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HINTS & TIPS We all have our own reasons for heading into wilderness areas and feel drawn there for different reasons, but is worthwhile remembering how small we are in comparison to these areas, and as much as we may feel competent and experienced, it has been proven that even the best of us can get caught out. This is by no means designed to put people off experiencing what these regions have to offer, but to simply act as a reminder that a good day out is only achieved when either you or your party make's it back safely. *When heading into the mountains leave a route card with someone! Leave detailed information on your route along with an estimated time back and emergency route with someone, Stick to your plan. Upon completing your route remember to check in with this person to advise all is well. This is an important habit to get into the way of, regardless of how well you know the area as accidents do and can happen, and as soon as a heavy mist or whiteout descends even the most experienced of us can get disoriented regardless of the number of paths/tracks and local knowledge.
*Do not rely solely on modern technology! Over the years many gadgets have become widely available, affordable and desirable. All of which are either designed or lend themselves well to making life in remote regions a safer and easier experience. The two main gadgets being the mobile phone and the G.P.S. It is quite possible both of these are partly responsible for having lulled many people into a false sense of security. These gadgets ARE a good addition to have in your kit, BUT should not be solely relied upon as the main source of commutation or position finding! There is still, and always will be a real need to have personal knowledge and understanding of map work and communication techniques, only then can these devices be introduced as secondary methods. Too many factors can still cause these devices to fail you right at the time when you may need them most e.g. no network coverage, no credit, network crashes, battery fails and foul weather to name but a few. Ask yourself the question do you want to put your friends or family through the ordeal of you going missing or not coming home at all because you relied solely on a piece of equipment which failed, and you did not have sufficient knowledge to draw upon your own skills to get you home safely?
*When camping have you ever woke up cold/wet and off your roll mat? A top tip of avoiding this is to put your roll mat inside your sleeping bag (this is easier achieved if your roll mat matches the shape of your bag), then if your wild camping put both your sleeping bag and roll mat inside your bivvy bag. This ensures you stay not only comfortable but warm and dry as well.
*Consider your site! Before setting up camp consider the site. Pitching your tent/shelter under trees or in a forest has numerous down sides: The last place you want to be in a lighting storm is under a tree, as they act as conductors allowing the lighting to ground. After a shower of heavy rain it will continue to fall longer if your under the canopy than if you were outside it, due to the time it takes for the rain to filter down through the canopy. You will also be more prone to attracting attention from curious/passing wildlife (which can be very dangerous dependant on the region in which you are). Forest's and wooded areas are used more by many species of wildlife, than open exposed areas as it offers them more protection from predators, while for many these areas are their home. More caution is recommended when both building and burning your camp fire, a heavily wooded area (although an excellent source of firewood) is easier to accidentally set alight. Heavily wooded areas usually have more moss on the ground, which can smolder underground for some time then igniting the area weeks or months later. Setting up camp in a culvert, low land area or valley will mean a colder site as cold air is pushed down, and is also more prone to flooding. John
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