Things You'll Need:
- Tarp
- Tent that's in good shape
- Wool/synthetic clothing,
- Waterproofing (Nikwax, Scotchgard)
- patience
- a sense of humor
- and humility.
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Step 1
No matter what you may think about, very few people attempt to disappear in the backcountry like the character from 'Into the Wild'. It's all about preparation, knowledge of the area you are about to enter, and being smart about your resources. First, have a waterproof map of the area you are trekking through. REI has some great ones made by National Geographic. Plan your route. If weather is your big concern, then perhaps hiking near rivers and streams would not be the smartest of ideas. Though they will provide ample access to drinking water, you could very well be hiking within a floodplane that could very quickly sweep you off your feet and into a situation no one wants to be in. Plan your escape routes. Examine the terrain to know which way will provide the best retreat should bad weather come your way. Plan a backup site to be camping at. Know where it is in relation to your intended site and your hike in.
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Step 2
Second, waterproof your gear. (backpack, tent, clothing, etc.)This can be done very simply with some NikWax or Scotchgard. Waterproof you backpack, your tent, your shoes, and even your jacket.Be careful about waterproofing any clothing, as the more you keep the water out, the more it will keep moisture and heat in, causing you to sweat more. This can soak your clothing just as much as an afternoon shower can.
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Step 3
CHECK THE WEATHER!!!Don't go into the backcountry trying to read clouds. You have ample information at your fingertips no matter where you're from. Study the weather. Know what is going to happen on the days you intend to be in the backcountry. If you don't trust the weather services then study the almanac for that area as well. Compare the almanac's weather trends to what the weather service is telling you. This is information you should be checking right up until you leave on your backcountry experience. Have all gear prepared for whichever weather you intend to encounter.
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Step 4
Alright, now you're in the muck of it. You planned, you prepared, and you thought you were going to be alright, but here it is: hail, lightning and an overwhelming fear that it won't subside. It's time to calm down. If you haven't set up camp already, begin thinking about doing so. If you're hiking near moving water, begin making note of any increase in its flow rate. Is it rising? If it is, then you best start hiking directly away from the water. Find higher ground. If at all available, find shelter, be it a cave, a rock outcropping, or simply a dense group of trees. If you cannot find shelter, consider setting up a tarp, which you hopefully brought with you. This will help you keep dry, out of the immediate downpour and wind, and help you to plan your next move. Your next move can be any of a number of things. First, ask yourself this question: How far in are you? Are you on your third day of hiking away from your starting point? Are you close to a safe point, such as a ranger station or your car? Decide whether you want to wait out the weather or return home. Or do you want to set up camp right where you're at. If you decide to set up camp right were you are, you'll be ok. Just remember to have that tarp up first. You want to be able to get your tent up without the rain soaking it. You want to get your rainfly on before you put any of your other gear inside. Remember, staying dry is a priority.If you have the ability, start a fire. It is unlikely you'll have any dry material to start the fire, but if you can manage, do so. If not, and you're cold, begin considering putting more layers on, or climbing inside your sleeping bag inside your tent. One of the best ways to stay warm in this situation is to start exercising. Stay under your tarp and start doing some jumping jacks and pushups. Do whatever kind of exercise you want, but do them. This will keep your blood flowing to everything you find crucial to your lifestyle outside this one backpacking experience.
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Step 5
Enjoy yourself!!It is probable that you went on this backpacking trip to enjoy nature, perhaps to get some exercise, or perhaps just to test yourself. Well, no matter the reason, remember where you are. You are in the backcountry. Man has not begun controlling the weather, and likely never will. You are dealing with an unpredictable phenomea; remain humble.If you prepare with the right gear and the right attitude, you can expect anything that is coming your way.
