Paddlers, cyclists, and hikers are always at the mercy of the elements, and that’s true even in summer. When the sun shines and the wind takes a rare break, we’re on easy street. When the atmosphere is in turmoil, however, we pay the price. Sometimes dense fog leaves us wondering where we are. At other times we’re chilled to the bone by a cold rain. Or we feel the wind’s invisible fist pounding relentlessly against our chests as we struggle to cross a big lake or cycle long distances. Often we can tough it out. But at other times it makes sense to take the easy option. Day trips can simply be cut short. On overnights, you can linger in camp, sheltering under a tarp or tent, while drinking and eating your fill and catching up on your sleep, snug and safe in the warmth of your cozy bag.

Yet there are times (and places) when even the easy option isn’t enough, times when the weather’s so ugly that you’re betting your life just by being outside. Anyone who’s been caught in a thunderstorm knows what I mean. But while the crash of thunder can be unnerving, it’s what you DON’T hear that can kill. The threat? Lightning. Read more…

Tags: lightning, safety, thunderstorms

When you venture away from the beaten path, could you patch a bad blister, find your way in a fog, or survive an unplanned night out? Ask yourself that question and then ask what you’d need to have along in order to cope.

Everyone likes a good list. Paddlers, hikers, and cyclists are no exception. You won’t find a better list than the Ten Essentials, either. It’s as valid today as it was when The Mountaineers first put it together back in the 1930s—and notwithstanding the list’s alpine origins, it’s equally useful to canoeists and kayakers, cyclists and hikers.

1. Map(s)—for staying found
2. Compass—ditto
3. First-aid kit—for patching yourself and companions
4. Knife—for too much to summarize
5. Extra food and water—to keep stoked and hydrated
6. Matches and firestarter—to light a life-saving fire
7. Flashlight—for seeing in dark places
8. Sunglasses—for staving off blindness in glare
9. Sunscreen—to protect your skin from burns
10. Extra clothing—to maintain healthy core temperature

The next time you head off in your boat, whether you’re just puttering around Golden Pond, venturing out across the wine-dark sea, strolling along your favorite woodland trail, or on a Sunday cycle on a remote singletrack, make sure you Take Ten. Don’t leave home without ‘em. Read more…

Tags: & Sit-on-Topping, cycling, hiking, Kayaking, Let's Paddle! Canoeing, safety, ten essentials

Heading out for far places this summer? Do yourself, your loved ones and friends, and the folks at Search and Rescue a favor: plan to survive, no matter what Nemesis throws your way. The United States Coast Guard (aka USGS) encourages boaters to file a float plan when heading out for an excursion, whether it’s to last a few hours or a few weeks. It’s good advice, and everyone should do it. Take the advice of someone who’s been there and come back. It’s an easy decision to live with.

Fortunately, writing up a float plan doesn’t have to take a lot of time. It does require a measure of discipline, though. You have to decide in advance exactly where you’re going and how long you’ll be away. You say you don’t like rigid schedules? Neither do I. Nobody wants his holiday to become a forced march. But there’s a happy medium. Just build some flexibility into your schedule. Keep it loose. Plan on plenty of rest days if your trek is to be long. Be sure to make a little room for a change in the weather, too. And leave some space for serendipity. But whatever you do, FILE A FLOAT PLAN! Read more…

Tags: & Sit-on-Topping, cycling, float plan, hiking, Kayaking, Let's Paddle! Canoeing, safety