Why venture into the wilderness?
• It is human nature to explore
• Enjoyment of our natural surroundings
• Health and fitness benefits
• Personal skill development
• Camaraderie and friendship
What’s required of us personally?
• Physical fitness appropriate for the activity
• Objectivity and awareness for our surroundings
• Consideration for our environment
What is required of us a group?
• Consideration for the well being of your fellow hiker
• Knowing each of your strengths and limitations
• Knowing when to call it quits
Simple
• Keep your objective plans simple and try to avoid making major changes to your trip on the day of the hike which are not included in the plan
• Everyone should know where they are going, what they are doing and what they are getting themselves into.
Measurable
• What are the goals and objectives of the trip?
• Are they to walk a trail, go rock climbing, bag a peak?
• Are individual group members agreed on these goals?
Achievable
• What are the distances and what terrain is involved to reach our objective
• What are the potential obstacles
Realistic
• Does the trip meet the limitations and abilities of each individual in your hiking group (Physical, Equipment, Medical, ability)
• Are you being honest with yourself and others when you say that you are capable of doing the trip
Time Frame
• Planning time shouldn’t be about how far you can go. It’s about the amount of time you have in a day to travel safely within the existing conditions
Preparation
• Obtain information about your trip (maps, books, pictures, trip reports)
• Pack for potential changes to Outcomes• First Aid and survival packs are always
essential• Do you have the right Footwear and
waterproof clothing/protection• Leave a trip plan with family friends or
local authorities
Prevention
• Have you slept?
• Have you eaten?
• Are you hydrated or thirsty?
• These are things to consider on the day you are leaving for a big hike or backpacking trip
Observe, Observe, Observe
• Observe your intended route (check with eyes, map, compass (GPS if available)
• Observe your Weather (Cloud cover, mountain fog, Lightening, UV/Solar
• Observe your Terrain (Avalanche paths, Terrain Traps, Mountain Exposure flooding, predatory animals
• It’s not a simple toss of the coin on what to do next
• Has the weather changed?
• Are you running out of time?
• Are individuals tired or exhausted?
• Do you have the equipment and experience to continue on
• Are you lost or about to get lost?
• Any one or combination of the above would suggest that you need to think about turning around. There is always another day.
Resources available
http://avalanche.ca/http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/advisory/index.htm
http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-74_metric_e.htmlhttp://bivouac.com/
http://www.clubtread.com/index.asphttp://trailpeak.com/
http://www.mec.ca/splash.jsphttp://www.gps-practice-and-fun.com/gps-software.html
http://www.garmin.com/