Watch a clip about hiking safety and the method to go away no hint throughout your hike, and take a look at other clips on DEC’s YouTube Channel.Follow the Hiker Responsibility Code: Wear correct gear and attire, together with sturdy, comfortable boots. View the 10 Hiking Essentials Full-size PDF * Moisture-wicking synthetic materials that keep your skin dry and help regulate your physique temperature in both cold and warm weather – avoid cotton because it holds moisture * Layered clothes is recommended even for summer hikes * Light-colored clothes, which can make it simpler to see ticks * Waterproof, sturdy, and comfy shoes or boots * A watch or other time-keeping gadget * Trekking poles will reduce leg fatigue and joint ache * Snowshoes and traction devices in the winter Carry these essentials in a day pack on all hikes for a secure and enjoyable experience. NAVIGATION * Map * Compass * GPS system * Extra batteries INSULATION/RAIN GEAR View the 10 Winter Hiking Essentials Full-size PDF * Waterproof/windproof jacket * Hat * Gloves * Thermal undergarments (pack extra) * Wool socks (pack extra) * Goggles – Winter * Face mask – Winter LIGHT * Headlamp * Flashlight * Lanterns * Extra batteries FIRST AID SUPPLIES * Use a pre-made kit or construct your own EMERGENCY KIT * Whistle * Signal mirror * Duct tape * Pocket knife/multi-tool, and so forth. * Bright colored cloth FIRE * Matches in waterproof container * Lighter * Fire starters NUTRITION * Choose excessive protein and excessive calorie gadgets * Pack additional food * In the winter break food into small items and pack in the center of pack to keep away from freezing WATER * Pack at least 2 liters per individual * Carry greater than you think you will want * Water filtration or purifying system * In the winter insulate your hydro-tubing or pack water within the heart of pack to avoid freezing SUN and INSECT PROTECTION * Sunglasses * Sunscreen * Hat * Bug Repellent * Bug Net EMERGENCY SHELTER * Tent * Space Blanket * Tarp Use Maps, Guides, or DEC’s Website to Plan Your Trip * Plan the place you are going * Plan if you count on to return * Check trail conditions before mountaineering * Adirondacks area * Catskills space (leaves DEC Website) * Finger Lakes area (leaves DEC Website) Leave Trip Plans With Family or Friends * Update them with any adjustments to your plans Be Realistic About Your Fitness and Skill Level * Don’t overestimate your skills * Don’t underestimate mom nature * Choose trails inside your or your group’s ability * In the winter, breaking via recent snow can be extra tiring than common mountaineering. * Day of your journey * Night of your journey and the following day so that you may be prepared for an unexpected night time within the woods * Know what time the sun sets and plan your hike to return earlier than dark Thunderstorms * Thunderstorms can pop up even if they are not forecast * Watch for darkening skies, enhance winds, lightning flashes, and the rumble of thunder * Avoid summits and different open areas throughout thunderstorms * As soon as you would possibly be first aware of an approaching thunderstorm transfer to lower elevations and search shelter * If caught outdoors in a thunderstorm discover a low spot away from tall trees, seek an area of shorter timber and crouch down away from tree trunks * Make yourself as brief as attainable by; * Sitting on your pack or sleeping pad along with your knees flexed, and * Hugging your knees to keep your ft together to attenuate the bottom impact of a near-by lightning strike Weather Conditions Can Affect Your Health Hypothermia occurs when your body loses warmth quicker than it could produce heat, inflicting a dangerously low body temperature. * Stay warm and dry to stop hypothermia * Cool moist weather is as dangerous as extremely chilly temperatures. * During cool and wet climate * Wear waterproof jacket with hood or hat and waterproof pants * Wear layers of non-cotton clothing that may wick moisture * During nice climate * Pack rain gear and extra clothing as weather can change rapidly or you would possibly have to spend the evening within the woods * During cold climate – gown correctly * Thermal undergarments that wick moisture * Fleece or wool insulating layer * Waterproof or waterproof outer layers * Thick socks, a winter hat, and gloves or mittens * Waterproof, insulated boots * Carry loads of food and water – eat, drink, and rest typically * Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more vulnerable to hypothermia Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke happen when your physique’s cooling mechanisms are overcome by warmth, causing a dangerously excessive body temperature. * Wear sunscreen * Slow your tempo * Drink water and relaxation extra often * Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight * Do not hike in extraordinarily sizzling weather * Know what to do in case of emergencies and be ready for them to occur Hike in a Group and Stay Together * Pace your hike to the slowest individual * Stay in sight of the individual behind you and the particular person in entrance of you * Stay in listening to distance of everyone in your group * If the weather adjustments for the more severe * If exhaustion is setting in for any group members * If darkness is approaching * Don’t push your limits! Emergency Phone Numbers * 911 * DEC Dispatch: NYS-RANGERS ( ) At the Trailhead or Parking Lot * Conceal valuables, and lock your vehicle * Save the DEC Dispatch number in your cellphone * Sign path registers and indicate the time. This will assist searchers in finding you when you turn into misplaced On the Trail * Stay together with your get together; do not cut up up and take totally different trails * Drink water often; rest and snack sometimes * Do not drink water from ponds or streams except you have treated it first by boiling, filtering or utilizing purification tablets * Keep monitor of time and keep in mind it will take you as long to return to your place to begin because it did to get to wherever you are in your hike * Turn off cellphones or switch to “airplane mode” to conserve the battery * Use a flashlight or headlamp. Save your cell phone battery If You Are Lost or Injured * Stop where you are. Keep calm and assess your situation * Try to discover out your location-look for recognizable landmarks and hear for automobiles on nearby roads * If you may be certain you can get your self out of the woods utilizing a map and compass, do so – in any other case stay put * If you’ve cell service, name 911 or DEC Dispatch (see above). The dispatcher will ask questions to gather information wanted to help searchers find you quickly * If you do not have cell service, transfer to a location shut by the place you are seen to searchers on the ground or in the air. If you may have one thing brightly colored, put on it or place it in a conspicuous location * If someone is injured or stricken and there could be no cell service: * One particular person ought to remain with the injured individual whereas the others note their location and leave to acquire help * If there isn’t anyone to remain behind, make sure the injured person has shelter and supplies before leaving to seek help * If it appears that you will want to spend the evening: * Clear an area of particles to construct a campfire to offer warmth, mild and luxury. A fireplace will assist searchers find you * Using items out of your pack, construct a shelter that can serve as a “cocoon” to maintain you warm and sheltered from the climate. You can even use dead branches, conifer boughs and leaf litter to insulate the shelter * DEC has a brochure with security tips about how to stop getting misplaced and what to do if you’re lost * DEC Forest Rangers have the first accountability for looking for lost hikers and rescuing injured hikers When You Return * Sign trail registers once more and indicate the time * Return any path guides * Dispose of litter correctly * Inform person you left journey plans with that you’ve got got finished your hike
HIKE SMART NY NYS Dept Of Environmental Conservation