Scouts are always prepared for nature’s unpredictability.

We're about five weeks out from the first day of spring, and we can't wait to hit the trail for some fresh air and stunning views of the flowering trees. Hiking in the spring certainly has its share of pros and cons. The rising temperatures offer a welcomed relief from winter's biting cold, and the heat isn't as unbearable as the searing summer. On the other hand, spring is notable for its perpetual rain showers that can steal some of the fun from the camping experience if you aren’t prepared! With more people gearing up to go on hikes, the unpredictability of springtime temperatures have us thinking of ways to stay safe while exploring the outdoors.

Let's look at some trail safety tips before you go on a hike this spring!

Spring's more frequent rain showers saturate the soil, causing mud and puddles to form on the trail. It may be tempting to hike off-trail to avoid these muddy conditions, but it can lead to significant trail erosion. In a nutshell, an uptick in the number of hikers who avoid mud on the trail leads to trail braiding, which is when the primary path diverges into several smaller trails. Trail braiding kills the surrounding vegetation, and without roots to soak up runoff water, more mud (and puddles) accumulates on the trail. It would be best if you walked through mud or ran through puddles. Ultimately, your actions help encourage other hikers not to wander off-trail.

Pro tip: Wear hiking boots to keep your feet dry on the journey. 

Explore the outdoors with family, or gather your troop for a springtime adventure! Hiking with a friend is a great way to stay safe on the trail because the buddy system removes the chance of being alone if you’re injured or lost. Before you go, however, make sure you go over an emergency plan with your companion should one arise and agree on how difficult a hike you’re both willing to go on.

The best thing you can do is prepare for the unexpected when exploring the great outdoors. Some of the more common injuries hikers encounter on the trail are bug bites, blisters, and scrapes from falls. To stay safe and be prepared, make sure you stock your first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and sterilized gauze pads (among other things) to prevent infection before seeking medical attention. You can even get moleskin blister dressing for blister prevention! Before you hit the trail, remember to pack any essential medications such as an inhaler if you have asthma or any allergy medicine you might need. 

Read part one of our Survival Series for all the first aid tidbits!

Wearing proper hiking boots is the best way to avoid blisters or twisting your ankle on a hike. Hiking boots keep your feet dry, making them ideal for muddy springtime conditions on the trail. For optimal comfort and blister protection, don’t forget to wear hiking socks. Hiking socks like the Scouts BSA Thorlos Uniform hiking socks or the Scouts BSA Uniform knee socks wick moisture and provide thick cushioning on the heels of your feet to reduce shock and prevent blisters.

Whether it's a Swiss Army BSA Tinker Multi-Tool or a Leatherman Skeletool KB Pocket Knife, pocketknives are the best tools to carry out in the wilderness. The truth is that you never know what you'll encounter when you're exploring the outdoors. For this reason, a pocketknife is the most reliable tool for your safety. If you wander off-trail and get lost, it is also the perfect tool to help you cut branches and bark to build a campfire (if it comes to that). Keep in mind—it’s best to be prepared for any scenario!

Though outdoor temperatures aren’t as high in the spring as in summer, it’s important to remember that you need to stay hydrated to perform well on the trail and stay mentally focused. It’s best to bring a canteen with you and a water filter to refill your canteen on the trail with water purified and safe to drink. According to Mayoclinic.org, the daily fluid intake should be at least 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 for women. The BSA 1.75L Canteen holds nearly half of the daily water intake you need to stay hydrated on your next adventure!

Every Scout knows that when you plan a hike, you should gather the things you will need and include the things you might need to have the most fun outdoors. Here’s a list to help you get an idea of some essential tools and hiking gear you should pack (think Scouts Basic Essentials plus a couple of bonus items):

• Canteen
• First Aid Kit
• Pocketknife
• Compass
• Extra hiking socks
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Water filter
• matches/Firestarter
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper/wet wipes
• Raincoat/poncho
• Snacks/dehydrated foods
• Tent

Heavier rainfall means elevated water levels in rivers and streams. It’s best to avoid bodies of water in the spring because of stronger currents caused by these high-water levels. Always remember to respect mother nature when you’re in the outdoors! Don’t act recklessly or carelessly and attempt to cross a river or stream. You might get swept by a current that doesn’t appear as strong as it looks until you’re knee-deep in the water.

We’ve already established that hiking in the spring means you’re likely to encounter muddy terrain. Take trekking poles to increase your stability and minimize the risk of twisting an ankle or causing other injuries. These Black Diamond Two-Piece Trekking Poles are one of your best options because they can be adjusted based on the conditions of the terrain that you’re traveling within. Trekking poles are also great because they reduce stress on your knees while you hike and increase your stamina on the trail.

Doing what you can to regulate your body temperature is key to staying safe on the trail. Lizardhead offers moisture-wicking, quick-drying long sleeve base layers for men and women. We love the options of the long-sleeve shirts because they add layers without the bulk to keep you comfortable and flexible on the journey.

The best way to stay safe while hiking is to be careful and remain vigilant. Be mindful of muddy conditions due to heavy rain in the springtime, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. When exploring the outdoors, acting recklessly or carelessly may get you lost in the wilderness or lead you to suffer an injury on the trail. Always make sure someone outside your group knows where you're going, and never travel alone. With these practical trail safety tips, you and your friends can enjoy a beautiful spring day exploring the outdoors!  

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