If there’s one thing that any experienced hiker would tell you, it’s this — never underestimate mother nature. When you’re in the mountains, things can change in a split second and choosing to turn back early, even just a few feet from the summit can literally save your life. Sure, not reaching the summit can be a bummer, but getting caught in a thunderstorm can be dangerous. What some may perceive as “giving up” can turn out to be the best decision you’ve ever made. Here’s why:
Don’t Fall Victim to Summit Fever
Summit fever happens when you get goal-blind and ignore the hazards you encounter along the way. When you let your need to make it to the top of the mountain, or go through a tricky trail, while refusing to acknowledge factors like the weather condition, the state of your gear, and the health of your group, you’re essentially putting yourself and everyone around you at risk. Thrill seekers and goal-focused adventurers often fall victim to this “condition.”
The best thing you can do is listen to your body and be mindful of your surroundings. It’s better to turn back early and try to finish the hike another day instead of risking injuries, gear failure, and getting in the middle of a storm.
Turn Back When These Occur:
Natural Disasters There’s hardly a way to predict those, but keeping an eye for suspicious activity is a must on every hike. If you notice smoke, strange smells, odd animal behavior (birds, dogs, etc.), or anything out of the ordinary, don’t be a hero. Instead, turn back. Notify local authorities if necessary and get back to safety.
Bad Weather The higher you go, the trickier the weather. While it’s rare to have the perfect weather for a hike, and not every cloud is a thunderstorm in the making, your main priority should be to stay aware of everything around you. This includes temperature, wind, humidity, and any other environmental factors. Don’t wait for thunder before turning back, do it as soon as you notice a weather shift. If you can, check the forecast in real-time. Never set out for a hike if the forecast shows a possibility of rain, heavy winds, snow, and thunderstorms.
Unrealistic Fitness Expectations
It’s not uncommon for a person to overestimate their level of fitness preparation when it comes to going outdoors. So, when you’re choosing your destination, factor in things like recent health problems you may have had or how active you currently are in your everyday life. Don’t jump for the hardest trails if you haven’t been on easier or similar ones in the recent past.