Extreme hiking is a dangerous yet rewarding pastime. And, many who take part in it would agree that it’s more than just a pastime but more of a lifestyle. Extreme hiking usually consists of long, strenuous hikes through the wilderness that require incredible strength and endurance.
Extreme hiking requires a lot of preparation including training, researching the area or trail you’ll be taking, tracking weather reports, and of course ensuring that you have all of the essentials like food, water, a first aid kit, and a satellite phone ready for your hike. Extreme hiking can be dangerous and because of that you want to take every precaution possible to ensure that you have a safe, fun journey.
Ready to get started with extreme hiking? It’s time to consider ordering a satellite phone from Outfitter Satellite to ensure that you always have reliable communication on your adventure. Shop our selection of satellite phones today.
Extreme Hiking Tips
Preparing for your extreme hiking trip is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure your safety. From researching the area ahead of time to training before your hike, there are plenty of things that you can do that will help to keep you safe while you enjoy your extreme hike.
Train Before Your Hike
When taking on an extreme hike, you should always make sure that you train beforehand. And, while going a few hikes is one way to prepare, you’ll also want to work on strength training your legs and core muscles so that you’re prepared to hike for a longer period of time over rough terrain while you carry your bag. Stronger core muscles will also help you to improve your balance which is essential for long, strenuous hikes.
Cardio is another important aspect of training for an extreme hike. Hiking moderately rated trails to train for an extreme hike will help you to get in some cardio and increase your endurance. Running some easier trails and even mountain biking can also help you train in this area.
Research the Area Ahead of Time
Before you go on your hike, you’ll want to do some research of the trail or area that you’ll be hiking. You’ll want to find out where some water sources are located, how long the hike should take, and anything else that will prevent any dangerous surprises or hazardous situations from arising. A lot of this research can be done online, but you may also want to reach out to other people who have completed the hike before as well. This will give you a first-hand account of any difficulties that you should be prepared for from someone who has been there.
Know What Wildlife to Expect
During your research, you should learn about the different types of wildlife in the area. This will allow you to be prepared for run-ins with bears, mountain lions, wild boars, or any other animals that live in that particular area. When you research the types of wildlife that can be found along your hike, you can learn how to protect yourself or avoid them altogether.
Know the Edible Plants
While you are researching the area of your hike, it would be in your best interest to become familiar with edible plants in the area. Depending upon the length of your hike, it may become necessary to forage for food at some point, and you want to ensure that you know which plants are okay to eat and which may poison you.
Watch the Weather Report
On the days or weeks leading up to your extreme hike, you should check the weather. This will allow you to be prepared for rain, snow, or extreme heat depending upon where your hike is taking place. If the weather report is unfavorable, it may even be in your best interest to postpone your hike until the worst of it has passed. Extreme hiking can be dangerous, and as much as that’s a part of the thrill, you don’t want to make it more hazardous by ignoring an important weather report.
Dress Appropriately
While you’re checking the weather report, it’s important to make note of how you should dress for your hike. In hotter climates, you’ll want to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. You’ll also want to bring sunscreen and probably an insect repellent. If your hike is going to take you to some place snowy, windy, and cold, you’ll want to ensure that you have warm clothes to keep your skin from being exposed to the air. Frostbite is a real danger during an extreme hike in a cold environment just as heat exhaustion is in a hot environment.
Let Friends and Family Know Where You Are
While you are planning out your next extreme hike, ensure that you let friends and family members know where you are going and how long you’ll be gone. You can also use a satellite phone like the Iridium Extreme® to track your location with GPS. You can even set it up to automatically send your location back to a friend or family member at previously decided on increments so in the case of an emergency, someone always knows where you are.
Don’t Forget the Extreme Hiking Essentials
When planning your extreme hike, you’ll want to be sure to bring the essentials including food, water, a water purification system, a first aid kit, and a satellite phone. Extreme hiking can be especially dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken, but by having these essentials, you can help to ensure your safety.
Food
Water
Water purification system
Lighter
Compass
Map
Knife
Flashlight
First aid kit
Satellite phone
Satellite Phones — An Essential for Extreme Hiking
If you are going to brave the great outdoors and embark upon an extreme hiking adventure, a satellite phone is an absolute must. Satellite phones provide you with a reliable form of communication no matter where you are on the globe, so you always have the opportunity to call for help or just let your friends and family know where you are and that you’re safe.
Satellite phones can allow you to send text messages, make phone calls, or even check your email. A satellite phone such as the Iridium Extreme® tracks your GPS location as you move. You can text your location to a friend or family member at any time or you can choose to have the phone send automatic updates in the form of a breadcrumb trail that alerts a person to your location and movements. This phone in particular even comes with an S.O.S. button to use in case of emergency.
Shop Satellite Phones at Outfitter Satellite
If you are preparing for an extreme hike, it’s time to consider purchasing a satellite phone from Outfitter Satellite. We carry Iridium, Thuraya, and Inmarsat satellite phones and satcom equipment, so no matter your needs or preferences, we have what you need.
Do you already own a satellite phone and are ready for an upgrade before your next extreme hike? At Outfitter Satellite, we offer our Satellite Phone Trade-In Program. We’ll give you money for your old satellite phone that you can use towards the purchase price of a new phone. Learn more about our trade-in program today.