HIKING NEWS ITEM

How to Prepare for Winter Camping and Hiking

WEDNESDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2006

Winter hikers and campers should need to have prior experience in other seasons and in higher elevations to put to test their "personal preparedness" and "decision-making". This is according to Laurie Gullion, coordinator of the Outdoor Education option at the University of New Hampshire.

Gullion enumerates helpful guidelines for winter hikers and campers. These guidelines are getting proper training, going with a support group, planning on being out overnight, leaving a trip plan, knowing how to manage the clothing and gear systems, getting enough calories and water, and understanding the weather.

"Those guidelines are appropriate for any season and every activity, but they are essential for winter experiences," Gullion said. Gullion also said that bringing a cell phone is a must. He also added that being prepared for all kinds of emergencies is highly recommended. “People must enter a winter environment with the mindset and equipment that they will be able to come to their own rescue."

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