By Mike A Law
The following is the sequel to my last article: ?Backpacking Tips, Part 1?
Keep important equipment like car keys, documents, maps, electronic devices, matches, stoves, batteries, food, fire starters etc. in a dry sack and well sealed to prevent them getting wet and ruined.
Be aware of tide tables whenever you need to hike on beaches or the sea coast to avoid being suddenly stranded by high tide.
Never settle for inferior equipment just because of economic reasons because these may fail you when you need them most.
Never take unnecessary short cuts unless absolutely certain they are safe and that you won?t lose your way in the process.
Always bring with you spare change or money, as you never know when it will come in handy.
If possible, make notes or keep a log of your daily hike so that you can rely on them to get your bearings right when doing the return hike, especially when having to hike through badly marked or maintained trails.
Consume as much energy drinks, gel or bars as you can as they help you a lot as you go along.
Never take shelter under trees during thunderstorms, and try not to pitch tent under trees when you know a thunderstorm is imminent. Also learn how to set up your tent?s fly, tarp and footprint underneath the tent to prevent water seepage and getting everything wet overnight.
Avoid smoking during hiking as this is a potential fire hazard. Ensure all fires or barbecue pits are thoroughly extinguished before moving on to prevent fires. For that matter, obey fire prohibition notices whenever they are posted on the trail.
Avoid feeding wildlife, as this will do them more harm than good, and also especially large animals as this can be dangerous to the person feeding them.
Keep an even pace to reduce having stragglers for maximum safety for everyone.
Bring warm/thermal sleeping bags and mattresses for spring/winter or high altitude camping and summer bedding equipment for all other seasons.
Use odourless sun screen/lotions to reduce attracting bears. Toothpaste attracts them and should be strung up high or kept in bear proof lockers.
Do stretching exercises daily to reduce cramps. Also must tread carefully when hiking to avoid injuries eg sprained ankles etc. Be familiar with how to call up the emergency/rescue services when the need arises. In that case, always be aware of your whereabouts by using GPS, compass, maps etc. in order to assist rescuers pinpoint your position. Always carry flares/beacons for this purpose, and as for flares, must know how to set them off, as they are hazardous for the inexperienced useralways plan ahead so that you know when water rationing is necessary by mapping out your route thoroughly and adequately.
Always use footwear with excellent tread on the soles for maximum traction.
Never let your backpack out of your sight when lodging in backpacking hostels/motels. If possible, store your valuables with the hostel manager in the front or reception area.
Try not to have too large a group when hiking and camping as most backcountry campsites are walk-in (non reservable) sites with little space and very cramped and small tent pads. In any event, must plan well ahead of the trip.
Never take pets with you when backpacking unless allowed by the Parks? rules.
Sanitation and personal hygiene must be observed for the sake of everyone. For that matter, must carry sufficient toilet paper. Many National Parks prohibit polluting lakes, rivers, streams etc. with things like soap etc., therefore, must use camp or biodegradable soap for washing and cleaning.
Be educated or familiar with how to deal with snake bites and call the emergency services without delay whenever this happens.
Lastly, mountain weather is unpredictable and can change suddenly and abruptly. Therefore be alert to this, especially weather bulletins and trail conditions beforehand, and carry enough warm clothing or rain or snow proof gear/covering. Never proceed in face of whiteout or blizzard conditions as these are very hazardous, rather pitch tent right away and wait out the snowstorm. Same for heavy thunderstorms and downpours, to avoid getting drenched and hypothermia.
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This list is not meant to be exhaustible, but it covers the main essentials, and as long as one adheres to these points, you can derive the maximum enjoyment from backpacking safely and have lots of fun from doing so.
That?s all for now. I hope you find this article helpful. I have used personal experience and research to gather materials for this article, and I promise to to an update article whenever I come across more essentials to share with you all.
About the Author:
Mike Law owns http://www.MikeLawSite.com
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Source: http://theboardmagazine.com/2012/12/backpacking-safety-tips-part-2/
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