If you hike on routes away from the well-known trails, or if you go outside in the high season, in winter or out in the open, where there are not many people or perhaps no people at all, it is extra important to follow the instructions.

 

 

What hiking clothing and equipment?

• Dress according to the weather forecast and use several layers that can be "regulated": Undershirt (e.g. ski underwear) underneath, then a thinner wool or fleece shirt and finally a shell jacket (rain jacket) to absorb wind and water.

• Bring a small rucksack for: rain pants, extra shirt (or instead a t-shirt and cap if it's hot), water bottle, snacks and something to sit on during the breaks where you don't have to get up (ideally a foam seat pad... if you don't have it, bring, for example, an old newspaper, you can sit).

•  Bring any thermos with hot drinks (so that a little "fuel" can be added).

•  Compass and map. If you have a compass, take it with you - it provides more opportunities for exercises and games.

• In terms of shoes, you can use e.g. running shoes, but a pair of hiking shoes with slightly stiffer soles or decidedly hiking boots that also support the ankle are a little nicer to use. Finally, the shoes must not be too small, so that the big toe, for example, hits the tip of the shoe. If you are worried about blisters, wear 2 thinner stockings/socks on each foot, this takes away the friction that causes blisters.

 

6 safety tips for hiking

1. The right attire

   1. Choose your clothing according to the weather. Make sure you have clothes for both hot and cold days. The weather is quickly changeable - especially if you hike in mountains north of the Arctic Circle.

2. Tell where you are going

   1. Tell them at home about your route and your plans. Put them in the route and make sure that they has a copy/route description. This even if you have to leave a few or many. If you're hiking out of season or in winter, it's also important to let people you meet/the hosts/mountain stations know where you're going and when you expect to be there. If you don't show up, people have a better chance of finding you.

3. Adjust the trip according to the weather

   1. When planning your hike, it is good to have layover days/spare days. You may get a little tired or be delayed due to the weather. If you suddenly get very busy because you have to catch a plane/train, injuries/accidents can quickly occur. If you want to cover two days of hiking in one day, you have to walk really fast, and in winter it can be completely impossible because there are limited daylight hours. The weather can easily delay you for many days, but one to two layover days are fine to count on - also in summer.

4. Follow known and marked routes in

   1. If you are not very experienced in the area, it is good advice to follow the marked routes. It is virtually impossible to go wrong and thus get lost, because the routes are marked with colors on stones and clear signs. Fog has also been taken into account so that the markings are close. In addition, the paths are trampled so much that you can always follow the path. However, you don't have to go more than a few meters away from the path before it becomes invisible, but if you know where you came from, a path is very easy to find again.

5. Always have a map and compass with you

   1. It may seem silly to carry both a map and a compass in our digital age, where the GPS can show you exactly where you are. You may also have drawn your route, so why bring a map and compass? Simple! A GPS needs power, and batteries can run out. Maybe your GPS isn't waterproof either? You can also drop it and it will break. The weather can also play a role. Therefore, at least have a map and compass as security. Neither a map nor a compass takes up much space or weighs much!

6. Ask experienced hikers

   1. You can e.g. ask about routes/security