Preparation and Prevention

     According to the Charley Shimanski* of Mountain Rescue there are ten essential items that every hiker and backpacker should carry. They are:

	U. S. Geological Survey topographic map and magnetic compass
	Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
	Extra clothing including mittens, hat,  jacket, and rain gear
	Sunglasses
	Extra food and water
	Waterproof matches in a waterproof container
	Candle/ Fire starter
	Pocket knife
	First aid kit
	Space blanket or two large heavy-duty trash bags

Hypothermia

     The main cause of death in the back country is hypothermia. The best way to prevent this is by layering clothing. One big advantage of layering clothing is you can add and remove protection in small amounts to balance heat loss. Layering clothing traps dead air for additional weight-free insulation.

     Remember it is important to remove layers of clothing before you begin sweating and add clothing before you get cold.

     Your body can lose heat in 5 ways.

     Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. If you sit on a cold rock your body heat will move through your clothes to the rock below. If your clothing gets wet you will loss heat 240 times faster than dry clothing.

     Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of air. The body heats the air close to the skin. Wind moves this warm air away quickly causing the body to need to start warming the air again.

     Evaporation occurs when you sweat. This results in losing heat from your body. You will lose too much heat if you do not do a good job of removing layers of clothing at the proper time.

     Radiation is the movement of rays of heat from a warm object to a colder one. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees, half of your body temperature can be lost through your head by the process of radiation.

     The final way we lose body heat is through respiration. Fifty percent more of our body's energy is used in the winter by our body warming the air we breath. As much as one-third of our body-heat can be lost through breathing. Covering your mouth with a scarf can help prevent this body heat lost.

Getting Prepared for an Outdoor Trip

     Be sure to let others know exactly what your plans are. Someone should know were you plan to be and when you plan to return. If you vary from this plan contact should be made with the new plans. This will help search teams know where to look if you do not return on time.

     Plan your route. Varying from a well marked trail can lead to disaster. Make sure you know the type of terrain, the technical skill needed to hike the trail, the length of the route, and the amount of shelter along the trail.

     You should also be aware of your physical limitations. You may become disoriented when your body is cold, oxygen deprived, or tired. Keep these tips in mind.

1. At 12,000 feet above sea level you have 68% less oxygen than at sea level.

2. Some members of your hiking party may become anxious when hiking close to a steep ridge with an imposing severe drop.

3. Balance is more difficult on high peaks for people not accustomed to such land.

4. A large percentage of rock climbing accidents are with beginners. If you are not experience stay on the trail.

5. Test your equipment in your own back yard. Is your sleeping bag going to keep you warm?

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