Mr. Trail - Safety & Equipment Tips

With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
Leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you will be using, when you will return and your emergency plans.
Stay together. When you start as a group, remain as a group, end as a group. Pace your outing to the slowest person.
Turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your outing. Know your limitations and when to postpone your trip. The mountains will be there another day.
For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.

Recommended clothing and equipment for hikers and backpackers

For Summer Day Hikes:

The Ten Essentials:

Map
Compass
Warm Clothing:
- Sweater or Pile Jacket
- Long Pants (wool or synthetic)
- Hat (wool)
Extra Food and Water
Flashlight or Headlamp
Matches/Fire starters
First Aid Kit/Repair Kit
Whistle
Rain/Wind Jacket and Pants
Pocket Knife

Also important to take on day hikes:

Sturdy Footwear and Extra Socks
Watch
Trash Bag (for trash or rain protection)
Light Plastic Tarp or "Space" Blanket
Guidebook
Insect Repellant
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Gloves or Mittens
Personal Medications
Cord/Rope
Gaiters
Extra Batteries

Add for Overnight Trips and Groups:

Sleeping Bag
Foam Pad
Tent or Other Shelter
Stove, Fuel
Pots, Cup, Bowl, Spoon
Food
Water Purification
Toothbrush, Towel, etc.
Extra Clothing

Add for Winter:

Extra Warm Clothing:
- Insulated Parka
- Extra Mittens
Balaclava
Insulated Boots
Over mitts
Snowshoes

Add for above Tree line:

Crampons
Face Mask
Ice Axe
Goggles

Add for Avalanche Terrain:

Avalanche Transceiver
Avalanche Probe
Snow Shovel

Recommended clothing and equipment for snowshoe trips

Clothing Suggestions :

Layer clothing for optimum comfort.
Have a base wicking layer, insulating layer and outer protective layer.
Layer footwear, using a sock liner to help wick moisture and a synthetic or wool outer sock.
The best footwear for snowshoeing is either waterproof hiking boots or lightweight winter boots.
Gloves with liners.
Layer head gear, light liner and waterproof outer shell.

Suggested Equipment

Waterproof hat and gloves.
Gaiters
Trekking poles
Sun glasses
Snow shovel
Ice axe
Insulated water system/thermos
GPS device with topography maps

Safety Essentials

First aid kit
Whistle
Extra food and water
Matches/fire starters
Pocket knife
Extra clothing, gloves, socks and hat
Map and compass
Avalanche beacon or personal locator beacon
Extra batteries
Flashlight/headlamp
Emergency radio (NOAA type is preferable)
Hand and toe warmers
Tarp/space blanket
Write out a trip plan (give to local ranger's office, friends and family)
Check weather and trail conditions before starting the outing

Notice

Trail conditions in the back country can be dangerous. Trail hazards may put you at risk of serious injury or even death. It is always your responsibility to stay informed of trail conditions and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself while undertaking any hiking or backpacking activity.

MrTrail.com makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy of information available on this site. Information is contributed voluntarily by members outdoor community who wish to share their experiences. It is always your responsibility to verify any information found here with an independent agency before undertaking any outdoor activity.