Quick precautions before hiking with kids

Once you select a trail for you and your child to day hike, there are a few simple safety precautions to take before ever making that first step on the trail. The chances of something going wrong are slim, but an ounce of preparedness will do much to reduce the burden when you're facing a pound of trouble.

First, map out your route. Using a light, transparent highlighter that won’t obscure details, trace the trail on your map. This will make navigating the path easier once in the field and prevent you from getting lost. Make sure you pack extra maps with your gear.

Next, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. In case you are injured or lost, this can prove to be valuable information so search and rescue teams can find you sooner.

You also should learn where the nearest hospital or walk-in clinic is located. If an injury occurs, you may need to bring your children there for medical help.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Lost so staying the night? Set your priorities

If you are lost or a member of your party suffers a serious injury, you may be forced to stay the night in the wilds.

When that occurs, you must go into survival mode. But there’s no need to panic. In fact, if you keep a calm head, you’ll likely get out of it just fine, albeit a little tired and famished. After all, if you prepared properly, you’ve left plenty of clues about where you are, so a rescue crew will be there in a day or two at worse.

What you should do first when forced to stay the night depends on the situation. Shelter is primary if the weather is rainy or windy. If the day is clear and darkness is setting in, building a fire takes precedence. If a number of you are in the party, you can split duties. As some begin building a shelter, others can gather lots of dry fuel, such as tinder, bark and small branches, for starting a campfire.

Once done with this, begin conserving your energy. In addition, take care not to get wet and stay out of the wind so you do not get chilled.

Read more about day hiking with children in the guidebook Hikes with Tykes.