Prepare in every aspect of the definition means doing something before you embark on a adventerous trip of any kind. When referring to outdoor activities it means being ready for different weather conditions, mental prep for different scenarios you may encounter including emergency situations, and having the proper gear/equipment to assist in desperate circumstance.
I began to explore the wilderness, beyond my own backyard, more than 14 years ago this year and even today I can't confidently say I'm an expert in everything that do. Looking back there was one hike that I didn't do enough prep and later while on the trip I suffered the consequences. Thankfully the consequences didn't cause physical harm but one time was enough to forever place a guilt in my gut if I don't prepare enough.
I came across this interesting chart in the Jan/Feb 2017 Issue of the Adirondack Explorer which prompted me to write this blog. I am also very grateful for the fellow hikers and other adventurous individuals who had a tremendous influence in my outdoor trips.
The data in the chart was gathered over a 2 year period and 239 search-and-rescue missions were reviewed. Since then the amount of hikers in the ADK has jumped from ~6500/year to ~16,000/year. With such an increase in traffic, the rescue missions are bound to increase as there are more and more novice hikers.
A concerning finding from the study was that many people were unprepared to be in the woods or had little experience in the activity that they had chosen. Of the 239, 93 of the victims had little experience and 15 had no experience. And the exact reasons were, 192 people had inadequate equipment and 139 had inadequate clothing.
A different study conducted in 2003 found that one-third of the hikers in the eastern High Peaks were inexperienced or visiting for the first time.
Another factor that may prompt someone to prepare is the cost of a rescue mission if team mobilizes to come and find you. A simple rescue may cost $120 to a more complex helicopter rescue of $60,000. And yes you do sign a form before you are rescued that you are responsible for all costs. There is absolutely no health insurance coverage for the rescue unless you pay a separate insurance for your outdoor adventures.
In my opinion its never bad to be overly prepared. The only downside to being over prepared and inexperienced is the heavy weight of your bag and the forthcoming physical consequences of carrying all the weight.
Some helpful hints on how to prepare I have listed below:
1. Months in advance begin to follow a blog of hikers and more experience outdoors people and ask questions on forums for areas of interest.
2. Ask for advice about equipment and gear. Just because its more expensive doesn't mean its better.
3. Plan a trip with another person and review gear and prep work together.
4. Always let someone know of your travel plans (hiking distance/ estimated time) before you go on the trip.
5. It never hurts (maybe a little in the shoulders) to have the following things:
a. a flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
b. extra food
c. extra water
d. GPS
e. rain gear in summer / extra layer in winter
f. first aid kit with a couple rolls of ACE wrap
6. Choose the best weather conditions. This should be a priority. Just because you took a vacation doesn't mean the weather has to cooperate.
7. Know your limitations. Physical training is a must in order to be best prepared for the activity.
8. Have a plan and stick to it.
9. Bring a positive attitude. I have introduced many new people to hiking and taken them on their first-time trip and always say it before a hike. Being positive will get you further and you may be surprised at you capability.
10. If you need a break, take it and enjoy the surroundings.
