As mother nature continues to heal and grow back into her full glory, enthusiasts are now blessed with the opportunity to experience the great outdoors in a multitude of ways.
For hikers, in particular, the possibilities of getting an unadulterated view of St. Louis and all of Missouri are as abundant as ever, with routes opening up and natural formations reaching their peak condition. Regardless of whether you’re looking to scale on a chill route or a high-intensity trail, it’s clear that there’s no better time to start hiking again than today!
Before you head to the nearest trail and pack your bags for a day trip or overnight experience, there’s one more aspect that we’ll need to get out of the way: the common mistakes you might make while hiking.
Common pitfalls you should avoid at all costs
Just like any outdoor activity, hiking has its fair share of hidden pitfalls that range from just plain inconvenient to absolutely dangerous, which makes it vital for any hiker to watch out for them along the way. Fortunately, you can avoid all the common fumbles by taking note of the common mistakes below and avoiding them as much as you can:
Mistake #1: Putting on the wrong clothes
No matter how much you try to justify that “neanderthals scaled Everest with nothing but loincloths”, there’s no denying that climbing Missouri’s mountain ranges without the right clothes will make for a poor time.
It pays to have the right clothes on because your body heat is expected to dissipate as your altitude increases, which poses significant threats such as hypothermia, blisters, sore feet, and potential death.
Fortunately, dressing for survival isn’t a difficult endeavor. You can stock up on all the outdoor apparel you’ll need to retain heat and keep your skin graze and bite-free by checking out our online shop!
Mistake #2: Overlooking the need for first aid
When it comes to any kind of hike, regardless of the point you reach or the nature of your scheduled trip, it goes without saying that there will always be a possibility where you’ll need a first aid kit.
You see, anything can possibly happen in the great outdoors, regardless of how careful you may be. Certain injuries and sicknesses, such as cuts, sprains, dehydration, altitude sickness, or fractures, can suddenly occur and turn ugly real fast if you don’t have the necessary first aid.
With the help of a first aid kit in your hiking bag, however, you’ll be able to stay on top of any problem that may arise and keep on hiking as you please!
Mistake #3: Traversing a trail without the necessary tools
One all-too-common mistake that beginner and expert hikers alike make is that they come so far on the trail and come close to their destination, only to retreat after realizing they don’t have the tools to pass through.
While many may argue that hiking is all about willpower and determination, the truth is that it’s one part endurance and other parts preparation. If you’re looking to make sure that your trip goes according to plan, then it’s definitely a good idea to check out our wide range of tools and placing your orders before heading out!
Conclusion
As exciting as it may seem to finally jump into the great outdoors with a renewed sense for adventure and an open schedule, it’s vital to make sure that you’re avoiding all the common mistakes along the way. By taking this guide into mind, you’ll be able to stay as safe as possible and fully enjoy your hiking trip without any potential barriers that may hamper your experience!
We are your leading sports and outdoor marketplace in St. Louis with a wide range of hiking necessities that you can use to outfit your life no matter the adventure. If you’re looking for all the clothing, first-aid kits, or tools that you’ll need for your next hike, check out our online shop and place your orders today!!