subject: Safe Adventures Can Be Yours With The Right Preparation [print this page] Packing an emergency kit when going on extreme excursions can be the difference between life and death. By now most of us have seen or at least heard of James Franco's compelling performance in 127 Hours. Biggest lesson learned? Tell friends and family what your plans are before you head into any kind of adventurous territory.
Mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, camping, hunting, or off-roading in your four-wheel drive--preparedness makes the difference. If you have a vehicle, either for off-roading or to take you to your destination, pack it with the necessities. Fill your backpack with essentials such as water, a sharp knife, energy bars and other snacks, a cell phone, and possibly even a flare gun.
If you need to ask about why pack water, you should not leave your home. A sharp knife is great for the times when you catch a fish or when you need to hack your way out of a tangle of brambles. Energy bars are great because they are somewhat filling and fit easily into a small space. You can even ration them if you are stuck for days longer than you expected. They can provide the energy you need to find your way to safety.
If you can fit them, you may also want to pack extra changes of clothing. Weather is often unpredictable, especially out in the wilderness. Maybe you're roaring over the rugged Utah terrain in your new Jeep Wrangler. What happens if your engine seizes or you run out of gas? It can be extremely hot during the day and bitingly cold at night in the desert. Ideally you want to avoid emergency situations, but if you encounter one it is always better to be prepared.
Okay, you packed every item you could possibly require. It's all in your car and you can reach your car, but the battery died. So there you are you, your jeep and the day rapidly turning into night in the middle of nowhere. You're good for the night, but how about the next day? Now is the time to plan an escape route. Your cell phone has a GPS but the power faded overnight. You will now hope fervently that you remembered to pack the paper maps in the glove compartment and that you remember how to read them after all these years of high tech GPS instruments.
You cannot depend wholly on technology, no matter how neat it is. Batteries die, signals aren't heard, and satellites go down. Just like the maps, you need to be able to read weather patterns if you intend to do anything in the wilderness at all. Having a good idea as to where the local authorities are can't hurt either.
Obviously, you have a complete car care tool kit in your trunk so you won't have to concern yourself with lacking necessary tools. Also you have extra gas, motor oil and a fully charged battery charger along with your first aid kit. Universal tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers and hammers can be very useful.
The best way to avoid a life-threatening situation is to prepare beforehand. Have a route mapped out. Mark down rest stops and landmarks. Research the terrain you'll be on. Once you do all this prep work, stick to your itinerary. You are less likely to encounter variables if you set goals for your trip. You can always plan to do more, but never change course simply because you have more time. You may stumble upon a hidden rock crevice that swallows you up and may never spit you out.
