Gear Insight: Hiking safety and SPOT GEN4 GPS Device Giveaway
Gear Insight:
Hiking safety, tips and SPOT GEN4 GPS Device Giveaway
The topic for today’s blog post is hiking safety! We’re going to talk about general hiking safety tips, some tools/gear I bring with me to stay safe while out in the backcountry, and other preparation that can help you be prepared for your next big adventure. No, I'm not an outdoor expert or a survival backcountry guide but I have been hiking and exploring Colorado's backcountry for over nine years now so these tips are things I've learned along the way that help me to stay safe. If you have any questions about my tips or the gear I discuss in the post, feel free to leave a comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Know before you... this is basic knowledge and gathering solid information (like weather, elevation, water) and doing your research before you head out on the trail. One of the main apps we use to scout new hikes or plan backpacking trips is AllTrails - always make sure to download your maps the night before (when you have cell service) so you can use your satellite to follow the trail. If you're hiking in a wilderness area there's a good chance the trailhead may not have strong enough cell service to download the map when you arrive at the trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go
Know Before you go… and what else you should do before hiking longer trails/treks:
-Always sign yourself or your group in at the start of any day hike or backpacking trip, this information is crucial to rangers and park service operators to find you if anything unplanned were to happen
-Bring plenty of water or a water filter to fill up along the way (always test the water filter before heading out on your first hike with it)
-Familiarize yourself with the trail by looking at images, river crossings and other crucial points so that you don't wander off the trail -Download maps using all trails before heading out
-Double-check weather (the night before) and wind conditions before hiking up trails that go above tree line or exposed ridge-lines
-If you plan to hike alone or even with a small group tell other family/friends where your heading, when you're starting and when you plan to be back (especially when hiking alone)
Tools for safe hiking:
-GPS Device by SPOT LLC
*I use SPOT's X BT GPS device to check-in, track my hikes using waypoints, and notify friends/family that I'm safe while out of cell service.
-Phone w/ AllTrails app (download maps night before your hike)
-Water filter
-Sunscreen / extra layers / rain coat / bandaids, emergency kit
-Proper footwear (hiking boots or trail shoes)
*Why do I always see people out on big hiking trails wearing flip-flops? Your asking to get hurt and it's a clear display that you did very little research.
-Snacks for energy and to avoid getting h-angry
GPS Devices by SPOT
I've been partnered up with SPOT's GPS devices for a couple of years now and I won't head out on any adventures without my SPOT device. I trust their satellite technology to keep me connected when I'm off the beaten path exploring new zones and while driving deep in Colorado and Utah's backcountry. I use this device for safety as well as marking stunning photography locations that I may want to return to in the future using the SPOT BT's 'Check-in' feature. I like the peace of mind this device gives me when I'm out exploring with friends... if anything unplanned were to happen to me or any of my hiking pals I would be able to radio for help, message someone for assistance or use their S.O.S. feature to radio for search and rescue. Pressing the S.O.S. button on the SPOT X BT "Sends an S.O.S. to the 24/7 Search & Rescue services, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive updates when help is on the way." text from the Findmespot.com website.
Prior knowledge, start small and understand your limits
Research, research and more research! I can't stress how important it is to do your research before heading out on big hikes, first-time adventures or exploring new zones. I strongly believe that solid research can help prevent a lot of big mistakes and accidents that happen out in the backcountry - also, this concept of starting small. I don't suggest flying into Colorado and thinking you are going to summit five 14ers in five days... be realistic with your limits and know that it's important to ease into hiking especially if you're not used to the elevation or hiking above 10k vertical feet. The more training and time I spend exercising when not on the trail only continues to help my hiking abilities and strength when approaching longer hikes and bigger backpacking treks. Understand your limits, plan appropriately, start small and do your research!
Extra items I keep in my car for big hikes or backpacking weekends:
-Extra bug spray, extra water and extra T.P.
-Extra light and a battery pack (solar-powered lights by LuminAid Lights)
-Small emergency first aid kit and car-battery jump starter
Looking to add a GPS unit to your hiking or backpack kit?! I've got you covered... I'm currently doing a giveaway on my Instagram page in partnership with SPOT LLC giving away one of their newest devices the GEN 4. More about the newest SPOT device…
”SPOT Gen4 offers increased functionality with more tracking features, enhanced mapping, improved product specifications for dust and water resistance and a new carabiner and strap to complete the new modern look and feel. SPOT Gen4 features include the following:
Enhanced Design - The new Gen4 has a sleek new look, with improved grip and secure design features that snap in place. It's rugged, but small and includes a new multi-use carabiner and strap.
Upgraded IP68 Rating - Offers increased dust and water resistance, up to 30 minutes at two meters.
Motion Activated Tracking - SPOT Gen4 sends tracks at a chosen rate for as long as the device is turned on and moving as an alternative to continuous tracking that conserves battery life. Send alerts when movement is detected or upon entry and exit of specific geographic areas. HELP/SPOT S.O.V. - Alert specific contacts that you need Help in non-life-threatening situations, or choose Save Our Vehicle, a professional roadside assistance service added as optional service to any plan.
SPOT Mapping - Live and historical map views to view or share your SPOT locations for a minimum of three years.Optional upgrades available to meet user mapping functionality needs.”
https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/products-services/spot-gen4
Check out the giveaway and enter right here for your chance to win:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDyxltBBn5Y/ | Enter over on Instagram by clicking the image below…
Thank-you for taking a moment to read my blog post on hiking safety and safety tips while exploring the backcountry - check out the giveaway and drop me any comments below if you have any questions about the gear, tips or tools list in my blog.
