Here are some simple tips to help ensure your safety while enjoying the backcountry.
Plan Your Trip
- Look up route information in guidebooks and websites
- Visit or call the nearest ranger station for road and route conditions
- Review the weather and avalanche conditions for the area you are visiting
- Create a trip plan and share it with your emergency contact
Carry the Necessary Equipment & Dress Appropriately
- Be sure to carry the Ten Essentials at all times
- Cotton is not a backcountry adventurer's friend! Stick with synthetic clothing
- Choose clothing that wicks away sweat and dries faster
- Bring extra clothing in case the weather changes
- Ensure your footwear provides adequate protection for your feet
Make it a Party of Three & Stick Together
- Whenever possible, invite a friend or two along for the trip
- If something unexpected happens, this gives you resources to help
- When you are on trail, stay together
- This helps ensure that one person doesn't get lost
Knowledge Increases Safety
- Learn how to use your gear, such as your compass or GPS unit
- Know how to tell if a storm is approaching
- Understand how to deal with first aid issues if they arise
- Attend classes from organizations like The Mountaineers
- Consider training in hiking, climbing, backpacking, and first aid
If You Get Lost
Do not panic. That is the worst thing you can do and will likely cause things to get worse. Follow the STOP rule:
Stop
As soon as you realize you may be lost, stop, stay calm and stay put. If you keep going you are likely to get even more lost. Sit down, take some water and eat something.
Think
How did you get to where you are? What landmarks should you be able to see? Were you heading North or West? Where were you when you were last sure you knew where you were?
Observe
What can you see? Where on the map is it? Where is the sun in the sky? Roughly how long until sunset? What does the weather look like? What supplies do you have?
Plan
Never move until you have a plan. Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans and then act on the best one.
Immediate Actions
- Check for phone coverage and call for help if available
- Use a whistle to try and attract attention - three blasts is the universal signal for help
- Get out any bright items to make it easier for rescuers to find you
- If confident, you may try to retrace your steps to find the path you were on earlier
If Staying the Night
- Find a sheltered spot that will keep you from rain and wind before it gets too dark
- Put on extra layers to avoid hypothermia setting in
- Do not sleep beside a river as the noise might prevent you from hearing rescuers
- Start a small controlled fire for warmth and signaling with smoke
- Create a HELP or SOS sign with rocks in a clearing for visibility from the air
- Hang colorful items from tree branches to make it easier for rescuers to find you
Emergency Information
Emergency Services
To report someone overdue, call 911
Do not contact Search and Rescue directly