This article is written by Guest Blogger, Hannah Rorke
The outdoors is a wonderful place. Who can resist the magnificence of a mountain, the expanse of the ocean, or the beauty of a waterfall? Still, you’ll want to consider some precautions before you step outside. In this post, I’ll suggest a few tips to help you prepare for your backpacking or hiking trip. I’ll also provide some advice on the off-chance you find yourself lost in the wilderness. It doesn’t hurt to know what to do when losing your way. Always be prepared. Have fun but also stay alert. Whether you are new to hiking/backpacking or just need a reminder, you may find the following tips helpful.
Before You Start Out
1-Know Your Way: If you’re planning on participating in a wilderness activity, have fun! But also, be sure to know your way. Plan your exit in case things don’t go according to plan. Have an emergency plan as well as an emergency contact
2-The Will of the Weather: The weather can change quickly. Review the weather in advance and be aware of the weather above you – it doesn’t always correlate with the weather on your phone. Pack for warm weather, as well as cold. Think carefully about the exact activity you are about to engage in and pack accordingly. Be sure you know how to build a fire in case you need it and bring matches
3-Know Your Boots: If you’re going on a hike, you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots. If you haven’t got a pair, invest in one. Your boots will become your best friend. As with any best friend, you need to put in the work, too. No need for blisters right at the start!
4-The Right Gear: I can never decide what gear to pack. Do I bring along my cheap gear or more expensive gear? In the outdoors, the most expensive – even if you think it’s a luxury item – might save your life if you get caught in extreme weather. The odds can change just as fast as the weather. Even survival experts can get lost. Oh, and don’t forget your first aid kit!
5-Directions: I feel that the urban sense of direction is different from the wilderness sense of direction. My internal compass gets misdirected. Know how to navigate. Have a compass and a map because phones are often without a signal
6. Animals: Always keep your distance – even if the animal seems warm and fuzzy! Take precautions. When choosing a destination, do research on what kind of wildlife you may encounter
7. Book in advance: Hiking and camping are popular activities, so you will want to make your reservations in advance, if possible. Let your host know when you will be arriving in case you get lost. Also, provide them with an emergency contact
8. Let people know: Inform a few people of your plans. Let friends, family, or even a stranger, see you before and after an activity. This will help people know where you can found if needed. Also, be sure to write down the contact information of anyone that can help you and bring it along on your trip. Pack pen and paper. Make sure that people will know your direction of travel
9. Water: Drink more water than you usually do. You probably already know that you shouldn’t drink from the streams even though the water may seem clear. Pack something that you can use to filter the water. Some water can contain parasites that are harmful
10. Pack liberally. Be sure to bring extra clothes, rations of food, and pack as much as you can without overloading
If You Get Lost
Chances are you will have a fun backpacking trip with lots of adventures! But just in case, here are my top survival tips in case you get lost. Well, that’s after you try phoning a friend, of course!
1. Find a food and fresh water source
2. Find or build a shelter
3. Get your bearings
4. Find a river or a road
5. Don’t stay on top of the mountain. The temperature will drop.
6. Make sure your shelter is as protected from animals as it can be. Animals will approach a shelter as they are active at night
7. Store your food under the ground or high up. Make sure no animals can actually get to it
8. Filter the water. Keep hydrated
9. Build a fire. This is an essential skill. After building a shelter build a fire or let it be the first thing you do.
10. First aid. Keep any wounds clean. Notice any signs of when you are not drinking enough fluids, shock etc.
About the Author:
Hannah Rorke says that she loves to write and be creative. The South African artist also states that people consider her wise and Bohemian. You can learn more about Hannah by following her on Twitter or reading her blog at wisebohochic.blogspot.com
Photo Credits:
Pexels
Hannah Rorke
Resources:
New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation: Lost in the Woods