting yourself on your hike and become too tired to
enjoy it. The lower section of a hike can be as beautiful as the summit. Take
some time to notice small details like interesting mushrooms or rock
formations.
7.
Refusing to Turn Back
When
faced with a choice between continuing up a trail not suitable for you and
turning back, don’t get “summit fever”. Hiking is not always about making it to
the top. You should hike because you find it rewarding, not because you want to
check a trail off your list. I find this difficult as I do hike lists, but I
know I can always return and there is no shame in turning back if you find
yourself on a hike that is too long or too tiring. Ultimately, you want to look
back fondly on your hike, not cringe at the memory of how miserable you were or
how much pain you were in the next day.
Have
you ever found yourself on a trail you weren't prepared for? Tell us about it
in the comments below.