Being Safe While Out on the Trail
I usually add a little commentary about safety here and there in my posts, but was considering dedicating an entire post to trail safety when I came across a post from one of my online friends (The Running Fat Guy). He is a trail runner, and the post leans in that direction, but all of his points apply directly to hikers, as well.
The Dangers of Trail Racing – Part 3
Parts one and two, while great reads, don’t truly encapsulate what I’d like to say as well as part three does.
Comments: 6 Comments
Thanks for the shout! Just so you know my feelings – I agree 100% with you. However, when you talk to most people about trail running, they always fear that which they can’t control. I spent many years hiking and backpacking, and whenver I came across an emergency, it was most often caused by lack or preparation. Heck, even the day the brown bear took my pack in Sequoia – it was because I went to sleep and left my pack on the ground! Duh!
How about a knife? Bear Grylls always has his knife handy in the wild.
He also has a camera crew…
I’ve learned to ignore most of the things he does, like jump off of cliffs.
I actually had a “trail safety” story from my hike up San Bernardino Peak last Saturday. (http://socalhiker.net/2010/06/san-bernardino-peak/) I didn’t hydrate properly. I brought plenty of water, and drank that (plus electrolytes) but I started out dehydrated and by the time I started drinking, it was too late. Nothing serious, but I reach a point on the trail about one mile from the summit where I knew it would be unwise to continue.
I rested, rehydrated, started back down, rested, rehydrated, continued down. By the time we were back at the trailhead I was fine again. But I learned my lesson.
Not to self promote, but you’re welcome to use some or all of what I wrote up here http://www.socaltrails.com/hiking-info/staying-safe/
Most of it is contributions from fellow long distance hikers, and a few tricks I learned on the Appalachian Trail.
Please, self promote all you want. It’s a great resource!