A Survival Tips and Techniques Blog | UrbanWoodsman.com

Hiking is a mini-adventure. It lets you take a break from your normal routine without the time and expense involved in “real” vacations. You can see new things, have new experiences, and, if you want, challenge yourself physically. If you live in Colorado, you never lack for Colorado hiking opportunities. The State has an abundance of world-class hiking trails, far enough to give that remote feeling yet still relatively nearby.

Like any other activity, Colorado hiking is a great way to enjoy yourself and just have fun. However, if you want to get the most out of it and have the best experience over it, safety comes first. Below are some tips to help you remain safe and secure even while Colorado hiking:

Be Prepared!

It’s a scout’s motto, but even for Colorado hikers, it’s a good motto to adopt. Wilderness activities like Colorado hiking involve many risks. But most of these risks can be easily avoided or at least mitigated if you keep in mind your basic knowledge about outdoors survival and preparation.

The first thing you need to do is to know what risks you’ll likely be facing. The thought of being in the Colorado mountain wild areas evokes all sorts of horror and adventure stories of potential calamities when in reality the most prevalent risk anyone faces is pretty mundane: getting wet and cold.

As with most hiking trips, Colorado hiking requires that you lighten your load as much as you can. That alone is not much trouble, if only you knew exactly what you’re going to encounter on a hike. Your lack knowledge is never more emphasized when it’s your first time being in that area. So chances are you are going to end up loading your backpack with all sorts of “emergency” essentials, when the only equipment you really need are things that can help you cope with rain storms, rapid drops in temperature, heavy winds, injuries, fatigue, getting lost, and animal encounters.

It gets easier if you follow the following sensible practices when you go Colorado hiking:
- Avoid hiking alone. Even a minor injury or mishap can turn into a potential major problem if there is no one nearby to assist you.
- Before you hike out from a trailhead, make sure that you leave some sort of information about what trail you are going to follow, what time you left, etc. That way, if you fail to return after an awfully long time, someone will know where to find you. However, be careful about leaving any specific information as not every person has good intentions.
- Let an acquaintance in town know where you are going and when you intend to be back. If you don’t make it back, they can notify the authorities.
- Take along a cellphone if you have one in case of an emergency that requires help. In many cases in the wilderness, you will not be able to get a cellphone connection due to mountainous terrain, being in a canyon, or distance. However, even if you cannot initially connect through, you or someone else can climb to a ridgeline or summit and have a better chance for a connection from there.

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Even though leaving the everyday constraints of a nine to five is always on the back of the nature lovers mind, regardless of how experienced they are it is always imperative that you’re properly equipped when you go. Probably one of the types of gear you must take with you that could prove to be a lifesaver when something unexpected occurs is emergency supplies and kits.

You have to take with you the proper climbing boots if you are planning on doing any kind of hiking when you’re out camping. If you do happen to get stuck in the woods, a pair of sneakers just won’t do. Now, durable footware will cost more, however it will give your tootsies stronger protection from blistering up, will keep them nice and dry, and will let air ventilate your feet. Have in mind the type of footware you take along and use since if you get to the point that your feet begin to experience pain even the littlest things and movements can really hurt.

Following, the true nature lover will have to have a reliable tent to sleep in at night. Whatever tent you choose to take with you has to be one that you can walk with for a good distance and that’s not difficult to have breakdown and set up. Practice carrying the tent around on your back before the trip to test if you can withstand the weight for a long period of time while on the go. One thing you definitely want to avoid is carrying that tent with you and then having to waste hours mantling.

I would have to say that two of the most important pieces of camping supplies to bring along on your hiking trip are a sharp buck knife and a rechargeable flashlight. Knives can help cutting up food, getting branches for fire, and for repairing or making other tools. Be sure to get a proper sheath for your knife and to make sure that the blade is sharp for every trip you make.

So the outdoorsman will be carrying a tent, extra clothing, food, white gas for fire, a knife and other equipment, therefore he will need a good backpack that will help him haul along whatever he needs. A backpack that you can rely on has to come with chest and waist straps, because if not you’ll be forced to manhandle the entire thing on your delts, and it will definitely feel a lot more difficult to take with ever move you make. To protect your back, the backpack should have support bars.

Pack your bare necessities because that’s all you’ll stand to carry for a long hike. Don’t forget, in addition to the previous items, you’ll need to bring emergency supplies as well. You’ll need a first aid kit, spare batteries, ropes and flashlights. For comfort you’ll want to have a sleeping bag and cooking supplies.

Without these items or a superior knowledge of outdoor survival, it would be difficult to spend extended periods of time out in the wilderness. Though you may not plan to be away for long, sometimes the worst can happen and therefore it is best to be prepared. Even the most rugged outdoorsman would agree.

I have been thinking about Emergency Preparedness lately in the way of basic supplies. These are some of this things that I have been putting back. Obviously, these are extra supplies, not all that I have. Please comment if you have suggestions of items to add next. I would like to be deeper in certain categories, but this is a start.

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One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.