Backpacking & Hiking

NOLS MythCrushers Episode 3: Lightning

Outdoor Ed — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:28:57 GMT

There are many myths about lightning in the backcountry and in this episode, the NOLS MythCrushers will strike down on some of those shocking lightning myths.

The Outdoor Safety Code

Outdoor Ed — Mon, 16 May 2011 03:38:30 GMT

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council encourages the use of The Outdoor Safety Code across all outdoor activities, sports and recreations. For more infor visit www.outdoorsafetycode.co.nz

Produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
www.mountainsafety.org.nz

1. Plan your trip

Seek local knowledge, plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take. (More info)

2. Tell someone

Tell someone your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. (More info)

3. Be aware of the weather

New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. (More info)

4. Know your limits

Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. (More info)

5. Take sufficient supplies

Make sure you have enough food, equipment and emergency rations for the worst case scenario. (More info)
Take an appropriate means of communication. (More info)

The 5 safety points above have been created through expert consultation and are the core to all outdoor safety practices.

All of the points can be expanded upon depending on your specific recreation and geographic location, so use them as a starting point and make sure you know all you can about your activity before you head out.

Knotless PCT Bear Bag Hang

Outdoor Ed — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 21:51:34 GMT

This video from BackpackingLight.com shows how to perform an easier-yet-secure PCT Bear Bag Hang without using the traditional stick + clove hitch. If you aren't familiar with the basic technique of the PCT Bear Bag check out this video.

Some of the comments on this video on YouTube point out that tieing the clove hitch while holding the bag in the air is not as difficult as suggested.

"No need the draw the rope through to tie a clove hitch. Watch how a sailor does it. Loop over the twig, twist once, loop over again, and you're done. It's actually easier to make than your tie with the PVC pipe. Nice idea, but you have to carry a piece of PVC, while a twig you can pick up off the ground, or a chopstick is lighter."

Note: Low audio volume on this video.

Hanging A Bear Bag PCT style

Outdoor Ed — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 21:37:41 GMT

Watch Bryan DeLay who has 30 years experience in the Backcountry explain how to hang a Bear Bag using the PCT style...and it only took him a few minutes.

You can also check out this video from BackpackingLight.com that shows a variation on the PCT method.

Preventing Blisters

Outdoor Ed — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:06:14 GMT

This video from Britain's leading outdoor retailer, Cotswold Outdoor covers how to prevent and treat blisters in the backcountry.

The Layering System

Outdoor Ed — Mon, 10 May 2010 01:31:20 GMT

Outdoor clothing and equipment requires specialist knowledge. This essential information is easy to impart in a conventional retail environment, but thats not so easy on the web. How can you show people how to avoid blisters, or what features to look for when choosing a climbing rope?

Britain's leading outdoor retailer, Cotswold Outdoor, teamed up with us to produce a series of five advice videos to show the depth of expertise that the company has, and to impart some of that knowledge to its online customers. The films were so successful that a second series was commissioned just three months after the first programmes aired on their website.

Hiking essentials

Outdoor Ed — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 04:39:18 GMT

Heading out for a day hike or an overnight means knowing how to plan and what to bring. This overview video from Cotswolds in the UK gives a great summary of general hiking equipment and preparation.

Water Hazards in the Mountains

Outdoor Ed — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:23:34 GMT

An extract from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland's 'Water Hazards in the Mountains' DVD.

Full DVD available here: http://www.mcofs.org.uk/dvds-publications.asp.

Bear Safety in Glacier National Park

Outdoor Ed — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:51:36 GMT

Glacier National Park Bear Biologist John Waller explains critical safety techniques for hiking in grizzly bear country