Archive for the ‘getting lost’ Category

Lost and Found

Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Q: Where are people most likely to get lost?

A: The Great Smokies

The online version of the August issue of Backpacker Magazine has an outstanding article that offers 33 essential tips to remember if you or your partner goes missing, including "ways to stay found," and what to do if you do become lost. I highly recommend reading this; whether you're a hiking newby or a grizzled outdoor veteran. Hey, everyone needs to brush up on this invaluable knowledge every now and then.

The magazine also published a pretty good video on how to get "Un-Lost" using a GPS and a topo map.

The typical person who gets lost is a male, age 38, hiking solo, during the months of July or August, in the mountains, and often lacking a map and/or compass.

Finally, Backpacker posted a very interesting Q & A with SAR Statistician Robert Koester. Koester has spent the past seven years creating the International Search and Rescue Database. With 50,000 documented incidents, it's the largest, and first, compendium of its kind in the world. He uses the data to analyze risk, and predict who will live, who will die, and, most importantly, where lost hikers may be found.




Further reading: Top 10 Items to have on a Day Hike


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in Backpacker Magazine, Lost Person Behavior, Robert Koester, SAR, Search and Rescue Database, getting lost, gps, lost hikers | Comments Off

Should lost or injured hikers be charged for backcountry rescues?

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Should lost or injured hikers be charged for backcountry rescues?

That is the poll question currently be asked on the Blue Ridge Outdoors website. This issue seems to be growing within the outdoor community as I've been seeing more debate about it in recent months.

Surprisingly, 63% of the respondents to this poll have said "Yes" so far.

Actually, I think the question should've included a qualifier. I think that the comment left by Joe McAlister pretty much sums-up my feelings on this issue:

Let me clarify. I think it should be evaluated on a case by case basis. If an experienced, well prepared hiker, climber, etc. has something happen to them that is out of their control, something that they couldn’t have prepared for like a rock slide, or other natural event, then no. Now, if some yokel goes galavanting out into the backcountry with no experience, knowledge and completely unprepared then yes.

Please click here if you would like to cast your vote.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Posted in Blue Ridge Outdoors, backcountry rescues, charged, getting lost, hiker, injured, poll | Comments Off