Live to Hike Another Day
A common sense approach to safety on the trail
Class Outline

It is not our intention here that a few words on a web page substitutes for adequate training and preparation.  But for the beginning hiker especially, the more you know, the better off you are.  Realize this is a class outline only, that many items on the list might not have a lot of meaning outside the context of the class, and that each item on the list is intended to be discussed in further detail in a classroom setting.

Is backcountry hiking safe?
    Murders, muggings - happen anywhere, least on trail, more dangerous to walk from house to car
    Greater dangers from injury, getting lost
    Appropriate for older generations?
    Planning and preparedness - anticipate risks and possible issues
    Don't depend on good luck and wishful thinking

Hike your own hike
    Know your own limits
    Never hesitate to abort a hike if you doubt your capacity to do it safely - go someplace else

Do not hike alone, stay together
Notify someone of your route and expected return time
    Whistle, walkie talkies, fluorescent-colored shirts
    No cell phone signal in most areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gear:
    What would you wish you had with you if you were stranded or had an emergency?
    We seldom carry the same combination of gear twice, depending on the conditions of a given hike
    Return to the pack anything not in use, do not strew gear around
        - if a bear approaches you may need to grab things up quickly
    Waterproof anything that can't survive a rain shower (Ziploc bags are a blessing)

    Sturdy footwear
    Layered clothing (mountain conditions can change quickly)
    Hiking staff - tripod effect
    Rain gear (poncho, rain coat/suit, umbrella)
    Whistle (emergency signal, repels bears)
    Insect repellent
    Flashlight (we use crank-type - no batteries)
    Map and compass
    Food, water, water purification tablets (bring more food and water than you expect to use)
    (See handout for detailed gear list)

Emergency kits:
    An emergency kit is more than just first aid - you could become stranded overnight
    First aid kit, repair kit, overnight bivouac/survival kit
Using a small fanny pack lets you grab it and go
Don't just buy a generic Walmart kit
    We carry a few items separately for quick access
(See handout for detailed kit inventory)

Hydration:
    Importance of hydration, if thirsty you're already dehydrated, cold weather increases need
    Two-bottle system (a quart of water weighs two pounds)
    Water purification - resist the urge to commune with Nature untreated
    Purification tablets - discard supply when they begin to turn brown/speckled
    Filters are unreliable - read the fine print before purchasing
    Boiling
 
Wildlife:
    Bears
        Present whether you see them or not - stay alert for them
        Always have whistle close at hand
        Don't spread gear around
        Realize food, trash and toiletry odors will attract bears
        No dogs
        Bear spray vs. air horn
    Boars
        Not a big threat - easy to run off
    Snakes
        Watch where you plant your feet
        Snake bite kit in emergency kit - no longer use scalpel (found in older kits)
    Bees
        If allergic make preparations, tell partner
        Ground hornets
        Ticks - check yourself and each other, removal tool

Injuries:
    Educate yourself in first aid techniques
    Anticipate the accident to prevent the accident
    Don't jump down what you can't jump up
        Falls
        Cuts, scrapes
        Twisted ankles/knees

Water crossing:
    Scout possible routes, plan every step before beginning
    Beware wet rocks or logs
    Logs may collapse, rocks may shift
    Use hiking staff as tripod (always have two "legs" planted securely)
    Plan what to do if you fall, be prepared to shed pack
    Waterproof any items that could not survive immersion
    Turn back if you are not certain you can complete the crossing safely

Steep inclines:
    Alpine lock step
    Zigzag to create your own switchback (Works on downhill, too)

Avoiding getting lost:
    Stay on visible trails if inexperienced in off-trail hiking (practice off-trail with someone experienced)
    Learn map and compass - if you doubt your compass, trust it anyway
    Look behind you at intersections (trail will look different on the way out)
    GPS, walkie talkies
    Baseline orientation, follow water downhill
    If lost, do not wander (hug a tree), leave notes
    Use whistle instead of shouting (3 whistles in a row = international distress signal)
    Take extra food, clothing, rain gear
    Learn fire-building and survival skills

If you end up out after dark:
    Always pack flashlight
    Stay on the trail
    Know when to bivouac for the night (emergency kit with overnight/survival gear)
Slogans to live by:
    "Know your own limits"
        Can enjoy building strength and expanding capabilities
    "Hike your own hike"
        Do not compare yourself to others
        Pride cometh before a fall
    "Know when to abort"
        Nothing is worth risking health, safety, gear
    "Live to hike another day"

A few concluding thoughts:
    Have fun - don't take yourself too seriously
    Learning is part of the enjoyment
    You never stop learning (and you wouldn't want to stop learning)
    Never lose sight that the reason we hike is not to cover miles from point A to point B
    We hike because we simply want to be out there