| morris9. 08. 2008 09:17:27 |
Yes really unbelievable in what conditions some people set out ! It's not only what and how we have in the backpack! Preparations must start at home, best a day before departure. Essential is a thorough check of the weather map, which nowadays is available on the web, TV, radio,... Sometimes very nice weather is forecasted but it still tricks us up there! I recommend that besides the basic gear in the backpack ALWAYS have rain cover, spare dry clothes, windbreaker, rescue foil (about 2 euros), good to have also poncho or umbrella (of course we use this when lower and not on ridges, summits,...). If we have two dry PVC bags with us, we can help with soaked boots too (this is only emergency solution!!!): Take off footwear and soaked socks. Put on dry socks, pull bags over them and put on soaked boots or other footwear. This way PVC material will temporarily prevent socks from getting wet. Let me repeat that this is only emergency and temporary solution, as the foot won't breathe and will sweat more than before!
Lately I also use waterproof bags, available in better stocked mountaineering shops,... Get them in various sizes and they surely keep contents dry. Inside I always have two PVC bags, lighter (matches), tissues, battery, in emergency also tobacco with papers , money with documents and GSM phone, which can be crucial for survival. We must realize that sometimes it's better to find a safe spot on the mountain and even overnight, than descend in thunderstorm (slip, lightning,...). In pathless terrain fog can be very dangerous!!! Here too better wait for improvement of conditions, than get lost and wander aimlessly, perhaps unwittingly even to death. Some say it's not good to mull over such black scenarios!? I think we must always anticipate what can go wrong on a certain path and equip and prepare in advance for the worst conditions and scenarios. Such preparation for the tour can be crucial for successful end of the path. Don't let ourselves be swayed by debates saying: it was meant to be so, such is fate,... Our life is in our hands and we control it ourselves!!! Don't let thoughtlessness and unpreparedness take it from us!!! And SAFE journey to all hikers!
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