Hiking injuries are par for the course when you’re constantly on the trail, especially since an adventure like this will always come with costs.

However, pro hikers know that preventing hiking injuries is all about the right gear and taking proper precautions, like first aid and professional hiking technique, to ensure that any accidents are shallow.

Painful Sunburn

Sunscreen is one of those things that we often just skimp on, especially in the past year, when so many of us were working from home. However, if there’s one situation in which you shouldn’t skip this step, it’s when you’re on a hike.

There’s no solid way of determining how much exposure to the sun you’ll get when you’re hiking. You also don’t know how long you’ll be out. This means that hiking puts you at high risk for painful, peeling sunburns. Prevent this with a reliable zinc mineral sunscreen that you should reapply every few hours and clothes that cover your limbs.

Bug Bites

Some say the worst enemy of humankind are bugs, and if you’ve ever dealt with bug bites after a hike or camping trip — you’ll be inclined to agree. From the usual mosquito bites to painful gnat sores, a trusty insect repellent is essential.

However, check to make sure the repellent you buy works on multiple kinds of bugs and not just flies and mosquitoes. Go one step further on resolving this issue by wearing full pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Foot Blisters

Blisters come into existence when skin rubs against cloth or something similar for a long period of time, causing the skin to swell and fill with fluid. Blisters will eventually tear and become even more irritated, which is why you want to avoid them.

Shoes that fit properly and breathable socks are the key here. This will stop constant friction and prevent blisters. However, you should keep moleskin ad athletic tape with you to apply in the case one does develop.

Muscle Strain

If you’re not used to physical exertion, muscle strain is a natural consequence of a long day of exercise. It shouldn’t be too severe, but if you’d rather avoid it, there are some ways you can head it off.

First, working out regularly is always a plus, since this doesn’t work your muscles in new ways. Second, warm up before you jump into an intensive hike, and cool down properly when you take a break with stretches. This will keep you limber and pain-free.

Fall Injuries

One of the most severe injuries you could get from a hike is a fall injury. This could be as minor as a scrape or as severe as a broken bone. This is usually caused by a bad hiking technique or bad balance from heavy backpacks.

One way to keep yourself safe from falls is to buy ultralight hiking gear or a lightweight backpack for hiking from our online catalog to ensure you’re well balanced as you walk. Our comfortable hiking backpack for sale