Hiking and camping provide exercise and interest for people of any age. Just getting out and walking around is a wonderful way to see nature. Since unexpected things happen, however, the best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow common safety precautions as well as taking care of purchasing backpacker's insurance .

• If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your physician and get approval before departing.
• Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you get lost, or will unexpectedly confront an animal? What if someone gets ill or injured? What kind of weather you might encounter? Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.
• Make sure you have the skills needed for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
• If your trip will be exhausting, get into good physical form before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
• It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
• Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations — there may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.
• Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
• Leave a copy of your travel plan with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.

Personal safety issues

Hiking can be a very enjoyable and safe activity. However, there are inherent risks in hiking. These risks can be mitigated by safety procedures. The risks include:

• Physical injuries , such as ankle sprain . The risk of injury can be decreased by wearing proper shoes (e.g., hiking boots ).
• Foot blisters are a common form of minor physical injury to hikers. These blisters are caused by too much friction and irritation against the skin.
• Back injury may result from packing too much or not having a proper backpack. A Hiking Backpack should be bought from a recreational store, and as a rule a person should carry no more than one third of the body weight.
• Dehydration can rapidly incapacitate a hiker, especially in warm weather. In conditions of low humidity, sweat evaporates so quickly that a hiker may not notice the water loss. Dehydration can be avoided by carrying and drinking an adequate amount of water. Depending on conditions, two liters of water may be enough for a day hike, but in high heat conditions one liter per hour may be required.
• Replenishing water, but not sodium , can result in hyponatremia . Thus, salty snacks along with water are also recommended.
• Heat exhaustion , possibly developing into heatstroke , can occur during high-temperature hikes, particularly if one is dehydrated or dressed too warm.
• Conversely, hypothermia is a risk particularly to hikers at higher altitudes or latitudes. Wet clothing (due to rain, sweat, etc.) is a major risk factor, and can cause hypothermia even in warm weather. Hypothermia can result in death if the victim's body temperature drops very low.
• Frostbite can occur when bare skin is exposed to very low temperatures. For very low-temperature hiking, clothing can be arranged to minimize the amount of exposed skin.
• If deprived of food for several days. A human can survive for weeks without food, but malnutrition causes impaired judgment. Low blood sugar may have a similar effect. Carrying extra food will minimize risk to the hiker. In many parks, hiking trails are clearly labelled.
• Hikers may become lost , either if a hiking party cannot find its way or if a hiker becomes separated from the party and cannot find it again. Staying on marked trails certainly helps, but trails do not exist in some areas. Carrying a map and compass and knowing how to use them will decrease the risk of getting lost. A communication device, such as a cell phone or a satellite phone , may help in the case of an emergency. However, cell phone coverage in wilderness areas is often quite poor. Family Radio Service and General Mobile Radio Service radios may be helpful, especially if hikers become separated from others in their group. Informing people outside of the hiking group of the itinerary and expected finishing time increases the safety of the group.
• In many areas, hikers may encounter big animals such as bears or cougars . Wild-animal attacks may occur when hikers come upon an unsuspecting animal and surprise it.