Stick to the Route!

Now I must confess something. The other day I went on a hike by myself and I
e-mailed Bob like I always do. When I got on the trail there were some large trees
down which I did not feel like going around, so I doubled-back and I started down
a trail that we both know but neither of us had been on in literally years and he
would not think of looking for me there. That is very important. When I realized
what I was doing I turned around and went back the familiar way. You see, if Bob
had to send out a search party for me I can just hear him saying, ”he would never
go that way, so don’t bother looking”. That could have been the literal death of
me! So, stick to the prescribed route, do not take detours!!!

Survival Equipment

Now for survival equipment. There are certain things you
need to be able to not only survive a night (or two?) in
the woods, but to be relatively comfortable and prevent
hypothermia. Some of these are my personal preference,
but some are just downright foolish to be without.

Water. Need I say more? The more the better.

Iodine tablets or iodine solution to purify water if you run out.(or a filter,
but I have never been a fan of those)that is another article.

Food. Again the more the merrier but you would be surprised how many people
take nothing with them because they think they will be back in time.

Ensulite pad (closed cell foam sleeping pad) An item some would say is not
essential. but for anyone who has spent a night directly on the ground, you know
what I mean. Besides, it can keep your core temperature up just enough to keep you
from freezing. That is a good thing!

Flashlight. No explanation needed is there? Ok try to find anything in the dark,
go ahead try it.

Space blanket. This should probably have been first on the list it is so important.
It weighs nothing and could keep you warm when maybe you are in shock from a bite
or a broken something and it is freezing rain etc. Take it, put it in your pack
and forget about it. Actually more than one is an excellent idea because if you have
to signal a plane, you can stake them all out in a big square on the ground and
hopefully be seen from the air!

Extra clothes, especially a rain parka and rain pants. I take a rain parka when
it is a hundred degrees outside, not because I think it will rain(although it might)
but because I could get stuck overnight and if it rained then I am not only miserable,
but in real danger of hypothermia.

First aid kit-this almost goes without saying but I will say it anyway. Even if
it is only a band-aid you need, you will be glad you had it.

So take all of these secrets to hiking alone with you the next time you venture
out and you will feel safer and be safer.

Don't suffer from Exposure,keep warm with a Space Blanket