Brave the Elements
Weather can have a big impact on your outdoor experience. Here are some ideas on how you can plan for and deal with changing weather conditions on the forest:
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Before you leave, find out the weather report
- When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes.
- Carry a compact weather radio.
- In inclement weather, find shelter until the worst passes.
- Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Keep sleeping bags and important gear dry at all times.
Dress for the elements
- Dress in layers so you can put on or take off different pieces of clothing as weather conditions change.
- Wear moisture-wicking fabrics rather than cotton so you can stay drier.
- Warm, sunny days can turn cold and wet in short order.
- Storms can form quickly, especially in mountainous terrain.
- Winter conditions will warrant heavier, water-resistant and properly insulated clothing.
Bring the Ten Essentials
- Local Heat can be extreme but its important to drink water regardless of weather.
- As a general rule about one half-liter to 1 liter of water should be carried per hour when performing moderate activity and temperatures.
- Drink often, especially frequent small sips.
- Drink more at altitude.
- Basic first aid supplies include sterile gauze and pads, bandaids, moleskin, etc.
- Bring extra medication, especially on longer hikes and backpacking trips.
- Check and replace items at least once a year. Certain items can expire.
- A lot of outdoor recreation requires extra calories.
- It helps ward off hypothermia in cold, wet weather and it keeps you thinking clearly in a crisis.
- Flint and Steel
- Always include fire starter with matches.
- Put a small chunk of fire starter along with your matches and a striker in a waterproof case.
- Recommended: Carry the case in your pocket. If you get separated from your pack, it is good to have on you.
- Matches
- Use "Strike-anywhere" or waterproof matches.
- Place the matches in a waterproof case. A small plastic waterproof match containers sold at sporting goods stores work fine.
- Carry a paper map or guide along with your GPS or virtual map. Paper maps do not run out of batteries.
- Even if you carry a GPS device, you still need a compass.
- Practice using a compass at home before an emergency.
- Bring extra batteries and bulb in a waterproof case.
- Recommended: headlamp so you can go hands-free.
- Even it it's a sunny day, you should carry a least a rain jacket.
- Stay away from cotton which can dangerous for keeping warm when wet.
- Good to have all year round.
- Particularly important with the risk of snow blindness when you are in snowy country.
- From kindling to cooking, a pocket knife serves so many purposes in the outdoors.
- Shelter
- The best way of surviving prolonged exposure is to have some type of roof over your head and a dry floor under you.
- Tents, tarps, emergency blankets, and even blankets can work. Emergency blankets are usually the easiest and lightest option as a backup.
- Winter Travel Considerations
- For winter travel, make sure you have adequate extra clothing.
- A portable shovel is an important winter survival tool.
- In avalanche terrain, a shovel, beacon, and probe are essentials.
- Lakes and Rivers
- A life jacket is a must.