I have hike and camped from the Sahara desert in Libya to the Canadian mountain wilds. A very important consideration before any outdoor camping or hiking trip is safety. The most effective way to prevent mishaps and stay out of danger is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense, can help make your camping or hiking trip enjoyable and safe.

Following are twelve proven hiking and camping tips based on my many experiences in the wild:

Buddy Travel Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated, and when you plan to return. You don't want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area. Or at the very least speak with those who do before you set out. If an area is closed, do not go there. Know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip. If cell phone reception seems possible, take along your phone.

Do Your Sit Ups. Get in good physical condition first and then set a comfortable pace as you hike. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group. Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance. If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitude.

Keep Your Footing. This is important not only near cliffs, but in all area with slopes and loose surfaces. Trees and bushes can not always be trusted to hold you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing.

When Climbing Up, Going Down May be Twice as Tough. I once got trapped on a small beachside cliff in north Africa near Tripoli as a Boy Scout. A Scout leader had to rescue me. Climbing up was easy, as I remember it, but getting turned around for the descent seemed impossible.

Wear the Right Clothing for the trail conditions and season. I once hiked on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia on what started as a beautiful fall day. But halfway up to the camp area an ice storm hit. I was NOT prepared with proper clothing and it was a miserable experience.

Check Your Gear. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trail. Be sure to pack emergency signaling devices.

Watch the Weather. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.

Master Basic First Aid so you will know how to recognize and at least partially treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.

Stop Way Before Dark and Make Camp. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from trips and falls. Travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.

Take It Easy and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath. I used to train for the National Ski Patrol in North Carolina by running up and down mountain trails, but this is the rare exception.

Alcohol and Hiking Never Mix. If you drink, stay away from the trails and particularly the cliffs. Judgment, agility, and balance are all compromised by alcohol consumption.

Think Before You Drink the Water. Yes, it may look great. But no matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms. These unwelcome critters can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, boil it, or purify it through chemical treatment.

Follow these simple suggestions and then just get out there and go for it!