For an enjoyable and relaxing trip, whether it’s hiking, running or cycling, a few preperations are recommended. In this post you’ll find out which
Contact#
You stumble, slip, the weather suddenly changes and an unfortunate mishap happens. Deep in the forest or high in the mountains, help and civilisation are often far away. How can you call for help?
Friends and Family#
It’s best to share your plans with family or friends before your trip. Where are you going? Which places will you visit? How long will it take you? If you don’t get in touch or return for an unusually long time, your trusted person can raise alarm if necessary and start a search.
Emergency Numbers#
Please also save the following emergency numbers so that you can make emergency calls:
- European emergency number 112. It can also be dialled without current network reception. To do this, restart your smartphone and dial the emergency number before unlocking your device. Your smartphone will then try to make the emergency call via other networks.
- Alpin emergency call 140. For Austria only, you will be forwarded directly to the mountain rescue service on this number.
Emergency Questions#
To make telephone contact with rescue services as smooth as possible, you should have answers to the following four questions ready:
- Where has something happened?
- What has happened?
- How many people are affected?
- Who is calling?
Wait for further questions and do not end the call abruptly.
Maps#
Before you set off, you should also know where to go. Good planning increases your safety considerably. Do you know what difficulties await you? Where the nearest safe water source is? Where you can stop for refreshments? Maps are essential for this. And if you get lost, they will help you find your way back.
Physical Maps#
The classic. They are small, handy and cover an entire region at a scale of 1:25,000 to 1:50,000 when unfolded. The scale allows you to easily convert the distance on the map into the surroundings.
The first number is the map distance, the second the natural distance. At 1:25,000, 1 cm on the map corresponds to 25,000 cm or 250 metres in nature. In addition to roads, paths and villages, they can also include contour lines, difficulty levels of trails, water points, huts and much more.
Since they are lightweight, you can simply put them in your rucksack and take them with you on your trip.
Digital Maps#
The modern alternative on your smartwatch, smartphone or computer. There is a wide range of different apps available, some of which even plan your route automatically. With GPS, you can quickly and easily find your location on the map in the countryside, which is a big advantage over physical maps.
The big disadvantage, however, is that they are not always available. Without a functioning device, there is no map. There is also an important difference between offline and online digital maps. Some apps require internet access, but you don’t always have good reception outside. Offline maps that you can download before the tour are therefore preferable.
Weather#
What will the weather be like? Will it be hot or cold, will there be rain or wind? And hopefully there won’t be a storm front in the afternoon. Because then it would be better to postpone your mountain tour until the next day. On mountain tours, it is also important to pay attention to the temperature on the mountain. It can differ drastically from the temperature in the valley.
Studying the weather forecast can anticipate and solve a number of problems. The next point in particular, the right clothing, is significantly influenced by the weather.
Clothing#
The first thing to differentiate here is between: What do I wear right away? And what do I pack? Both depend largely on the expected weather conditions and therefore cannot be answered in general terms. The clothing simply has to suit the weather. Nevertheless, there are a few guidelines:
- Easy to put on and take off. Changes in weather or different altitudes, even movement alone, can influence how cold or warm you’ll be. By swiftly changing your clothing, you can adapt accordingly.
- Onion principle. Because you will be getting dressed and undressed frequently, several items of clothing and layers are beneficial. Instead of a thick jumper, it is better to wear a combination of a breathable T-shirt as a base layer and a light sweatshirt as a mid-layer.
- Freedom of movement. To move comfortably, your clothing must allow you to move freely. Materials that stretch a little are therefore preferable.
Provisions#
Finally, you should pack some food for in between, even if you are planning to visit a hut or just a short tour.
Food#
Whether it’s sandwiches, fruit, sweets, energy bars or gels, … take whatever you like with you.
Ideally, however, your food should not melt in the heat or freeze in the cold. Drier foods are therefore preferable.
Water#
And don’t forget water. Even hiking is a strenuous activity that causes you to sweat, even in the cold. Depending on the temperature, you can plan on drinking around 0.5 litres to 1 litre per hour.
You can carry the water either in bottles or in a hydration bladder in your rucksack. Bottles have the advantage that they are easier to fill and clean. But bladders allow easy access via the drinking tube during the activity.
You also lose minerals, trace elements and salts during heavy sweating. You should dissolve at least a pinch of salt in the water when refilling the water so that the body can absorb the water better and the water balance remains in equilibrium.
If you pay attention to these points, nothing should stand in the way of a wonderful, relaxing tour.