Hiking

Checklist

  1. Before the trek do your homework. Don’t kid yourself; hiking in wadis and mountain terrain is not a walk in Safa Park. Having the perfect body fat to weight ratio means nothing if you don’t have the stamina or hiking experience to back it up; you need to know your physical limits – as well as the abilities of others in your group – and to choose your trail accordingly. The UAE has routes that range from beginner to advanced; start easy and work your way up. And always remember to let friends and family know where you’ll be going and when you’re expected back, just in case you run into trouble.

  2. Make sure you pack lightly but efficiently. The basic items you should carry with you are: water (at least three litres per person); sports drinks (such as Isostar); sun screen; food, including some salted snacks (salt helps prevent muscle cramps); a torch; and a first aid kit. Other non-essential items that you may consider packing are GPS devices, a compass, a trekking stick, maps and a camera.

  3. It’s important to wear light, protective and functional clothing, keeping bulk and weight down. Rain is rare in the UAE mountains, although when it does fall it can be heavy. Skip the haute couture and opt for sports t-shirts and bottoms with breathable fabrics that wick sweat from the body. Resist the urge to wear cottons as sweat tends to get absorbed quickly and will weigh you down. A good rule of thumb is if it looks out of place in a gym then you shouldn’t be wearing it – hiking is physical exercise. You will also need to invest in good hiking footwear. Standard trainers will be ripped apart by the unforgiving wadi rocks. A wide brim hat will help protect your head and face from the scorching heat.

  4. During long treks make sure you stretch; it reduces muscle tension and allows better, more flexible movement. Take some time to work your lower back, legs, torso and neck – it will help prevent soreness and injury, both during and after the trek.

  5. Know when to quit – there’s no shame in turning back when the going gets tough or if external factors come into play (such as rain, exhaustion and lack of rations). Follow your instincts and, when in doubt, stop and reassess the situation.

  6. Rest and refuel regularly to replace the fluids that are gushing out of your body and to maintain your energy levels. Don’t wait for dehydration to set in or you’ll be past the point of help. A steady supply of nutrition, with snacks and meals, will help keep you going. Additionally, if you feel your muscles start to cramp up it’s because you’ve lost salt content in your body, so stop immediately and have a bite of something savoury. Another useful maxim is that, if your mood changes for the worse, it’s a good sign that you need nutrition.

  7. Pace yourself as not everyone has the same pace. To deviate from your own pace can be uncomfortable and push your limits too far. Remember you’re not out there to impress anyone.

  8. Stay on route. Most trails can easily be identified through worn out paths and key marker stones for a reason – they generally guide you along the path of least resistance. GPS and maps can come in quite handy when navigating unmarked trails. If lost, don’t panic; try to get to the highest point on the trail and look for visual cues on how to get back. 

  9. Keep track of friends. If you’re in a group, never lose sight of the person in front and behind you. It’s important that everyone practises this rule so that no one gets left behind or lost.

  10. After the trek rest, rest and rest some more. Hopefully, if you didn’t overexert yourself, a good night’s rest should be enough to do away with any pains. In severe cases, if the pain doesn’t subside over one/two days it’s best that you get checked over by your physician and get as much rest as possible to heal your muscles. But as mentioned before, if you are a beginner, take things easy at first.


Write to us

Latest News

View More

Newsletter Subscription

View Newsletter
About us Contact us Join us Advertise Corporate Shop