Walking in the woods, whether as a hiker, camper, backpacker or hunter, provides plenty of opportunities to practice the skills of a backcountry traveler. With the proper preparation, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to meet the challenges of a variety of outdoor adventures. This page is intended to provide you with some hints and tips to help you create a successful experience.
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This is in no way intended to be a course in backcountry safety or survival. Information provided is from a variety of sources, and is to be accepted at the user's risk. The authors of this page assume no liability whatsoever as to the suitability of this information to any specific situation or person. It's you against the world, and we're not taking any responsibility for the outcome.
When choosing a location and route, take into acount your physical condition, the reason for hiking, and the terrain and weather you could possibly encounter. As a general rule, an average hiker can walk about 1 1/2 to 2 miles an hour on level trails. Steep ascents require considerably greater time allowances. One hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a good rule of thumb.
Proper foot gear is one of the most important parts of your journey. Sturdy running shows are good for hiking on relatively smooth surfaces, such as maintained trails. You'll want something with a little more tread for rugged trails or cross-country travel. A ten mile hike in the woods is not the best place to break in new shoes.
You should also consider what clothes to wear. Your location and the time of year will be key factors, but a general rule of thumb is to have at least one layer available for each surface of your body -- a sweater if you're in a t-shirt, pants if you're in shorts, and gloves and a hat. The more versatile your clothing can be, the more comfortable you'll be. It should also fit your style. If you don't like a bunch of stuff banging around in your pockets, then consider wearing a fanny pack for essentials such as a compass, pocket knife, lighter or matches, and adhesive bandages.
For short trips, a fanny pack or day pack should include at least one quart of water per person, map, flashlight, first aid kit, rain gear, high-energy snack, toilet paper, in addition to any optional items such as sunglasses, camera, binoculars, and nature books.
Make an intinerary and stick with it. Make sure someone knows when and where you're expected back, and how long they can allow.
The worst thing you can do is to get frightened. The truly dangerous enemy is not the cold or the hunger, so much as the fear. It robs the wanderer of his judgement and of his limb power; it is fear that turns the passing experience into a final tragedy ... Keep cool and all will be well ... Use what you have, where you are, right now.
Ernest Thompson Seton, 1906
So you've planned, you've prepared, and now you're on the trail. And the worst part is, you don't know where you are. There's a four-step process to follow, and all you have to do is STOP -- Stay-Think-Observe-Plan.
At the first sign of trouble, STAY WHERE YOU ARE! The urge to walk faster or run blindly to escape the situation is difficult to resist, but rushing about only leads to more confusion. Stopping helps you fight panic and increases your chances of survival. If you're on foot, sit down. If you're in a boat, get to shore. If anyone is injured, apply first aid and rest. It may take a little bit for the panic to go away, but be patient. You probably got yourself into this mess, you can certainly get yourself out of it.
As you relax, think. If you're lost, study a map and look for landmarks. How long ago did you know where you were? Are there footprints to show where someone has gone before? Can you hear traffic from a highway? Do you see or hear a river heading down stream? If you give all the clues time to sink in, chances are you'll get yourself back on course. If you have any doubts, sit still and observe.
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