What We Should Know and Prepare During Hiking and Orienteering
HIKING
Hiking is going on an extended walk for the purpose of pleasure and exercise. Pleasure
includes having close encounter with nature, enjoying the beauty of the environment, smelling the
natural aroma of flowers and trees, and being one with Mother Nature. Exercise on the other hand
pertains to the fitness benefits that we get from the activity. Hiking is more adventure.
Here are some benefits that you can claim when you experienced walking in a longer
distance:
1. It gives the feeling of relaxation.
2. It balances your daily life routine.
3. It is a good option for weight management activity.
4. It offers cardiovascular fitness.
Preparations BEFORE and DURING a Hike
Before the Hike
See to it that your body is in a certain level of fitness for a safe and pleasant hiking. You
must be PHYSICALLY FIT.
Attend to the following concerns:
o Travel plan
o Possible transportation
o Budget
o Food and Water to bring
o Equipment to bring
During the Hike
On Group Formation
o Follow a single file formation. Overtaking should be avoided, but in case of a
need to do it, inform the hiker in front of you.
o Maintain a certain distance in between hikers.
Pacing
o Start with a slow pace gradually change as the group desires.
o Do not leave anyone behind
o Inform the group if there is a need to rest.
o The pace of the group should be that of the slowest member or the person who
has the heaviest load.
Trail Signs
o Man-made/Alternative- any colored materials such as yarn can be used but it
should be known by all members of the group.
o Natural Trail signs- materials found in the environment like rocks, grass and
twigs.
ORIENTEERING
It is an outdoor navigational recreational activity using specially drawn and detailed maps. It
requires navigational skills to navigate from point to point normally moving at a speed.
Orienteering as an outdoor recreational activity offers much benefit to you. Here are some
claims:
1. Conceptual aspects – it enhances your decision-making skills about map interpretations and
using compass. It also requires you to constantly interpret information contained in the
map.
2. Physical aspect – it develops your cardiovascular endurance and general fitness. Speed,
endurance and strength are essential components necessary to successfully participate.
3. Personal aspect – you develop your self-confidence and reliance.
4. Social Aspect – you will learn to work cohesively with one another.
5. Environmental Aspect – it creates an avenue for you to appreciate your environment.
ORIENTEERING COMPASS
A compass is an individual tool that every backpacker should know how to use.
Orienteering Compass Parts
o Magnetic Needle – the magnetic needles north end is painted red and its south end is white.
o Revolving Compass Housing – the housing is marked with the four cardinal points of north,
east, south, and west and further divided into 2-degree graduations indicating the full 360
degrees of a circle.
o Transparent Base Plate – is marked with a ruler, an index line as well as the direction of
travel arrow.
Essential tips for the Outdoors:
1. Pick a Partner
• Find a friend who is an experienced hiker or backpacker. It is safer to travel with a friend
or group of friends. Plus, an experienced hiker can share valuable tips and advice about the
wilderness.
2. Pick a destination
• Do your research on your destination: read travel books, websites or magazines. Ask well
travelled friends too.
3. Know your time and distance
• Know how long and how far the trip will take you. This will help you plan what you need
to pack. This will also help you when making budget for the trip.
4. Be physically ready
• Make sure you are physically fit for the hike. You should have ample endurance to prepare
yourself for long walks. Practice carrying heavy bags so that you will also build strength.
5. Choose your gear and wear appropriate clothing
• Try to pack as light as possible. Think about which comforts of home you can leave behind
to save space and weight. Wear moisture –wicking or “dry-fit” fabric because this absorbs
sweat faster than cotton and dries easily. Always bring a rain jacket in case it rains.
6. Plan your meals and keep communication lines open
• Bring some trail mix (nuts, chocolate, jelly, cereal, etc.,) to keep your energy up throughout
the day. Before you leave for your trip, make sure that you have a contact person who
knows all your emergency details.
7. Wilderness ethics
• Pack out what you pack in. Practice the Leave No Trace principles by picking up after you
trash and bringing them home with you.
• Modulate your noise levels. Remember, some people go into the wilderness to relax and
unwind. Respect the privacy of other people.
• Be respectful and courteous to other visitors as well as to wildlife.
Hiking is going on an extended walk for the purpose of pleasure and exercise. Pleasure
includes having close encounter with nature, enjoying the beauty of the environment, smelling the
natural aroma of flowers and trees, and being one with Mother Nature. Exercise on the other hand
pertains to the fitness benefits that we get from the activity. Hiking is more adventure.
Here are some benefits that you can claim when you experienced walking in a longer
distance:
1. It gives the feeling of relaxation.
2. It balances your daily life routine.
3. It is a good option for weight management activity.
4. It offers cardiovascular fitness.
Preparations BEFORE and DURING a Hike
Before the Hike
See to it that your body is in a certain level of fitness for a safe and pleasant hiking. You
must be PHYSICALLY FIT.
Attend to the following concerns:
o Travel plan
o Possible transportation
o Budget
o Food and Water to bring
o Equipment to bring
During the Hike
On Group Formation
o Follow a single file formation. Overtaking should be avoided, but in case of a
need to do it, inform the hiker in front of you.
o Maintain a certain distance in between hikers.
Pacing
o Start with a slow pace gradually change as the group desires.
o Do not leave anyone behind
o Inform the group if there is a need to rest.
o The pace of the group should be that of the slowest member or the person who
has the heaviest load.
Trail Signs
o Man-made/Alternative- any colored materials such as yarn can be used but it
should be known by all members of the group.
o Natural Trail signs- materials found in the environment like rocks, grass and
twigs.
 |
| Hiking |
 |
| Orienteering Compass and its Part |
It is an outdoor navigational recreational activity using specially drawn and detailed maps. It
requires navigational skills to navigate from point to point normally moving at a speed.
Orienteering as an outdoor recreational activity offers much benefit to you. Here are some
claims:
1. Conceptual aspects – it enhances your decision-making skills about map interpretations and
using compass. It also requires you to constantly interpret information contained in the
map.
2. Physical aspect – it develops your cardiovascular endurance and general fitness. Speed,
endurance and strength are essential components necessary to successfully participate.
3. Personal aspect – you develop your self-confidence and reliance.
4. Social Aspect – you will learn to work cohesively with one another.
5. Environmental Aspect – it creates an avenue for you to appreciate your environment.
ORIENTEERING COMPASS
A compass is an individual tool that every backpacker should know how to use.
Orienteering Compass Parts
o Magnetic Needle – the magnetic needles north end is painted red and its south end is white.
o Revolving Compass Housing – the housing is marked with the four cardinal points of north,
east, south, and west and further divided into 2-degree graduations indicating the full 360
degrees of a circle.
o Transparent Base Plate – is marked with a ruler, an index line as well as the direction of
travel arrow.
Essential tips for the Outdoors:
1. Pick a Partner
• Find a friend who is an experienced hiker or backpacker. It is safer to travel with a friend
or group of friends. Plus, an experienced hiker can share valuable tips and advice about the
wilderness.
2. Pick a destination
• Do your research on your destination: read travel books, websites or magazines. Ask well
travelled friends too.
3. Know your time and distance
• Know how long and how far the trip will take you. This will help you plan what you need
to pack. This will also help you when making budget for the trip.
4. Be physically ready
• Make sure you are physically fit for the hike. You should have ample endurance to prepare
yourself for long walks. Practice carrying heavy bags so that you will also build strength.
5. Choose your gear and wear appropriate clothing
• Try to pack as light as possible. Think about which comforts of home you can leave behind
to save space and weight. Wear moisture –wicking or “dry-fit” fabric because this absorbs
sweat faster than cotton and dries easily. Always bring a rain jacket in case it rains.
6. Plan your meals and keep communication lines open
• Bring some trail mix (nuts, chocolate, jelly, cereal, etc.,) to keep your energy up throughout
the day. Before you leave for your trip, make sure that you have a contact person who
knows all your emergency details.
7. Wilderness ethics
• Pack out what you pack in. Practice the Leave No Trace principles by picking up after you
trash and bringing them home with you.
• Modulate your noise levels. Remember, some people go into the wilderness to relax and
unwind. Respect the privacy of other people.
• Be respectful and courteous to other visitors as well as to wildlife.
Source: Pangasinan II PHYSICAL EDUCATION QUARTER 4 – MODULE 6