Hiking makes for a great pastime because of different reasons: enjoyment, physical fitness and de-stressing. But while hiking surely has perks and benefits, it can also result in accidents and other unfortunate mishaps. It has been reported that there are approximately 50,000 hiking-related search and rescue missions each year. While hiking in a back country may seem like a totally simple outdoor activity, there are still some possibilities that may cause your hiking trip to go awry. Falling, twisted ankles, thunderstorms and getting lost are just some of the potential incidents that can ruin your day and worse, put you in great danger.
That's why it is very important to take with you a wilderness survival kit when you decide to go on hiking trips in back countries. Now, most people would think that survival kits are only used by extreme backpackers and that common hikers surely would not need one. But as mentioned above, that surely is not the case.
That's why it is very important to take with you a wilderness survival kit when you decide to go on hiking trips in back countries. Now, most people would think that survival kits are only used by extreme backpackers and that common hikers surely would not need one. But as mentioned above, that surely is not the case.
Planning is extremely important before you go out for a hike. In deciding what to put in your survival kit, make sure to consider possible situations that may arise during your trip. The contents of your kit will depend on how long and how far out into the wilderness you will be. Also, if you have made a plan of this, make sure to stick to it and not go farther and longer than you planned, hence your kit will not be of much use.
Here are some suggestions of what your survival kit should consist of:
1. Water. Dehydration is one of the most probable causes of death in the event of a hiking disaster. Make sure to pack enough water and also include a water filtering device in case you run out of drinkable water.
2. Food. It might also be a good idea to pack energy bars and other read-to-eat food so that you never run out of energy.
3. A first aid kit. Another possible thing that might kill you out in the wilderness is an injury. Make sure that its contents will be enough to treat a mild or a more serious wound.
4. Light sources. Pack in waterproof matches, flashlights or lighters. These will prove useful in case you to start a fire for heat, to see in the darkness or better yet, to catch the attention of rescuers.
5. A knife. The knife has been a tried and tested survival tool because it can be used in various ways; from catching food, starting a fire and building a shelter. It is best if you pick a multipurpose, high quality utility knife.
But even if you are well-equipped with a wilderness survival kit, it would still be pointless or of little use without knowledge in survival tactics and skills. So before engaging in different activities in the wilderness, even if you insist that it will just be an innocent family camping trip, educate yourself with survival techniques to ensure you and your companions' safety.
While carrying a survival kit will definitely not prevent accidents from happening, it will surely aid you in surviving your ordeal. A well-equipped gear coupled with awareness about survival can surely minimize that great number of yearly search and rescue missions.
Article Source: Jazmine A Cunningham
No comments:
Post a Comment