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.
The two to three quarts a day rule for those engaging in moderate exercise in cool weather changes when temperatures go up or down. You need three to four quarts at a minimum when climbing a mountain on a hot day. You need to increase your intake the same amount in cold weather, too, since you lose a lot of moisture breathing in dry winter air. On these days, add a little salt, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice to your bottles for added electrolytes.
Check the weather before you go. It's important to know if high humidity will make hot weather harder to handle, or is the wind chill will make a cold day even colder. It's important to maintain a normal body temperature, but that's difficult when moist air keeps your perspiration from drying and cooling you off. Of course, we all know that getting chilly takes all the fun out of winter sports.
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.
Again this simple common sense act of dressing properly is often overlooked. Hikers go up a mountain, get caught in a storm, become chilled and disoriented, and put themselves, their companions, and rescue teams in danger. Remember that it's always a good idea to plan for the worst case scenario rather than end up facing an emergency you're not prepared for.
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.
The two to three quarts a day rule for those engaging in moderate exercise in cool weather changes when temperatures go up or down. You need three to four quarts at a minimum when climbing a mountain on a hot day. You need to increase your intake the same amount in cold weather, too, since you lose a lot of moisture breathing in dry winter air. On these days, add a little salt, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice to your bottles for added electrolytes.
Check the weather before you go. It's important to know if high humidity will make hot weather harder to handle, or is the wind chill will make a cold day even colder. It's important to maintain a normal body temperature, but that's difficult when moist air keeps your perspiration from drying and cooling you off. Of course, we all know that getting chilly takes all the fun out of winter sports.
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.
Again this simple common sense act of dressing properly is often overlooked. Hikers go up a mountain, get caught in a storm, become chilled and disoriented, and put themselves, their companions, and rescue teams in danger. Remember that it's always a good idea to plan for the worst case scenario rather than end up facing an emergency you're not prepared for.
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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