THE GREAT OUTDOORS

10 things you should never forget when going for a hike

Image: Dominik Jirovský

Nature’s beauty is undeniable, and exploring the great outdoors is a great opportunity to connect with its many wonders. However, heading into the wild without proper preparation can easily become a recipe for disaster. Whether you’re gearing up for a week-long camping trip or a short hike, knowing the basics of survival is essential. And while most of it comes down to careful planning beforehand, here are 10 survival tips that will help keep you safe and ready for whatever challenges nature throws your way!

Image: Sylwia Bartyzel

Modern technology can be incredibly useful, but in the wild, it’s prone to failure due to battery drain or signal loss. Without outlets to recharge, your devices could leave you stranded. Always carry a physical map and compass as backups, and if you’re unfamiliar with them, take the time to learn basic map navigation—it’s a potentially life-saving skill!

But you don’t need to be an expert to benefit from an old-school paper map. By simply studying the area beforehand and memorizing prominent landmarks, you can vastly improve your orientation during the trip, and significantly reduce the chances of getting lost.

Image: Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo

While this might seem obvious, it’s important to remember that a first aid kit is an essential part of your gear for any nature excursion. Even though you’re unlikely to need it, not bringing one exposes you to unnecessary risks. The last thing you want is to be caught without one during an emergency, far from help and medical services.

However, not just any first aid kit will do. Basic items like bandages, antiseptic, and tweezers are crucial, but you should also consider the most common injuries or issues you might encounter in the area you’re visiting and customize your kit accordingly. If you’re unsure of what to include or prefer a prepacked kit, opt for a more comprehensive option. Finally, knowing how to use every item in your kit ensures you’re prepared to handle emergencies, ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you.

Image: Kieran Osborn

While it might be tempting to drink directly from natural sources, doing so without purification can lead to serious illnesses such as cholera and hepatitis A. Even if the water appears clear and you're far from civilization, it could still harbor harmful bacteria and parasites, either from feces or decaying animals upstream.

If you must drink directly and lack a portable filtration system, choose water from the highest source you can find, and try to trace where it’s coming from. However, it’s best not to take any chances—boiling the water is a simple and effective way to make most sources safe to drink, preventing potential health risks during your trip.

Image: David Schultz

Never underestimate weather conditions when venturing into the wild. Enduring a storm at home, cozy under a sturdy roof, is one thing—but it’s a completely different situation when you’re camping in the woods or hiking in the mountains. In these environments, even a mild storm can become life-threatening if you’re unprepared.

Always check the weather forecast before heading out, but remember that weather is inherently unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly. Strong winds or snowstorms in mountainous areas can be extremely dangerous, and even in wooded regions, you must watch for falling branches or lightning strikes. To stay safe, assess the expected temperature range and rainfall, and pack clothing and gear that can handle sudden weather changes. If the forecast predicts consistently bad weather during your trip, consider postponing it.

Image: Sylwia Bartyzel

Knowing how to start a fire is an essential survival skill in the wild. Whether for warmth, cooking, or signaling, having access to fire is crucial—one of humanity’s oldest and most reliable tools. Fortunately, you don’t need to rely on ancient methods like rubbing sticks or using flint and steel (though it doesn’t hurt to know them); modern tools make fire-starting much easier.

Carry at least two different fire-starting methods—a Bic lighter is a universal favorite, and stormproof matches are another reliable option. Additionally, bring dry tinder in a waterproof bag to help you start a fire even with wet wood. Always make sure to extinguish your fire completely when you’re done, as it can quickly become a danger to both you and the environment.

Image: Les Argonautes

In the wilderness, a warm meal is more than just something to look forward to—it’s the essential fuel you need to survive and keep moving. Even if you plan to catch fish or game for dinner, don’t rely solely on that. Also, resist the temptation to eat local fruits or seeds; it’s easy to misidentify plants, and many can be highly toxic.

Today, pre-packaged hiking meals are affordable and reliable for most situations. Estimate how many meals you’ll need and pack a bit extra. Always bring high-energy, non-perishable foods that can sustain you in an emergency. Nutrient-dense options like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars are ideal for long treks and unexpected delays.

Image: Joseph Corl

This is one of the most common mistakes many overconfident hikers make. We can’t stress this enough—always inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time. Let a friend or family member know where you’re going. This way, if something goes wrong, rescuers will have a clear starting point and timeline to locate you.

Additionally, avoid venturing into unfamiliar areas alone. Even if you’re well-prepared, having a partner or friend with you provides extra safety—and it makes the experience more fun. After all, what’s an adventure if you can’t share it with someone you love?

Image: Jesse Gardner

Shelter is essential for protection against the elements and can be crucial for survival. While you might be tempted to leave a heavy tent behind in certain regions or seasons, it’s generally not advisable. Even on sunny days, you’ll need a place to retreat from the sun’s heat. A proper shelter shields you from hypothermia, insects, and other dangers, ensuring a safe and restful night.

Even a basic shelter can make a significant difference—carrying a rope and tarp can be sufficient to keep you dry and protected. Learning to build a shelter from natural materials is also a valuable skill for emergencies, but planning ahead can save you a lot of effort. Whether you’re using a tent, a tarp, or constructing a natural shelter, always choose a safe, level spot away from potential hazards like falling branches or rising water, and set up while there’s still plenty of daylight.

Image: Clay Banks

As any experienced hiker can tell you, layering is key when it comes to clothing in the wilderness. Start with synthetic "moisture-wicking" base layers to keep sweat off your skin, add a couple of insulating layers for warmth, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer layer to protect against the elements. This system will allow you to adjust your clothing as conditions change, keeping you comfortable and safe at all times.

Footwear is just as crucial. While traditional advice often emphasizes sturdy boots with good ankle support, the effectiveness of these boots in preventing sprains is still debated. Many hikers now opt for trail runners, which are lightweight, flexible, and often more comfortable over long distances. But ultimately, the choice between boots and trail runners depends on the terrain and conditions you’ll encounter. Whichever you choose, make sure your footwear is well broken in and paired with quality socks to prevent blisters and keep your feet in top condition.

Image: Maël BALLAND

In wildlife-rich areas, making noise is a smart strategy to avoid startling animals, which can prevent potentially dangerous encounters. Most animals prefer to steer clear of humans, so announcing your presence can help them avoid you. Bear bells, clapping, or shouting periodically are effective ways to keep wildlife at a safe distance. Some campers also set up trip-wire bear alarms around their campsites to deter any curious visitors.

Additionally, always store your food away from your sleeping area, and keep it tightly sealed to minimize scents that could attract animals. In bear country, although aggressive encounters are quite rare, it’s always wise to carry a last-resort defense like bear spray. Remember, you’re the one in their backyard, and respecting their space and taking precautions ensures that both you and the animals can coexist peacefully.

Borderline fun

How a pig started a war: 10 of the funniest border disputes ever

Image: Jim Witkowski

Borders are treated seriously—but not always. From prank invasions to livestock wandering into the wrong country, some of history's most absurd geopolitical clashes are downright comedic. While most of these disputes didn’t lead to war, they certainly led to raised eyebrows, diplomatic side-eyes, and in a few cases, friendly resolutions over a shared drink.

Image: Jordi Vich Navarro

France vs. Spain, 1659–present

After the Treaty of the Pyrenees, France and Spain agreed to co-own a small island in the Bidasoa River. But how? By literally swapping custody every six months.

For centuries, Pheasant Island has switched national flags twice a year without issue—despite having no permanent residents.

Image: Felix W.

Canada vs. Denmark, 1984–2022

For nearly 40 years, Canada and Denmark playfully "invaded" Hans Island, which by the way is a completely barren rock islet, by planting flags and leaving bottles of liquor behind.

In 2022, after many years of endless border pranks (and shared liquor), the two countries finally agreed to split the rock 50/50, calling it the "Whisky War" resolution.

Image: Christopher Carson

USA vs. UK, 1859

It all started when an American farmer shot a British pig rooting in his potato patch on the San Juan Islands. This seemingly minor incident, however, sparked an international crisis that was only narrowly averted after U.S. President James Buchanan himself stepped in.

After this event, troops camped in a peaceful standoff for 12 years until arbitration gave the islands to the U.S. No human lives were lost, but still, sadly, the pig became the sole casualty of the conflict.

Image: Azzedine Rouichi

Egypt vs. Sudan, 1902–present

Due to conflicting colonial maps, Egypt and Sudan both claim the more valuable Hala'ib Triangle—and disown Bir Tawil, a barren strip of desert.

To this day, Bir Tawil remains one of the few unclaimed territories on Earth. Many micronations and would-be monarchs have planted flags there, but no one officially claims it.

Image: Vincent Foret

Belgium vs. Germany, 20th century

After Germany’s defeat in the First World War, it was required to cede vast swaths of land to other European nations. Among these was the Vennbahn, an old railway built under the German Empire.

When the Vennbahn railway tracks were transferred to Belgium, a peculiar situation arose: the railway snaked in and out of what was rightfully German territory, creating hundreds of small German exclaves entirely surrounded by Belgian land.

Image: Priya Singh

India vs. Bangladesh, 1970–2010

New Moore Island was a small, uninhabited sandbar that unexpectedly emerged from the Bay of Bengal in the 1970s, and both countries claimed it—only for the sea to reclaim it in 2010.

The long-winded dispute disappeared as literally as the island itself, with nature doing the diplomacy by sinking the land back underwater.

Image: Cristina Munteanu

Russia vs. China, 2000s

Not exactly a border dispute, but more of an unfulfilled promise and stalled partnership—a massive steel bridge across the Amur River, separating Russia and China, remained unfinished for years, stopping mid-stream due to inactivity on the Russian side.

This created a humorous situation for locals on the Chinese side, who could see that their half of the bridge was completed long ago, yet it led to nowhere. Eventually, Russia completed its half—but only after satellite photos of the disconnected bridge ends went viral.

Image: Caleb Woods

Australia vs. Rabbits, 1900s

Not a nation-vs-nation conflict, but a border of sorts: Australia once built a 2,000-mile fence to separate rabbit-infested regions from rabbit-free ones.

However, the rabbits won in most cases, either by digging under or jumping over. While the fence failed to completely stop them, it did become a bizarre national landmark.

Image: Michael

Imaginary

While there were no actual disputes here, since the territory in question is completely fictional, "Null Island" is a fun example of a made-up place created solely for cartographic purposes.

Located at 0°N, 0°E, this imaginary island is often used humorously in mapping and geographic databases, or as a placeholder for errors—a sort of cartographic joke.

Image: Stephan Seeber

Belgium vs. Prussia, 1816–1919

For almost a century, a small triangle of land with a valuable zinc mine became a "neutral" zone jointly administered by two countries—mainly to circumvent the new border policies established by the 1814 Congress of Vienna.

A flag was even designed, and over time, locals proposed adopting Esperanto as the official language, with some pushing for independence. The League of Nations eventually dissolved the territory, but not before it became Europe’s weirdest almost-country.