Decide on a realistic budget because when boots are concerned, you get what you pay for. Try purchasing the best boots you can afford because these will be used for some time and quality must be a prime criteria.

Think of the type of hiking you will be doing. There is a big difference between a one-day hike with a light backpack and hiking for a few days carrying some 50 pounds. A tip is that the heavier a boot is, the more it is suited for heavy-duty use. Also, remember that the materials used in boots differ. The heavy boots have leather and plastic, providing extra support and can whitstand heavy loads.

Types of boots:
• trail shoes
• trail hikers
• mountaneering

Try on the boots with the socks you intend to wear when hiking. Trust what your body tells you regarding how comfortable they are. No matter how well-known the manufacturer may be, the boot may not be for you. If something’s wrong when trying on a pair of boots, change them. You can also try bringing a friend along to have another point of view.

Walk around the store, be patient and don’t jump on the best looking boot there. When you find boots to your liking, try them on and make a couple of steps or even better, if the store has a ramp (most of them do), go on it and even jump around. Make sure the boot fits your foot and is above all else comfortable to wear. Make sure the heel area is free of movement and it is a good ideea to check the space between your toes and the end of the boot.

When you have narrowed the boots to a handfull, take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each boot and look at the prices. After buying the boots, make sure to break them before hiking. Never go hiking with a new pair of boots without doing so. This will cause blisters.To break a pair of boots, wear them a couple of days. Wear the same type of socks used for hiking. During this time, the material will take note of your foot and will stretch accordingly. If the boots feel uncomfortable, you can always take them back and get another pair. Hopefully, that won’t be the case.

When hiking, in case a blister or hot spot appears, place some padding over the area or an adhesive bandage.

A pair of good, durable boots will last you for some time. But you must remember to take care of them. Clean and waterproof the boots, especially leather from time to time. Pay special attention to seams as with time can become porous.

First of all, when lost in the mountains you must know that hypothermia is your number one enemy.  We human’s don’t like cold weather very much and as such, we don’t have many natural means of defense against cold (like fur for example).

Staying calm against loneliness and the unknown will greatly increase your chances. Your reaction to fear composes the majority of mountain survival, the rest being your hear and knowing how to use it.

Always let someone know of your route and destination before heading out. Try studying the area a little as to have an idea of your bearings. Don’t be afrraid to ask the locals for advice.

If you do get lost and told someone where you are going, don’t panic. Rescue teams will be sent to look for you. Usually, searches will be done during the day when adults are missing, but in the case of children, the search will go on into the night.

Try making a shelter. See what kind of environment you have around you before trying to construct something. And don’t think about heavy labour, you don’t need to sweat and get cold in the process. In snow covered areas, a good option is to dig a cave in the deep snow that can offer protection from the elements. Or you can try digging a trench – an easier job than a cave. Use a big stick or anything else that can help you dig the trench, get in and cover it with leaves or branches. Try to stay away from the valleys, they can be the coldest spot on the mountain because of the falling cold air.

During the day is the best time to signal for help. Go to the highest possible point so that it would be easier for rescuers to see you and vice-versa.

Do not wander far if you get lost. The search teams will try to retrace your steps and if you get too far from the trails they might get to you later than sooner. There have been many examples of searchers finding empty vehicles because the driver has wandered off. Don’t do the same thing.

If you happen to get frostbite, do not try to rewarm the area until you get out of harm’s way. You can still walk on frostbitten feet, but when they get warm you will feel the pain and walking will be difficult.

Before going out, dress properly, layering your clothes. The first layer should consist of long underwear, the second should be something to trap and create warm air, such as a down parka and the third layer should be some kind of breathable jacket.

Make sure you have a map, compass, first aid kit, a heat source, food and a signalling device. Of course, these are not the only things you should carry, but they can be a starting point.