Читать книгу One Night Wilderness: Portland. Quick and Convenient Backcountry Getaways within Three Hours of the City онлайн

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Just carrying these items, however, does not make you “prepared.” Unless you know things like how to apply basic first aid, how to build an emergency fire, and how to read a topographic map or use a compass, then carrying these items does you no good at all. These skills are all fairly simple to learn and at least one member of your group should be familiar with each of them.

More important to your safety and enjoyment than any piece of equipment or clothing is exercising common sense. When you are far from civilization, a simple injury can be life-threatening. Don’t take unnecessary chances. Never, for example, jump onto slippery rocks or logs or crawl out onto dangerously steep slopes in the hope of getting a better view. Fortunately, the vast majority of wilderness injuries are easily avoidable.

Mount Hood from Zigzag Mountain (Trip 39)

Advice for the First-Time Backpacker

This book is not a “how-to” manual for new backpackers. Entire books have been written on this subject, many of which are very good and well worth reading. (For recommendations, please turn to Appendix B.) However, since every year thousands of people go backpacking for the first time, it is important to cover a few basics about making the transition from dayhiking to backpacking.