A ramble on an adventurous trail, a stroll across a street in Vienna, or a night stay in Rome’s most lively hostel – it all seems magical until things go awry. And as experienced as you might be regarded as a backpacker, one thing will always hold: Risks are inherent away from home.
You don’t have to hear tales about backpackers getting lost as they attempted to bushwhack through the woods at night time, or backpackers getting their things stolen in Paris to realize that basic safety precautions are a must for backpackers.
Whether you’re going to backpack, hike or be out there on a casual stroll, be prepared. Here are some of the precautionary measures that you can take:
For Backpacking Outside Cities
1. Check The Condition of Trails Before Heading Out
A variety of things can happen on a trail. They can become impassable if landslides occur. Also, flash flooding can take bridges out, and nearby logging can cause access to be restriction temporarily. Watch your feet and don’t always trust the ground’ stability, especially if you’re walking in extremely wet conditions. Another thing you can do is analyze the conditions of wherever you’re planning to go online. You’ll likely to find updated info on land management agencies’ websites.
2. Dress in The Right Manner
This may not sound like a precaution, but it should actually keep you protected and healthy if you approach it in the right manner. If you’re traveling to somewhere cold, make sure to take along layered dresses and rain gear, so that you can survive in different temperatures. Also, get the right pair of books so that you keep injuries and blisters at bay. For instance, low shoes can increase the risk of injury to your lower leg and ankles.
3. Invest in a GPS Unit
In far-flung towns and areas, Google Maps may not work. Hence you’d need something that can help you navigate and go back home once you’ve explored every bit and bob. A GPS Unit by far is the most powerful way to navigate, provided that you know how to utilize it. Finding your way in the wilderness can be as simple as pressing a button or two. Ask the person/website selling you a unit to provide instructions, and make sure to take extra batteries along. Other than that, take a map along, in case the unit experiences a loss of signals.
4. Pack food and water
No need to stock up for a week, but it’s always smart to prepare and store some snacks to help keep your energy levels high – and to use in case of emergencies. What you pack is up to you, but food that’s high in complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients is recommended, like dried fruit, energy bars, and trail mixes. When it comes to water – take at least a liter along – and stock some in your RV, for hydration after and before the trip. We also recommend buying some filtration device in case you need to stay hydrated in the wild.
5. Learn About First Aid & Buy a Kit
The first aid kit doesn’t have to be large and bulky. In fact, there are several on the market that are made to be lightweight and versatile, which leaves backpackers with little excuse not to get one before leaving home. It’s also wise to brush up your knowledge of how to perform first aid, on yourself and on others. Brands like ERI offer some unique wilderness first aid, while organizations like the Red Cross provide some general models for everyday use. Along with first aid, check 2 person survival kit for sale. Take some extra kit because these are essential for your outdoor journey.
6. Increase Your Knowledge of Plants & Animals
Poison hemlock, poison ivy, and poison oak are all popular in the Pacific Northwest, along with many types of fruits and mushrooms. Learn more about poisonous plants, and consider wearing long sleeves and bottoms if you’d be making your way through the forest. Another no-brainer is keeping a distance from wild animals. Moose, snakes, leopards, and bears have their own unique behaviors when it comes to interacting with humans, but they all share one commonality: they don’t like being messed with.
7. Evaluate Your Physical Conditioning
There’s nothing wrong with analyzing your physical wellbeing. Talk to yourself and be realistic about your weaknesses. Getting injured just because you wanted to prove yourself as stronger would lead to nowhere. Stretch before the journey to get your muscles loose. This can help you avoid cramps and other injuries that can ruin the experience. If you don’t have good physical conditioning, you can build your stamina up at the gym and try going backpacking sometime later.
8. Don’t Test the Nose of Animals
Avoid using scented perfumes on the trail. This also applies to keep meals packaged tightly. Don’t test the nose of animals such as a bear. Avoid leaving food unattended. It could be that there is something inside your essentials that might smell interesting to the animal. Watch for signs of animals – markings and scars on trees are all indicators of good performance.
9. Cross-Check Weather Results & Warning Signs
You might have a weather app that indicates sunrise, but the temperamental patterns don’t have any regard or respect for a forecast. Watch out for the clouds as they come in, and searching for the nearest shelter as you’d need one in case the weather turns for the worse. You don’t want to go out alone in such weather. Additionally, put up warning signs. Though there’s a big debate as their land management agencies use them for liability avoidance, it’s best to do what they instruct.
For Backpacking in The City
1. Be Careful at Transportation Hubs (Train Stations, Airports)
Deceitful cabbies often lurk near major transport hubs, ready to take advantage of backpackers who’re travel-weary or unsure where their hostel is – just when they’re most vulnerable to being scammed for a high fare. To prevent this from happening, plan ahead. Get online metro bus/train tickets to take taxis out of the equation. Some hostels also offer airport shuttle service that picks you up for an added fee but takes you to the hostel directly; they’re much cheaper than city taxis.
2. Use Small Notes
Giving out small notes/bills will make you less vulnerable to getting ripped out. If you take out a large note, loudly announce the denomination (the total value of the bill) as you give it to the cabbie. Count the change you receive as well. If, for any reason, the cabbie charges you a ridiculous amount for a journey, just put a reasonable sum on the backseat and say good-bye. The cabbie would get furious, but don’t let that intimidate you – they scammed you in the first place.
3. Stay Away from Violence
You are less likely to experience violence across Europe than in a place like South Africa. But regardless of the place, you’re going to backpack across, avoiding alcohol-induced fights will eliminate the majority of violent crime that you might experience. We’re not saying you need to avoid pubs and bars in London, Venice, and other places (these are great places to get social and experience local culture). Just make your way out from altercations and avoid any confrontation. It’s also worth mentioning that protest marches and strikes are frequent in some European cities and other cities around the world. Keep checking local media to get an idea of places that you should be avoiding.
4. Learn to Be Street Smart
If you’re backpacking across Asia or Europe, study the surroundings of the cities you’ll be visiting. Articles and Google maps should help. Back off if things don’t seem like how you researched them in your planning. Another smart thing to do is blend in with the locals; wear what locals wear, and don’t expose that selfie stick to others. Don’t wear any clothing that features your nation’s flag. Also, keep jewelry to a minimum. Other than that, learn a few local customs and polite words of the local language.
5. Don’t Trust “Friendly Strangers”
Friendly strangers who offer a helping hand could be a red flag, especially if they do it with your financial matters. Politely decline is someone says they’ll help you take money out of the ATM. Also, pay attention to those lurking near cash machines, especially if there’s more than a single individual around. It usually happens that one of them will distract you, giving the other an ideal opportunity to go away with your cash. Remember that you’re most vulnerable after you’ve entered your ATM PIN; be wary about the clever tricks used to distract goers at ATMs.
6. Be Hostel Smart
While you don’t have to spend the entire time paranoid, you should plan ahead for getting items nicked. That’s because it will only take a couple of minutes for someone to slip their hands in your backpack and grab your valuables. If it’s only a pair of socks and some dirty apparel, that’s one thing. If it’s GoPro, iPhone, cash, or jewelry, that’s another. Zip the backpack up and put your valuables inside, and then use a padlock to secure it. It’ll just take a few seconds but will give you peace of mind.
Go Backpacking!
And there you have it. Hopefully, these backpacking precautions will arm you with the knowledge you need to avoid danger during travel. Globetrotting is an amazing experience; don’t jeopardize it with foolishness; take the necessary precautions to keep yourself out of danger (remember that you have loved ones waiting back home).