5 Life-Threatening Hiking Mistakes a Lot of People Make

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hiking map man

3. Being unaware of the surroundings

People tend to forget that nature is still wild and it doesn’t play by their rules. They don’t even bother to do a little reading about the area they intend to explore. They assume everything will be ok and that there aren’t any unknowns that could surprise them. For example, you should pay attention to the game trails and keep your distance, unless you’re out there hunting and you know what you’re doing. A game trail could lead you to water or game, but they can also lead you to a merry-go-round. Read about the weather and what you should expect. Avoid making the same hiking mistakes most people make and try to gather as much information you can about the area.

Do research prior to going on a hiking or backpacking trip — it could be life-saving. If it helps bring out a map and stick it in your pack, that way if you get tired or feel like you wandered off the trail you have something to reference. Knowing what type of weather to expect is also key — if it might rain pack a light jacket. The small things make all the difference!

On the next slide, we cover a common mistake that happens far too often. It's best to avoid this error otherwise it could lead to serious consequences! 

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47 Comments

  1. Paul Luttrull said:

    Life threatening things when I hike here in California : marijuana growers, meth labs, coyotes (human traffic), mountain lions, wild boar, bear, rattlesnakes

  2. Jay McArthur said:

    6. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are supposed to return.

  3. Mike Locker said:

    Spoiler Alert,,,, low to no information for clicking through pages,,,,,I stopped after drinking water

  4. Erick Rosson said:

    1. Not bringing enough water
    2. Not telling anyone where you’re going
    3. Not dressing for the weather

  5. Shane Michael said:

    not telling anyone where you are going and only bringing a snickers bar and a bottle of water haha

  6. Michael Davis said:

    Hahaha I thought we all was survivalists Im just fine breaking every thing they said shows about the dangers that you really need to watch for …. Predators. …poisonous plants and venomous animals are way more deadly on a hike than any commonsense problems you should be able to get through with basic knowledge

  7. Tobias E. Manor said:

    No thanks, click bait website with useless info. I’ll continue hiking unprepared and dehydrated.

  8. Michael Perkins said:

    And libtard… that’s a buzzword as well.

    Me. I think both sides of the political spectrum divide and conquer while they get rich and fat and share taxpayer wealth with the people that invest in their campaigns.

  9. Michael Perkins said:

    Rule number 11… if you have to go through 10 items on a click bait page to find out the mistakes of hiking… you probably don’t belong in the woods. Ever.

  10. Joe Kunkel said:

    Well I guess adventures have to start somewhere with knowledge. I’d say if your starting here as an adult your way behind the curve though

  11. Todd Hartmann said:

    6. Don’t try to pet kitty cats in the wild.
    7. Don’t try to give a bear a bear hug.

  12. Michael Perkins said:

    Remember.. all mushrooms in the woods are safe. It’s like a mushroom buffet. Enjoy!

  13. Casey Shamblin said:

    But what if he walks up to me, stands up, and sticks his arms out? It would be rude not to let him hug me, right? Especially when they make those loud roars.

  14. Griffin's Ark said:

    Really? If I want to go hiking I need a smart phone? Apparently you don’t hike where I hike. Used to be bring a topo and a compass. I guess I’m to old to go into the woods these days.

  15. Griffin's Ark said:

    The page title is Die Hard Survivor, not neophyte in the woods! You might want to rethink your blog posts or risk giving up followers.

  16. Russell Larson said:

    I’ve read a couple of tgese and the one thing they never include is … Bring a reliable pistol…
    I just dont get it…
    From a racoon to Drug Cartels …. you never know what you are going to run into…

  17. Russell Larson said:

    7. Be mindful… stay Dry….
    Nothing is more Dangerous than Wet clothes
    And Cold Weather
    Extra Socks.. always.. extra socks

  18. Russell Larson said:

    I love my Canik V2
    Its made by a Turkish Security Contractor
    ISO 9000 spec….
    399.99 at Cabelas
    2 mags
    Speed loader
    Paddle holser with 2 set-ups…
    Its a Great gun

  19. Jose Tomas said:

    Hmmmmm…been meaning to get another pistol…might have to go to the range and test one out. Thanks.

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