Why ID is essential for every Hike
Imagine getting lost on a remote trail, injured and unable to speak. When help arrives, who would know your name, medical conditions, or how to contact your loved ones? This is why carrying ID is crucial for every hike, not just a forgotten formality. When planning a hike, most most of us think about the things we need to take such as backpack, boots, clothing, feed and water. But a lot don’t think about protecting themselves in case of accident or emergency. One emergency item that is often overlooked is personal identification. this is particularly useful if you have a medical condition.
Preparing for the unexpected
It is my recommendation you always carry some form of personal identification. This could be a photo ID, drivers licence, or just a piece of paper in a zip-lock back with your name, address and phone number on it. I also recommend you include the name and telephone number of a family member back at home in case of an emergency. Before a long trek (particularly overseas), taking digital photos of your documentation and emailing it to yourself can also be really helpful if they are lost or stolen.
Medical Emergencies and Search & Rescue
If you have a condition or allergy that is not obvious but could be life threatening, what would happen if they found you alone, unresponsive and not able to communicate this information? If you had an epileptic seizure, allergic reaction or your blood sugar dropped dangerously low, how would local responders know you have a medical condition? Including any medical conditions or allergies as part of your ID documents is useful for others in your party or emergency response crews.
So next time you are planning on hitting the trail, remember to pack your ID and double-check before starting your hike. Make ID an essential part of your hiking checklist
