joestaner: How to be Prepared for Backcountry Weather

Friday, 2 September 2011

How to be Prepared for Backcountry Weather | Suite101.com

: A Clear Day Can Quickly Change in the Backcountry - Bill Sassani

Knowing how to respond to changing weather conditions can be important to backpackers and hikers.

Weather patterns can quickly change in the backcountry, which is why hikers and backpackers need to be prepared. This includes not only having the appropriate gear, but also the right mindset for constantly changing weather.

Why Should Hikers Prepare for the Weather?

Quickly-changing weather conditions can cause several dangerous conditions for hikers and backpackers. A bright, sunny morning could change by afternoon into a thunderstorm with rain or hail. If not prepared with the proper gear and training, outdoor travelers could suffer from hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or run the risk of being struck by lightening.

Gathering Weather Information Before Hiking

Before even getting to the trailhead, check the local weather for the area, either by using local media sources such as the morning news, newspaper, or radio. Another option is to use online weather sources, such as weather.com or from the U.S.?s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) . These can be helpful for planning trips, as these sites can give ten-day forecasts.

With the forecast in-hand, analyze the intended route by going over the trail descriptions and maps. Are lightening storms predicted, or is there a chance of rain? How would these be an issue while on the trail? For instance, if severe weather is predicted in the afternoons, and the intended route crosses exposed areas such as open fields or high alpine terrain, it would be a good idea to avoid those areas during inclement weather.

Bringing Appropriate Gear for the Weather

Hikers can additionally prepare for weather-issues by bringing the appropriate gear for trip. For instance:

A sturdy rain jacket and pants, which not only keep out rain, but can provide protection from wind as well.

Insulating layers made of synthetic materials or wool, which will help keep the body warm even when wet.

A sleeping pad, which can be used to sit on when there is lightening, to protect the body from a ground strike.

Having a tent or tarp shelter for protection from wind, rain, or the sun.

Bringing enough water and water purification to stay hydrated.

Matches, a lighter, or similar items to start a fire.

Food for energy.

Being Aware of the Weather While Hiking

It?s not enough to simply bring gear and check the internet for the weather report. Hikers and backpackers need to be observant of the weather while on the trail as well to anticipate possible weather problems. Some indicators of weather changes include:

A drop in temperature.
Changes in wind speed or direction.
Overcast or billowing clouds.
Rumbles of thunder in the distance.

Weather changes can happen quickly in the backcountry. But with appropriate equipment, some knowledge of the area, and some common sense, backpackers and hikers can still travel safely in the outdoors.