When you’re out hiking, taking care of your health and practicing good hygiene is more important than you might think. I’ve learned from my own adventures that staying clean, drinking enough water, and handling waste responsibly can make or break your outdoor experience. Proper hydration and hygiene, like washing your hands, can keep those pesky trail-side illnesses at bay. When we follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out our trash and handling nature’s call properly, we’re not only taking care of ourselves but also showing love and respect for the beautiful wilderness we’re exploring. So, keep yourself and the great outdoors in tip-top condition by making hiking health and hygiene a top priority on your next adventure! Here’s a few tips.
Blisters are better prevented than treated, so if you feel a hot spot on your heel, cover it immediately with tape such as Leukosilk and then Leukoplast on top. Some people do this before a...
Blistered feet, pain and suffering through each step is not the way you want to remember your adventure. Blister prevention is better than cure take these steps to avoid blisters.
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about how to handle your period while hiking, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can still enjoy your hike.
What often concerns hikers even more than leeches and blisters is, “How do I go to the toilet in the bush?” There’s no need to panic, it’s something humans have been doing for years. Before...
Sore feet can certainly put a damper on your hiking adventure, but there are steps you can take to prevent them. Here’s a few tips to help prevent sore feet on your next hiking adventure.
Many hikers, backpackers, and climbers who are participating in activities in the desert, high temperatures, and high humidity levels will be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
Dehydration occurs when you don’t have enough fluids in your body. If you suspect you are (or someone else is) dehydrated, stop, get out of the heat and re-hydrate.
Stretching before, during and after a hike is often something that people overlook. Whatever your beliefs, don’t start or end a hike without paying attention to your muscles.
Insect repellents help to keep pesky blood suckers at bay. They prevent and control the outbreak of insect-borne diseases such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Bubonic Plague and West Nile Fever.
Finding a leech on your body can be scary, at least it is for my wife, but there’s really no need to panic. I’ll give you a few tips so you can calmly and safely...
Knee pain during hiking can be caused by various factors, including overuse, knee osteoarthritis, muscle imbalances, improper gear or technique, and pre-existing conditions. Taking preventive measures can help you enjoy a pain-free hiking experience.
While it may not be the most glamorous topic, packing out your poo is a crucial practice for minimising human impact on the environment and protecting our beloved trails and backcountry areas. So how do...
Blisters can make your hiking experience uncomfortable and even painful. Lambswool is a natural and effective tool for preventing blisters during long hikes.
There are a few different ways you can purify water when out on the trail. There are pros and cons of each method. Always use the best purification method available to you.
Hiking in Australia? Sun protection is essential! Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing, and stay hydrated. Start early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The Aussie bush contains a bounty of wild edible plants that runs into the thousands. Knowing how to identify edible plants is not easy so taste testing food is important.
Water and hydration are vital. I recommend not starting a hike that takes you more than a kilometre from the trail head without a bottle of water along.
Muscle cramps can be painful and frustrating, but they are often preventable. With these tips, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the discomfort of muscle cramps when hiking.
Want to know how to prevent and treat some of the common bushwalking injuries? Here’s a few tips from Rich Hungerford, a senior survival and bushcraft instructor at Bushlore Australia.
Fatal hyponatremia in hikers is rare, but it has claimed the lives of some. Overhydration should be something that all hikers are aware of and take seriously but it’s important to keep the risk of...