Off-season -- when it's too cold and inclement for me to go on any great adventures outside my home state, Florida -- I spend my spare time searching for travel ideas.I was watching an intriguing PBS adventure show Saturday in which a young woman host was canyoneering with guides in northeast Arizona. The colorful sandstone landscape held many hazards for hiking and rappeling, chief among them steep and unstable canyon ledges and the danger of flash flooding in the monsoon season. Ultimately, none of these dramatic threats posed a danger to the host, guides and film crew. What turned their trip from an exciting adventure into pure misery the very first day was the common malady called unpreparedness.
They were hours into their hike -- on the way to a fully-stocked campsite -- when thunderstorms and rising waters slowed them down. They fell so far behind their schedule that night fell. Certain that hiking canyonlands in the dark was too dangerous, they decided to set up camp far short of their destination. It was at this point that the clearly agitated host turned to the camera and said she was annoyed. Sure that they'd make it to the pre-arranged campsite on time, they brought minimal supplies. Their total cache consisted of a bottle of water, two apples and a power bar.
They also didn't bring any kind of shelter with them -- not tent or tarp -- which meant they had to build a lean-to structure out of branches. This was almost-adequate, until a thunderstorm moved in and rain dripped through the branches. Miserable, the host hunkered in the lean-to in the dark while water dripped on her.
The lesson of this misadventure shouldn't be lost on anyone -- even the pros. Always bring enough food and water for an emergency. If you're going out for a day, bring a Nalgene bottle full of water. If you're going overnight, bring two. The food doesn't have to be extravagant. A couple of power bars a day should hold you. If there's even a slight chance that you won't make it to your destination and you might get stuck overnight, the shelter can be as simple as a tarp that can be used to create a makeshift shelter. (Cold weather will, of course, require greater preparation. A lightweight, 4-season tent is essential.)
Another critical point is to bring climate-appropriate clothing. If there's even a chance of rain, bring a raincoat and rain pants. I can't tell you how many times mine have kept me warm and dry from rain and fierce wind. Finally, bring a map and a basic first aid kit and know how to use it before you hit the trail.
Great adventures require great planning. Making sure you cover the basics can mean the difference between life and death or at least a memorable trip for all the right reasons. RuggedReviews.com has an Adventure page with great gear for all occasions.
