Backpacking Safety Tips, Part 1

Planning ahead is a must, and one of the vital things included under this heading is that you must ensure beforehand whether there are any unexpected mishaps that might ruin your plans from the outset, eg doing research on trail closures or related important bulletins on the internet prior to commencing on your trip to ensure that the trail(s) you are planning to hike are open.

Always go in a group, never solely, to reduce the helplessness that arises when emergencies occurs, like running into bears, getting lost on the trail, accidents etc. Statistics and facts indicate that bears tend to avoid humans if they are in a group, same for cougars. Always bring all items that are strictly necessary for the trip, nothing more, to reduce the risk of over exertion or back or spinal injury due to overloading your backpack never hike at night, as you cannot see where you're going as clearly as you can in broad daylight. Always carry sufficient sun lotion, sun screen, sun shades/glasses, lip balm and preferably a wide brimmed hat. Carry bear spray/aerosol and ensure you know how to use them carry sufficient food to last the entirety of the trip. Make sure there is extra in case you get lost and needs to stay longer in the wilderness.

Always boil or filter water you get from lakes, streams, creeks, rivers etc. before consumption. Make sure you use a reliable filter and be familiar with how to use it. Never light stoves or fires inside tents/pavilions etc. to avoid fires or smoke inhalation. Always bring along sufficient change of clothes and socks to keep yourself high and dry for the entirety of the trip.

Always be bear ready - watch for tell-tale signs, eg bear droppings, berries, half eaten carcasses of small animals, and claw damaged tree trunks on the trail. Ensure that you have reviewed and understand the necessary "be bear aware" pamphlets widely available all across the nation, and that you possess the common sense needed during bear encounters in order to save your life and that of others. Also make sure that all members of your group are aware of the same.

Carry a GPS and better still, a compass to ensure you don't get lost. Also carry a well marked map of the entire trip to assist you. Carry communications equipment like 2-way radios, ham radio sets etc. for ease of locating you in case you got lost. For that matter, always bring along spare batteries as there's rarely a chance to recharge batteries in the wilderness.

Always drink enough fluids, particularly if it's a scorcher of a day to avoid dehydration or sunstroke, also get as much shade from the sun as possible on such days. Always eat a full meal before each hike as your body demands it. Never assume, as hikes are often very long, grueling and strenuous climbs or descents.

Be familiar with your backpacking gear and how to use them, eg setting up tents, lighting stoves or lamps, tie knots, use bear sprays etc. Bring along a sturdy knife and plenty of rope as the need arises. A first aid kit is a must for everyone. Also, it is preferable if some members of your group knows how to perform basic life saving procedures like CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, stopping bleeding or tying tourniquets etc. Insect repellants/lotions and head nets, insect proof clothing etc. are necessary for all trips to the wilderness in summer.

Never pick or consume wild mushrooms or fungi or any plants/berry like fruits that are strange to you - they can be lethal. Always let friends or relatives know where you're heading so that a search can be conducted easier whenever you're lost or stranded in the wilderness. Avoid dangerous activities like scaling steep outcrops, overhangs, or cliffs by obeying the hazard signs posted near these areas. Always pack your much needed medication and don't forget to take them regularly as needed.

Be alert to what your group is doing and never wander off from the group for maximum safety. Never ford swift flowing streams, creeks, rivers etc. unless you can handle them. Only do so if there's no other way to reach your destination and only under the utmost caution and always follow directions of experienced members of your group.

Never light fires and obey all fire hazard signs. Make sure you get plenty of rest all along the trip as your body demands it, ie never over exert yourself. Avoid drinking anything with caffeine at night as you need plenty of sleep for the next day's hike to avoid injuries or exhaustion.

Make good use of ropes to hoist or lower heavy backpacks/loads at tall or steep rock faces/mountainsides as the case may be. For that matter, ensure you are familiar with tying strong, sturdy knots to avoid injury to self or others or damage to vital backpacking equipment.

Always carry a good whistle for warning the group whenever sudden emergencies occur or when a gathering for briefing arises. Always follow the tracks of the person(s) in front of you when trekking in snow to avoid slipping or stepping on hidden crevasses. Ensure you bring the proper gear for backpacking in snow, ie crampons, snowshoes, trekking poles for winter trekking etc.

Avoid being attracted to or exploring caves as they may be inhabited by wild animals eg bears. If ever you become lost on the trail, always look for clear and readily available landmarks, eg rivers, lakes, telephone wire poles, and rely on your compass, or make good use of your communications equipment if all else fails.

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