Steward I
Take time to think. What do I mean by that? If you are reading this, you, like I, are drawn to the wilderness, more than the average person. We like to venture far, and see sights few will ever see. We often traverse uneven, rocky, loose, sometimes unmaintained roads and trails. Each mile, be it muddy or dusty, draws us further away from civilization and closer to nature. With these travels come risks, and it only takes a split second for a memorable outing to turn into a life changing experience. If we "take time to think", before and during our trips, we can increase our chances of returning safely. What prompted me to write this are two articles I read this weekend, which I will share below. One of a man being chased by a mountain lion, the other about a Jeep that slid off a popular mountain trail. There are numerous stories like these. I am by no means an expert. These are just my "two cents". I don't plan to go in depth on topics, and I'm sure I will miss some things, but I hope this helps someone.
"TAKE TIME TO THINK" BEFORE YOUR TRIP
There are several things to think about before your trip.
Once you know where you are going, what are you going to do while you are there? Are you just driving and camping as you go? Will you be doing some exploring on foot? Climbing, spelunking, fishing, kayaking? You get the idea. Again, all things to consider when choosing your gear. Also, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Some people are true adventurers, and take whatever weather mother nature has to dish out. I myself like to know what I am getting into, so an idea of what the weather is going to be like is a must for me. Has it rained or snowed recently? If so, what is that going to do to trail conditions? Is it going to be hot or cold? I don't know about you, but I prefer to watch a thunderstorm from afar rather than be underneath it. Will rain or snow leave me stranded? Sometimes weather is unavoidable, so make sure you're prepared.
What gear do I need? It depends. Some items you will bring to some places that you won't bring to others. Some items you should carry with you always. Deciding what gear to bring is in my opinion, the most important aspect of your trip. Take time during this process. Don't rush it. Consider the things above. Be organized. What are the necessities? Camping equipment, bedding, food, water, sanitary items, etc. Food and water I suggest you take a few extra days worth. If you have multiple activities planned, act like each one is its own, and make sure you have all of the items you need for each activity. Pack appropriate clothing for the conditions.
A well stocked first aid kit. It doesn't need to be a level III trauma kit, but the basics, band-aids, gauze, bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, emergency blanket, tweezers and scissors are among the things I would suggest. Make sure you have spare batteries for flashlights. More likely than not, you will be out of cell range, so having a GMRS or Ham radio, or satellite phone should be considered. GMRS and ham do not require a license in life threatening situations. A PLB (personal locator beacon) is also a good item to have in your pack.
Depending on your location, You may encounter wildlife. Knowing if you will be in the area of dangerous animals is essential. Having a bear proof box, or knowing how to handle food and trash in bear country is good to know before you go. Bear spray is a good deterrent. Depending on your views, and where you are, a firearm is also something you can consider carrying. If you encounter cubs of any animal, know "Momma" is close by. It is best to stay clear and vacate the area in a cautious manner. This is not the time to pull out your phone to take pics, as you will see in the video below.
The last thing I want to touch on about gear, has to deal with your rig. There aren't very many service stations along the trail, so taking a few extra things for the rig might come in handy. Sockets and wrenches, screwdrivers, hammer, small pry bar, penetrating oil, tape, battery charger, recovery gear, zip ties and tie straps are a few of the things I carry. Some spare parts are also good to have depending on where you are going. Belts, hoses, clamps, fluids, nuts, bolts, bulbs and fuses are all small and easy to carry. You may also consider bearings, driveshafts, axle shafts or other similar parts if you are planning on driving through some extreme terrain. Being familiar with volt and ohm meters can also help trouble shoot electrical issues. Don't forget the fire extinguisher!!!
Now that you have everything planned out, and your gear is set, is your rig ready? How are the brakes, tires and coolant? When was the last time you did an oil change, or changed the spark plugs? How many miles do you have on those shocks? It is good practice to check the torque of nuts and bolts before and after trips. Washboard roads are good at vibrating them loose. Do you have a wench? Does it work? Is your recovery gear in good working order? You want to make sure you're rig is as ready as it can be before you head out. it is a lot easier to do repairs at home than it is on the trail.
"TAKE TIME TO THINK" DURING YOUR TRIP
Here are some things to think about during your trip.
Campfires are the cause of many wildfires each year. Take time to think before starting a campfire. Is there a burn ban in effect? What are the conditions around my campsite? Is there dry grass or brush that could ignite from an ember caught in the wind? Do I have a way to put out the fire if one starts? Make sure to keep your fire contained in a fire ring, and don't leave it unattended. Before leaving campsite, make sure all coals have been extinguished, and there is no heat being emitted.
River crossings are one of my favorite parts of overlanding. Take time to think before crossing the river. There are risks, and caution should be taken before attempting a crossing. If you don't know the depth, you can always wade out and do a little recon. Know the limits of how deep your vehicle can go. Make sure the current isn't too strong. Your vehicle could lose traction and be swept down river.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to call on the winch to pull you or a friend out of a sticky situation. Take time to think before starting a recovery. Make sure your gear is in good condition. Make sure you are using the properly rated gear. Winch lines and shackles are known to snap, so make sure to take precautions by using a dampener on your line and having everyone stand clear during winching. Raising the hood of a vehicle is also a good idea in case the winch line snaps back. Take your time when working around the winch. Fingers can easily find their way into the spool.
Be aware of your surroundings. I already touched on interactions with wildlife, but there are many dangers when we venture out on foot and in our vehicles that we sometimes forget. Take time to think before you do anything out on the trail. When hiking or climbing, be aware of loose rocks that could cause you to fall. Make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks if you plan to be out for a while. When setting up camp, make sure you are not in a low lying area that could be washed out by flash floods. Also, if you are in the woods, make sure there are no dead branches that could fall from above. When driving, be aware of the terrain you are on. Avoid parking on slopes if the ground is loose. I can only assume that is what happened to the young couple in the story below.
Be safe in your adventures everyone! Make memories!
I know there are many more aspects I could have talked about. If anyone would like to add to this, feel free. My goal for this thread is to promote safety and awareness, so any and every addition is welcome.
Link 1 Man stalked by mountain lion on Utah trail, viral video shows
Link 2 Jeep Destroyed After Rolling Down Mountain
"TAKE TIME TO THINK" BEFORE YOUR TRIP
There are several things to think about before your trip.
- Where are you going?
- Wat do you plan to do when you get there?
- What will the weather be like?
- What gear will I need?
- Is my rig ready?
Once you know where you are going, what are you going to do while you are there? Are you just driving and camping as you go? Will you be doing some exploring on foot? Climbing, spelunking, fishing, kayaking? You get the idea. Again, all things to consider when choosing your gear. Also, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Some people are true adventurers, and take whatever weather mother nature has to dish out. I myself like to know what I am getting into, so an idea of what the weather is going to be like is a must for me. Has it rained or snowed recently? If so, what is that going to do to trail conditions? Is it going to be hot or cold? I don't know about you, but I prefer to watch a thunderstorm from afar rather than be underneath it. Will rain or snow leave me stranded? Sometimes weather is unavoidable, so make sure you're prepared.
What gear do I need? It depends. Some items you will bring to some places that you won't bring to others. Some items you should carry with you always. Deciding what gear to bring is in my opinion, the most important aspect of your trip. Take time during this process. Don't rush it. Consider the things above. Be organized. What are the necessities? Camping equipment, bedding, food, water, sanitary items, etc. Food and water I suggest you take a few extra days worth. If you have multiple activities planned, act like each one is its own, and make sure you have all of the items you need for each activity. Pack appropriate clothing for the conditions.
A well stocked first aid kit. It doesn't need to be a level III trauma kit, but the basics, band-aids, gauze, bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, emergency blanket, tweezers and scissors are among the things I would suggest. Make sure you have spare batteries for flashlights. More likely than not, you will be out of cell range, so having a GMRS or Ham radio, or satellite phone should be considered. GMRS and ham do not require a license in life threatening situations. A PLB (personal locator beacon) is also a good item to have in your pack.
Depending on your location, You may encounter wildlife. Knowing if you will be in the area of dangerous animals is essential. Having a bear proof box, or knowing how to handle food and trash in bear country is good to know before you go. Bear spray is a good deterrent. Depending on your views, and where you are, a firearm is also something you can consider carrying. If you encounter cubs of any animal, know "Momma" is close by. It is best to stay clear and vacate the area in a cautious manner. This is not the time to pull out your phone to take pics, as you will see in the video below.
The last thing I want to touch on about gear, has to deal with your rig. There aren't very many service stations along the trail, so taking a few extra things for the rig might come in handy. Sockets and wrenches, screwdrivers, hammer, small pry bar, penetrating oil, tape, battery charger, recovery gear, zip ties and tie straps are a few of the things I carry. Some spare parts are also good to have depending on where you are going. Belts, hoses, clamps, fluids, nuts, bolts, bulbs and fuses are all small and easy to carry. You may also consider bearings, driveshafts, axle shafts or other similar parts if you are planning on driving through some extreme terrain. Being familiar with volt and ohm meters can also help trouble shoot electrical issues. Don't forget the fire extinguisher!!!
Now that you have everything planned out, and your gear is set, is your rig ready? How are the brakes, tires and coolant? When was the last time you did an oil change, or changed the spark plugs? How many miles do you have on those shocks? It is good practice to check the torque of nuts and bolts before and after trips. Washboard roads are good at vibrating them loose. Do you have a wench? Does it work? Is your recovery gear in good working order? You want to make sure you're rig is as ready as it can be before you head out. it is a lot easier to do repairs at home than it is on the trail.
"TAKE TIME TO THINK" DURING YOUR TRIP
Here are some things to think about during your trip.
- Campfires
- River Fording
- Recovery
- Being aware of your surroundings
Campfires are the cause of many wildfires each year. Take time to think before starting a campfire. Is there a burn ban in effect? What are the conditions around my campsite? Is there dry grass or brush that could ignite from an ember caught in the wind? Do I have a way to put out the fire if one starts? Make sure to keep your fire contained in a fire ring, and don't leave it unattended. Before leaving campsite, make sure all coals have been extinguished, and there is no heat being emitted.
River crossings are one of my favorite parts of overlanding. Take time to think before crossing the river. There are risks, and caution should be taken before attempting a crossing. If you don't know the depth, you can always wade out and do a little recon. Know the limits of how deep your vehicle can go. Make sure the current isn't too strong. Your vehicle could lose traction and be swept down river.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to call on the winch to pull you or a friend out of a sticky situation. Take time to think before starting a recovery. Make sure your gear is in good condition. Make sure you are using the properly rated gear. Winch lines and shackles are known to snap, so make sure to take precautions by using a dampener on your line and having everyone stand clear during winching. Raising the hood of a vehicle is also a good idea in case the winch line snaps back. Take your time when working around the winch. Fingers can easily find their way into the spool.
Be aware of your surroundings. I already touched on interactions with wildlife, but there are many dangers when we venture out on foot and in our vehicles that we sometimes forget. Take time to think before you do anything out on the trail. When hiking or climbing, be aware of loose rocks that could cause you to fall. Make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks if you plan to be out for a while. When setting up camp, make sure you are not in a low lying area that could be washed out by flash floods. Also, if you are in the woods, make sure there are no dead branches that could fall from above. When driving, be aware of the terrain you are on. Avoid parking on slopes if the ground is loose. I can only assume that is what happened to the young couple in the story below.
Be safe in your adventures everyone! Make memories!
I know there are many more aspects I could have talked about. If anyone would like to add to this, feel free. My goal for this thread is to promote safety and awareness, so any and every addition is welcome.
Link 1 Man stalked by mountain lion on Utah trail, viral video shows
Link 2 Jeep Destroyed After Rolling Down Mountain
