Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Orange County. A Comprehensive Hiking Guide онлайн

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Because all hiking in the Orange County area is below 6,000 feet in elevation, health complications due to high altitude are rare. You may, however, notice that you lose some energy and breathe more rapidly in the higher parts of the Santa Ana Mountains.

An important aspect of preparation is choosing your equipment and supplies. The essentials you should carry with you at all times into the backcountry are the items that would allow you to survive, in a reasonably comfortable manner, one or two unscheduled nights out on the trail. It’s important to note that no one ever plans to experience these nights! No one plans to get lost, injured, stuck, or pinned down by the weather. Always do a “what if” analysis for a worst-case scenario, and plan accordingly. These essential items are your safety net; keep them with you on all your hikes.

Chief among the essential items is warm clothing. Away from the coast, winter temperatures can plummet from warm at midday to subfreezing at night. Layer your clothing; it is better to take along two or more midweight outer garments than rely on a single heavy or bulky jacket. Add to this a cap, gloves, and a waterproof or water-resistant shell (a large trash bag with a hole for your head will do in a pinch), and you’ll be quite prepared for all but the most severe weather experienced in the areas described in this book.