Ensure that you are fit enough to hike

• Any person booked on a hike is responsible for ensuring that he/she is fit enough to complete the hike.
  
• Prior or current abuse of alcohol or drugs impairs fitness and causes dehydration while hiking.
  
• Any person with a serious medical condition should not take part in a hike. If such a condition is knowingly concealed, it could jeopardise the safety of other people. An indemnity has to be signed by all hikers prior to the hike commencing.
  

Booking and arriving for hike

• The cut-off time for booking on a day hike is 18:00 on the Friday before the hike. Multi-day hike timing will be confirmed by the hike leader.
• If you are not familiar with the hike, discuss in full with the hike leader at the time of booking. If you are not fit, do not book for a hike which may be beyond your capabilities.
  
• If you are not able to attend a hike for which you have booked, let the hike leader know, preferably the day before. It is inconsiderate to the other hikers when people do not arrive and the group is waiting for them.
• Make sure you arrive at the time stipulated by the hike leader but, if you are going to be late, contact the hike leader who will then decide if you should still join the hike and if they will wait for you.
• The hike leader will give an approximate duration of the hike, but it may take either a shorter or longer time, so hikers should not make firm time arrangements for after the hike. 

Carry the following items in a comfortable pack on every hike:

• Adequate rain, cold weather and sun gear
  
•  Sufficient water
  
• Safety whistle
  
• A cell phone is advisable
  
• Snacks/sandwiches – depending on how long the hike is. High energy snacks are a good idea. 
  
• Tea/coffee/other hot drink in a suitable flask.
  
• ID and ComeHike membership card with emergency contact details. Additional emergency information must be carried if any extraordinary condition exists.
  
• First aid kit with emergency blanket and personal medication.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

• Footwear: only genuine hiking boots or trail running shoes should be worn on hikes. Make sure your boots/shoes are the correct size and that they are worn in before undertaking a long hike. 
  
• Socks: wear proper hiking socks – one or two pairs depending on comfort.
  
• Rain gear: rain jacket and pants must be fully waterproof and windproof. Test them before embarking on a hike.
  
• Sun gear: broad brimmed/full crown hats are recommended. Cloudy weather is deceptive and can still allow harmful rays to penetrate (sun block a good idea). 
  
• General: wear loose, light clothing and carry extra layers to put on, if necessary.
  

Follow the hike leader's directions and guidance at all times

• Sign the indemnity form before every hike, or submit your information to the hike leader so it can be done electronically. Any person who does not do so will not be allowed to take part in the hike.  
• The hike leader reserves the right to inspect the equipment/clothing/footwear of any person on the hike at any time
  
• Stay with the group. Do not split off and keep the person behind you – and in front of you – in sight. 
• When venturing off a designated path for any reason, make sure someone knows and/or leave your pack at the exit point for other to see – if this is possible/safe.
•  At no stage should a hiker leave the group or take another route without full discussion with the hike leader who may or may not give permission, depending on circumstances.
• Should the hiker choose to leave the group without the agreement of the hike leader, the name of the hiker will be removed from the indemnity form and ComeHike will no longer take any responsibility for the hiker for his/her safe completion of the hike. 

And last, but definitely not least: Protect and preserve the natural beauty of nature

• Do not take shortcuts, stay on the designated footpaths.
  
• Take everything away with you that you have brought, including empty containers, fruit peels, tissues and other litter.
  
• Do not destroy vegetation or animal life, pick flowers, dig up plants or take away anything you find on the hike, unless it is rubbish.
  
• Do not pollute water resources.
  
• Do not rinse out or use soap directly in a water source.
  
• Do not go the toilet closer than 50m from a water source. Bury any toilet matter, including toilet paper.
  
• Do not create fire hazards and note that smoking is not allowed on any of our hikes.
  
• Obey all the rules of the area in which you are hiking.
  
• When staying overnight, keep huts/facilities clean and sweep out your section before leaving.
  
• Observe and do not disturb, avoid noise pollution. No radios or loud cell phones.