The ten essentials of safe backcountry travel and adventure, plus a few extras I believe in and carry with me.
Comments
7 responses to “(Video) The Ten Essentials for Safe Backcountry Adventures, Trail Runner Style”
-
Thanks for this Gary! I have almost all of this but I’ll be upgrading my kit 🙂 I run solo a lot & definitely recognize the importance of being able to look after myself out there in an emergency.
One more thing, I know this was implied but not specifically mentioned: make sure someone who’s not on the trip knows your plans, and when you’re planning to be back / able to communicate with them, and when to get worried and contact help.
And remember to check your stuff… test your bear spray, make sure clothing & supplies you keep for emergencies (and don’t actually wear / use regularly) hasn’t started breaking down – like elastic in headlamp straps, latex gloves, raingear.
See you out there 🙂
-
Hi Gary,
Cool video – and I think long overdue, as I see lots of people out there who are totally unprepared for the slightest mishap.
I keep a QuikClot sponge as part of my first aid supplies – nothing better for stopping bleeding! Also it bears mentioning that your smartphone is a useful backup navigation device (just remember to pre-cache the maps of the area before you go out) … I use gaiagps, but there are a few good apps out there …
-
Hi Gary,
Nice video. There’s nothing better than solid preparation. I would be interested in knowing which items you still consistently carry in a race scenario as opposed to the training scenario.
Thanks!Derek
-
Hey Gary,
Which Salomon pack are you using to carry all that gear? My hydration vest will never fit everything – especially if you count the most important item – camera equipment 🙂
-
great list – many I knew about but some things I never even thought about. I am regularly out there alone and so far have been staying pretty close to civilization in trails, this will help me be able to go more into the back country while staying safe (and letting my husband relax his worry) – thank you
-
This is great. Thanks!
-
Thanks for this Gary. Question: Do you you make adjustments to what you carry in your pack depending on the length/terrain of your run or do you make a habit of always carrying the same items? Obviously, you wouldn’t carry much during a run close to home but do you also coordinate between running partners/groups to save weight?(P.S. Go Oilers!)
Leave a Reply to Tim C. Smith Cancel reply