How prepared are you for the backcountry?

 “Every time you go out into the backcountry the conditions are going to be different from the time before.  

Each time you go out, you should treat it as your first time”.

– Katy Chambers, Squamish Search & Rescue

As you have noticed, the mountain peaks are covered in snow. This means it is time to reassess your gear and what’s in your pack, making sure you’re prepared before heading into the backcountry.

Katy Chambers is the Manager for the Squamish Search & Rescue, who says you always need to be prepared for changing conditions:

“In the higher elevations there are more elements that have more variability; the alpine temperatures are very different than the valley bottom temperatures. The wind and the precipitation can change quickly and change in intensity as well. People need to know what their gear and equipment are, in relation to their skill level. You need to have a certain level of knowledge before heading into the back country and you need to know who you are going with and the skill level of those people as well”. 

She says there are 10 essentials to have in your pack, including:

First aid kit, signalling device, map or compass, communication device (radio, cellphone, satellite phone) and extra batteries. Include leaving a detailed trip plan behind, water, shelter, knife, a source of light and fire starter.

If you do happen to get lost or find yourself unprepared for changing conditions, which Chambers assures us, can happen to even the most experienced back country users, remember this:

“The main thing is to remain calm and not panic. When people panic and lose their sense of cool, then they lose their rationale and decision making. Making a shelter out of the supplies that you have, which would be part of the 10 essential supplies in your backpack, would be a key as well to make sure you are warm and able to hunker down until help can come. A lot of people think that they know where they are, and they tend to either go downhill and head into creeks and get themselves into more trouble. There’s no shame in staying put and signalling for help. Being visible is another things that is very important…so having an orange garbage bag or jacket really helps teams find lost people”. 

Just in case, “People need to be prepared for the day they are going out and for 24 hour of being out”.