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Backpacking is Pets Freedom Regulations differ on You have no worries, taking pets into the other than your own. backcountry, so check You become part of a with the local agency scenic landscape and office regarding re survive in a primitive strictions before you environment with few go. Remember: Dogs modern conveniences. and cats are preda Self-sufficient, yes, tors by nature and but with this freedom will instinctively chase comes an individual re forest birds and ani sponsibility to care for and Fish officials before entering areas to fish or hunt mals. Horses and dogs the environment and because regulations vary. don’t mix, so physical to respect the rights of restraint of the dog is those you meet along In every jurisdiction, target practice used to destroy necessary. Also, bears the way and those who animals, song birds, and other wildlife is held in con and dogs do not mix. follow you. tempt, and is usually illegal. Shooting live trees is also prohibited. You know your pet but Backpacking is not other persons do not. limited to supermen Many areas have leash Special RegulationS and superwomen. restrictions, especially However, it does re Permits on or with specific quire physical stamina Permits are required in some areas of the backcountry. distances, (usually 200 and a genuine liking for Permits can be obtained from local offices of the land feet) of well-traveled the isolation of remote managing agency. The permit must be obtained in advance or heavily used and must be in your possession during your visit. country. areas. Show respect Group Size for other persons and Overnight backpacking In many backcountry areas the maximum number of people wildlife by keeping trips should be under in a group is restricted. Large groups are destructive. Check your pet under physi taken only by those to determine allowable group size. cal restraint, or better who are accustomed to Courtesy yet, you might consider mountain trails When hiking, it’s quite possible you may encounter trail riders leaving your pet at and are familiar with along with pack stock. Since stock is easily spooked from home. backpacking tech unseen sources, it is best to make your presence known. niques. When stock approach, step off on the lower side of the trail Leave No Trace while the stock passes. Be courteous in sharing the trail with For thousands of years and others. our wild lands have Write in advance to the existed in complex eco state Game and Fish logical relationships. Department for fishing These relationships and hunting rules and can be easily upset or licenses. even destroyed. Once damaged, some plants Fishing and hunting and soils may not are authorized under recover in our life State regulations. time. Today, nature is Check with local Game struggling in many backcountry • Respect wildlife techniques. However, evenings at areas to cope with results of unac • Be considerate of other visitors home with how-to books, practice ceptable backpacking, overnight Awareness and Techniques in putting up or shelters techniques, and heavy If we could look back at the Rock from ground cloths and trying out use. ies, the Southwest or the Lake dehydrated or home recipes States in 1830, we would see a will spark the imagination and Unappreciative and uninformed land devoid of cities, roads and ve eliminate some mistakes. backpackers can cause severe hicles, inhabited only by Indians damage to the backcountry. In and Mountain Men. When What You Need places, is scarce or non ing the backcountry, the moun Gear and Supplies existent, and fire blackened rocks tain man’s priorities were adven • or tarp for shelter from unnecessary dot ture, monetary gain and personal • Nylon ground cloth the landscape. Small green trees survival. Today’s visitors to the • and groundcover are gone, and backcountry seek solitude, primi • Foam pad “human browse” lines exist in tive and natural scen • Water filter trees near timberline. In many ery. • Lightweight stove areas, the streams are no longer • Cooking utensils safe for drinking. Several groups Yesterday’s mountain man left • Cooking kit (lightweight pots and of people camping around the no sign of his presence in the pans) same lake lower the quality of the backcountry. Today, backpackers • Small , extra batteries backcountry experience through should strive to leave no trace of and bulb noise and visual pollution. their presence so that the next • Nylon person may enjoy a natural scene Laws and regulations can enforce • Knife or multi-tool and the solitude it portrays. By the rules, but cooperation, proper • Waterproof treading lightly nature can en attitudes, and voluntary actions • Needle, thread, and safety pins dure and replenish. of visitors are better ways to pre ß Dehydrated meals serve the land. Plan Ahead and Prepare ß Trail snacks – high protein, high Think of the reasons why you Trip Planning carbohydrate might visit a backcountry area. If The first step of awareness and a Clothing one reason is to escape an urban primary backpacking technique setting and enjoy nature on its Bring enough for 2 changes, in is trip planning. As one of many case one set gets wet or damaged. own terms, then all it takes is a visitors in the backcountry, a little care-taking on your part Bring wool or synthetic under lay­ carefully planned trip can help ers for quick-drying and warmth to make sure those places will to protect yourself as well as the remain healthy for generations to when wet. environment. ß come. Pants ß Shirts- long-sleeved and short Things to consider The mission of the Leave No ß Socks- inner and outer Trace (LNT) program is to • to plan access, take-off ß Underlayer Jacket- synthetic or promote and inspire responsible and return points, route of travel, wool through educa approximate camping areas and ß Underwear tion, research and partnerships. points of attraction to visit. ß Camp • Proper light-weight equipment to ß Waterproof jacket and pants Make a Difference safely cope with the elements and ß Head cover and mittens You can make a difference by your recreational pursuits. ß Sun glasses • Food for the entire trip, packed practicing and promoting these First Aid Kit in lightweight containers such as seven principles (you can make your own) plastic bags. ß adhesive bandages • Plan ahead and prepare • Number of people in the party and ß compresses • Travel and camp on durable sur­ their abilities. ß 4-inch elastic bandages faces • Regulations and restrictions that • Dispose of waste properly ß triangular bandage or cravat may be applicable. • Leave what you find ß antiseptic Experience will help you refine • Minimize impacts ß aspirin and/or ibuprofen planning skills, equipment and July and August are subject to Travel and Camp on Durable ß eye wash intense afternoon thunder and Surfaces ß adhesive tape lightning storms in the alpine Stay on the designated path ß insect repellent area. ß sun block when hiking existing trails. Cut ß moleskin for blisters In the Mountains, condi ting a switchback or avoiding a ß tweezers tions are usually favorable for muddy trail by in the ß lip protection travel from June 15 to October 1. grass causes unnecessary erosion However, in the Northern Rock and unsightly multiple paths. In Hiking the spring, travel across snow ß , not tennis or ies, the best time for a trip is be tween July 15 and September 15. and rocks as much as possible; ß Socks – inner and outer lay­ high mountain plants and soil are ers August and early September especially susceptible to damage ß Laces – take an extra pair often provide the best weather for during a thaw. Personal Sanitation travel in the high country, with ß Lightweight trowel little bother from insects. If you choose a route without ß Toilet paper trails, do not mark the trees, build ß Quick-dry towel To obtain solitude, try to plan rock piles or leave messages in the ß Biodegradable soap your trip when use by others is dirt. A group should spread out at a minimum. The heaviest use rather than walk one behind the times are holidays and weekends. other. Ten people tramping in a row can crush plant tissue beyond TRAVEL TIP: Boots for comfort Whenever you go, be prepared recovery and create channels for An ill-fitting or new, untried for all kinds of weather including erosion. can cause a hiker misery after a rain, summer blizzards, extreme long day on the trail. To prevent cold, and heavy winds. Hike in small groups of no more blisters, aching feet, and twisted than six people. Four is the best ankles, make sure your footwear Travel Light is suited to the type of terrain and number, especially during off- pack weight you will be traveling Experienced backpackers pride trail travel. In case of sickness or with on your trip. themselves on being able to travel injury, one person can stay with light. Rugged, surefooted back the victim while two people go Most backpackers prefer 6 inch laced boots with rubber or synthetic packers will seriously explain for help. Use your judgment in soles. They should fit comfortably that they cut towels in half and breaking your group into smaller over two pair of socks, a wicking the handles off toothbrushes units to reduce visual impact and sock and a heavy wool or synthetic to save ounces. They measure to increase individual enjoyment sock. Wear your new boots enough exactly the right amount of food and self-reliance. to break them in before the trip. needed and put it in plastic bags, Take extra laces. Pack a pair of soft which are light. They carry Dispose of Waste Properly soled shoes or sandals. After a day scouring pads with built-in soap, Pack it in; pack it out still rings of hiking, they will feel comfortable to eliminate dish soap and dish true. Inspect your and as well as being less damaging to cloth. rest areas for trash or spilled campsite vegetation. foods. Pack out all trash, leftover How much should you carry? It food and litter. all depends on your physical con When to Travel dition and experience, the terrain Disposal of Camping Wastes Time your trip according to cli to be covered, the length of the Don’t take cans and other “un matic conditions. trip, and time of the year. The av burnables” into the backcountry erage is thirty pounds for women unless you are willing to pack If you go into the high country too (maximum 35) and forty pounds them out. early, snow may interfere with for men (maximum 50). Try not travel; streams tend to be high to carry more than one-quarter of Avoid the problem of leftover and difficult to cross; fishing may your body weight. food by carefully planning meals. be poor; and meadows and trails When you do have leftovers, carry are apt to be soft and subject to When figuring weight, count all them in plastic bags and pack out. damage. items – the cup on your belt, the camera around your neck and the Wash dishes at least 200 feet from keys in your pocket. water sources. Waste water (dishwater or excess Do not use soap or dispose of Minimize Campfire Impacts cooking water) should be strained soapy water in tundra areas; the The mountaineer’s decision to and the “chunks” packed out. soil layer is too thin to act as an have a campfire was influenced by Food scraps like egg and peanut effective filter and destruction of a need for warmth and a cooking shells and orange peels take an plant life usually results. source. Today, your most impor extremely long time to decompose tant consideration should be the Human Waste and are eyesores. potential damage to the environ The proper disposal of human ment. Fish intestines should be buried. waste is important. For the ben efit of those who follow, you must The mark of an experienced back Bathing and Washing not contaminate the water. packer is to use a stove when an Although the mountain men area could be easily damaged. weren’t famous for their cleanli Fortunately, nature has provided ness, today’s visitors like to bathe a system of very efficient bio A stove leaves no trace. Use of and wash their clothes. Be aware, logical “disposers” to decompose stoves is preferred and often the however, that all soap pollutes fallen leaves, branches, dead only legitimate fire source in lakes and streams. If you wish to animals, and animal droppings in many areas today. soap bathe, jump into the water the top 6-8 inches of soil. The in Use a for light and enjoy first, then bathe ashore well away dividual “cat hole” method, used the evening star show. from the water, and rinse the by most experienced backpackers soap off with water carried in jugs is recommended. If you do build a campfire or pots. This allows the biode remember: gradable soap to break down and Leave What You Find Use a campfire infrequently and filter through soil before reach Help preserve America’s cultural only when: ing any body of water. Thorough heritage by leaving archeological rinsing can adequately clean and historical remains undis There is an established fire ring, clothes. Soap is not necessary. turbed, encourage others to do the or you have a or fire blan same, and report your discoveries ket, or can build a mound fire. Too much soap in one place to the local ranger. This will prevent rock and soil makes it difficult for soil to break scarring. it down. Therefore, dispose of Avoid removing items of interest soapy water in several places. (rocks, flowers, wood, and ant There is sufficient mineral soil lers.) Leave these in their natural to build a mound fire.See how to state for others to see. build a mound fire in the tips box. There is abundant dead wood Dealing with Solid Waste Disposal available on the ground. In many The “cat hole” method areas, wood is being used faster than it grows. • Select a screened, well-drained because the acidity of urine can spot at least 200 feet from any affect plant growth. Your campsite has an established water or trail. • If you are traveling as a group, fire ring.Avoid creating new fire- • Use a lightweight plastic trowel to consider a latrine to minimize scarred areas. dig a hole 6-8 inches across and impact. 6-8 inches deep. Try to remove Your campsite shows no signs of Pack it out the sod (if any) in one piece. heavy use, such as an ash-filled • Consider bagging and packing out • After use, refill the hole with the fire pit or trampled soil. In over- toilet paper. This is essential to loose soil, and then replace the camped areas or near timberline, prevent sanitation problems from sod. Nature will do the rest in a choose an alternate campsite or heavy visitation, and some areas few days. use a . require it. • The cat method is unnecessary • Tampons must be bagged and Fire Rules for urination; however, urinate carried out or burned in an well away from trails and water In some areas campfires are extremely hot fire. Never bury sources. Use areas that are well prohibited by regulations. Check tampons because animals will dig hidden, but try to avoid vegetation with the public land management them up. agency for local regulations. How to Build a Mound Fire When there is no existing fire ring, use this method to assure Step 3: Build your fireon top of the mineral soil and keep it minimum impact. small to conserve wood and prevent it from burning nearby Step 1: Once you have a piece of ground chosen for a vegetation. fire, the first step is to cover the ground a fire proof piece of Step 4: Light and Enjoy. material (sold in many outdoor stores) or a fire pan. A flat rock can also be used. Remember having a small fireis better Step 5: Once the fireis finishedburning and no large pieces as it takes less wood to build thus conserving the wood supply of charcoal are left, douse the ashes with water. Be sure the and time spent gathering it. fire is out and cool to the touch. The ashes can be scattered across a meadow or forest so that they are hidden from view. Step 2: Cover the material/pan with several centimeters, or 1 Return the mineral soil from where it was obtained and pack 1/2 inches, of mineral soil to insulate the material and ground. your material/pan away. What is left should be as good as Mineral soil can be obtained from sandy beaches, gravel areas before the fire with no trace of burned wood or scorched or by digging underneath the organic soil layer. Be careful to rocks. The remains of a properly built fire should not be not disturb any vegetation while obtaining the mineral soil. visible after it is dismantled. The soil should not contain twigs or other biological matter that may burn once the fire is lit.

All fires must be attended. Many Break branches with your hands, backcountry has many advantag forest fires have started from peo­ not a saw. leave unnatural es. You’ll have a better chance of ple who have left their fireburning and unnecessary scars and add seeing wildlife that would other while they went hiking. weight to your pack. wise be frightened by loud noises. You’ll begin to tune in to the Don’t build a ring with rocks. Scatter unused firewood before sounds and the rhythm of nature This will permanently blacken leaving your campsite. This will more easily. Others will also ap them and tell others you were preserve a natural appearance. preciate your thoughtfulness. there. Fires should be completely out However, in “grizzly country” Build fires away from tents, trees, before you abandon the campsite, noises may keep the bears away. branches and underground root and the ashes scattered. When See “Enjoy Bear Country.” systems. preparing to leave the campsite use water and soil to douse the Wear “earth colors” to lessen Campfires should never be built flames thoroughly. Feel the coals your visual impact, especially on top of the forest floor. If there with your bare hands to be sure if you are traveling in a group. is groundcover of needles and the fire is out. However, during hunting season decomposed matter be sure to dig a blaze orange hat and vest are through it to the soil. Respect Wildlife advisable for your personal safety. Do not build fires on windy days. When tracking wildlife for a photograph or a closer look, stay Allow horses plenty of room Sparks might be dangerous, espe­ on trails. Horses may be fright cially when the countryside is dry. downwind, avoid sudden mo tions and never chase or charge ened by equipment. It Use only dead-and-down branches an animal. Respect the needs of is best to move off the trail. Ev no larger than your wrist. This birds and animals for undisturbed eryone in your group should stand will insure complete, efficient territory. off to the downhill side of the burning. trail. Avoid sudden movements as Some birds and small animals horses pass. Keep your fire small. Firewood may be quite curious, but resist is often scarce near heavily used the temptation to feed them. Drinking Water so it should not be Feeding wildlife can upset the Better to be safe than sorry. No wasted on excessively large fires. natural balance of their food matter how “pure” it may look, chain- your leftovers may carry water from streams or lakes Avoid breaking off branches, alive bacteria that are harmful to them. should be considered unsafe to or dead, from standing trees. Bro­ drink until properly treated. ken, stubby trees lose much of their Be Considerate of natural appearance and the action Other Visitors The most common disease as can injure or kill young trees. Traveling quietly through the sociated with drinking water is giardiasis which is caused by in person with the injured. If gesting the microscopic cyst form rescue is delayed, make an of the parasite giardia lamblia. emergency shelter. Hypothermia is the rapid, Flu-like symptoms appear 5-10 • Don't move until help arrives progressive mental and physical days after and may last unless there is more danger in collapse that occurs when a 6 weeks or more if untreated. remaining where you are. Use person’s body is chilled to the Other disease causing organisms extreme care in moving the core. It is caused by exposure may also be present in untreated injured. to cold, and aggravated by surface waters. Altitude Sickness wet, wind, and exhaustion. It occurs most often when the Start each trip with a day’s sup A person should spend 2-3 days temperature is between 30 and ply from home or other domestic getting acclimatized to high 50 degrees – making it hard for source. To replenish that supply, altitude before hiking. The lack people to accept the danger. search out the best and cleanest of oxygen at high elevations gives source, strain the water through a some travelers altitude sickness. clean cloth to remove any sus Prevention pended particles or foreign mate to take a drink. If you drink only rial. The best treatment then is The best prevention is a slow when you feel thirsty, you are to bring the water to a rolling boil ascent with gradual acclimatiza already becoming dehydrated. for 3-5 minutes. Cool overnight tion to altitude. Beginning at an An excellent “hydration check” for the next day’s supply. elevation of 9,000 feet, it is recom mended that you do not ascend is to note your urine color; dark Another solution is to treat with more than 1,000 vertical feet per yellow may indicate you are not iodine water purification tablets day. drinking enough water. or use an EPA approved water purification device. Symptoms Hypothermia Cough Cold kills in two distinct steps: Safety and Emergencies Lack of appetite (1) exposure and exhaustion, and For safety reasons, travel Nausea or vomiting (2) hypothermia. with a companion. Leave word Staggering gait Exposure occurs when your body at home and at your “jumping Severe headaches begins to lose heat faster than it off” place if a backcountry visitor Treatment produces it. To compensate you register is provided. A person with symptoms of either to stay warm or When you travel in a party, see altitude sickness should breathe your body makes involuntary to it that no one leaves the group deeply and slowly, rest, drink adjustments to preserve normal without advising where they are plenty of water, and eat quick temperature in the vital organs. going and for how long. energy foods such as dried fruit or Either of these responses drains candy. Take aspirin or ibuprofen your energy reserves until they Watch for loose or slippery to help the headaches; antacid are exhausted. rocks and logs, cliffs, steep pills may help other symptoms. grades, and inclined hardpacked If symptoms persist, seek lower Survival Tips snow fields where a misstep can elevations immediately. Contin Exposure to the elements is more cause an uncontrolled slide or fall. ued exposure can make the victim dangerous than hunger and too weak to travel, and may lead thirst. You may live more than Use your best judgment, and to serious complications. a week without food, for 3 days never take chances. without water, but for only a few Dehydration In Case of Injury hours in severe weather. Adults require 2 quarts of wa Injury in remote areas can be the ter daily, and up to 4 quarts for Get out of the wind. Move beginning of a real emergency. strenuous activity at high eleva from exposed ridges or open flats. • Stop immediately! tions. There is a 25 percent loss Go to the lee (sheltered from the • Treat the injury if you can, and of stamina when an adult loses wind) side of a mountain, behind make the victim confortable. 1½ quarts of water. To avoid trees, rocks, or other natural bar riers. • Send or signal for help. If you dehydration, drink water often must go for help, leave one and continuously. Use a rest stop Find natural shelter in rock Defense under you, with only your feet formations, caves, dense ever • The best defense against hypo­ touching the ground. Clasp your green forests and behind large thermia is to avoid exposure. hands around your knees. If you logs. In winter, be sure that snow • Recognize hypothermia weather are struck, the bolt of lightning from overhead branches will not and dress for it. may not pass through your heart fall into your fire. • Stay dry and protected from the because of the insulation. Build a “lean-to” with poles and wind. Best bet: Think ahead and get to evergreen thatch, if you cannot • If you cannot stay dry and warm safe areas before the storm hits. find a natural shelter. If unable under existing weather conditions to do this, make a windbreak of with the clothes and equipment Avoid: evergreen boughs stuck into the you have, get out of the weather. • Exposed locations such as snow. • Build a fire and make camp-­ ridgetops, meadows, ledges, rock while you still have a reserve of outcrops, and exposed sheds or Symptoms energy. shelters When your energy reserves are Silent Killer • Wire fences, telephone lines, and exhausted, lowered body tempera metal tools ture affects the brain, depriving The dangerous thing about hypo • Large or lone trees you of judgment and reasoning thermia is that the victim doesn’t • Rivers and lakes power. (You do not realize this is realize what is happening. • Horses and stock happening.) • They may feel fine, but the fact • Grouping together may be that exercising is the only Symptoms include: thing preventing going into hypo­ If You Get Lost • Uncontrollable fits of shivering thermia. Someone in your party may be • Vague, slow or slurred speech • When they stop, the rate of body come lost. If you or someone else • Memory lapse or incoherence heat production instantly drops by becomes lost, follow these steps. • Physical clumsiness such as fum­ 50 percent or more. • Stay calm bling hands, frequent stumbling, • Violent shivering may begin and • Try to remember how you got to or a lurching gait the victim may slip into hypother­ your present location. • Drowsiness, apparent exhaustion, mia in a matter of minutes. • Look for familiar landmarks, and inability to get up after a rest trails, or streams. Windchill Chart This is hypothermia. Your inter • When you find a trail stay on it. nal temperature is sliding down Wind, temperature, and moisture • If you decide to go on, do it ward. Without treatment, this are factors that can greatly af slowly. slide leads to stupor, collapse and fect the safety of a backpacker. • Try to fnd a high point with a death. Each contributes to the loss of good view, and then plan your body heat. The “wind chill” chart route of travel. Treatment illustrates the effect of wind and • Follow a drainage downstream. In Treatment must be immediate temperatures on dry, exposed most cases it will eventually bring and drastic. The victim may deny flesh. you to a trail or a road. Help won't being in trouble. Believe their be far off. Lightning symptoms. • If you are injured, near exhaus­ • Get them out of the wind and strip Lightning storms can be severe tion, or it's dark, stay where you off all wet clothes in the high country. Storms can are; someone may be looking for • If they are only mildly impaired, appear without notice, blowing you. give warm drinks, keep awake, in over the mountain tops. When get them into dry clothes and a lightning is imminent, don’t take When backpacking with children, warm sleeping bag. chances- immediately crouch in a these suggestions may help save a • If semi-conscious, leave stripped kneeling position. child: and put in a sleeping bag with an­ • Be sure they stay with you or near Safe locations include a deep thick other person, who is also stripped. camp. cave, crouched between rocks in If possible, put victim between • Discuss with them what they are a boulder field, or forested ar two warmth donors. to do if they become separated. eas. Above treeline, crouch on a • Give each child a and small rock with insulating mate instruct them to blow on it if they rial (your foam pad, for example) are lost. • Instruct your children to stay put loudly, or sing, although noise is Odors Attract Bears once they are lost. It may be easier not a foolproof way to deter bears. A clean campsite without tempt for searchers to find them. A surprise encounter, particularly ing or strange odors will best A guaranteed method of attract with a female bear and cubs, is ensure a night’s sleep untroubled ing attention and getting someone dangerous. A normally placid by bear visits. to investigate during the summer mother may be quickly provoked • Pack out all garbage in sealed months is a fire creating a large if her cubs are disturbed, or if you containers. Make sure items such volume of smoke. Green boughs come between the cubs and her. as empty food containers are clean on a fire will create smoke.A fire and odor free. should only be used as a last If You See A Bear • When camping, it is best to use . Be sure your fire does not • If you see a bear, give it plenty of freeze-dried food instead of fresh escape and cause a wildfire. ouY room. food. can be held liable for the entire • Do not make abrupt moves and • Store food in plastic bags out of cost of putting it out. noises that would startle the bear. reach of bears and well away from • Slowly detour, keeping upwind sleeping areas. What To Do When so it will get your scent and know • Sleep some distance from your Someone Is Overdue you are there. cooking area. Stay calm and notify the • If you can't detour, wait until the • Don't sleep in the same clothes County Sheriff or local Rang­ bear moves away from your route. you wore when cooking. er. They will take steps to alert or • Do not run from the bear. • Keep sleeping bags and personal activate a local search and res gear clean and free of food odor. If You Are Charged By a Bear cue organization. If the missing • Cook with camp stoves instead of person returns later, be sure to You have two options: Try to making fires. advise the Sheriff or Ranger. climb a tall tree – if there is one • Avoid the use of perfumes, de­ nearby – or play dead. odorants, or other sweet smelling Enjoying Bear Country substances. Most adult grizzlies cannot climb Grizzly bears live in northeastern • Personal cleanliness is good insur­ trees. Grizzly cubs and black ance. Wyoming, and the mountains of bears can often be discouraged Montana and Idaho. Black bears • Human sexual activity attracts from . Drop some sizable bears. inhabit forested and shrubby item- a sleeping bag, for example- areas throughout the United to divert the bear and give you Bearproof Your Camp States. The Alaskan brown bear is time to retreat. extremely dangerous. It exploits • Pitch your tent at least 125 feet whatever opportunities it has for If you are caught by a bear, try (50 steps) upwind from your food. playing dead, lying on your stom cooking area and your food and ach or side with your legs drawn garbage. All bears are dangerous animals. up to your chest. Clasp your • Try to place the door near climb­ They are usually secretive crea hands over the back of your neck. able trees. tures, and stay away from people. Some bears have passed by people • Suspend food and garbage in But if you are in bear country, be in this position without harming sealed plastic bags at least 10 feet alert and take precautions. them. above the ground, 10 feet from the trunk, and 3-6 feet below the limb Remember, there are no hard and Do not run blindly down the trail on which they hang. fast rules to ensure protection or into the bush – it will only ex from a bear. Bear behavior differs cite the animal into chasing you. under different conditions. Bears can easily outrun humans. Bears Don’t Like Surprises Bears and Dogs Don’t Mix Traveling alone in grizzly coun It’s a good idea to leave your dog try is not recommended. When in at home when you hike or camp, known habitat, make especially in bear country. A dog your presence known. can easily disturb a bear and lead Many experienced hikers wear it back to you. bells, dangle a can, whistle, talk National Forest Black National Forest Pike and San Isabel National 1019 N. 5th St. Forests 808 Meadows Lane Headquarters Custer, SD 57730 2840 Kachina Dr. Cody, WY 82414 in the (605) 673-9200 Pueblo, CO 81008 (307) 527-6241 Rocky Mountain Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and (719) 553-1400 TDD (307) 578-1294 Region Gunnison National Forest TDD (719) 553-1404 White River National Forest 2250 Highway 50 Rio Grande National Forest 9th and Grand Contact these headquarters Delta, Co 81416-8723 1803 W Highway 160 P.O. Box 948 for maps and information about (970) 874-6600 Monte Vista, CO 81144 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 the national forests you plan to TDD (907) 874-6660 (719) 852-5941 (970) 945-3229 visit. Medicine Bow National Forests TDD (719) 852-6271 TDD (970) 945-3255 2468 Jackson St. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Routt National Forest Rocky Mountain Region Laramie, WY 82070 925 Weiss Dr. Headquarters Forests (307) 745-2300 2150 Center Ave., Bldg. E Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 740 Simms St. Ft. Collins, CO 80526-8119 TDD (307) 745-2307 (970) 879-1870 Golden, CO 80401 (303) 275-5350 (970) 295-6700 15 Burnett Ct. TDD 275-5367 125 North Main 2013 Eastside 2nd St. Durango, CO 81301 ORIC (Outdoor Recreation Chadron, NE 69337 (970) 247-4874 Sheridan, WY 82801 (308) 432-0300 Information Center) (307) 674-2600 TDD (970) 385-1257 1416 Platte St. TDD (308) 432-0304 TDD (307) 674-2631 , CO 80202 I-25 & 23rd Ave. Exit Wind Speed Cooling Power (303) 756-3100 Expressed as www.oriconline.org “Equivalent Chill Temperature” Temperature (F) 0 40 30 20 10 5 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 Credits Equivalent Wind-chill Temperature (F) This brochure is for backpacking campers who want to make their 5 35 25 15 5 0 -5 -15 -25 -35 -45 -55 -70 experience and that of others more safe and enjoyable. Our thanks are

10 30 15 5 -10 -15 -20 -35 -45 -60 -70 -80 -95 extended to the following groups and organizations for their assistance 15 25 10 -5 -20 -25 -30 -45 -60 -70 -85 -100 -110 in developing this guide: 20 20 5 -10 -25 -30 -35 -50 -65 -80 -95 -110 -120 ind (MPH) Bureau of Land Management W 25 15 0 -15 -30 -35 -45 -60 -75 -90 -105 -120 -135 Colorado Horsemen’s Council 30 10 0 -20 -30 -40 -50 -65 -80 -95 -110 -125 -140 Colorado Open Space Council

35 10 -5 -20 -35 -40 -50 -65 -80 -100 -115 -130 -145 Colorado outward Bound School 40 10 -5 -20 -35 -45 -55 -70 -85 -100 -115 -130 -150 Izaak Walton League of America, Inc. Danger Increased Danger Great Danger (flesh may freeze within 1 minute) (flesh may freeze within 30 seconds) National Outdoor Leadership School Example: at 10˚ F, a 25 mph wind speed produces a -30˚F temperature. Wilderness Society For Your Protection As a user of National Forest System lands, you have significant responsi­ bility for your personal safety during any activity you might pursue. The Forest Service does install signs and other information devices at various locations where site conditions warrant. However, the size of the national forests and the variety of natural and man-made conditions limit place­ ment of signs or other specific warnings and necessitates the use of more general education efforts. Hazards included, but are not limited to: Changing weather conditions; snow; ; water; wild animals; becoming lost or over-exerted; hypothermia; remnants of mining and other activities involving exca­ vation, tunnels and shafts, decaying structures and a variety of equipment; The Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits and changing road and trail conditions. You may also be exposed to un­ discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, reasonable acts of others. color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited basis The Forest Service does not manage or control all of these occurrences. apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative It is your responsibility to know the hazards involved in your activities and to use the proper safety procedures and equipment to minimize the inherent means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, risks and hazards related to your activity. audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA’s Target Center at 202-720­ 2600 (voice and TDD). In order to help visitors enjoy their experience on the national forests, the Forest Service and other agencies provide information regarding lo­ To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of cal conditions by various means. This information is available at Forest Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave. Service offices, from local residents, outfitters and guides, and from other SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). reference materials. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.