Wednesday March 10, 2010

Backpacking Safety

Hiking can be a very enjoyable and safe activity. However, there are inherent risks in hiking and any other forms of wilderness activity. These risks can be mitigated by safety procedures. All of the risks listed below may be mitigated by hiking in a group. Other hikers in a group can administer first aid or seek help. In emergencies, groups of hikers can pool their muscle power, brain power, and body heat. High Altitude Mountaineering exposes climbers to the various forms of altitude related illnesses, and other Mountain Climbing Safety issues. If you are hiking near a risk of avalanches, please visit one of the many Avalanche Centers. Risks associated with Backpacking or Hiking include:

Physical injuries, such as an ankle or wrist sprain. Hikers can injure themselves due to a misstep or fall. Poor judgment on steep or slippery slopes can lead to injury. Carrying a backpack may make a hiker more cumbersome, or lose balance easier. The risk of injury can be decreased with the use of proper shoes (e.g., hiking boots). "Back Injury" may result from packing too much or not having a proper backpack. A Hiking Backpack should be bought from a recreational store, and as a rule of thumb, a person should carry no more than one third of their body weight. Injuries can be minimized by thinking carefully before putting oneself in harms way.

Foot blisters are a common form of minor physical injury to hikers. These blisters are caused by too much friction and irritation against the skin. Wet socks and poorly-fitting shoes precipitate the occurrence of blisters. Two layers of socks (using liner socks) help prevent blisters, and moleskin can be applied to blister-prone areas as a treatment or preventive measure.

Dehydration can rapidly incapacitate a hiker, especially in warm weather. In conditions of low humidity, sweat evaporates so quickly that a hiker may not notice the water loss. Dehydration can be avoided by carrying and drinking an adequate amount of water. Depending on conditions, two liters of water may be enough for a day hike, but in high heat conditions (such as hiking the Grand Canyon, one liter per hour may be required. Salty snacks along with water are also recommended to help prevent hyponatremia caused by a loss of sodium in the body.

Heat exhaustion, possibly developing into heatstroke, can occur during high-temperature hikes, particularly if one is dehydrated or dressed too warmly. The risk of heatstroke can be minimized by avoiding hiking in the direct sun if the temperature is too high, and staying wet when possible. This is a life-threatening condition: a victim must be cooled off and taken to a hospital immediately.

Hypothermia is a risk particularly to hikers at higher altitudes or latitudes. Wet clothing (due to rain, sweat, etc.) is a major risk factor, and can cause hypothermia even in warm weather. Hypothermia can result in death if the victim's body temperature drops very low. Even if it does not kill the victim directly, it causes confusion, irrationality and impaired judgment, raising the risk of other injuries. Hypothermia risk can be minimized with proper clothing. Cotton clothing is often discouraged, for its ability to absorb and hold water. Packing extra layers of clothing decreases the risk of hypothermia.

Lost hikers who cannot find their way to their destination on time may run out of food and water, or experience a change in weather, exacerbating the risk of hiking hazards. Staying on marked trails certainly helps, but trails do not exist in some areas. Carrying a map and compass and knowing how to use them will decrease the risk of getting lost. Likewise, a Global Positioning System may prove invaluable, as it can pinpoint your location, revealing exactly where you are. A communication device, such as a cell phone or a satellite phone, may help in the case of an emergency.

Hikers may encounter large animals (like bears or cougars). Attacks from animals may occur when hikers come upon an unsuspecting animal and surprise it. Also, animals such as bears can become accustomed to gathering food. These encounters can also result in attacks against humans. The risk of surprising an animal can be mitigated by making noise while walking down a trail. Food should always be stored according to local regulations.

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