Safety is always something I have taken seriously. I never take it for granted that ‘it will be fine’, because what about when it’s not? It only takes a rolled ankle and a fun afternoon on the trails can get pretty stressful, not to mention dangerous.
Trail running and hiking have so many benefits for us physically and mentally but it’s important to realise being on the trails away from roads, people, and often, cell phone coverage comes with its risks. Mountainous terrain brings with it mountainous weather and if either of them jumps out to bite you it’s important that you are prepared and can make informed decisions on what to do.
I would never discourage anyone from hitting those trails and reaping all the fun and rewards that they bring, but it is important that you mitigate as many risks as possible and stay within your own limits. Here are my top 10 tips to help you keep yourself safe:
Set your intentions and let someone know before you go
With many trails being void of cell reception it’s likely not going to be possible for you to make a quick call for help in the event of a rolled ankle or if you have become lost, ill, etc.
Tell someone you trust where you are going and when you are intending on being back. Have a time agreed that they will call the emergency services in the event that you have not returned.
Most importantly do not deviate from your planned route.
Plan your route
Before you head out try to find out what sort of terrain you will encounter on your adventure and then ask yourself if it is within your capabilities and if you are carrying the right gear for the terrain.
Here in New Zealand, I use the Wild Things trail running directory for information on new trails. It has invaluable information in it such as track descriptions, average route times, elevation gain, and more. Check it out here https://www.wildthings.club/trails/
The Department of Conservation is also a good source of info, especially regarding issues such as track closures, maintenance, and bridge washouts. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping/
You could also ask for advice on your local hiking or trail-running Facebook pages, most people will give information freely. Generally, we’re a passionate bunch and will take any opportunity to talk about previous trips and share our knowledge.
Check the weather
Make sure you have checked the weather for your intended route. Be prepared to adapt your plans. If the weather looks rough for where you want to go then change it up for a less technical trail, a different location, or if it’s really bad then postpone it and accept that you may need to pound the pavement that day.
Last year I did a 4-week weather course of just 2-hours a week and found it absolutely invaluable. It taught me how to read surface pressure maps, use different weather apps to my advantage, and compare weather forecasting models. I’m not creating the forecast but simply using the information on weather sites to make better, more informed decisions, meaning that I can prepare accordingly.
This is the weather course I took, which can be delivered online or in person. I cannot recommend it highly enough: https://www.oenz.co.nz/home/courses-overview/weather-course/
Take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
This is a satellite-synced device that transmits your exact location to rescue agencies. They can be used worldwide. For around $500 NZ, you effectively have a 7-year safety insurance policy small enough that it can fit in the palm of your hand.
They are lightweight and very tough so can cope with the odd bash or being dropped, will float if dropped in water, and are fully waterproof in bad weather.
They will drastically reduce the time that you will be waiting for Land Search and Rescue to find you and also limits the amount of resources needed to conduct the rescue. Land Search and Rescue in New Zealand is run almost entirely by volunteers. They want to help, it’s why they do it, but making their search easier lessens the amount of time they spend away from their families whilst rescuing you.
Carry the right gear according to the conditions
This will vary depending on the time of year, location, duration of the trip, and the terrain you’ll be in. Some things that you should consider carrying as standard would be:
- Waterproof jacket (and possibly waterproof pants depending on the weather forecast and time of year)
- An extra layer such as a long sleeve thermal. A sweaty body will get cold real quick if needing to be stationary for a long period of time so an extra layer is vital.
- Thermal hat and gloves
- Sunscreen and a hat in summer
- First aid kit
- PLB
- Emergency bag or blanket
- A headtorch in case of getting lost, injured, etc, and finding yourself in the dark. As well as being useful in an emergency it would also make for a much nicer night if stuck out in the bush alone whilst waiting for help.
Go with someone else
It’s always safer to adventure in pairs (or more) if possible. Besides it being lots of fun, it’s also great to have someone else with you in case of an incident and the perfect opportunity to go with someone more experienced so that you can learn and gain experience.
If you don’t know anyone into hiking or trail running then you could consider looking up your local running or tramping clubs to find some buddies.
Have some form of navigation tool with you
I use topo50 which is an app I have downloaded onto my phone. It shows your current location and can record your route as you go so you can follow it back if necessary. It does not require cell reception or data to work. Make sure you practice with it so you know how to use it in the event of you getting lost.
Remember phones are not infallible, it’s easy to drop them or for the battery to die. GPS devices are much sturdier than a phone so if you spend a lot of time on the trails they can be a good investment.
Consider using busier trails
If you are on your own it could be life-saving to be on a trail where you are likely to come across other people. It’s an effective way to get out on the trails solo but know that help is never far away.
Carry enough hydration and fuel
This will depend on the length of your run and time of year but always carry a little extra than you think you’ll need. During summer consider carrying a small water filter or life straw and look for water stops when you are planning your trip.
Having a bottle of water in the car for when you return is also a great idea in case you run out close to the end of your run. Been there, done that, and the bottle of water in the car was AMAZING, despite it being warm by the time I got back.
Never be afraid to turn back if conditions change
If you are unsure, turn around. If the weather changes, the winds are too high, you are at risk of running out of water or just generally not feeling great then call it a day and come back at a later date to give it another go. Running fewer kilometres for the day will not matter in the long run but you can be sure that having an accident or becoming dehydrated will have far higher implications for your future endeavors.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that it may not be yourself that needs help on the trails. You may come across someone else who needs help. This could drastically change the amount of time you find yourself on the trails putting you at risk of things such as dehydration or hypothermia. By making sure you are prepared you are not only safer but it puts you in a position where you could help someone else in a meaningful way without becoming a casualty yourself.
Hopefully, this blog helps give you some ideas on how you can implement or improve your own safety systems on your next trail adventure. Enjoy!
