SOL Escape Lite Bivvy Review
As the ice crinkled on my bag and water melted from around my face and dripped into my eyes, I pondered on the fantastic claims[Read More…]
As the ice crinkled on my bag and water melted from around my face and dripped into my eyes, I pondered on the fantastic claims[Read More…]
Unbeknownst to many, California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains are the site of a multitude of plane crashes— with 48 known crashes since 1932. This rugged and[Read More…]
The mistake that many of our rescued subjects make is thinking they will go for a “short day hike” which takes a turn for the worse when they get lost or injured. Being prepared means that when conditions change you have a better chance of survival.
Next came the Presidentials, famous for their world record windspeeds and violent, unpredictable weather. As I made my way down and into Pinkham Notch, I could not shake the sinking feeling that was wrenching my gut.
Staying Warm. Always remember the mantra: “Nothing keeps you warm like hypothermia.” If you are feeling a bit nippy one of the best things to do is to find a nice, frigid alpine like, throw off your pack and jump in with all of your driest clothes on. Although this might make you a little colder initially, after a few minutes you’ll be basking in the heat of hypothermia. Aaaaah, toasty.
Here are some typical, clever and downright ingenious ways to use this popular cord. Leaving the obvious uses aside, such as securing equipment, stringing up tarps, or hanging a makeshift clothesline for wet gear, paracord can be used for emergency aid to make a splint, tie a sling, or even weave a stretcher. The individual strings inside the sheath can be pulled out for use in suturing wounds, as dental floss or for repairing torn clothing to prevent hypothermia.
The most important survival tool that you can carry into the wilderness fits neatly between your ears. Knowledge, experience, and a little common sense will serve you better than any amount of equipment that you could possibly haul into the outback. Year after year reports surface about some lost hiker or skier that died of hyperthermia even though they had a pack containing shelter, a sleeping bag, and dry clothing. Survival gear without the knowledge of how to use it properly will do nothing for you.
Planning for the unexpected is part of every experienced outdoorsperson’s preparation regardless of destination, activity or time spent out. Common medical issues in the backcountry range from cuts and scrapes and blisters. Serious scenarios include broken bones, shock, or anaphylaxis from an insect sting. In the frontcountry we have the luxury of a rapid EMS system response- help is here within 2-10 minutes of calling 911.
Everyone tells you to NOT PANIC in an emergency, but few can tell you what TO do – the opposite of panic. If you have no positive alternative, who can blame you for panicking, doing something stupid and giving up?
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