(NC)—For novice backpackers, stepping out into a wilderness setting for the first time is an entirely new, nearly foreign experience. That is why is it so important to take a few moments and familiarize yourself with some of the basic ground rules of outdoor exploration.
Bob Abrames, voyageur and outdoor expert, and Energizer offer the following tips:
• Pick a partner: It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
• Don't forget the essentials: Ensure you pack a map, compass, extra water, emergency food, first aid kit, proper lighting such as an Energizer LED head light, proper clothing, a pocket knife and a signaling device—be it a whistle or flare.
• Know your equipment: Make sure you know what everything does and how it operates before you leave on your trip.
• Always be prepared for the unexpected: Roaring wind, storms, searing heat – the good and the bad that nature has to offer are always present in the backcountry, and can be difficult to predict. If you get caught in unexpected weather conditions, find shelter until the worst passes, and try to keep clothes, sleeping bags and other important gear dry at all times.
• Respect the land: Be diligent and appreciate the fragile qualities of wilderness lands. Leave rocks, flowers and natural features undisturbed.
"Backpacking has become an increasingly popular way to travel," says Abrames. "It allows you an almost unlimited level of flexibility, but safety is an important factor when planning any outdoor excursion."
More information on portable lighting is available online at www.energizer.ca.
- News Canada
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