THE 10 ESSENTIALS
Always carry these items with you. Even if your plans are just for a quick hike or picnic. Be ready for an unexpected
emergency. These items do not weigh much and can generally be placed into a gallon-size Zip-loc bag and fit into a small
backpack.
- Navigation (Map, Compass, GPS)
- Sun protection (Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Sun Glasses)
- Extra clothing (extra socks, gloves, hats, clothing layers)
- Light source (headlamp or flashlight)
- First-aid supplies (an assortment of bandages, disinfectant, insect repellent)
- Fire starters (waterproof matches, lighter, starter material)
- Repair kit and tools (knife or multitool)
- Extra food (even if going for just a short hike - eg, Jerky, nutrition bars)
- Extra water (and water purification tablets)
- Emergency shelter (bivy, space blanket, garbage bags, etc)
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
Safe trips begin with good planning and communication with your group before you leave home. Here are some things you should
do before every hike or back country trip.
- Tell loved ones as precisely as possible where you are going and when you will return. Give them this information in writing!
- Check the weather forecast and road conditions.
- Be familiar with backcountry safety practices. Consider taking an avalanche class by attending a certified program if you
plan to visit the back country in winter.
- Know the relative strengths and weaknesses of your group and plan your itinerary accordingly. While on your adventure keep lines
of communication open within your group so you know the welfare of your group at all times.
- Plan to keep the group together as a single unit, within sight and hearing range at all times.
- Make sure everyone (including children) know what to do if they become lost or separated from the group.
- Know the risks you will be facing and communicate often with your group to make sure everyone is doing OK.
- Use resources to gain knowledge about your trip. Use web resources, local experts, guide books, topographical maps and software to prepare for your trip.
- Know your route beforehand and know what to expect. Prepare for contingencies and unknowns. Duration, Difficulty, Elevation Profile, Navigation Issues.
- Plan out potential camp sites and consider emergency contingencies.
- What will the snow conditions be like? Soft, hard, mixed? Will you need snowshoes or crampons?
- Remember - everything takes twice as long in winter than in dry, "fair weather", conditions. If you plan to winter camp, be
proficient with camping in dry, "fair weather" conditions first.
- Make sure you have proper gear and clothing systems adequate for the conditions you will be facing. Do not wear cotton in cold or
wet conditions - it will not insulate when wet.
- Make sure to pack the 10 essentials!
Now you are ready to have fun!
If you do Run Into Trouble,
S.T.O.P.!
Do you know what to do if you are lost and alone in the wilderness? Basic rules if you are alone in the wilderness are Sit, Think,
Observe, and Plan before you go into action.
Sit!
Sit down and stay put until the fear, anger, and or frustration has gone from your system.
Think!
What do you have that can help you in this situation? Your mind is your greatest survival tool!
Observe!
Where should you stay? If you told someone where you were going, people may be searching for you. Is there an open area
where the searchers would have a better chance of seeing you?
Plan!
In most cases the priority should be as follows.
- Find or make shelter against the elements
- Build a fire for heat
- Signal to attract attention
- Find water