The Square Life

When heading into the great outdoors, the trick is to create an adventure for the books, not one for the headline news or hospital records. Like the Boy Scouts know deep down, preparation makes for a successful adventure. And according to wilderness-survival-skills.com, “The most common cause of death in the wilderness is unpreparedness.” Dangers lurking in the wilderness may include injury, wildlife encounters, disorientation, or bad weather. As Brad Harris, professor of Recreational Management and Youth Leadership for Brigham Young University says, “It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.” Careful planning and packing is very important.

TEAM UP //

Group dynamics are essential. “You should have at least three people, four is better. Never go alone,” says Brad Harris, who also worked for The Boys Scouts of America for over 20 years. “With four people, if one person gets injured, one person can stay behind while two others can go together to get help.” Also make sure there are enough individuals along with sufficient strength for and knowledge of any equipment you are using.

TIME IT RIGHT //

Time your adventure appropriately. Check the weather report and heed the opinions of the park rangers. Are thunderstorms possible? What is the risk of heat exhaustion and severe sunburn during the height of the day? How long will the excursion take, realistically?

BE READY //

Pack along some knowledge about first aid and some supplies, too. If a situation arises where first aid is needed, having supplies handy can make the difference (even moleskin for a blister). (Tip: Harris actually wears knee-high hosiery under his socks. This prevents blistering even on the down-hill stretches.) First aid knowledge also means resourcefulness (e.g., knowing that a T-shirt off someone’s back can make for a compression bandage or that it can help create a stretcher).

BE AWARE //

While wildlife encounters are minimal, even while venturing into the woods, it’s still helpful to know what to do. Making noise along your journey is a key to clearing wildlife out of your path. But if you do come across a cougar or bear, don’t run like their prey. “Back off slowly, and make yourself look larger than you are,” Harris says.
KNOW WHERE YOU ARE // Before heading out, be sure to tell someone else your plans: where you’re going and when you’re expected back, Harris recommends. At least one member of the group should know the hike well, but bring along the map, a compass, a GPS, and a cell phone, just in case. Harris warns against leading a hike to an unfamiliar place. “It shouldn’t be a guided discovery for everybody. At least one person should know the trail well,” he says. Use some common sense in your choices, so far from civilization. “First of all—you shouldn’t be by yourself in the woods,” Harris says. If you get lost, either stay where you first got lost or follow a stream downhill, which will often lead you back to civilization. Also, if you must set up camp, do so before dark.

PACK WELL //

First of all, remember to layer up and to wear supportive, broken-in hiking shoes. For the journey and for the sake of being prepared for an extended stay, also pack along extra light-weight food, extra water, sunblock and a hat, extra layers (including socks), ponchos, insect repellent, and waterproof matches.