5 Pro Safety Tips I Learned on the AT

“Will you carry it?” “Are you taking bear spray?” «Are you a woman walking alone? That’s brave.» These are some of the questions I received before my first hike. I will soon be heading to the Pacific Crest Trail for my second hike. Below are five safety tips I wish I knew before hiking the AT, and that will continue to serve me well in all my hiking endeavors.

1.) Keep your basic information easily accessible.

For me, this means having a wallpaper like this:

I know, I made security look cute (and without AI, it’s PicCollage)! This is not only good for safety: if you have a medical emergency and are found unconscious, this is a very quick and easy way to contact someone. Not only that, but there’s a photo of me and my partner there, along with my legal name and the trail name.

Another positive result of doing this is that if I leave my phone somewhere, a) they know who to look for and b) they have someone to contact. That said, if your phone has a way to access emergency contacts from the lock screen, set that up as well and add any additional information (allergies, medications, other conditions). It could save your life or at least help you recover your phone if you lose it.

2.) Satellite messages

If you have a newer phone, you might be in luck. With iPhone 14 and later, satellite messages can be sent in case of emergency. However, I have an iPhone 13, so I bought a Garmin Messenger. Most people I met had InReach, which is awesome, but if you’re looking to go the more affordable route, Messenger worked great for me. While I never needed that SOS button on the AT, I was very relieved to know I had it just in case. It also greatly eased my family’s concerns.

3.) Keep that with you.

And no… not a gun. I was asked that question frequently before my hike and the answer was, and always will be, no. The laws change too frequently from state to state, they are strict and you can NEVER lose sight of them. It would be worse than an inconvenience, it would be negligence.

If carrying some type of weapon makes you feel safer, carry a knife, mace, bear spray, or a good knowledge of self-defense. I started with a knife, but sent it home after a couple hundred miles. I just used common sense, which brings me to my next topic…

4.) Trust your instinct.

Did someone at the shelter say something that made you uncomfortable and you don’t feel comfortable confronting them? Leave. Is the problem you’ve just been given starting to raise too many questions? Politely decline them. Or in a rude way. Whatever you need to do to feel safe and comfortable, do it.

The one time I had an unexpected problem, I immediately texted my mom and Snapped my close friends. I felt comfortable. Otherwise I wouldn’t have accepted the offer, but I got his name and license plate number just in case. Any sane person who picks up a woman on their own should be able to give this information. If not, you probably don’t want the trip you’re being offered.

Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your location private. Lie, if you feel the need, or at least beat around the bush. “Where are you going tonight?” It may be a harmless question, but it may also not be. I simply say: «As far as I can!» Gives enough information without being rude. The same goes for asking if you are alone. Say whatever makes you a difficult target and, again, trust your instincts. It is generally correct.

5.) Know what wildlife you can encounter and how to deal with it.

What do I do if I encounter a bear? A moose? A rattlesnake? A cougar? A dog off leash? All of these animals can be found on different trails in the US, and many more. It is amazing to witness wildlife. Mother bears with their cubs, elk crossing streams, snakes sunbathing in the middle of the trail. They are all beautiful; They can also easily become dangerous. Knowing what to do during a wildlife encounter is not only important for your safety, but also for respecting the animals. Properly storing food and keeping distance all help animals as much as ourselves.

Wildlife includes the trail itself, not just the creatures that inhabit it. Know the basic flora and fauna. Is this a trail known for poison oak? Nettle? Poodle dog bush? Mistakes count too. Will there be ticks? Mosquitoes? Yellow jackets? Even the sun: will there be shade? Reliable water? Will I need sunscreen? Having prior knowledge of the trail you are walking keeps you prepared, and preparation keeps you safer.

Wildlife also includes humans. Things like norovirus and giardia are out there, and the best thing we can do is stay informed and prevent. Wash your hands. Filter water. Follow LNT principles.

An off-leash dog we found on the AT was lost and injured, so we took him to the nearest road and found someone to help him.

Prepare and prevent.

Honestly, in most of this pro advice, prevention and preparation are key. Safety starts with being prepared and aware, knowing where you are and what you are doing. That doesn’t mean all hikers should be pros before setting foot on a long trail, but they should at least know what they’re getting into. Prevention occurs thanks to that preparation.

The mountains are calling and you need to pick up the phone. Just check the caller ID first to make sure it’s not a scammer. That said, get out there, stay safe, and make some great memories.

If you liked this article, subscribe to follow it. My partner and I will be starting the Pacific Crest Trail in May and I would love to share all of our wild stories with all of you.

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