Summer gives us dreams of lazy days spent hiking through beautiful country, gorgeous sunsets, and campfire reflections. Do you find yourself standing still on the trail, soaking in the birdsong, losing time watching butterflies in flight, and taking in the smell of wildflowers? These delights and more await the outdoor adventurer who is ready to practice summer hiking safety when venturing into the wild.

Make this your best summer ever. Take some time to prepare for the season with these helpful tips.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post is not intended to serve as expert advice. Please consult the national resources listed for the most accurate information.

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Weather Forecast for Summer Hiking Safety

Check the weather forecast for the area you will be hiking, not just the nearest city. Hiking apps like ON X Back Country provide up-to-date weather conditions.

For weather news and educational resources, the National Weather Service is a great starting point.

Rain and Lightning

A covering of low, dark clouds could mean rain is approaching. Clouds that are dark underneath and very tall usually mean that thunder, lightning, hail, and strong winds are imminent. Do not start your hike if these conditions are present. If you are already on the trail, seek shelter immediately.

Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from the location of rainfall. If you hear thunder, DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter. According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), more people are struck before and after the storm reaches its peak.

There are no safe places outdoors during a thunderstorm. To increase your chance of survival, if you are caught on the trail, avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top. Keep away from tall isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.

Tornadoes

If the sky is a sickly green and the clouds are fast-moving, especially in a rotational pattern, a tornado may be approaching.

Don’t try to outrun a tornado. Try to avoid its path by moving to the side. Never hide behind a tree or climb into a vehicle, as these may be sucked up into the vortex. Try to find a ditch or depression. Lie face down and use your arms to protect your head.

Insects and Summer Hiking Safety

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can ruin a trip that otherwise would have been amazing. I spend a considerable amount of time in the North Woods, particularly in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The main item that has made these trips great, even in peak mosquito season, is the Homeya bug suit.

While backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains of the Upper Peninsula in July, most of the other hikers I passed on the trail were miserably swatting away, but I didn’t get a single bite, even without using repellent. The gloves are excellent; nothing is more miserable than having bug welts all over your hands.

Ticks

Ticks can be dangerous. Wear a hat for protection, and check skin and hair frequently for these unpleasant visitors. According to the CDC, use tweezers to pull a tick out as soon as possible, grasping it close to the skin’s surface to avoid squeezing its body. Don’t twist or jerk, or the mouth part may break off and remain in the skin. Thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands after removal.

Usually, a tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours for Lyme disease to occur. If you are unsure how long a tick has been attached or if you notice a bull’s-eye type of rash, seek medical attention.

The CDC has more great information on Lyme disease and tick bites.

For a reliable tick and mosquito repellent, I recommend Ben’s 100% DEET.

Bees and Other Stinging Insects

Put as much distance between you and a hive or swarm, or even a single wasp or hornet. If you get caught in an attack, run!

Swarming bees can be very aggressive. Bees will pursue and sting until they no longer see you as a threat. They are willing to die to protect their colony. Don’t swat them; this will make you appear more threatening.

To treat a wasp or bee sting, the CDC recommends removing the stinger by scraping it out with a fingernail or credit card. Do not squeeze it or use tweezers. Apply ice if possible, or a cool cloth. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and an antihistamine can also be helpful to ease symptoms.

If an allergic reaction is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary, especially if symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth or face occur.

Spiders

In the United States, the Brown Recluse spider is the most dangerous. Despite their non-aggressive nature, their bites, which often do not cause significant symptoms, can be a cause for concern. The venom has the potential to erode the walls of blood vessels near the bite, leading to skin necrosis. In rare instances, it can even result in organ damage or death. These spiders are most prevalent in the central and southern states, including Indiana, where I have encountered one in my own home.

Black Widow bites rarely kill people, but they can make you very ill. Intense pain, muscle spasms, and trouble breathing can occur within hours. These spiders can be found in all US states except Alaska.

Treat spider bites by washing the affected area with soap and water, and then applying a cool compress. Seek medical attention for Brown Recluse or Black Widow bites.

Read up on CDC spider bite information.

Large Wildlife

Depending on where you are hiking, bears and mountain lions will be the primary large predators to be aware of during trip planning. If you will be anywhere near their habitats, I strongly encourage you to educate yourself by visiting the NPS (National Park Service) website. I always try to steer my readers to expert advice, and trust the NPS for the most up-to-date information on this important topic. Here are the links for both:

NPS Bear Safety

NPS Mountain Lion Safety

The following is basic information to help you keep safe.

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Bears

Seeing a bear can be both an exciting and frightening moment. Keeping your distance is the best defense. Most bears want to be left alone.

Always store food and any scented items (such as toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm, and deodorant) at least 70 big steps from your campsite. Bears can detect scents from miles away.

So what’s the safest method for storing these items?

Imagine you have just arrived at your site and it’s getting dark. After about 10 tries, you either A) manage to hang a bear bag properly but are too exhausted to enjoy the evening campfire and end up collapsing for the night, or B) end up getting the bag with all your food stuck in a tree, and have to go home early.

Enter the bear canister. Yeah, that bulky, heavy item you thought was for wimps. They now offer several sizes, so if your trek is not more than a couple of nights, a smaller version can be a great addition to your gear. In many areas, you are now required to carry bear-proof canisters. Always check the regulations in advance.

If you decide to try a bear hang, practice at home first. Backpacker magazine has a great article on technique here.

If you do encounter a bear, stand your ground and wave your arms. Speak calmly so the animal identifies you as human and not prey.

DO NOT scream or make loud noises, as this may trigger an attack. A standing bear is usually curious. If the bear charges, it may be a bluff attack, where they turn away at the last second. DO NOT run or make sudden movements. Bears run very fast and can climb trees, so you won’t avoid an attack that way.

If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways. Try to leave the area or detour.

Bear Attacks

Grizzly Bears

Leave your pack on and PLAY DEAD. Fighting back may increase the intensity of the attack. Lay flat on your stomach with your hand clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to roll you over. If this does not work, fight back with all you have, use whatever you can to hit the bear in the face.

Black Bears

DO NOT PLAY DEAD. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using any object available, striking and kicking the bear’s face.

Bear Spray

Check local regulations. Some areas require the use of bear spray, while others do not permit it. Try to get a brand with a carry holster. CAUTION: Read all instructions thoroughly. Bear spray is not the same as traditional self-defense versions. It is very hazardous, and can cause permanent blindness in humans. I use this EPA-approved brand.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions do not always recognize standing humans as prey. If you are hiking in their habitat, avoid crouching or bending over. Keep children close at all times.

If you see a lion, DO NOT run, stand and face the animal. Pick small children up without turning away or bending over. If the lion approaches or acts aggressively, convince it that you may be a threat by waving your arms and speaking loudly and calmly. Throw items that can be reached without bending down towards the animal, but not directly at it, just yet.

If the lion continues to advance, start throwing things at its body, not its head. If the animal attacks, fight back with whatever you can reach without bending over, such as branches, sticks, rocks, or a water bottle. Try to remain standing and use your backpack as a shield.

Report all mountain lion sightings to park authorities.

SNAKES

Most snakes encountered by hikers are not poisonous. In the United States, venomous snakes include: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes.

Avoiding Snakes

Leave snakes alone. Do not handle, tease or harass them.

Keep a distance of at least six feet between you and the snake.

Stay on trails and watch where you place your hands and feet, especially when climbing or stepping over fences, large rocks and logs, or when collecting firewood.

Stay away from tall grass and piles of leaves.

Wear long pants and proper footwear, especially at night.

How to Treat Snake Bites

Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Remain still, keep the injured body part motionless, and just lower than heart level.

Do not eat or drink anything.

Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

CAUTION! DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING!

Wait for symptoms to appear, seek immediate medical attention.

Apply a tourniquet.

Slash the wound with a knife.

Suck out venom.

Drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

Apply ice or immerse the wound in water.

These actions can make a dangerous situation much worse.

Find more information from the US Forest Service here.

Contacting Emergency Services From the Trail

After reading this post, you may wonder how to get help in an emergency if you are off the beaten path with no cell service. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, consider investing in a satellite locator device or a phone with satellite capabilities.

I use the Zoleo device. It has an SOS button that puts you in touch with emergency services, even if there is no cell service. It also links to your cell phone contacts, allowing you to send your location and text friends and family from anywhere in the world.

That’s all for now, until next time, stay safe and catch some dirt under your feet!

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