Whether you are planning a short, half-day hike in the mountains, or a five day backpacking excursion down into the Grand Canyon, you will need certain equipment, information and most importantly, common sense. If you are a novice at backpacking and/or hiking, you should purchase a good book outlining what you will need to take, speak with an expert and even attend seminars or talks that are held at many outdoor gear stores.
Expert Insight
Karen Berger, an expert backpacker and hiker who has trekked all over the world and written extensively about it, suggests that you examine specific topics before you set off. Some of these topics include knowing the difference between East Coast hiking and West Coast hiking; learning the new airline security regulations about what gear you can take on with you; understanding climbing ratings and how to calculate mileage from a map.
Essentials
Backpacking and hiking can be extremely enjoyable and great exercise, but it is surprising how unprepared people are for shifts in weather, emergencies and losing their way. According to Backpacking.net, to avoid some of these pitfalls, you should carry the "The 14 Essentials:" map, compass, flashlight/headlamp, extra food, extra clothes, sunglasses, first-aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, firestarter, water/filter/bottles, whistle, insect repellent, sunblock.
Using Common Sense
There are no exact statistics that can tell you how many people die or are injured each year from accidents occurring while they are backpacking, but you do hear reports of people falling to their deaths while climbing even a relatively small mountain (little less than 14,000 ft above sea level), are buried by snow avalanches, or who wandered away from a group and became lost. This is where common sense comes in and some important areas should be discussed about how to deal with emergency situations.
Significance
According to Rick Curtis, director of Outdoor Action Program, there are steps you can take to prevent any of these worst case scenarios. He says that before you get started on any backpacking trip, know who is in charge. Assigning a leader to any group situation makes things infinitely easier if an emergency arises. Your group leader should be the person with the most skill in handling emergency situations, and they should possess composure and a reassuring attitude so that a group does not lose hope.
Prevention/Solution
In an emergency, Curtis lists some of the responses that should be elicited by the group leader. They are assess the situation; develop a response plan; reassess situation and re-plan; assume leadership of the group and delegate responsibility, and make the victim as comfortable as possible. However, this is a worst case scenario and most accidents can be avoided if you use common sense. Common sense dictates that if you are a novice, don't backpack or hike without someone who is knowledgeable about the area and always let other people know where you are going. If you are an expert, don't become overly confident in your abilities. Know your limits and just enjoy being outdoors.
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