Hiking Safety

Be Prepared, Not Scared

Packing the Ten Essentials ensures you’re ready for whatever the trail throws at you. Whether you're chasing a summit or strolling through your local forest, having the right gear—from Merino wool layers to a dependable light—can make all the difference.

How to stay safe on ice in the winter

Preparing for winter hiking is essential for staying safe and enjoying your adventure in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Here are some key tips to help you prepare: 1. Clothing: Layering System Base Layer (Moisture-Wicking): Wear moisture-wicking materials like merino...

How To Prepare For A Successful Hike Preparation is key for anything you do in life, and hiking is no exception. Preparing ahead of time for hiking adventures will help keep yourself and others safe, and will make it easy...

One of the most common mistakes hikers make is the failure to turn back. Although “summit fever” can be a persuasive emotion, ambition is not a good reason to put oneself in a dangerous situation.

Just because there's snow at elevation, doesn't mean we stop adventuring! This week we're sharing our best tips and advice for recreating in the outdoors, even in Winter conditions! We know that hiking year-round is not for the faint of heart,...

You should always take the weather into consideration before setting out on any hike. If you're hiking in a mountainous area, be aware that weather in the mountains is generally colder and more severe than in the valleys—and the weather can change quickly. Often in higher elevations, especially above treeline, rain, snow and fog are possible at any time of the year.

Injuries and afflictions on the trail Accidents happen to even the most experienced and best prepared hikers. That's why it's important that you know how to rescue yourself if you're injured or become ill on the trail. Be prepared with...

Minus33 became an official cooperator with hikeSafe in 2017 after hearing that many volunteers were donating their own extra gear and warm clothing to those in danger on rescues. We recognized there was a need for spare clothing the volunteers could carry out on rescue missions. We began donating what we call “Search and Rescue” kits to help first responders while minimizing waste by repurposing gently used or out-of-spec merino garments.

Every outdoor recreation season has hazards and dangers to look out for. Hazards in the winter vary from freezing temperatures and getting caught in snowstorms to avalanches at higher elevations. If you hike, ski, or recreate in the mountains in the winter, we have some avalanche safety information to help you stay prepared and recognize the conditions in which avalanches occur.

About four and a half years ago, just as I was just beginning to seriously get into the outdoors, I set off on an impulsive trip to climb Mount Holy Cross, one of Colorado’s classic 14er's. It turned out to be one of the coldest, dangerous, and downright scary nights that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing, something to learn from. Preparedness is important, good decision making is key.

QUIZ: How well would you survive in the wild? Take our quiz to find out just how much you know about spending time in the wilderness!

The things I keep in my first aid kit are incredibly common and can make the difference when an emergency occurs in the day to day. I recently took a Wilderness First Responder course up in the Sierra Nevada wilderness and want to share some of the information I learned with you.

Even the most experienced hiker has had the unfortunate experience of being out in nature unprepared. Whether it was getting caught in an unexpected storm, having a piece of gear break, or running out of water on a hot day,...

Read before you go. There is an abundance of resources available these days to anyone looking to hit the trails. I encourage everyone to get a good guide book and map to plan their trip. Even with those available, use...

It's estimated that between 94% and 97% of New Hampshire is undeveloped land, making vast amounts available for natural wildlife habitat. Some of the finest wildlife watching in the state can be enjoyed while hiking in the White Mountains. If...

When you head out for a hike, you should always carry your own backpack. Don't make someone else carry it! Your pack doesn't have to be heavy, but it should have everything you'll need. For a day trip that means:...

What kinds of outdoor experience and group leadership training have they had? Do they have the knowledge and gear necessary, including a first aid kit? Are there enough leaders for the size of the group? Will they turn back if the situation changes? Have they left a complete hiking plan, including the trail(s) being hiked and the emergency plans?

An avalanche is a very real winter hazard, especially in steeper ravines. Everyone in your group should have a good knowledge of avalanche safety. Education and training are critical, so each member of your group should take an avalanche safety...

Going for a hike can be a fun way to spend time in the outdoors. You may see plants and animals you've never seen before, and you'll go places that only hikers go. When you go on a hike Dress...

The White Mountains include a huge variety of terrain, from windswept alpine areas above treeline to dense boreal forests, sheer cliffs and low-lying intervale and swamp land. There are 48 peaks over 4,000 feet in the White Mountains, and a...