How to Stay Safe While Hiking: Habits That Matter
Hiking is safe when you build a few simple habits. Here's how to plan, prepare, and make good decisions so small problems never become emergencies.
Rowan Hale
Founder & Trail Editor
Rowan Hale
Rowan grew up with a pack on their back and has spent two decades on trails from local greenways to long-distance routes. They founded Ulvoryx because the outdoors shouldn't feel like a members-only club — good information, honestly given, is what gets people outside and keeps them safe. They still get lost occasionally, and say so.
Articles
15 articles by Rowan
Rowan Hale
How to Pack a Backpack So It Carries Like It Should
Learn where to place weight, how to balance a load, and how to fit a pack so it rides comfortably for miles instead of wrecking your back and shoulders.
Rowan Hale
Leave No Trace: The 7 Principles Explained
Understand the seven Leave No Trace principles in plain English and learn simple, practical habits to protect trails, wildlife, and other hikers on every outing.
Rowan Hale
How to Read a Trail Map (and Not Get Lost)
Learn to read a trail map with confidence — contour lines, scale, symbols, and how to match the map to the real world so you stay found and on route.
Rowan Hale
How to Find Great Hikes Near You
Discover great hikes close to home using trail apps, local agencies, and a few smart filters, then vet conditions and safety before heading out.
Rowan Hale
A Beginner's Camping Checklist: Everything You Actually Need
A practical, no-fluff camping checklist for beginners — the shelter, sleep, food, clothing, and safety gear that actually matters for a comfortable first trip.
Rowan Hale
The Ten Essentials Every Hiker Needs
A practical look at the ten essentials system: the categories of gear that keep hikers safe, why each matters, and how to scale your kit to the trip.
Rowan Hale
How to Explore the Outdoors Responsibly
Learn how to explore the outdoors responsibly with Leave No Trace habits, respect for wildlife and other visitors, and simple choices that protect wild places.
Rowan Hale
Car Camping vs Backpacking: Which One Is Right for You?
Car camping vs backpacking compared honestly: cost, comfort, gear, effort, and freedom, so you can pick the style that gets you outside more often.
Rowan Hale
Day Hiking vs Backpacking: Which Is Right for You?
Compare day hiking and backpacking on gear, effort, cost, and risk so you can choose the style that fits your fitness, schedule, and comfort with the outdoors.
Rowan Hale
Tips for Visiting National Parks
Practical tips for visiting national parks, from beating the crowds and booking permits to staying safe, respecting wildlife, and protecting the places you love.
Rowan Hale
How to Start Hiking: A Beginner's First Steps Outside
New to hiking? Here's how to pick a first trail, what to bring, and how to stay safe and comfortable so your first walk in the woods isn't your last.
Rowan Hale
How to Plan Your First Camping Trip: A Calm, Step-by-Step Guide
Planning your first camping trip without the overwhelm. A simple, encouraging walkthrough of where to go, what to pack, and how to stay safe and sleep well.
Rowan Hale
How to Plan a National Park Trip Without the Overwhelm
A practical, step-by-step way to plan a national park trip that fits your time, fitness, and budget, with permits, timing, and safety covered.
Rowan Hale
How to Build a Campfire Safely: A Practical Field Guide
Learn how to build a campfire safely, from checking fire bans to choosing a site, lighting it cleanly, and fully extinguishing it before you walk away.
Rowan Hale