I highly recommend anyone going into the woods or wilderness areas, regardless of the activity, take the following precautions. Even if one is only going for a short walk or hike, anything could happen and it pays to be prepared. I never step onto the trail, go hiking, go hunting, fishing or camping without these essentials:
A backpack for the following:
Emergency blanket
First aid kit
Knife
At least one disposable butane lighter
Flashlight
Toilet paper
A few gallon zip lock plastic bags
Protein bars
A minim of 20 ounces of drinking water
Compass
Whistle
Small mirror
Flashlight and extra batteries
Personal locator beacon
If allowed by law a firearm
If allowed on the area, take a dog with you. Dogs have extremely sensitive senses and will alert to their presence long before a person would notice them.
Bear spray
If possible ALWAYS GO WITH A PARTNER. Always inform at least one person where you are going and when you will be back, especially if you are going alone.
One will be surprised how inexpensive it is to put together a back containing the above recommended items (excluding the firearm). Personal locator beacons are affordable usually under $100 for a good reliable one.
Suggest using shared location thru map via android with a family member or close friend. Better than nothing & most of us have a smart phone already. Beacon is 'best fit' no doubt.
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