Welcome to Trailbuds & Co: Trail Safety Starts with a Laugh
Even the most seasoned hikers do really stupid things. I always preach that planning is key to having a good safe hike. Granted, I am usually the first one to drop everything at the last minute to go down to the beach four wheeling or go on an impromptu hike.
I planned to hike in a new location not too far from home. Nice easy day hike with my hiking buddy, Molly. I went through my mental checklist for human and dog needs. Packed my snack…check. Got the water…check. Safety pack…check. I’m good to go. I get to this very nice natural area, get Molly all hooked up and turned around to grab my pack… No pack, no purse, no snacks, no safety gear, no water. Although, I did have one bottle of water from earlier that day in the car. I stood for a moment and just laughed. Stupid?…yep. Funny?..absolutely. Went on a very short hike with one bottle.
SAFE, SMART, FUN
At Trailbuds & Co, we believe hiking should be safe, smart and fun. One out of three wasn’t bad. Thru this journal we share tips, checklists, and lessons learned from real trails and sometimes, things get messy. You can expect hiking safety tips, trail emergencies & solutions, dog-friendly hiking and first aid, and best of all gear recommendations (like our soon to be released SOS Pak). Most of all, no judgement. I’d like to say that there is one all inclusive checklist that is the RIGHT one. But there isn’t. But there are some no nonsense MUST haves that I take for safety.
Why Trail Safety Isn't Just for Beginners
Most hiking mishaps don't happen to inexperienced hikers — they happen to confident ones. The people who've done it a hundred times and think they've got it handled. Sound familiar? Trail safety isn't about being paranoid, it's about being prepared enough that when life happens (and it will), you've got a backup plan. Even if that backup plan is one warm bottle of water and a short loop.
Mistakes to Avoid (Learned the Hard Way, So You Don't Have To)
Relying on a mental checklist. Your brain is confident and wrong more often than you'd like to admit. Write it down or lay it out.
Assuming a short hike means a safe hike. Distance doesn't determine risk. Terrain, heat, and isolation do. A one-mile trail in the wrong conditions can go sideways fast.
Skipping the safety kit because "it's close to home." This is exactly when people skip it. This is exactly when they need it.
Forgetting that your dog's needs are different from yours. Dogs overheat faster, can't tell you their paws hurt, and will keep going long after they should stop. Watch for panting, slowing down, or reluctance to move.
Not sharing your location. Even a quick text — "heading to X, back by Y" — can make a critical difference in an emergency.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Pre-Hike Routine
1. Start the night before. Lay everything out physically. Not a mental checklist — an actual pile on the floor. If it's not in the pile, it's not going with you.
2. Pack your safety kit first. Everything else gets built around it. Water, first aid, navigation, emergency contacts — non-negotiables go in first.
3. Do a door check. Before you leave your vehicle, physically turn around and look. Sounds ridiculous. You're welcome.
4. Account for your dog separately. Molly needs her own checklist. Water, collapsible bowl, paw protection, leash, waste bags, and any medications. Don't assume she's covered because you're covered.
5. Tell someone your plan. Trail name, estimated return time, who's with you. Every. Single. Time.
Your Pre-Hike Checklist
Use this before every hike. Short or long. Solo or group. New trail or familiar one.
For You
Water (at least 16oz per hour of hiking)
Snacks or food
First aid kit / safety pak
Phone charged and location shared
Trail map or downloaded offline route
Sun protection
Weather check done
SOS Pak (released soon)
For Your Dog
Water and collapsible bowl
Dog-safe first aid supplies
Leash and collar with ID tags
Waste bags
Paw check (heat, debris, cracking)
Vet contact saved in phone
Final Thoughts
Here's the thing about that pack I left at home— I had a great hike. Short, yes. Underprepared, absolutely. But I laughed, Molly was happy, and I made it back fine. That's not always how the story ends, and that's why we're here.
Trailbuds & Co isn’t about perfection. It's about doing better next time while laughing about this time. Bring your pack. Bring your dog. Bring your sense of humor. The trail will handle the rest.
Safe trails, smart choices, and always — have fun out there.
Build the 3c’s - calm, capable, and confident.
