Illustration of a hiker in a wilderness setting, with safety gear in the foreground.

Beyond the Hike: Unveiling the Secrets of Wilderness Injury and How to Stay Safe

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A Deep Dive into NOLS's Research: Understanding the Risks and Staying Injury-Free on Your Next Adventure"

Venturing into the great outdoors is a passion shared by millions, a chance to connect with nature and challenge ourselves. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the serene waters of the Pacific, the allure of wilderness expeditions is undeniable. But with the thrill of adventure comes inherent risks. Understanding these risks is the first step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a pioneer in outdoor education, has been at the forefront of this understanding for decades. Through meticulous data collection and analysis, NOLS has compiled a treasure trove of information on injuries and illnesses sustained by participants on their expeditions. This article delves into NOLS's comprehensive research, offering valuable insights into the most common injuries, the activities that pose the greatest risks, and, most importantly, how you can stay safe on your next adventure.

This exploration is not just about identifying dangers; it's about empowering you with knowledge. By understanding the patterns and trends in wilderness injuries, you can make informed decisions, take proactive steps, and embrace the wilderness with confidence. This article is your guide to navigating the challenges and enjoying the unparalleled rewards of outdoor exploration.

Unpacking the Data: The Most Common Injuries on Wilderness Expeditions

Illustration of a hiker in a wilderness setting, with safety gear in the foreground.

NOLS's extensive database, spanning from 1984 to 2012, offers a unique window into the world of wilderness injuries. The data reveals that soft tissue injuries, encompassing a range of ailments from lacerations to infections, are the second most common type of injury reported, accounting for a significant 22% of all incidents. This highlights the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to these injuries and how to mitigate them.

Delving deeper into the data, several key findings emerge. The most common activities associated with soft tissue injuries include hiking, camping, and cooking. While some injuries are unavoidable, a significant portion can be prevented through careful planning, proper gear, and a heightened awareness of potential hazards. The study also reveals a decline in the incidence of soft tissue injuries over the 28-year period, which could be attributed to enhanced safety protocols and education.

Hiking: Often involves slips, falls, and accidental contact with branches or rocks, contributing to lacerations, contusions, and blisters.
Camping: Injuries often occur while walking around camp, often barefoot, and contact with animals, insect bites, and burns.
Cooking: Burns from boiling water and accidental cuts while using knives are frequent occurrences.
Activity Independent: A significant number of soft tissue injuries, such as skin infections and rashes, are not directly linked to a specific activity, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and preventative measures.

It is important to note the difference between injuries that occur during an activity and those that are independent of activities. Furthermore, the data demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in the rates of incidents and evacuations over the past 30 years. This is an incredibly important fact for all outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of and can be attributed to NOLS's increased safety protocols, participant education, and risk-management strategies.

Embrace the Adventure, Armed with Knowledge

The wilderness holds the promise of incredible experiences, but it demands respect and preparation. By understanding the risks, learning from the experiences of others, and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of injury and embrace the outdoors with confidence. Let this article be your guide, empowering you to explore, discover, and create lasting memories in the heart of nature. Prioritize safety, and let your adventures begin!

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What are the most common types of injuries encountered during wilderness expeditions, according to the data collected by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)?

Based on the extensive database compiled by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) spanning from 1984 to 2012, soft tissue injuries are the second most common type of injury reported during wilderness expeditions, accounting for 22% of all incidents. These include lacerations, contusions, blisters, infections, and rashes. While the data highlights soft tissue injuries, it is important to note that other injuries occur and participants should be aware of all potential risks. Other types of injuries are not detailed in this study but are present in wilderness expeditions.

Which specific activities contribute most significantly to soft tissue injuries during outdoor adventures, according to the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) research?

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) research identifies hiking, camping, and cooking as the activities most commonly associated with soft tissue injuries. Hiking often leads to injuries like lacerations and blisters from slips, falls, and contact with the environment. Camping can result in injuries from walking around the campsite, encounters with animals, and insect bites. Cooking frequently leads to burns and cuts. Additionally, a notable portion of soft tissue injuries, such as skin infections, are not directly tied to a specific activity, emphasizing the need for good hygiene practices.

Has there been any improvement in wilderness safety over time, based on the incident rates recorded by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)?

Yes, the data from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in the rates of incidents and evacuations over the past 30 years. This positive trend is attributed to NOLS's increased safety protocols, enhanced participant education, and improved risk-management strategies. While the data shows a decrease, it is crucial to acknowledge that the wilderness still poses inherent risks. Future studies may explore the impact of specific interventions and advancements in safety technology.

What are some practical steps I can take to minimize my risk of soft tissue injuries while participating in outdoor activities, based on the findings from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)?

To minimize the risk of soft tissue injuries, based on the findings from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), you should prioritize careful planning, proper gear, and heightened awareness of potential hazards. When hiking, wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls. In the campsite, be mindful of your surroundings to avoid stepping on sharp objects or encountering animals. When cooking, exercise caution with knives and hot liquids to prevent cuts and burns. Maintain good hygiene to prevent skin infections. While these steps can greatly reduce the risk, it's important to remember that unexpected events can still occur. Learning basic first aid can equip you to handle minor injuries effectively.

How does the research conducted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) contribute to safer wilderness experiences, and what are the broader implications for outdoor enthusiasts?

The research conducted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) contributes significantly to safer wilderness experiences by identifying common injury patterns, associated activities, and effective preventative measures. This knowledge empowers outdoor enthusiasts to make informed decisions, adopt proactive safety strategies, and ultimately reduce their risk of injury. The NOLS findings, by understanding these risks, learning from the experiences of others, and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of injury and embrace the outdoors with confidence. Further research could explore the psychological factors influencing risk-taking behavior in the wilderness, as well as the effectiveness of different educational approaches in promoting safety awareness.