How to Plan for a Free Hiking Trip

If you're a member of an outdoors or naturist club, you may be invited to take part in a free hiking trip sponsored by your group, and you'll want to plan ahead to get the most out of your adventure. You'll need to think about where you're going, how long you'll be gone and what type of terrain and weather you'll encounter on your trip, and plan accordingly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Compass
• Topographical map of the area
• Insect repellent
• GPS system
• Satellite phone

1. Plan to travel light. The idea behind free hiking is to enjoy nature in your natural state, as unencumbered as possible by gear, supplies and clothing. However, many people prefer to wear some kind of footwear, particularly in rocky areas or regions with uneven terrain.
2. Bring a map of the area you'll be hiking in. All members of the hiking party should review the planned route in detail before the journey commences. Experienced free hiking practitioners consider a detailed topographical map one of the few essential items.
3. Use insect repellent at your own discretion before you set out on the hike. Some purists believe that insect repellent isn't, strictly speaking, natural and therefore isn't needed. However, if you're going to be hiking in the heat of summer when mosquitoes and other winged nibblers hover in droves, it's a good idea to use it—especially with the spread of the West Nile virus.
4. Take safety essentials along with you. In addition to a topographical map, one thing you can't do without if you're venturing into the wild is a compass. Nowadays, a Global Positioning System (GPS) is an even more complete, though more cumbersome, option.
5. Take the hike only if the weather cooperates. Because you won't be wearing any clothing or footwear, you're at a greater risk of injury. Your risk of injury increases even further if you hike in slippery conditions caused by heavy rainfall.

Tips & Warnings

• Experienced hikers should always walk at the back of the group, with inexperienced party members ahead of them. This will prevent the possibility of the group getting separated during the hike.
• It's not a bad idea to bring a GPS system on your free hiking trip. If you want to bring a telephone, make it a satellite phone rather than a cellular phone. Satellite phones get service anywhere, no matter how remote the location.