Sunday, July 16, 2006
Five Life Skills for BackCountry Enjoyment
As outdoor enthusiasts spend more and more time in our backcountry, a handful of skills become more and more essential. All of these skills are easy to learn and add considerably to the overall enjoyment of spending time out-of-doors. The key word here is enjoyment. In order to enjoy ourselves, we must be comfortable with ourselves and our surroundings. This is especially true in the backcountry. So lets talk about life skills that, when mastered, will lead to heightened enjoyment as we find ourselves off the beaten path.
Understanding basic first-aid is paramount. This life skill is needed whether you enter the backcountry or not. If you havent taken both a first-aid class and a CPR class lately, what are you waiting for? Accidents happen, be prepared. The American Red Cross offers both classes all the time.
Backcountry travel requires a basic understanding of how to navigate. Whether you prefer to use a map with a compass or with a GPS, learn how to find your way around. Getting lost is bad. Fear of getting lost can be worse. Classes for map reading, compass use and GPS use are readily available in most communities. Check local libraries, community colleges or orienteering clubs. On-line classes are readily available as well.
How are you at tying knots? This too is an easily acquired skill. Nothing is cooler than needing to use a rope and actually knowing how to use it. Whether you are tying off a tent stake or repelling over a cliff, being able to use the right knot at the right time is important. Learn how to tie a bowline, sheet bend, rolling hitch and timber hitch, to name a few. Many books and websites are available with pictures and instructions.
To start a fire, only two things are neededheat and fuel. Whenever you visit the backcountry, always be sure to carry both heat and fuel. Heat is easiest to carry in the form of waterproof matches or a weather proof lighter. Fuel is tougher to carry although starter fuel such as lint and mineral oil shouldnt be too difficult to carry. Nature provides an abundance of fuel if you know what youre looking for. Whether rubbing sticks together (yuck) or using waterproof matches (yea), be sure you know how to start a fire before you start your journey. There are many ways to start a fire and you should find at least three of them that work for you. You can find lots on-line regarding this life skill.
The most enjoyable way to experience our backcountry is the low impact way. Youve most likely heard the phrase leave only footprints, take only pictures. If we take good care of our wilderness areas, not only will we be able to enjoy them our entire lives but our descendants will have the opportunity to enjoy them too. There are many organizations actively educating outdoor enthusiasts as to the best way to low impact recreate. Two very popular organizations are Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace.
Knowing these five life skills will provide you with the confidence to fully enjoy your time in the backcountry. Once youve mastered these skills be sure to pass them on to your friends and family. Get Outdoors!
As outdoor enthusiasts spend more and more time in our backcountry, a handful of skills become more and more essential. All of these skills are easy to learn and add considerably to the overall enjoyment of spending time out-of-doors. The key word here is enjoyment. In order to enjoy ourselves, we must be comfortable with ourselves and our surroundings. This is especially true in the backcountry. So lets talk about life skills that, when mastered, will lead to heightened enjoyment as we find ourselves off the beaten path.
Understanding basic first-aid is paramount. This life skill is needed whether you enter the backcountry or not. If you havent taken both a first-aid class and a CPR class lately, what are you waiting for? Accidents happen, be prepared. The American Red Cross offers both classes all the time.
Backcountry travel requires a basic understanding of how to navigate. Whether you prefer to use a map with a compass or with a GPS, learn how to find your way around. Getting lost is bad. Fear of getting lost can be worse. Classes for map reading, compass use and GPS use are readily available in most communities. Check local libraries, community colleges or orienteering clubs. On-line classes are readily available as well.
How are you at tying knots? This too is an easily acquired skill. Nothing is cooler than needing to use a rope and actually knowing how to use it. Whether you are tying off a tent stake or repelling over a cliff, being able to use the right knot at the right time is important. Learn how to tie a bowline, sheet bend, rolling hitch and timber hitch, to name a few. Many books and websites are available with pictures and instructions.
To start a fire, only two things are neededheat and fuel. Whenever you visit the backcountry, always be sure to carry both heat and fuel. Heat is easiest to carry in the form of waterproof matches or a weather proof lighter. Fuel is tougher to carry although starter fuel such as lint and mineral oil shouldnt be too difficult to carry. Nature provides an abundance of fuel if you know what youre looking for. Whether rubbing sticks together (yuck) or using waterproof matches (yea), be sure you know how to start a fire before you start your journey. There are many ways to start a fire and you should find at least three of them that work for you. You can find lots on-line regarding this life skill.
The most enjoyable way to experience our backcountry is the low impact way. Youve most likely heard the phrase leave only footprints, take only pictures. If we take good care of our wilderness areas, not only will we be able to enjoy them our entire lives but our descendants will have the opportunity to enjoy them too. There are many organizations actively educating outdoor enthusiasts as to the best way to low impact recreate. Two very popular organizations are Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace.
Knowing these five life skills will provide you with the confidence to fully enjoy your time in the backcountry. Once youve mastered these skills be sure to pass them on to your friends and family. Get Outdoors!
Traveler CheckList
The following is a List that I have gathered through years of experience and research. They don't neccessarily apply to an Outdoor Adventurer. You Pick and choose your priorities according to your destination and the length of your stay. Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.
Gear Essentials Day Pack (X) Flashlight (X) Compact Binoculars (X) First Aid Kit (X) Sunglasses Multi-tool (X) Watch Sunscreen (X) Water bottle (w/ filter (X) Hat Whistle Map or Travel Guide (X) Compass or GPS receiver (X)
(X) = available at: http://www.thecampingguide.com
Pre-Departure Passport Visa if needed Health Documentation Transportation Tickets Frequent Flyer Cards Emergency Information Insurance Hotel Reservations Travelers Checks Currency (both local and American) Credit Cards Guide Books and Maps (X) Trip Cancellation/ Medical
Information Copies of Passport, ID and Documents Special Event Reservations
Travel Gear Main Travel Bag (Duffle/Luggage, etc.) Packing Accessories (clothes, small stuff and toiletries) Security (Passport carrier, luggage locks/ tags) Document Organizer Everyday Bag
Everyday Basics Travel Clothing Raincoat/ Umbrella Travel Footwear Visor or Brimmed Hat Camera, binoculars (scopes) (X) Radiation Shield for Film Video Camera, Tapes CD/ Cassette Player Electric/ Phone Converters Travel Alarms Language Books Reading Materials Address Book Travel Journal Pen/ Pencil Scarf/ Bandana Games/ Playing Cards Snacks Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes Travel Neck Pillow Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs Portable Door Lock Tissues/ Toilet Paper Keys
Maintenance Items Flashlight Batteries/ Bulbs (X) Matches or Lighter (X) Extra Batteries Sewing/ Repair Kit Duct Tape Travel Iron or Steamer Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks Zip-Close Plastic Bags
Travel Health Travel Health Booklet Pain Reliever/ Aspirin (X) Cold Medicine (X) Contact Lens Items Diarrhea Medicine Motion Sickness Medicine Laxative Insect Protection (X) Sun Protection (X) Antibiotic Cream Malaria Medication Personal Hygiene Items Personal Prescriptions
(X) = available at: http://www.thecampingguide.com
Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.
The following is a List that I have gathered through years of experience and research. They don't neccessarily apply to an Outdoor Adventurer. You Pick and choose your priorities according to your destination and the length of your stay. Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.
Gear Essentials Day Pack (X) Flashlight (X) Compact Binoculars (X) First Aid Kit (X) Sunglasses Multi-tool (X) Watch Sunscreen (X) Water bottle (w/ filter (X) Hat Whistle Map or Travel Guide (X) Compass or GPS receiver (X)
(X) = available at: http://www.thecampingguide.com
Pre-Departure Passport Visa if needed Health Documentation Transportation Tickets Frequent Flyer Cards Emergency Information Insurance Hotel Reservations Travelers Checks Currency (both local and American) Credit Cards Guide Books and Maps (X) Trip Cancellation/ Medical
Information Copies of Passport, ID and Documents Special Event Reservations
Travel Gear Main Travel Bag (Duffle/Luggage, etc.) Packing Accessories (clothes, small stuff and toiletries) Security (Passport carrier, luggage locks/ tags) Document Organizer Everyday Bag
Everyday Basics Travel Clothing Raincoat/ Umbrella Travel Footwear Visor or Brimmed Hat Camera, binoculars (scopes) (X) Radiation Shield for Film Video Camera, Tapes CD/ Cassette Player Electric/ Phone Converters Travel Alarms Language Books Reading Materials Address Book Travel Journal Pen/ Pencil Scarf/ Bandana Games/ Playing Cards Snacks Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes Travel Neck Pillow Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs Portable Door Lock Tissues/ Toilet Paper Keys
Maintenance Items Flashlight Batteries/ Bulbs (X) Matches or Lighter (X) Extra Batteries Sewing/ Repair Kit Duct Tape Travel Iron or Steamer Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks Zip-Close Plastic Bags
Travel Health Travel Health Booklet Pain Reliever/ Aspirin (X) Cold Medicine (X) Contact Lens Items Diarrhea Medicine Motion Sickness Medicine Laxative Insect Protection (X) Sun Protection (X) Antibiotic Cream Malaria Medication Personal Hygiene Items Personal Prescriptions
(X) = available at: http://www.thecampingguide.com
Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the necessary gear for your trip.
