Always be prepared...

Even if hunting for Bigfoot.

“Two Men Found Dead of Exposure in Washington’s Cascade Range Were Hunting For Sasquatch, Officials Say”

Read news story here…

Guys really don't place enough importance on being prepared for the "what ifs" in the outdoors and the above news story is another example of this.

Through the years I have always heard the excuses of:

• But that stuff takes up too much space

• It's too much weight

• But we're only gonna be out a few hours

• The forecast is clear

• It's only a short hike

• But we're so close to the top

Plus many others…

I’ve been lost in the mountains, had trips go past their planned timeframes due to weather, been part of rescues, and I was never upset that I had planned and packed for the unexpected.

The author on a ski tour in the Adirondacks

The lesson, be prepared. Even if you decide to go hunting for Bigfoot, take the extra rations, put that warming layer and hat/gloves in your pack, pack a poncho, bring a fire kit, etc... I mean these items are basics that should be part of your 10 essentials and base kit. It could save your life.

If you don’t know what the 10 essentials are then here’s a quick rundown:

1. Map/Compass

2. Headlamp/Flashlight

3. First Aid

4. Water

5. Knife

6. Food

7. Extra Clothing

8. Rain Gear/Shelter

9. Fire Starter/Ignition Source

10. Cordage

Everyone's base kit should be built around these, don’t head out into the woods without them.

I believe in preparedness in the outdoors so much that I wrote a book on surviving in Adverse Conditions and Environments for The Professional Citizen Project with chapters including:

• Outdoor Fundamentals

• Emergency Prevention & Response

• Surviving Your Environment

• Mindset and Philosophy

Shameless plug, I know, but in the real world the right gear and knowledge to go with it can prevent you from becoming a statistic like the above Bigfoot hunters.

That or Bigfoot found them and it’s being covered up…