NORTHWEST WEATHER WATCH

Wilderness Tips

A local organization - The Mountaineers - is an excellent resource for anyone planning expeditions to wilderness or mountain areas.
The Mountaineers publish books, provide training, and offer group excursions to wilderness areas. Their mission is "to explore, study, preserve, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Northwest."
A free pamphlet on their shelves - Hiking Safety and the 10 Essentials offers the following guidelines:

Don't hike alone.
Be in good physical condition.
Leave the trip schedule with a responsible person.
Stay with your group.
Carry the Ten Essentials (Plus).
And don't forget to take along your common sense!
The 10 Essentials (Plus)

Extra Clothing: Rain gear Wool or polypropylene (cotton is a no-no)
Extra Food: Requiring no cooking High in carbohydrates Lightweight
First Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Pocketknife
Firestarter: Candle stubs or solid chemical fuel
Matches: In a waterproof container (or a Butane lighter)
Flashlight: With extra batteries and bulb
Map: USGS or Green Trails
Compass
These items should also be regarded as essential:

Full water bottle
Water treatment
Toilet Paper
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Ground insulation
Space blanket
Tube tent
Whistle
For more information go to:

Olympia Branch Mountaineers
Project Safeside: Keeping you ahead of the Storm