Abstract
Background
Outdoor recreation, specifically hiking, has increased dramatically over the last 30 years. While many enjoy their hikes without incident, others find themselves caught unprepared and in need of rescue. Mobilization of gear, vehicles, and personnel incur risk and a burden on local resources. Education initiatives focusing on hiker preparedness have been developed in an effort to prevent injuries and rescues. However, their effects on hiker habits have gone unexamined.
Objective
The study objective was to describe hiker habits in the categories of demographics, gear, planning, and communication devices. Our hypotheses were that most hikers did not carry all 10 essential items (deemed by New Hampshire's “Hike Safe” Initiative) and that carrying a communication device (cell/smartphone, GPS) encourages hikers to attempt more difficult trails.
Methods
A cross-sectional, convenience survey was conducted at 3 trailheads in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire during weekends in summer 2011. The study group consisted of hikers who consented to an IRB-approved questionnaire before their trip.
Results
A total of 199 hikers completed surveys. Of the respondents, 59.8% were male and 40.2% female (n = 195), 20–29 years old was the most common age group at 29.2% (n = 195), with 58.1% (n = 191) planning a hike between 4 and 12 hours. Only 17.8% (n = 197) of hikers carried all 10 items, the least being whistles at 43.1% and compasses at 46.2% (n = 197). Of the hikers, 90.3% (n = 196) carried a communication device and 71.8% (n = 156) were “likely” to choose the same hike without it.
Conclusions
Most hikers do not carry the 10 essential items and do not choose more difficult trails because of their communications devices. Future education efforts should focus on the importance of compasses and whistles. The small sample size and single study location prevent this study from giving a generalized description of hiking habits.