What do the Experts Have to Say?
Adventure Safely!
Hiking. Backpacking. Camping.
It doesn't matter if you've never gone for a walk in the woods or if you've hiked some of the most challenging peaks in the world - there's always something for you to learn. Whether you're trying out a new trail or trying out a whole new activity, doing your research and being prepared will ensure you have as much fun as you can, and that everyone makes it home in one piece.
From deciding which pair of hiking boots to buy to how to safely filter water, make sure you're using your critical thinking skills. Books, websites, podcasts, videos - there are endless sources of information out there for you to use, but you always need to evaluate the information you find.
Here are some questions you can ask of any information, advice, or opinion you find.
- Are other information sources suggesting you do something the same way, or is this the only source with that suggestion? If so, tread lightly and maybe find some other advice that has multiple sources.
- Is the trail described as easy, moderate, or hard? Who defines what those terms mean? Have you ever hiked a trail marked as moderate and found it strenuous? Take that into consideration when evaluating your limits.
- Did you find something online? Are you reading a blog? An organizational or non-profit? A local, state, or federal government website? A scholarly article? How much does the website host matter?
