AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 31

TRIP NOTES

How to Climb a Mountain
5 TIPS TO ENSURE A HAPPY HIKE
By Virginia Brown

In the age of physical distancing and social isolation, hitting the trails is more appealing than ever. Hiking not only
improves our overall physical and mental health, but beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings make it fun - until it isn't. A
successful climb begins long before you hit the trailhead. Unforeseen weather, drops in temperatures and even getting
lost are all factors that can contribute to a trek gone bad. Whether you're planning a short day hike or you're ready to
reach the summit, here are some tips to get you there and back safely.

1. Communicate your plan

From a short day hike at a nearby park to a more
extended trip, start with safety in mind. Make sure you have
a plan and then communicate it to someone else. According
to the American Hiking Society, the best thing to do is write
down your plan - where you plan to go and which routes
you intend to take - and leave it with someone who is
expecting you back or to check in at a certain time.

2. Gear up the smart way

It's easy to throw a few things in a pack and hit the trail,
especially for a last-minute trek, but according to the
American Hiking Society, any hiker should bring a few
essentials, regardless of the length of the hike. For
starters, wear the right shoes. Traction, support, and water
protection are all factors to consider when selecting
well-fitting hiking shoes or boots. Other important
essentials include rain-proof clothing, sun
protection, a light source and a way to start a fire in
case you're gone longer than intended.

3. Pack for the unexpected

No matter your intended distance or time
frame, the unexpected can happen, and you
never want to be stuck on a trail without food
and water. Granola bars, fruit and nuts are easy

to throw in your pack, and they provide the necessary fuel
your body needs to make it home. As for water, the
American Hiking Society recommends carrying half a liter
per hour you'll be gone, given moderate terrain and
temperatures. Also consider carrying a water purifier, like
chlorine drops or a filter. Good filters remove dirt and
bacteria from natural water sources.

4. Back up your technology

Technology, while mostly helpful, can fail us. In the thick
of the forest, or atop a high peak, cellular service and
GPS can be spotty or nonexistent. Remember maps? Plan
ahead and bring backup navigation, like an old-fashioned
paper map and handheld compass.

5. Know your limits

Before you tackle a strenuous trail, honestly assess
your physical ability. Ask yourself if you're physically fit
enough to take on the hike you're planning. If you've
recently researched couch-to-5K programs, chances are,
you'll want to start slow. Altitude, distance and terrain type
are all things to consider before heading out.
Ready to explore the outdoors?
Your AAA Travel Agent can provide tips on where
to go. Visit AAA.com/Travel for details.

TRAVELER SPRING 2021

31


http://www.AAA.com/Travel

AAA Traveler - Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Spring 2021

AAA Traveler - 2021 Spring 2021
Departures
Because Someday
Travel Buzz
Places We Love
The Islands are Calling
Chester, Come Home
Aye, Scotland is for You
Agent Spotlight
The Best of the West
Hit the Trail
Going Dutch
Cabot Trail
Trip Notes
Idyllic Islands
The Road Less Traveled
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - AAA Traveler - 2021 Spring 2021
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Cover2
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 1
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Departures
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Because Someday
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Travel Buzz
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 5
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Places We Love
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 7
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - The Islands are Calling
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 9
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 10
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 11
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Chester, Come Home
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 13
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Aye, Scotland is for You
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 15
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 16
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N1
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N2
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N3
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N4
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N5
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N6
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N7
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N8
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N9
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N10
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N11
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N12
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N13
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N14
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N15
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - N16
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Agent Spotlight
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - The Best of the West
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 19
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 20
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 21
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Hit the Trail
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 23
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Going Dutch
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 25
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 26
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 27
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Cabot Trail
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 29
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 30
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Trip Notes
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - Idyllic Islands
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - The Road Less Traveled
AAA Traveler - Spring 2021 - 34
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