A hiking trip starts before the first step on the trail. The route you choose, the equipment you pack and the way you arrange transport all affect how prepared you will be if conditions change.
That matters to a growing number of people. The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Hiking Report records 63.4 million Americans aged six and over hiking in 2024, nearly double the number in 2012. More participation makes clear, practical preparation advice valuable for both newcomers and experienced walkers.
Preparation cannot eliminate every hazard. It can, however, help you recognise unsuitable conditions, avoid preventable delays and make more informed decisions. These are some of the easily overlooked risks worth addressing before you leave.
Rushing Your Pre-Trip Planning
Choosing a trail involves more than looking at its distance. Check the elevation gain, terrain, expected walking time, available daylight and whether everyone in your group is comfortable with the route. A short, steep mountain walk can be more demanding than a longer walk on a level path.
Weather research should go beyond a forecast for the nearest town. Look for information relevant to the elevation and location of your route, including thunderstorms, temperature changes, wind, flash flooding, wildfire and air-quality alerts. Check the land manager’s notices for closures and access restrictions; recent trip reports can supplement, but should not replace, official information.
In July 2026, FOX Weather reported a fatal lightning strike on Mount Blue Sky, Colorado. A 15-year-old boy was killed while hiking in a group of five. The incident illustrates the seriousness of mountain lightning, but the report does not establish that the group’s planning caused the tragedy. The National Weather Service’s lightning guidance is a better source for practical precautions, including planning mountain outings around thunderstorm risk and access to safe shelter.
Set a turnaround time before you start, allowing for slower progress, breaks and the return journey. Agree that changing the route or cancelling is acceptable. Reaching a destination is optional; keeping enough time and energy to return matters more.
Leave your route, trailhead, group details and expected return time with a trusted person who is not joining you. Tell them when to raise the alarm and which local emergency service or park authority to contact. Update them if your plans change, and let them know when you are safely back.
Not Understanding the Transport Risks
A reliable journey to and from the trailhead is part of your trip plan. Before a long drive, check tyre pressure, including the spare, fluid levels and any known maintenance issues. Make sure the road is suitable for your vehicle and check for seasonal closures, parking restrictions or permit requirements. Carry water, snacks, a torch, a first-aid kit and supplies appropriate to the remoteness of the journey.
If you are using a taxi, shuttle or rideshare, arrange the return journey as carefully as the outward trip. Confirm where the driver can legally stop, whether the provider serves the area and what happens if you return late. Being dropped off does not guarantee that another driver will be available to collect you, particularly where mobile reception is unreliable.
Passenger safety also deserves consideration, especially when travelling alone. The sexual-assault claims discussed in TorHoerman Law’s Uber lawsuit overview are a sobering reminder to include personal safety in your transport planning. Check that the vehicle and driver match your booking, and share your journey details with someone you trust where practical.
Choose transport you are comfortable using and have a backup plan if the arrangements fall through. Travelling with companions can provide support, but no precaution guarantees protection from another person’s misconduct.
Small Packing Mistakes Can Become Serious Problems
It is easy to forget an essential item when you are excited to leave. Check your pack against the route and conditions rather than relying on memory. REI’s day-hiking checklist provides a useful starting point and explains that equipment needs vary with duration, weather, difficulty and distance from help.
Carry enough water and food for the planned walk, with a reserve for delays. Research whether water sources are dependable and whether treatment is needed. Pack suitable footwear, sun protection, weather protection and extra insulation for conditions that may be colder or wetter than those at the car park.
A headlamp, first-aid kit and whistle can be valuable even on a day walk. Keep essential medication accessible and protect items that need to stay dry. Check that equipment works and that you know how to use it before setting out.
Download maps in advance and check that they open offline. Carry a navigation backup appropriate to the route, and understand how to use it. A charged phone and power bank are useful, but neither creates mobile reception. The National Park Service’s hiking guidance recommends planning for communication gaps and considering a personal locator beacon where needed.
Packing thoughtfully does not mean buying a new set of equipment for every outing. Check, maintain and reuse suitable gear, borrowing specialist items where practical without compromising safety. Our guide to packing light and reducing travel waste offers wider ideas for thoughtful packing; essential safety equipment still comes first.
Missing Out on Physical Preparation
Match the walk to your current capabilities and those of your companions. A short, accessible trail may need little extra conditioning, while a long mountain route with a loaded pack may require gradual preparation over time. Practise on comparable terrain and build distance, elevation and pack weight progressively.
In a Woman & Home article on hiking preparation, writer Kat Storr gathers advice from personal trainer Anya Russell and physiotherapist Helen O’Leary. The exercises discussed include slow eccentric squats, step downs and single-leg calf raises, with an emphasis on strength and control for uneven ground and descents.
Those examples are not a personalised exercise prescription. Choose preparation suited to your needs, and seek individual advice if an injury or health condition affects your plans. Do not assume that a few exercises make an otherwise unsuitable route safe.
Review how you feel on the day, including fatigue, illness or an injury that has worsened. An easier route, a shorter outing or postponing the trip may be the sensible choice. Start at a comfortable pace and allow for breaks rather than trying to match someone else’s speed.
A Final Checklist Before You Leave
- Route: Check distance, elevation, terrain, access restrictions and a suitable alternative.
- Conditions: Review the relevant forecast, park alerts, daylight and a turnaround time.
- Transport: Confirm road access, parking or pickup arrangements, including the journey home.
- Equipment: Check water, food, clothing, navigation, lighting, first aid and essential medication.
- Communication: Save offline information, plan for reception gaps and consider an emergency communication device where appropriate.
- Trusted contact: Leave a trip plan and clear instructions for what to do if you are overdue.
- Readiness: Make sure the route suits everyone’s abilities and current condition.
Good preparation gives you more options when a journey takes longer than expected or conditions change. Keep the plan flexible, respect closures and be willing to turn back. For another example of planning around local conditions and environmental responsibilities, see our guide to experiencing Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast responsibly.