Summer’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. Previously here on LifeSpy, we’ve featured this nifty guide to packing your camping gear. We just think that if the weather’s fine, do some outdoor activities. Live a little. If your life has been all work, try to do some more exciting things this summer. Hiking’s one of them. And here are a few tips for you.

Plan your route

You can now use the power of the Internet to get some great hiking trails. LocalHikes is one site that can give you leads. Trail Database is another one. Try using Google Earth and Maps too to help you get a picture of where you want to go.

Spotting a hiking trail shouldn’t be the only thing that you’d look for. Check the routes that you’ll have to take to get there. The projected weather on your hike and if there are any special supplies you might need to bring.

Be a Pack Rat

One of the joys you’ll find in hiking is the freedom of movement you can only experience outdoors. So don’t pack the kitchen sink and pack wisely.

Be in a Group

It’s a lot more fun if you have friends with you in the trip. If you have a guide make sure that you follow the guide. This is critically important especially for first time hikers.

Flora and Fauna

Since you will be quite away from the hustle and bustle of main thoroughfares and people activity, you may encounter some wild flora and fauna when hiking. Just don’t force yourself through bushes and shrubs. You might just be barging through poison ivy. Don’t pick flowers and fruits in random too.

Snakes can also be encountered during hikes so keep your eyes peeled. Also, hikers should carry bear mace when hiking in areas that may have bears.

Use a Pole

Waking sticks can help you have support while walking especially through rough terrain. Having a walking stick can aid you since this take some stress off your legs and knees when negotiating inclines. Some would even suggest using two poles.

Wear Tough Boots

Not any shoe can be used for hiking. There are specially designed hiking boots that you should wear. Using sneakers can simply cause injuries either by not having enough ankle support or by not having enough traction for outdoor use. There are specialty boots that provide traction and stability and are tough enough to take hiking abuse.

Stick to the Trail

Never go off the planned trail. Don’t go exploring some remote part of the woods. Stay well away from the banks of swift moving water. You might not realize if the tide comes in and sweeps you away.

Finish the Hike with Daylight

Of you don’t plan to camp for the night, be sure to finish the hike well within daylight. You don’t want to get caught in unfamiliar places and lose much of your visibility.