Hiking in dangerous backpacking conditions such as lightning, wind, rain, white water crossings, cold and freezing temps, and even avalanches, are all extremely important survival skills for every hiker to know. Today, Andrew Skurka explains how experienced backpackers interpret and respond to deteriorating environmental conditions; reading the warning signs, following practical steps and rules, and choosing the correct gear for surviving the major dangerous environmental backpacking conditions. In this video, Skurka covers:

• Safe river crossings
• Reading lightning and storm risk
• Cold/wet exposure
• Bad-weather systems
• Decision-making under deteriorating conditions
• Common backpacker misconceptions
• Practical survival philosophy