10 Hiking and Camping Tips for a Great Adventure

Pace yourself and don't try and compete with the person in front of you. Start slowly and try and maintain the even pace. Rushing downhill only to crawl up will add to fatigue. If you are carrying your own backpack, try and stop no more than once every hour for 5-10 minutes. If you have only a daypack then tries and rests once every 2 hrs for 10 minutes. Remember the secret of a great trek is enjoying the walk and not simply trying to get to the campsite at the end of the day.If there is a particularly tough incline which seems to go on forever, rest for few seconds every 150 paces. Then count the paces while walking.While going downhill particularly over scree,take small rapid steps forward keeping weights lightly on toes rather than leaning back on the heels. If there is particularly sharp decline especially in snow use a side step angling your foot so that it is parallel to the hillside. Then with each step forward angle your foot in such a manner that the weight falls on the boot-edge closer to the hill rather than on the outside and wedge your boot into the small step that you have created.  Change into your sandals for river crossings. Try and cross rivers early in the mornings as by afternoon the water levels rise with the melting snow. If the river is fast-flowing link arms with others and face downstream so that even if you are swept off your feet you can see what's ahead and have a chance to regain your footing. Carry a wide -brim soft hat for treks in hot sunny areas. Dip it in a cool stream to wet it thoroughly. Then squeeze out excess water and wear to keep your head cool for the next few hours.   Carry dental floss. This can be used in an emergency to replace anything from broken shoelaces to guy ropes for your tent to securing a splint in case of a broken leg. Carry salt in a bag in your pockets if you are walking in leech infested areas.  Carry enough water  for the day. Unless you know of springs try and avoid drinking untreated water from mountain streams.One can use a few drops of chlorine or iodine to purify water but along with microbes both kill the taste of water as well. Pregnant women or those with thyroid problems should not use iodine.  Don't think you can make it up that hill? Carry sweets, toffees and dry fruits in your pockets for quick energy boosts