The idea of getting away from civilization entices many to hike and backpack into the wild. Thousands of people do this regularly, but unfortunately some of them get into trouble. It's important to know about backcountry and outdoor safety, for your own sake and for that of your trail companions.
Just because many rules are common sense precautions doesn't lessen their importance. For instance, when exercising at home or at the gym, it's important to stay hydrated. This is even more important when you're in the wilderness. It can mean the difference between survival and the grim alternative.
A person needs to drink 2 to 3 quarts of water on a mild day when they're exercising. If it's a hot day, the allotment goes up to 3 to 4 quarts. When the weather is cold, the recommendation also rises to 3 to 4. This may surprise you, but a lot of moisture is lost through respiration into dry winter air. On hot days, you should add a little salt and sugar to your water, or some electrolytes. It just makes sense to carry water with you in the wilderness. Unless you have one of those super filtration bottles, you won't want to drink from creeks, lakes, or puddles.
Before you start an extensive hike, make sure you check the weather. High humidity makes hot weather harder to handle, since core body temperature can rise to dangerous heights when perspiration is hindered. Wind can make cold weather colder, making it harder to maintain a normal body temperature.
It's amazing how many people take off without the proper clothes. A light jacket and sneakers might be fine at home, but hiking demands waterproof outer wear and layers that help you adjust to temperature fluctuations. If you get caught in the rain in clothes that don't hold in body heat when wet, you can suffer from hypothermia even in summer.
It's surprising how many hiking emergencies are complicated by insufficient gear. Mountain climbers get caught in a storm at high altitudes, get chilled, and become disoriented. This puts their companions at risk, as well as any rescue personnel who need to help. Plan for weather extremes when venturing into the wild.
It's vitally important to think ahead: what if one of you needs to be evacuated? You need to leave word about where you're going and with whom, so someone knows if you don't come back. Know how to send an emergency signal if you need help. Remember that cell phone reception is usually bad in the mountains.
Plan ahead on how you will handle things like animal attacks, sprains or fractures, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, hypothermia or frostbite, and dehydration (which can be caused by not drinking enough water, blood loss after injury, or diarrhea). Educate yourself on what to expect on the trail and how to handle a crisis if one should arise. First aid training is wise; improper procedures can make a bad situation worse.
Just because many rules are common sense precautions doesn't lessen their importance. For instance, when exercising at home or at the gym, it's important to stay hydrated. This is even more important when you're in the wilderness. It can mean the difference between survival and the grim alternative.
A person needs to drink 2 to 3 quarts of water on a mild day when they're exercising. If it's a hot day, the allotment goes up to 3 to 4 quarts. When the weather is cold, the recommendation also rises to 3 to 4. This may surprise you, but a lot of moisture is lost through respiration into dry winter air. On hot days, you should add a little salt and sugar to your water, or some electrolytes. It just makes sense to carry water with you in the wilderness. Unless you have one of those super filtration bottles, you won't want to drink from creeks, lakes, or puddles.
Before you start an extensive hike, make sure you check the weather. High humidity makes hot weather harder to handle, since core body temperature can rise to dangerous heights when perspiration is hindered. Wind can make cold weather colder, making it harder to maintain a normal body temperature.
It's amazing how many people take off without the proper clothes. A light jacket and sneakers might be fine at home, but hiking demands waterproof outer wear and layers that help you adjust to temperature fluctuations. If you get caught in the rain in clothes that don't hold in body heat when wet, you can suffer from hypothermia even in summer.
It's surprising how many hiking emergencies are complicated by insufficient gear. Mountain climbers get caught in a storm at high altitudes, get chilled, and become disoriented. This puts their companions at risk, as well as any rescue personnel who need to help. Plan for weather extremes when venturing into the wild.
It's vitally important to think ahead: what if one of you needs to be evacuated? You need to leave word about where you're going and with whom, so someone knows if you don't come back. Know how to send an emergency signal if you need help. Remember that cell phone reception is usually bad in the mountains.
Plan ahead on how you will handle things like animal attacks, sprains or fractures, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, hypothermia or frostbite, and dehydration (which can be caused by not drinking enough water, blood loss after injury, or diarrhea). Educate yourself on what to expect on the trail and how to handle a crisis if one should arise. First aid training is wise; improper procedures can make a bad situation worse.
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Be sure to take a look at the following web pages featuring backcountry and outdoor safety tips. Here you will gain an insight into this educational topic by checking out the related site at http://www.mra.org/training-education/public-education.
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