The outdoor boom that began during the pandemic has had staying power. Since 2020, the number of people visiting state and national parks has soared. Unfortunately, so too have the number of search-and-rescue efforts, as many people enter the backcountry woefully unprepared. With funding cuts at the national park and forest levels — and with volunteer response teams stretched thin — now is a good time to learn how to recreate safely in the wild.
“A lot of the call types we’ve had are people getting stuck in technical terrain that exceeds their ability,” said Chris Carr, a paramedic in Colorado, referring to environments that demand agility and skill to traverse.
Gear that is more accessible to novices, social media posts from beautiful locales and a false sense of security carrying a cellphone creates may all be playing a role here.
If you’re planning a trip into the wilderness, here are some steps that can help you avoid becoming a statistic this summer.
Do your homework
Before you leave home, get out your guidebooks, look at official websites and learn about any trails, mountains or terrain you plan to explore. Keep in mind that the terrain you’re used to at home might be different from what you encounter on a new trail; the drier, dustier surfaces of the West are a different experience than the rocks, roots and mud you’ll frequently encounter in the East. “Wilderness areas can be vast and can get remote quickly. Start small and don’t take on big chunks right out of the gate,” said Corenne Black, a forest ranger with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
In some areas, like New York’s Adirondack Park, where Ms. Black works, it can be easy to make a wrong turn or get off trail if you’re not paying close attention. While apps like “All Trails” can be helpful, you shouldn’t always depend on your electronics, either. Learning to use an old-fashioned map and compass — and bringing them with you — can mean the difference between a planned day hike and spending the night in the wilderness.
Also create a plan B, or even C. “Think about what you’ll do if you get into trouble,” recommended Marielle Fibish, a senior outdoor guide with the Appalachian Mountain Club. “Have a plan that includes key decision points before hitting the trail. What’s a deal breaker for safety? What’s your limit for turnaround times? Know your evacuation points, too.”
If you have access to hiking safety classes where you live, take advantage of them. Some states, like New Hampshire, offer a website full of tips, as well as a “safe hiking” card, which you can purchase annually (New Hampshire’s fee is $25). The funds support local response teams and, in some cases, protect you from liability costs if you wind up needing a rescue.
Pay attention to the weather
The Montana-based outdoorsman Jon Garcia has tried to climb Chief Mountain in Glacier National Park three different times, and each time, he turned back because of thick fog or clouds. “We could hardly see what direction we came from, so it would have been absolute nonsense moving forward with our plan to summit,” he said. “As many times as you may want it, sometimes a mountain doesn’t agree.”
Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. What starts as a bluebird day can quickly deteriorate into a raging thunderstorm, for instance. Check your ego at the trailhead and be willing to admit it’s time to turn around if the weather is getting sketchy. In Western mountains like the Rockies, for instance, if you haven’t started descending from a peak by noon, you could face lightning storms, which routinely roll in during late afternoons. Keep in mind, too, that for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained, the temperature will drop about three degrees Fahrenheit. A 90-degree day at the foot of a mountain might mean a puffy jacket at the top.
Gear up
From the right clothing to the right amount of food and water, gear can make or break your day on the trails. Using the tried-and-true “10 Essentials” list — which advises packing water, food and a first aid kit, for example — is a must. “You can never prepare for every scenario because your backpack would be too big,” Mr. Carr said. “But envision the most reasonable worst-case scenario.”
Even if you don’t intend to spend the night in the wilderness, be prepared to manage if you do. “You won’t be comfortable, but you’ll survive,” he said, adding that you should always have a space blanket and an emergency layer of clothing.
Also make note in advance where your water sources are and carry a filter — many small, lightweight options are available. In the West during the summer, riverbeds may run dry, so pack 25 percent more water than you think you’ll need, said Mr. Carr.
If you’re new to the backcountry and don’t have all the gear you need, sources like the Appalachian Mountain Club have gear libraries that lend items — along with knowledgeable staff to guide you in selecting the best equipment for your adventure.
Finally, make sure you’ve got a way to communicate. The newest iterations of smartphones are beginning to include emergency SOS capability via satellite, but batteries die. Having a backup, like a satellite phone with two-way communications capabilities, is better. And if you’re venturing out alone, make sure someone at home knows where you are and your expected time of arrival when finished.
The post How to Stay Safe While Enjoying the Backcountry This Summer appeared first on New York Times.
