Another Stay Smart Stay Alive Link

Interesting article. If the person gets hurt and needs help that's one thing, but it aggitates me when people go out ill prepared. We see it happen all the time...they weren't wearing winter coats, boots, or should have had snow shoes, or had no compass or means to start a fire. I think that these people should be held accountable for their negligence. Yes accidents do happen, but it is this total negligence by SOME of these people that puts rescuers in often dangerous situations that could have been otherwise avoided.
 
I think even the experienced can get complacent. I think often people really do believe there is "no" chance that they will spend a night outside. They leave the emergency bivy at home, or the map because they "know" the trail. I have family hiking in NH today, its got me thinking about them. Also makes me want to brush up on my navigation skills, as in Compass, Map.
 
Smash, I agree fully with what you are saying. Something can go wrong with the most seasoned hiker, and has. I am just refering to the people that head out behind the eight-ball to start with, the people with no where near the proper gear for the terrain, weather changes, or the possibility of having to spend an unplanned night in the woods.
 
My wife and I are constantly hiking on our own 537 acres and even though it is my backyard I still carry the basics: first aid kit, Fire starting, compass and space blanket. Just in case, hey you never know.
Oldman/Marty Simon
 
I don't feel so crazy now when I gear up for a simple day hike. There is a reason there is space in daypacks for extras. Does anyone feel like the proliferation of gear stores and ultra-lite hiking has lead to people either taking unnecessary risks, or putting too much faith in high technology gear?
 
Oldman/Marty you are a very lucky guy to have your own 537 acres:thumbup:.
I feel the same way, you just never know when you'll need to make a fire, determine direction, set up a make-shift camp for the night, etc...Hypothermia is probably the most dangerous thing the average hiker faces in the northern U.S. I always have a fanny pack with all the basic essentials for small hikes, and a day pack for the longer hikes.

Smash, yes I believe that some people don't stay within their limitations. It's nice to enjoy the outdoors and have fun, but you have to determine what is safe and ethical, and this varies from person to person. Some people take a compass and don't know how to use it, some take a magnesium firestarter never having used it before, but that's okay because it will only be used if they use up their 3 matches:rolleyes:. The one piece of technology I see really taking away from good skills that should be learned is the use of a GPS vs a compass. There is no problem with the GPS (although I don't use one), but make sure you can use a compass as well. The thing I don't understand is how some people will not take something on a hike that they should to save 2.25 ounces, yet they need to lose 50 lbs.
 
Good points being made, though one point on hypothermia. It's a little known fact by the general outdoor going public that you can succumb to hypothermia in temperatures as high as 50F. Not only is staying dry important, but also hydrated while out and about. Poor hydration and wet clothing can lead to hypothermia, as well as being under-dressed for conditions.

I agree, if you're not physically fit, carrying a few incidentals can be the difference between life and death....but most of us here know this so sorry to preach to the choir.
 
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