A guide to hike and outdoor safety
Before you hit the trail, make sure you’ve got the skills and knowledge to handle any situation that might come your way. Being well-prepared means having a solid hike safety plan in place and carrying all the necessary safety, emergency, and survival gear for any unexpected situations. Consider creating a comprehensive hike safety plan that covers everything from choosing the right route and suitable clothing to having the essential equipment, along with enough food and water for you and your hiking mates. Thorough planning allows you to gauge the group’s skills, identify potential challenges or dangers, and establish a clear course of action if any issues arise. The following outdoor safety tips provide practical measures you can take to ensure a safe return for both you and your mates after every adventure.
5 mistakes hikers make with Australian snakes
No CommentsHere’s 5 mistakes hikers make when dealing with Australian snakes and what to do instead to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the Australian wilderness.
Bushfire awareness and safety for hikers: Stay safe, not sorry
No CommentsBushfires are a natural part of the Australian landscape, but they can pose a serious threat to hikers. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to stay safe.
Carry personal identification on your hikes
No CommentsWhen 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...
Conducting a hiking risk assessment
No CommentsConducting a thorough hiking risk assessment before setting out on any hiking trip can help you identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
Facts about snake bites and hiking
6 CommentsSnakes are not naturally aggressive and always prefer to retreat. They will only attack humans if hurt or provoked – most bites occur when people try to kill or capture snakes. If you come across...
How to build a first aid kit for hiking
1 CommentEven if you are going for a short hike, there is always a small possibility you could break a limb, cut yourself or get bitten by insects or snakes, so be prepared for the worst.Â
How to build a hike survival kit
No CommentsI personally carry and highly recommend that you always have a personal survival kit, even on day hikes. Your survival kit should contain all the necessary items for survival in the widerness.
How to build a survival shelter when lost on a hike
5 CommentsWhen lost in the bush, most people panic through fear they will run out of food. Did you know you can survive three weeks without food provided you have water and shelter? Knowing how to...
How to keep your hiking group together
6 CommentsLeading a hike is not always as simple as strapping on your pack and expecting the rest of the group to follow. There are different levels of fitness, capabilities, experience, skills, personalities and pace of...
How to walk safe
No CommentsThe underlying philosophy is that to WALK SAFE means to be armed with sufficient knowledge to avoid encountering unnecessary problems in the bush. It means to plan in advance a suitable route, clothing, equipment and...
Leave a map before you start hiking
21 CommentsAre you planning a hike, going somewhere remote or where the weather can be extreme and terrain challenging? It’s important to tell other people about your trip and leave a map, so they can contact...
Leaving the trail – Leave a sign
8 CommentsWhen you leave an item on the trail at the point where you left, others know where you left the trail and will have a better chance of finding you.
Let someone know before you go hiking
1 CommentHere’s some information and safety tips to help you plan your hike. Let someone know before you go and always leave a trip intention form with someone who can raise the alarm if you do...
Plan to survive your hike
No CommentsThere are many specialist skills that set outdoor professionals apart from the rest of us. We don’t all have to be experts to be safe in the bush. Make sure you prepare before stepping foot...
Plan your hike like your life depends on it – because it does
No CommentsIt’s an alarming fact, in Australia there’s at least one bush rescue every day. Plan your hike so you and your group make it out safely. Don’t put your life, or the lives of others...
Preparing your PLB for your next hike
3 CommentsBefore venturing off the beaten track, it is important to ensure you are well prepared with a hike safety plan and are carrying the correct safety equipment for all possible emergency situations.
Rule of Threes and survival priorities if you become lost
No CommentsThe rule of threes allows you to prepare for emergencies and determine decision-making in case of injury or danger posed by the environment.
Satellite communicator or personal locator beacon?
2 CommentsThe choice between a satellite communicator and personal locator beacon depends on your specific needs and preferences. You may in fact decide you want to carry both. Your safety is in your hands, no one...
Satellite communicators compared
No CommentsThere are dozens of options for portable satellite communicators so which one is right for you? Iv’e checked out some of the most popular ones for hiking, bushwalking and trail running; the Garmin inReach, SPOT...
Signalling for help when lost or injured on a hike
2 CommentsIf you ever find yourself needing help, knowing the different ways you can signal for help and choosing the most appropriate ones for the circumstances can be the difference between life and death.
Start hiking early in the day
1 CommentHike as much as possible of each day’s distance in the cool hours of morning (or evening). Summer afternoons are typically hotter in Australia and the heat will amplify your fatigue and increase your changes...
Ten tips for wilderness first aiders
No CommentsYou are injured on a hike and need external assistance. It could be hours or days away before a team can get to you, so be prepared to manage the situation.
Testing your personal locator beacon (PLB)
No CommentsTesting your personal locator beacon is an essential step in ensuring your safety during outdoor activities. Your PLB is only as reliable as the tests you conduct, so be sure to test it regularly to...
The benefits of wilderness first aid training
No CommentsWhether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner adventurer, it’s crucial to be prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise while exploring the great outdoors. Your life or the life of another may...
The Ten Essentials for bushwalking
6 CommentsThe Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush. Personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise. What are the essential items you always carry?
Think before you TREK
No CommentsNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is encouraging all park visitors planning a remote adventure or multi-day walk this year to Think Before You TREK.
Track closed: Is it still OK to hike?
No CommentsWhile some of us may still think it is OK to drive along a closed road, open a locked gate, enter a closed park or walking track, it is not! This blasé attitude places people...
Trekking at high altitude
5 CommentsTrekking at high altitude can be intimidating. If you have been considering one of these adventures for a while, you have probably heard all the horror stories already. Here’s some of the most common mistakes...
Understanding trail markers
No CommentsUnderstanding trail markers is an essential skill for hikers, as they provide vital information for navigation, safety, and conservation.
Using UHF radios for hiking
No CommentsUHF radios can be a valuable tool for enhancing your hiking experience and staying connected in the wilderness. It’s important to understand the limitations of UHF radios and always carry alternative means of communication.
Water is one of the top 5 priorities in a survival situation
3 CommentsWater, warmth, signals, shelter and food are the top 5 priorities in a survival situation, according to survival expert Bob Cooper. Regardless of where you are in the wilderness, water is your most valuable commodity.
Weather guide for hiking and other outdoor activities
3 CommentsWeather is essential for the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of outdoor adventure activities. This guide provides tips on how to get weather information, and a quick guide to weather hazards and warnings relevant to land-based...
What is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?
2 CommentsAre you prepared if your become lost or injured and your life is in danger when hiking in the Australian bush? What is the Difference Between an EPIRB, ELT and PLB?
What is a space blanket and when would you use it
5 CommentsA space blanket is a versatile and essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and emergency preparedness. If you have no idea what a space blanket is, how it works, and its many practical uses, read...
What to do if you get lost hiking in Australia
15 CommentsPlan your hike like your life depends on it – because it does. Correct planning, and the right navigation aids, will help you avoid getting lost. What do you do if you can’t find your...
Why carrying a torch is essential
1 CommentA torch is an essential tool for hiking safety that should not be overlooked. It provides crucial benefits such as enhanced navigation, emergency preparedness, campsite setup, wildlife awareness, and personal security.
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