There is no other feeling quite like the one that you get when you are out in the woods listening to the sound of rattling leaves, bubbling stream, coupled with birds singing and stomping of animals. It brings serenity and refreshes the mind and body; hence, it is not surprising that a lot of people enjoy hiking especially when they want to momentarily escape the frantic and fast-paced city life. Nevertheless, just like any other situation, nothing is perfect, as much as you would enjoy nature, you should also be prepared for mosquitoes and other insects, poison ivy, as well as falling rocks. These are the things that can ruin your communing with mother earth but with the right preparation and proper planning your can keep the disturbances to the minimum if not totally eradicate them; here is a guide that could help you towards this end:

• Secure enough information on the area where you are going to hike; learn about weather conditions, terrain, available assistance, as well as safety and environment issues.


• Have an appreciation and knowledge of the environment where you are going hiking such as the vegetation and which plants and animals to avoid, if any.


• Remember to bring a medical kit including mosquito and insect repeller to protect your skin from insect bites and from minor illnesses and injuries.


• Stay on the trail so that you wouldn't get lost and make sure that you have a map, compass, or a GPS unit if possible and always have someone with you so that somebody would know where you are at all times and could alert for help should there is a need to.


• Bring basic survival kit such as flashlight, matches, lighter, pocket knife, anti-itch cream, sunburn pain reliever, and anti-bacterial cream, among others.


• Take plenty of water and other fluids like sports drink but avoid soda and alcoholic beverages because it will dehydrate you even more.


• Make sure that you have enough food and water; however, if there is a need to choose, opt for water considering that you can survive much longer with water than food.


• Practice common sense and always make sure to take calculated decisions, remember that you are not invincible and most of the things that you watch in movies are not true so don't be foolish and act like a hero.

These are just few of the pointers that you need to keep in mind to make your hiking trip safe and enjoyable. For other information and if you want to purchase gears and equipment for this purpose simply visit http://www.ultrarob.com/.