How Much Will a Camping Trip Cost?

Camping beginners often become overwhelmed by all the things they’ll need to buy before going on their first trip. Even the most financially fortunate among us can start to wonder about the total cost of all the necessary gear.

After all, many people take up camping because it is generally regarded as a low-cost hobby. Having to whip out the credit card time and again can start to make you rethink your decision to head out into the Great Outdoors.

But don’t be discouraged – it’s probably not as bad as you think. There are a number of places that you can save money when getting started with the activity. Below, we’ll break down the basic costs of camping and explain a few places you can save a little cash in the process.

After all, you go camping to experience the world and enjoy the tranquility and beauty it provides – not to rack up frequent flyer miles on your credit card.

Note that we’ll be discussing the things you’ll need for a typical two- to three-day-long, backpacking-style camping trip. Car camping, ultralight camping and other variations will require different equipment, and therefore present different costs.

The Big Three: Tent, Sleeping Bag and Backpack

While there is plenty of wiggle room regarding most of your camping gear, there are three things almost all campers will need: A tent, a sleeping bag and a backpack to carry everything. These three items will represent the bulk of your camping gear budget, and they’re also three of the most important things you’ll bring with you.

Tent

Most beginning campers will spend more money on their tent than anything else. While you needn’t purchase a top-of-the-line tent right out of the gate, you will want to allocate enough of your budget to obtain a tent that will perform admirably at least for a few seasons.

Although you may be able to save a few bucks by selecting a mass-market camping tent at a big box retailer, you’ll be better served by choosing a tent made by a premium manufacturer and marketed to serious campers. Plenty of these types of tents are available at the $100 to $200 price point.

Sleeping Bag

While some beginners are tempted to save a little money by using regular blankets to camp, it is much wiser to use a sleeping bag for your camping trips (note: There is nothing wrong with using blankets made specifically for outdoor use, but the blanket you use on your couch at home won’t work well and will likely leave you shivering through the night).

You can find sleeping bags appropriate for summer trips in warm climates for about $30 to $50. However, you’ll likely find it necessary to spend about $100 or so on a sleeping bag that is suitable for alpine trips or winter outings. You can obviously spend many times this amount on a good sleeping bag, but you needn’t do so at the outset.

Backpack

In recent years, the costs associated with entry- and mid-level backpacks have plummeted. Whereas campers in years past would be forced to spend well hundreds of dollars to obtain a reasonably well-made, internal-frame backpack, modern campers can often obtain a backpack for less than $50.

However, you’d be wise to spend a little more than this to obtain a pack that will hold up on the trail. Generally speaking, you’ll be able to find an acceptable pack for about $100, and you can find a great pack for about $200.

Total Investment for the “Big Three”  $180 to $500

Water

Water itself is a free resource, which you’ll normally find easily during a camping trip. However, you’ll need a few different containers to contain your water and a purifier to make it suitable for drinking.

Containers

You’ll need at least one canteen or plastic bottle to hold a liter of water or so during your camping trip. If your budget is limited, you can obtain a suitable container for less than $5, however, you can purchase a very high-quality water bottle which will last for years and resist odors for about $20.

You may also want a collapsible water container to help reduce the number of trips you’ll make down to the local creek. Most such containers will cost less than $10, but premium models may be $20 or more.

Purifier

Entry-level water purifiers can be purchased for about $20, but those at the $50 to $80 price point will perform better, last longer and usually process more water per unit of time than low-cost purifiers will.

Of course, you can forego a water purifier if you plan on using purifying tablets or boiling your water. But because the savings you’ll enjoy are rather limited (you’ll still need to purchase purifying tablets or buy more fuel), and water purifiers are so convenient, most campers should simply purchase a water purifier.

Total Investment for Water-Related Supplies  $25 to $120

Clothing

As you spend more time camping, you’ll likely want to obtain some dedicated camping clothes, made from space-age fabrics and designed explicitly for life in the wilderness. However, you can start by wearing your regular outdoor clothes.

Nevertheless, there are a few key items that you’ll want to purchase before your first trip if you don’t already have them. This includes:

Wool Socks

It is important to keep your feet warm and dry while hiking on the trail, and wool socks provide one of the best ways to do so. You’ll generally want at least two pairs of wool socks, but there’s nothing wrong with bringing more than this if you have the room to spare. You can obtain a couple of pairs of wool socks for about $20 in most cases.

A Good Parka/Jacket

Your outer shell is one of the most important components of your overall clothing system, and you’ll be wise to purchase a suitable parka, coat or jacket before heading out into the wilderness. Suitable outer shells can be found for less than $50, but you’ll remain more comfortable by selecting one at the $100 price point.

Thermal Underwear

Relatively few people where long underwear in their day-to-day lives, but they are invaluable while living on the trail. Just like your outermost layer (your coat or jacket), your innermost layer is especially important for your comfort. You can obtain an economy set for about $20, but you’ll stay warmer by purchasing a set at the $50 price point.

Total Investment for Clothing  $90 to $170

Your Camp Kitchen

Many prospective campers go crazy buying cooking tools and supplies, but you needn’t buy many items to get started. Minimally, you’ll want a good camping stove and a simple mess kit, and you’ll obviously need to account for the food you’ll need too.

Camp Stove

Like many other types of camping equipment, the prices associated with camp stoves vary widely. While you can easily spend more than $100 on a high-end camp stove with several helpful features, most beginners will find acceptable camp stoves in the $20 to $50 range. You’ll also need to purchase a fuel tank or two, but this shouldn’t cost more than about $10.

Mess Kit

Most beginning campers will find a simple mess kit satisfies their needs. Most such mess kits cost between $20 and $30, but like most other types of camping equipment, you can certainly spend more on a mess kit if you want superior materials and space-saving design features.

Food

Obviously, you’ll need to bring along food to sustain yourself while camping. You may catch a fish or two, or gather some nuts and berries while hiking, but you should always bring enough food to keep you well-nourished during your trip.

If you want to save money, you can just pack low-cost, non-perishable items like Ramen noodles, granola, dehydrated soups and the like. If you take this approach, you can likely feed yourself for two to three days for about $10 to $20 – perhaps less.

However, if you want to enjoy tasty camp food, you’ll likely want to bring along some heat-and-eat meals. These often cost about $5 each, and you’ll want to bring at least two for every day of your trip. This means you’ll spend $20 to $30 for a two- to three-day-long trip.

Total Investment for Your Camp Kitchen  $60 to $110

First-Aid Kit

First-aid kits vary wildly in terms of complexity, quality and price. You can find a basic first-aid kit with the bare essentials at big box retailers or online for less than $20, or you can spend much more on a premium kit with all of the bells and whistles you could ever need.

For most beginners, an entry- to mid-level kit should suffice.

Novices are wise to stick to populated paths and high-traffic campsites, which aren’t far from the beaten path. In such situations, you’ll likely be able to obtain relatively quick help in the event of a catastrophic medical emergency. You’ll primarily be using your first-aid kit to remove splinters, soothe aching muscles and bandage blisters.

However, if you happen to be heading for truly remote lands, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with anything that may happen. This means you’ll need a first-aid kit with things like CPR aids, splints and trauma supplies. You’ll likely spend at least $100 on this type of first-aid kit, and you could easily spend twice or thrice this.

Remember that you can always start with a very basic first-aid kit and add to it over time. You can also assemble your own first-aid kit if you’re willing to put the time and effort into the project. However, you’ll rarely be able to assemble your own kit for less than some of the most affordable options available.

Total Investment for a First-Aid Kit  $20 to $50

Basic Necessities and Tools

You’ll want to bring along a variety of tools during your first camping trip so that you can fix anything that breaks. There are a variety of different toolkits and multitools that will work admirably in such contexts. You can find these types of tools and kits for about $20, although you can easily spend $100 on this type of equipment if you like.

You’ll also want a good camping knife. Knives vary wildly in cost, and you can spend anywhere between $20 and $200 on one, depending on the quality and features you require. Depending on your intended destination, you may also require things like camp shovels, hand saws or axes. Generally speaking, these items will cost between $20 and $50 each.

A good flashlight (or better yet, two flashlights) is always necessary when camping. You can find a cheap flashlight for $5 at your local big-box retailer, but you can obtain a high-quality flashlight built to handle life on the trail in the $20 to $50 price range.

Total Investment for Basic Necessities and Tools à $80 to $400

Miscellaneous

In addition to the things covered above, you’ll also want to bring a few odds and ends anytime you head into the wilderness. This includes things like a length of rope, some extra batteries, a few glowsticks and any maps you may require. You may also want to bring along a new paperback book or a pair of binoculars for birdwatching.

You’ll also need to bring toiletries and personal grooming items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and similar items. However, we’ll assume that you already have these items. Even if you have to purchase some of these things, the costs are generally negligible.

The exact list of items you’ll need will vary from one trip and destination to the next, but you can generally figure that $20 to $100 will cover everything. Fortunately, most of these types of items are optional, and you can adjust your list to match your budget.

Subtotals

Adding up the various equipment and supply costs for your first camping trip, you can see that you’ll need to spend about $500 to $1300 in preparation for your first camping trip. This is obviously a wide price range, and the total amount you end up spending will depend on your choices.

This may seem like a lot of money to some would-be campers, but it is important to remember that most of these items (save for things like food, batteries and fuel) are one-time purchases. They may not last forever, but you’ll likely find that they last for several seasons. Accordingly, you won’t have to spend very much money at all on subsequent trips.

Money-Saving Strategies

While most first-time campers will find it necessary to spend about $500 to $1300 on their initial batch of camping equipment, there are a number of money-saving measures you can employ to help reduce this figure slightly.

Some of the best strategies for reducing your initial camping expenditures include:

• Share gear with your camping companions. You obviously can’t share a sleeping bag or backpack with your camping companions, but you can share a number of other items, such as your tent, water purifier and camping stove. For example, you may choose to purchase a water purifier for the group to use, while your buddy can purchase a camping stove for the group.
• Rely on items you already own. For example, you may already have a long length of rope sitting in your garage somewhere, or you may be able to create your own first-aid kit by raiding your medicine cabinet. You may also have food in your pantry that you could bring on your trip to help avoid having to purchase new food.
• Rent your gear. Many camping outfitters, retailers and guide services will rent things like tents, backpacks and sleeping bags. This will not only allow you to save a bit of money while you are getting started, it will also give you the chance to try out various types of gear before making your own purchase.
• Purchase used items. Websites, pawn shops, second-hand sporting goods stores and yard sales are all places that occasionally offer camping equipment for sale. Just be sure to check such items carefully for damage and defects, so that you don’t end up struggling with broken equipment in the wilderness.
• Borrow gear from friends and family. If you have camping veterans in your social circle, you may be able to borrow some of their gear for your first couple of trips. Just be sure to take good care of any equipment you borrow and always replace anything you damage or break.

There are a number of factors that will play a role in determining your ultimate camping-gear expenditures, but the above figures should give you a ballpark estimate.

We’d love to hear from beginners (as well as more seasoned campers) about the amount of money you’ve spent before your first camping trip. Did you spend more or less than our estimate? How did you go about saving money and shaving costs? Was there anything you found was more expensive than our estimate?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The post How Much Will a Camping Trip Cost? appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/how-much-will-a-camping-trip-cost/

How To Leave No Trail On A Hike

Not everyone wants to leave a trail while out in nature. Everyone has their reasons, and I’d just like to offer some ways to move like a ghost. One of the best reasons to move with care is for the respect of nature. Why walk through the woods like a beast trying to turn over every home, path and food source in nature?

As a young hunter I grew up learning to walk through the woods as quietly as possible. My father would tell me to walk without making a sound. That is no small task when it seems every leaf and twig in the woods decides to lay under your feet. If you are making noise you are leaving a trail.

The first suggestion I have is to wear shoes with soft bottoms. Soft bottoms give and allow you to move your feet in the needed angles to get between branches, leaves and other obstacles. I used to wear hunting boots and hiking boots but that makes walking through the woods a messy proposition.

Second, I believe balance is the single most important part of leaving no trail and remaining silent. Maintaining your balance allows you to stay on one foot longer giving you more time to judge where to put your next foot. It also gives you time between steps to listen to your environment and what’s moving in it.

Take steps by placing your toes down first followed ball of your foot and roll down to the heel. The whole time you should be looking forward while concentrating on each step. Do you feel any objects under foot? If so adjust the step until it’s a secure one. Look for the next step then repeat the process.

Taking a minute or so between footsteps is necessary. I know this works because I have increased my hunting success significantly over the years. I can usually get close enough to deer where I can grab them and the difference has been that I have no trail and make almost no noise.

Breathing with your mouth open helps you become more aware of your situation. When you close your mouth and are exerting energy you hear your breathing, and it’s loud. That makes you lose your balance and leave a trail. You may even hear your heart pounding in your ears since you have become more aware, making your movements sloppy.

Take a look behind you every so often and see what signs you are leaving behind. If you see where you came from you need to do a better job placing your footsteps.

Walking like a ghost means that you have to learn how to walk. Instead of stomping down you may have to guide your foot under some leaves or tilt your foot to part grass or brush before placing your foot down. Again, balance is the key. If you cannot balance on one foot at a time, you will have a tough time.

Some other ways to not leave a trail is to choose objects to walk on. In areas with old trees you may be able to walk on exposed roots, or by creeks, you might be able to walk on larger rocks. Just don’t rock the object you walk on because it will show in the mud.

The only way to improve this skill will be to practice frequently. If you have young children have them practice this skill with you.

You would be so surprised about all the wildlife you will see once you can do this. I have lost count on all the black bear I have snuck up on.

The post How To Leave No Trail On A Hike appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/how-to-leave-no-trail-on-a-hike/

Winter Protection For The Elderly

Cold weather brings all sorts of dangers. The cold, wet, and snow can cause falls, hypothermia, and pains to aging bodies. Some basic precautions and simple items can make the difference of life and death. Just imagine getting sucked into the side of the road after hitting a snow drift and being hurt. Once shock sets in and hypothermia occurs you could leave this life just hours after a small accident. I want you to be safe, and following these 5 steps will not only be smart but can also keep you around.

1. Avoid slipping outdoors and even in your home. Going out on cold days before the roads and sidewalks are cleared is dangerous. If younger people slip and fall, they can recover much easier, but older people can have serious injuries to their hips, wrists, and heads. Falls can be life changing and may even take away your ability to care for yourself.Some ways to avoid injuries besides waiting until sidewalks, roads, and parking lots are cleaned is to wear proper shoes. Only use shoes that have deep tread. Hiking and walking shoes will go a long way to keep you from slipping if you have to go out in snow, rain, or ice. Better quality footwear will have soles that stay supple (giving you more traction) even in freezing weather.When you go home, take your shoes off at the door. Wet souls or soles packed with snow will be extremely slippery. Be prepared by leaving a chair by the door of your home with a tote or water catching mat that can catch any melting snow, so you won’t slit at home. And follow up by taking off your shoes and placing them in a spot you won’t trip on afterwards. Plus, the snow and ice does melt and tend to make a mess which is another reason to strategically place your shoes somewhere where you won’t get your socks wet!
2. Older adults usually have trouble regulating temperature. Blood pressure medications can also lead you to feel cold more often. With winter and fall bringing the cold weather it can easily lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia can hit you in temperatures below 95 degrees! Most people won’t realize this and end up in a bad situation.Whenever you do leave your home dress warm. You can always take off a layer if you need to, but you should always dress warmer than you think you need to. Many of the hypothermia deaths in the US are from people over the age of 65. Getting caught with a flat tire on a run for milk can possibly be your last run for milk.
3. Keep your car stocked with winter-time supplies. This common-sense practice is not followed by everyone but should be. Keeping a tote or bag with basic supplies can keep you or someone else alive. I have been a witness for more than a few accidents where I had used my supplies to help out with the accident.Some of the items you should carry are:
   1. A blanket and a quilt
   2. Survival Candle
   3. Cell Phone
   4. Lighter
   5. Gallon of water
   6. Medical Kit
   7. Have Road Side Assistance (they will not come out in a state of emergency)

These are at the very least, the things you should bring on every trip. Keeping the supplies in a tote allows for everything to be all neat and tidy, and you should have one tote in every vehicle.

Some other essential items that may be good to include are a change of clothes, warning triangles or flares, foldable shovel, hand and foot warmers, flashlight, basic tool repair kit, and a rescue tool may that be a seat belt cutter and/or glass breaker.

• Maintain your vehicle! Keeping your vehicle at it’s best will be a first line of defense against possible danger. Check battery fluid levels, coolant, and oil levels. Auto Batteries older that 5 years may already be losing voltage. Have your battery tested, and if in doubt, have it changed. It’s just not worth getting stuck for the price of a battery.Check your tire tread. Just because it will pass inspection won’t mean that you will have the traction you need on snow. I also really like having studded snow tires for the winter. If you do get studded tires don’t forget to change them back in the summer.
• Winter power outages are common in many areas. Staying prepared is the best you can do unless you can stay at another safe location while dealing with this situation. Having multiple sources of heat is the first step in my opinion. Wood stoves, coal stoves, kerosene heaters (can be really dangerous), propane heaters, and even your cooking stove can help heat in a power outage.If having a generator is an option for you, a whole house heater is a great option. A correctly installed whole house generator will even start up without you knowing your neighbors are out of power. If you keep a regular generator, run it outdoors in a protected area. Running one in the garage or home will kill you by carbon monoxide poisoning.Flashlights, water, and a few days of food are all basic needs you should have on hand at all times. Thinking ahead is the key to survival.

 

This winter, stay safe, and make your survival totes for all your vehicles. If you are planning to travel with anyone, bring a bag with these supplies. Don’t trust that anyone can keep you safe. Accidents happen to anyone and can happen at any time.

Most importantly, keep a fully charged cell phone with you while you travel. Having some sort of road side assistance is also a great idea, but they will not come and get you in bad weather. My father was stranded for hours, stuck in the snow when AAA would not come out because of the bad weather. You are your best chance when things go wrong, so why not be prepared!

The post Winter Protection For The Elderly appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/winter-protection-for-the-elderly/

10 Ways for Seniors to Protect Themselves from Falls

As a senior, it becomes more important than ever to think about falls. After working so hard in our younger years to retire comfortably we don’t want to end up with an injury. My wife works in a nursing home and rehabilitation facility. My wife has seen many falls that have changed peoples lives and, unfortunately, in most cases injuries only get worse.

Seniors are more susceptible to injury because of slowed reflexes, vision issues, medication side effects, and muscle weakness. Also, pride and stubbornness get in the way of changing things to make the senior’s life safer. Believe me, giving a bit to change your household is much better than waiting for someone to help you to the bathroom every time you need to go!

These are some of my suggestions that will not only assure you a better quality of life but will also help to avoid some possible falls.

1. Prevent falls by avoiding common dangers – The best way to stay safe is to keep an uncluttered home. Many items like small statues and lamp tables can be tripped over. To avoid these falls and bumps keep these items along outside walls. Also, keep them at least 2 feet from doorways.Keep steps clear indoors and out. Keep your yard, garage, and closets clear. Watch for sticks, rocks, and other debris that may be hidden in grass causing you to fall. Also, keep the grass mowed so it makes walking through the yard safer.
2. Bathroom dangers – The bathroom is a highly dangerous area. It’s almost designed to fall in. Almost all bathroom falls can cause permanent damage and we need to think ahead. Shower falls, wet floor slips, slipping off the toilet, scale, bumping your head on the sink, even that darn laundry basket can be dangerous.Some simple and great options are putting in shower and bath guards. Not only do they save you from falling in the shower but putting one on the wall closest to the toilet can also help you stay steady.

   Some other great safety options are to put a non-slip adhesive on the shower floor. This easy inexpensive fix can literally help save your life! Walk-in showers are a great option and one of the best risk preventatives in dealing with shower slips.

3. Mats and rugs cause falls – Mats and rugs cause many trips and falls. Area rugs look great but can easily get caught up on your feet, shoes, and slippers. If you do need to have an area rug choose a heavy one that is non-skid. The ends of the rug should be tapered so it cannot easily be tripped on. The best option is not to have the area rug.Welcome mats and mats you put in front of the sink can also cause trips. Using some simple double-sided tape to keep them in place will go a long way to keeping them from slipping and causing trips. Some specially made mats will actually hug the floor so it can’t be tripped on easily.
4. Sensible foot ware – Some footwear like open toed shoes or flip flops will catch just about anything possible. Sometimes it’s a combination of things that will cause people and specifically seniors to fall. Flip fops will easily catch on stairs with the slightest of dizziness. This is why we need to keep you barefoot in the home or with a closed shoe.
5. Using a cane – Using a cane or walking stick is like giving you a third leg. Not that you might need one but it can help you in times where you may have vertigo or get up to quickly causing dizziness. Canes may even be stylish so getting one that suits your style will even look great!
6. Medical side effects – Medications always have side effects and they don’t always affect us the same way. Most seniors are taking some sort of blood pressure medications. They often cause low blood pressure and dizziness. We don’t know when a spell will hit up and it could be while walking or mowing the lawn. Always being prepared and having 2 points of contact on something steady will keep you on your feet.
7. Never be alone – The best advice I have for you is not to be alone. Seniors should always have a family member or friend with them. I have many senior friends and they all have horror stories of trips and falls. Some of them have even been trapped overnight in the garage or basement. This is why it’s so important to have someone with you just incase you are stuck. It’s much better to call out to a real person for help than to wait till someone notices you missing. The next option will help if you don’t have someone to stay with you.
8. Have a cell phone or emergency alarm – All seniors that stay alone should have some sort of emergency system that calls easily alert help to any situation. If you cannot afford one of these systems then carry a cell phone with you at all times. Have to speed dials for every person or agency that you may need. If the need arises you should be able to quickly call for help.
9. Live on one floor – Having multiple floors in your home gives you multiple ways to get hurt. Slips and falls down the steps may not only hurt you but may end your life. Either move everything you need on these other floors to the main living floor or consider downsizing.
10. Don’t shovel snow – When the bad weather hits don’t be tempted to shovel the snow. Many heart attacks, strokes, falls, and broken hips happen while trying to make a path to the mailbox. It makes much more sense to either ask a neighbor or hire help to deal with the snow. If you can’t get help shoveling, invest in buying ice melt. It will cost you much less than the hospital will and will be less painful than a broken bone. Just go out more often to spread salt and do it in a safe manner.

As we get older we have to make changes that we really don’t want to, to stay safe. I know you like that rug or plant where it is but consider how different your life will be after a serious injury. Making some sensible changes in your home today will allow you to stay healthier longer while living in your home.

The post 10 Ways for Seniors to Protect Themselves from Falls appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/10-ways-for-seniors-to-protect-themselves-from-falls/

How to Find a Lost Hiker

Having to find a lost friend or loved one would be a scary situation. Thousands of people get lost each year while enjoying the outdoors. While most of them are found within hours, some aren’t found at all. Your life depends on your knowledge and how easy people can find you if you need help.

If you think someone you know is lost follow these few steps first;

1. Try and contact them by cell phone or radio if you have them.
2. Go to the parking spot and look for clues.
3. If you are familiar with the area, stay on the path and call their name.

Most of these simple options can help you contact your missing friend or help your friend find you. Contacting the authorities, a couple hours after you think someone is lost, may just be jumping the gun. The last thing you want is to take resources away from authorities if you don’t have a real lost hiker.

Report a lost hiker

If you are sure your hiker is lost, by all means, call authorities and report a lost hiker. Call the authorities and give them all the information you have along with the planned hiking information. Hopefully, you have the plan available that the hiker had made before going on the adventure. This should list a topographical map with the drawn-out route, times of departure and arrival with expected rest areas, and times of rest at each stop. All of this will help rescuers to estimate where the lost hiker could be.

Authorities will contact all the organizations needed, such as rescue associations in the area and medical services, if needed. The rescue organization in the area will most likely organize separate groups to search areas dependent on the information provided by the person that contacted authorities. This is always the first step, and then as they search these starting points, they will fan out.

Signals

Not only are searchers looking for the hiker; they will be looking for key signals that may have been left by the hiker.

• Shoes and specifically the tracks of the hiker
• Signs that the hiker may have left the trail
• Why the hiker may have left the trail
• Broken branches and even bent over blades of grass
• Signs of injury like blood, drag marks, and gear left behind
• Trail signals like rock groupings or stick arrows
• The help signals of groups of 3
• Sounds that may be made by the lost person
• Smell of a campfire
• Sight of smoke

These are just a few of the common things good rescuers look for. It also depends greatly on the clues of the hiker and their experience.

What Can You Do?

While rescue authorities are on the search, it’s best to let them do their job. Getting other people lost while trying to help just takes away resources from the lost person. When the search crews are not searching, feel free to organize your own search party. With proper equipment, you may be able to help. Some of my suggestions are as follows.

• Megaphone to help lead the person to you
• Medical equipment
• Use your ears to hear the call for help
• GPS
• Maps both topographical and satellite maps
• Groups of people

Stay organized; having a lone wolf take-off into the woods is not a safe way to handle a search. Remember, the most important person of the situation is the lost person. Staying united in teams searching area by area is the fastest most thorough way to find them.

Search Dogs

Search dogs are an invaluable tool. A well-trained canine can track and smell things you won’t be able to notice. Rescue teams use these amazing animals to help look or go where we can’t. Many rescue operations have been successful because of man’s best friend!

Not only are the search dogs amazing. The dog handlers can read the dogs’ movements and barks just as if they were speaking the same language.

Aerial Search

Authorities will use helicopters and airplanes to search. This can be really difficult to find people this way unless they are in a clearing. Aerial searches are most productive at looking over river banks, lake edges and tree clearings. Some of the things they will be looking for are international calls for help like groups of 3 or 3 sounds (three shots from a firearm) and smoke or things that shine (signal mirror.)

Now search crews are also using drones. Once a toy, drones have quickly become an invaluable tool for search and rescue. Drones can get to places where other aircrafts can’t go. Drones cost less to operate, and that means more can be used in areas to speed up the search process.

Is the Lost Hiker Coherent?

Remember, you may not always be looking for a coherent person. They may be unable to call for help or signal. You could possibly be feet away from the lost person, and unless they signal, you may pass right by them.

Don’t leave anything to chance. Look on all sides of fallen trees, boulders, ledges and even bushes. A weak person could sleep through an army going by. They may have even used leaves and branches to protect them from the elements.

This information is meant to help you understand the process of finding a lost hiker. You can understand that you can assist in the effort to find your loved one. Working together with authorities will assure the best turnout in finding that lost hiker.

The post How to Find a Lost Hiker appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/how-to-find-a-lost-hiker/

What is a 14er and why does it matter

A 14er is a term used to describe mountains that are at 14,000 feet or higher. Mountain climbing enthusiasts seek out these natural wonders to hike, climb, and simply enjoy. At 14,000 feet you have the normal challenges that you have on any other hike along with the added potential to get Altitude sickness.

Altitude Sickness

While living life at sea level, a good percentage of thrill seekers will find that going above 14,000 feet is not all that fun. What happens is that the hiker cannot get enough oxygen from the air at that altitude. The air is thinner at 14,000 feet above sea level. The symptoms of altitude sickness are,

• Fast breathing
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Sleeplessness
• Loss of appetite

Altitude sickness is caused by the elevations changing quicker than the body can acclimate to it. If you hike or climb slower and rest in between elevations your body will have a smooth adjustment. If, however you do get altitude sickness symptoms, they should vanish once your body gets accustomed to the new elevation.

Preparing for the Journey

The excitement of the 14er doesn’t begin at the climb, it begins with training. A few things you will want and in my opinion, need to do is to prepare for the hike. I suggest if you live at sea level, get to a higher elevation for a day or more. Getting your body acclimated to a higher altitude will make breathing easier along with minimizing the chances of dealing with headaches, stomach issues, and fatigue.

In my opinion exercising should also help. The 14er’s will take between 5 hours to a full day. That is taxing on even seasoned hikers. Getting a training regimen and sticking to it will help to assure you a successful hike.

Do your research and find out the time it takes for your chosen 14er. Now you can prepare for that long walk. Start in your immediate area and build up your ability to walk for that time period while also being geared up as you would make the real walk. This will not only build your resistance but will also wear in your boots and other gear you will take with you.

Why a 14er

Most 14ers offer convenient access for almost any level of enthusiasts. Families like them because children who can climb can join in on the fun. A day on a 14er can include hiking, photography, and even skiing! People just enjoy the clean air and environment on hills that can be hiked in a day.

For solo hikers, the 14er offers an adventure without as much danger that other mountains have. Some of these peaks offer more of a challenge than others, offering you an option to fit your skill. Hiking these mountains will allow you to push yourself and grow your skills.

The challenge of the hike is what the 14er is about. Pushing yourself to fight altitude sickness and fatigue on the journey to the top. Then the long walk back to tell your friends about it. The success of the challenge will just feed the need to conquer other 14er’s and possibly all of them.

Follow the Switchbacks

Most of the trails on 14er’s are well marked. Switchbacks are your best option and safest even though they may be longer than taking a direct route to the top. Staying on these marked routes gives you a safer path, keeps you from getting lost, and keeps the ecosystem from damage. The last thing you want to do is trample all over, damaging plant and animal life.

Having these well-marked trails is a big draw to hikers that want an adventure without ending up on the late-night news. Have respect for nature and the people that maintain these trails by keeping them clean and undamaged.

What Else

Ok, so you may not have thought about it, but what do you do if you need to go? Well you won’t find porta-potties along the trail. You will become closer to nature than some are used to. Especially if it’s your first 14er. Modesty is challenging on some of the 14er’s because of the popularity. Walk a safe distance off the trail and wait until the coast is clear. Make sure you bring a roll of toilet tissue anleak-proofroof container to take back your used toilet paper or other personal products. Keep the mountain as you found it and do not litter!

Keep Hydrated and Nourished

Staying hydrated will not only keep the energy up but will also aid against altitude sickness. Bring plenty of water probably more that you think you will need. I would also try and bring a drink that has electrolytes to help your body recover.

High energy foods that are light should be brought along, as well. Some foods to bring are jerky, nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits. Foods high in fats and energy will feed your body under stress while keeping you fairly light. Other foods may wear you out and slow you down. Do some research on the proper foods to take if you are unsure.

Weather

The weather can change quickly and vary depending on the elevation. Pack extra clothing so you can layer up or down to maintain your temperature. Keep from getting cold and keep from sweating. Also bring rain gear to keep dry. It’s sometimes hard to predict the weather and getting caught in rain without the proper gear can lead to hypothermia.

The heat can also wreak havoc on your body. Keep breathable clothing and use a hat to protect your head. Sun glasses and sunblock are also needed not only in the summer but in the winter.

All of these elements and challenges is what makes these 14er’s so popular. People just want to push themselves and see if they can make the peak. So, if you want to test yourself find a 14er that matches your skill. I may find you there enjoying the sights from the top looking down on the people below!

The post What is a 14er and why does it matter appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/what-is-a-14er-and-why-does-it-matter/

What to Do If You Get Lost Hiking

Even the most experienced hiker can find themselves [HOW TO FIND A LOST HIKER] in a bad situation. One of the worst situations hikers can get into is losing their bearings. I was lost once in the woods while hunting and can tell you from experience how scary it is.

The main thing you want to do as a hiker or outdoors person is to make sure you don’t get lost during a hike. Some of the steps you can take during a hike are to either follow a trail or make one. Most hikers run into trouble when they go off the beaten trail. Trails make it easier to hike and keep you on the right path. When you go off the trail everything starts looking the same and if you haven’t left markers or have a gps you may be getting into trouble.

So, if you have to get off the trail for some reason, make some markers. One tip all outdoors lovers should do is carry a roll of flagging tape. Flagging tape is just a plastic ribbon with a highly visible color. As you walk through the woods just tie a piece of flagging tape every 25’-100’ depending on what you can see. This will make it easier for you to find your path back or help someone find you if needed.

An old-time way to leave a marker is to bend over branches and you walk your path. It takes an experienced person to make a trail like this or follow one. Make the branches obvious and practice this skill before you need to use it.

If you find yourself lost you will have a host of feelings that can make your situation worst. Fear sets in and the brain can shut down. Most of the time people will start moving quicker and get tunnel vision moving them into a wrong direction. Every step in the wrong direction does 2 things and neither is good.

• You get harder to find every step you take while lost
• You make it harder for yourself to find the way out and every step is in the wrong direction

Thinking about these 2 points the lost hiker needs to make the most important decision. Do you continue, or do you stay in one spot and wait for rescue? I assure you that this will feel like the most important decision of your life at the time. In fact, it may be the most important decision you ever make.

Choosing to stay in one spot

Choosing to sit and wait is almost always the best option. Hopefully you notified friends and family of your plans and time schedule. If you don’t show up at a certain time they will come looking for you. It might just take someone within ears distance to shout your name to get you on track. That would be the best scenario. If you had kept moving you may be hours or even days from rescue. It could end up a media spectacle at that point. So, sitting and waiting if you are absolutely lost is the best option.

Searching for a way out

If you are in a situation where you have not told anyone your plan or timeline sitting and waiting may not be an option. In this situation, it may take some time for coworkers or family to alert authorities of your disappearance.

A good hiker will research the area and landmarks. If you are new to hiking it’s time to step up your game. Get a topographical map of the area you are going to and burn it into your memory. The map will show you hills, mountains, cliffs, creeks, ponds, rivers, and much more. Once you learn to read them properly you will even love your adventure more. Don’t wait to get lost before you try and figure out how to read the map.

Google maps can also be a great tool. There you might be able to see other landmarks like tree clearings and even types of outcrops. Anything you can see will help you understand the environment. Knowing the area before you get out there will help you make smarter and more educated decisions.

Follow the water

If you find a creek or river follow it out. Most creeks will feed into larger bodies of water. Following one downstream will usually bring you to civilization. Again, if you have studied your route you may even know how far towns are from the body of water.

Follow your compass

Always bring a compass and take a bearing while going into the woods. If you go into the wood in a southern direction just follow the compass in the northern direction. This won’t get you out in the same spot but will get you back to the road eventually.

Using a compass is not that hard but if you never used one it may be useless. Practice this skill or take a boy scout with you! It’s one of the most important skills a boy scout is taught and that is for good reason. Many people are boggled by the idea but it just takes a little practice.

GPS

Having a GPS and knowing how to use it makes staying on the trail and getting home easy. I have a GPS and can plot my way in as I go. I find that depending on it can diminish your awareness of nature so don’t depend on it, but rather use it as a tool. Keep a spare set of batteries because you will need it.

Walk the line

Most people walk in circles. Everyone has one leg a bit shorter than the other. This tends to make us turn slowly in length distances. To combat this, try and look as far into the distance and pick a reference point. This could be a mountain, tree, or manmade object. Following the sun or stars won’t work because the earth rotates making them look like they are moving. Experts that know the path of objects in the sky can calculate the right movement but those people would not be lost, to begin with.

Listen to the environment

Listening carefully as you walk can save you. Actively listening can give you clues as to the way out. The sound of a school bus, dog barking, church bell, or any other sounds will lead you to people. Less experienced hikers may just rely on their eyes and this is a mistake. Even the smell of burning wood may lead you to a person’s house in the winter.

Like I said, I have been lost before and I had to tell myself to keep calm and use my wits. Many people will resort to a cave man mentality and just freak out. This is the worst thing to do. Keep calm, use the skills you have, and think before you move. Only move when you are certain it’s the right thing to do.

I hope this is not a situation you will get into but almost every outdoors person will eventually come into this situation. To keep the risk down, stay on the path and know your environment!

The post What to Do If You Get Lost Hiking appeared first on Montem Outdoor Gear.

from
https://montemlife.com/what-to-do-if-you-get-lost-hiking/