THE GREAT OUTDOORS

10 things you should never forget when going for a hike

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

AN OCEAN AWAY

American vs. British English: 10 Dramatic Vocabulary Differences!

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While many things bring us closer to the UK, some aspects of our language are key elements that set us apart. English is spoken by more than 1.4 billion people worldwide; with so many people using this language, it is understandable that some differences have developed. It is those little details that give each place its unique style!

To honor that, we have compiled some objects called very differently in America and the UK. Come with us as we walk through these 10 drastic vocabulary differences between American English and British English!

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Everybody knows that every sentence must end with a period, right? Well, actually, in the UK, they end with a "full stop."

While both terms refer to the same punctuation mark, they carry very different names in each country.

The British term arose around the 14th century and has its origin in the Latin phrase punctus plenus ("full point"). The American word comes from the Latin periodus, which was used to refer to a complete series of events or a complete and finished sentence.

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How would you react if a friend from the neighborhood asked you to put the market bags in the "boot"? That's what they call the car trunkin the UK!

The term "boot" to refer to that part of the vehicle is a bit older in history. Many sources claim that this term has been around since the days of coachmen, who used to keep their boots in the back of carriages or cars.

The American "trunk," on the other hand, is believed to come from when vehicles had actual trunks attached to them, where luggage and other large packs were stored.

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If you hear the word "football," you probably think of quarterbacks and touchdowns. However, to a Brit, this would be different.

"Football" in the UK refers to what we know as "soccer." Why do we use such different words for the same sport? Because, as you know, we Americans reserve the term "football" for our beloved gridiron.

Surprisingly, "soccer" originated in England! Emerging in the 19th century, it was a short form for "association football," which was a way of calling soccer to distinguish it from other forms of football played in those days.

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It seems that cars are a big point of divergence between American and British English, not only in terms of parts but also in vehicle types.

What we know as a "station wagon" is called an "estate car" in the UK; quite different, right? The UK uses this term because that type of vehicle was mainly used in country estates to transport large amounts of goods to and from those locations.

Meanwhile, the American "station wagon" originated from early wagons that transported people and luggage between hotels and train stations.

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If a toddler asked you for the "dummy," would you know what he or she meant? That child is probably British, as "dummy" is the term used for pacifiers in the UK.

The word "dummy" has been used to refer to an imitation or substitute. In the UK, from the 20th century onwards, babies' dummies were so named for serving as a substitute for the mother's breast or bottle.

The term "pacifier" (or "passy" for the cool babies) is pretty self-explanatory, right? It refers to the object's main purpose: to calm our beloved little ones.

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With so many garments and styles, fashion has vocabulary differences as well. What is called a "vest" in America is known in the UK as a "gilet."

While Americans call any sleeveless garment a "vest," the British use "gilet" only for casual wear.

Do you know where these terms come from? You got it: they both come from France, one of the birthplaces of world fashion.

The French gilet entered English around the 19th century and was related to the utility of the garment. "Vest," on the other hand, comes from the French veste, which referred to a long, sleeveless garment worn under armor.

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Here we are with the cars again. We've already checked the trunk. Now, let’s move to the front of the car to inspect the hood.

That cover that we lift to check -or just admire- the engine is called a "hood" in America. But, as is often the case, things are different in the UK, where this part of the car is referred to as a "bonnet."

Both terms come from the early days of automobiles. The old carriages had a protective cover over the driver's seat known as a "hood" or "bonnet." Between the 19th and 20th centuries, these terms were simply transposed to the engine cover of early cars.

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You know where to go if you need medicine or health care products: the drugstore. But if you're in the UK, you might have a little more trouble finding this place. Not because it's hidden but because it has another name there: "chemist."

"Chemist" comes from the Latin chimista, a person who experimented with chemical substances. From the 18th century on, "chemist" was applied in England to early pharmacy practitioners.

The American term "drugstore" is more explicit. Originally, this type of store only sold meds, expanding its product offering over time.

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Eggplant is one of those vegetables with as many lovers as haters; which group are you in?

But today, we're not discussing the qualities of this vegetable but its name. What we know here as "eggplant" is called "aubergine" in the UK.

The British word has French, Catalan, and Arabic origins and began to be used in English around the 18th century. The American word also appeared in the 18th century, and it is believed to have arisen due to the resemblance between the vegetable's shape and that of chicken eggs.

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Remember those days as a kid when your mom would push you around in the shopping cart? Well, if you had been to the UK, she would have placed you in the "trolley" instead.

The British "trolley" comes from the name of a type of cart used to transport goods on trails. In the 20th century, with the rise of supermarkets, it began to refer to shopping carts or baskets.

The American term originated in the 20th century with the invention of the cart specifically designed for shopping.