After having done my share of mistakes in the desert, over the years, I compiled a list of mistakes and pitfalls that can be applied to all the outdoor adventures. I invite you to print this and keep your outdoor equipment. Hiking can be a distraction more satisfying the daily, but safety should never be taken for granted!

Preparing NEWS

1) Plan your trip. It is much more likely to have a happy and safe driving if “the plan of walking, hiking and the plan. Aw great rush rush / or proper planning is in trouble! Tell a neighbor you know where you are and how long will be gone.

2) Know your field. Use all available resources to learn about your route before leaving. This will prepare you for running conditions. “There are flows of Ford?, Changes in elevation?, It is a rocky terrain or smooth?” Just some questions that can be resolved before departure.

3) Know your climate. Hypothermia is real, dangerous and poorly understood. Hypothermia can strike in relatively warm. Hypothermia is simply a rapid cooling of the body. This may be caused by cold, wet or a combination of both. Hypothermia can be easily avoided with adequate preparation.

NEW ‘In The Essentials Pack

1) Drinking water . Always fresh water available on any tour. It ‘also a good idea to bring water purification tablets and / or filtration. Having the ability to produce drinking water can be just as important that the water is in. Pack also bring along some snacks of protein, just in case.

2) First Aid Kit. Although an obvious choice, it is amazing how many people in the desert. Simple objects such as tablets, the pain can be a welcome addition when you’re away from civilization. Other items are bandages, tweezers, moleskin, antiseptic, needle and thread (for repairs).

3) Fire and the source of light. Matches and lighters are essential for me. I usually pack along a bit ‘to stick to quick-start fires in commercial wet. I also pack a flashlight and a small conventional LED light, as well.

4) Clothing. It ‘always advisable to bring a few extra layers. The weight of these elements will be dictated by the context, err on the side of caution, as time can vary considerably, especially in mountainous regions. A pair of socks can be life savers.

5) Orienteering. Packing along a map and a compass me a block more than once. I carry a cell phone too, even if they can not get reception in most places, the limit, I can be able to receive a call out.

The most important item to pack your hiking next is common sense. Make informed decisions in a journey that is taken from the most difficult situations. If you walk with your family, especially children or the elderly, who can not remember the resilience stick to the same level as you, and ultimately, it is necessary to make the right decision.