Are you, by any chance, wondering why would trekkers, in their right mind, wear a helmet? If that’s so, and you’re not so surprised by the title of this article, we’ve got something to discuss today. In the article you’re about to read, we’ll try to give an answer to the question: why do trekkers wear a helmet?
Now, to some of you, this issue might seem a bit absurd. On the other hand, some of our readers might find this question totally genuine and on-point. Whatever the side you’re on, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy today’s text! Here’s why trekkers wear a helmet!
When trekking surrounded by mountainous terrain, folks wear a helmet for safety reasons. That’s because falling rocks aren’t such a surprising issue. Also, some solo trekkers like to wear helmets since they don’t really want to end up injuring their heads while there’s no one around.
Of course, this was only a preview, a snippet, a tiny piece of info that contains what this article’s all about. However, we recommend you read the whole thing before coming to a satisfying conclusion.
Table of Contents
Wait, isn’t trekking the same as hiking? (FAQ)
First things first, let’s get these obvious FAQs out of the way. For instance, many folks confuse trekking with hiking. That’s why we’re here: to debunk that and similar claims.
Trekking vs. hiking
Okay, so let’s consider the standard definitions of the two terms. Although you should keep in mind that they can’t contain it all.
Trekking is an activity in which an individual (or a group of individuals) conducts a long & strenuous journey (most probably: on foot). Hiking is an activity of going into the wild for longer walks purely out of pleasure (and here’s where you’ll find a lot of interesting info about it). At first sight, it seems as though their only difference is the difficulty. That’s because we’re sure that trekkers enjoy their adventures, too.
Anyway, you can notice something’s not exactly right here. We might want to take a more of an in-depth look at the differences between the two outdoor activities:
- Duration. Trekking should typically last at least two days, while hiking usually involves walking for a few hours or so.
- Terrain. Hikers are mostly confined to staying on the trail, while trekkers enjoy more freedom of movement.
- Equipment. Trekking requires folks to wear a lot of equipment, while hikers only need a solid pair of hiking boots.
- Difficulty. While you can classify hiking as a leisure activity, trekking’s more difficult and requires that an individual’s well prepared for the adventure (both physically and mentally).
- Accommodation. In most cases, hikers have one base from which they go on daily hikes only to return later. On the other hand, trekkers “enjoy” a different type of accommodation each night.
There are probably things we’ve unintentionally forgotten to mention, but you get the picture: trekking’s more extreme than hiking. Even though both activities can’t really come close to being extreme.
Can anyone do trekking?
By reading the lines above (especially the one about trekking being more extreme), one might assume trekking’s somehow too difficult for anyone to enjoy it. However, the truth’s a bit different (luckily). Since trekking is something outdoor enthusiasts call a soft-adventure sport, everyone is able to participate in this activity (if they’re in good physical and mental condition, that is).
However, if you’re new to the sport – first you’ll have to get initiated into it by doing day hikes. But, that’s nothing to worry about – you’ll move on to the harder stuff (multi-day treks) without having to invest much time and effort.
What are the benefits of trekking?
Last but not least segment in this introductory section we’ve dedicated to the benefits of trekking (here’s where you’ll find all about this fantastic activity). Here we’ll show you the advantages this sport will provide you with:
- Trekking reduces stress. Needless to say, any type of physical activity plays a great role in reducing the stress of adult life. However, not all of them have the assistance of nature. Yup, with trekking you get both – the tranquility of nature plus the benefits of physical exercise en général.
- Trekking improves cardiovascular strength. Participating in trekking adventures will boost the blood flow to the muscles and the brain, thus enhancing your circulatory and respiratory system well-being. Also, breathing in fresh forest air and pure oxygen from the trees will keep your polluted-by-city-life respiratory system clean as a whistle.
- Trekking helps folks make friends. Mostly done in groups, trekking adventures are a fantastic backdrop for many soon-to-be-formed friendships. You’d be surprised by the fact that many folks met their close friends or partners through this type of activity.
- Trekking broadens your understanding of other cultures. While on a trekking adventure in a foreign country, you’ll get to meet various new cultures. For instance, imagine visiting the old Aboriginal sites in Australia (if you’re not an Aussie yourself). You’ll have a lot of tales to tell once you arrive home.
Just like upstairs (when we talked about the differences between trekking and hiking), here we’ll also have to make a disclaimer: this article’s not big enough to cover every little advantage trekking’s got. Keep that in mind! Okay, so now that that’s clear, let’s consider the main question on today’s menu: why do trekkers wear a helmet?
Why trekkers wear a helmet?
First, we’ll have to provide our readers with another disclaimer: not all trekkers wear a helmet. However, if they’re trekking through a mountainous area, there’s a good chance you’ll see some of them sporting helmets. The thing is: various rocks and debris might fall on your head. Of course, that’s not very likely to happen – but one can never be too safe, right? That’s right, you’re better off safe than sorry.
So, yeah, to answer the question in the title: some trekkers wear a helmet to guarantee that they won’t get seriously hurt if a rock was to fall on their head. Also, imagine a group of trekkers much like the one in the picture. As one can notice, no one’s wearing a helmet there. But imagine if some of them were to fall during a steep climb. A helmet would come quite handy, don’t you agree?
Also, the info we’ve mentioned above is especially helpful when you consider the fact some folks like to trek solely by themselves (and if you like to camp by yourself, here you’ll find some useful info). Surrounded by sometimes unfriendly nature and terrain, without any humans nearby, people can’t possibly imagine the consequences of hurting their heads badly. That’s a good enough reason for a person to carry a helmet when trekking.
Now, there are a number of questions one might ask after reading this section. One of them, of course, is whether or not trekking is safe?
Is trekking safe?
Good question! Certain trekking adventures can’t be 100% safe. There will always be the implied risk because of some factors. For instance, trekking in the Himalayas definitely ain’t something you’d call totally safe. However, one can’t really say that riding the bus (or any similar city-like activity) is 100% safe.
What are the safety measures of trekking?
Besides wearing a helmet, there are other safety measures one can “enable” when trekking. Here we’ll show you what’s there to be done to ensure your trekking adventure’s completely safe! This, of course, stands for places that trekkers mark as a bit dangerous.
Speaking of danger, here’s an article on what you can and can’t eat while hiking.
Inquire about the weather
Checking out the weather forecast for the area you’re about to trek is very important. It’ll make your preparations for the trail simple. If you’re trekking during wintertime, always keep in mind that the winds can get a bit nasty. Also, check if there are any thunderstorms or snowfall, or heavy rain expected to hit your desired area. If there are any predictions of such a “catastrophe” taking place, you might as well want to postpone your adventure.
Try not to go alone
As we’re already mentioned, some folks like to hit the trekking “trail” all alone. However, that is a serious risk; the buddy system is always the best option for hitting the outdoors. Once you’re a part of the trekking party, ensure that you don’t walk so fast that the slowest members of your party lack behind. Your group is your most important concern. Also, it’s of utmost importance that you’ve got someone to assist you in case of an emergency. Lastly, everyone should be well-informed about the way your trekking adventure will “develop”.
Pack lightly
The thing is: you really don’t want to carry unnecessary stuff with you (maybe makeup seems a bit necessary, but it’s not really). Therefore, you should most definitely keep your backpack as light as possible (without, of course, forgetting to bring all the so-called necessities). That way, you’ll save some good amounts of energy for the things that lay ahead.
The bottom line
Okay, we’re now done with discussing why trekkers wear a helmet. Now you’re well aware of all the things that might occur once you enter the trekking party! For more insightful tips on trekking and similar outdoor activities, make sure you visit our blog page.
