Hiking into wild country is a popular pastime. It's great to get away and rediscover the beauty of nature. However, it's crazy to take off without knowing how to go out and return safely. You owe it to yourself and others to educate yourself on backcountry and outdoor safety procedures.
Some of the rules are not so different from everyday precautions. When you are exercising, you need to stay hydrated. This is something people continue to neglect. Since many of us go through life in a state of dehydration, perhaps it's not so surprising. However, when you're far from civilization, having enough water along can mean the difference between having a fun day and dying out there.
When exercising lightly on a mild day, a person needs 2 to 3 quarts of water a day. High temperatures raise this amount to 3 to 4 quarts. If you're working really hard, like climbing a mountain, you'll need even more. Most people know this. However, many don't know that cold weather also increases the need for water. Every breath in dry cold causes a loss of moisture, so you need at least 3 quarts of water daily. It's always a good idea to add a little salt to your water; try adding some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for added electrolytes.
You need to check weather conditions before you out. Base temperature is important, but so is humidity and wind velocity. On hot and humid days, it's harder to stay cool by perspiring. Your core temperature may rise to dangerous heights if you do too much. In cold weather, a stiff breeze can make you lose body heat quickly. This is the 'wind chill', which you may hear on the weather report.
The right clothes are important. A light jacket may be enough when you start out, but the weather can change. If you get caught in the rain and your clothes are not designed to be warm when wet, you can get chilled enough to impair you. Layers are great on the trail, since you can take them off and put them on according to what the weather does.
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.
This brings up another point that you need to consider. What if you or a companion needs to be evacuated? It's vitally important that you have a plan for such a contingency. Make sure the folks at home know where you're headed. Know how to summon help if you need it. Cell phones don't always work well in the outback. Educate yourself on ways to send emergency signals.
It's important to know what to do in a crisis. Learn first aid techniques; improper first aid can make things worse. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, or of hypothermia and frostbite. Know how to tell if you or someone else is seriously dehydrated. Know how to deal with a sprain, a broken bone, an animal attack, and other hazards. This knowledge can save you or someone else on the trail.
Some of the rules are not so different from everyday precautions. When you are exercising, you need to stay hydrated. This is something people continue to neglect. Since many of us go through life in a state of dehydration, perhaps it's not so surprising. However, when you're far from civilization, having enough water along can mean the difference between having a fun day and dying out there.
When exercising lightly on a mild day, a person needs 2 to 3 quarts of water a day. High temperatures raise this amount to 3 to 4 quarts. If you're working really hard, like climbing a mountain, you'll need even more. Most people know this. However, many don't know that cold weather also increases the need for water. Every breath in dry cold causes a loss of moisture, so you need at least 3 quarts of water daily. It's always a good idea to add a little salt to your water; try adding some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for added electrolytes.
You need to check weather conditions before you out. Base temperature is important, but so is humidity and wind velocity. On hot and humid days, it's harder to stay cool by perspiring. Your core temperature may rise to dangerous heights if you do too much. In cold weather, a stiff breeze can make you lose body heat quickly. This is the 'wind chill', which you may hear on the weather report.
The right clothes are important. A light jacket may be enough when you start out, but the weather can change. If you get caught in the rain and your clothes are not designed to be warm when wet, you can get chilled enough to impair you. Layers are great on the trail, since you can take them off and put them on according to what the weather does.
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.
This brings up another point that you need to consider. What if you or a companion needs to be evacuated? It's vitally important that you have a plan for such a contingency. Make sure the folks at home know where you're headed. Know how to summon help if you need it. Cell phones don't always work well in the outback. Educate yourself on ways to send emergency signals.
It's important to know what to do in a crisis. Learn first aid techniques; improper first aid can make things worse. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, or of hypothermia and frostbite. Know how to tell if you or someone else is seriously dehydrated. Know how to deal with a sprain, a broken bone, an animal attack, and other hazards. This knowledge can save you or someone else on the trail.
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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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