An actuarial and mathematical science graduate from the State University of New York and former healthcare program specialist at the New York State Department of Health, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys hiking in his spare time. Hikers like Jeffrey Plotzker take many precautions before setting out.
While hiking safety is important for everyone, solo hikers must take extra precautions due to the lack of potential immediate assistance. Solo hikers, for instance, should generally stick to well-traveled trails, especially for their first hikes, to minimize the chance of getting lost or stranded. They should also make sure someone knows exactly which trail they're on and how long they plan to be gone, so if something goes wrong on the trail, rescue can come sooner rather than later.
Foreknowledge and good planning are also key to a good solo hiking experience. Before setting out, hikers should have a good sense of how long they can hike and what their fatigue thresholds are, and should avoid excessive challenges. They should also make good preparations, including not only food and water but a first aid kit, a headlamp, and appropriate weather gear, even if the forecast doesn't predict inclement weather.
