Keeping Your Cool

Careful preparation and the right mindset can go a long way toward ensuring years of enriching and safe adventures.

Alice Hutchison, an avid hiker who routinely visits Glacier National Park, gives an account on how she keeps safe everytime she ventures into the mountains. She is familiar with the wrath of Mother Nature in the mountains and the inherent dangers. Her experience has prepared her for nearly every situation.

In the pouch inside her fanny pack she always have with her some stuff she swears could make a difference between a pleasant experience or a miserable one, including raincoat, windbreaker, gloves, hat, light fleece, lip balm, sunscreen, bug repellent, moleskin, pocket knife, a packet of protein gel and pain relief medicine.

However, the one thing that she relies on most is her ability to stay focused when things turn bad. She is also always aware of her surroundings especially in bear country.

The owner of Kalispell's Rocky Mountain Outfitter, Don Scharfe, echoes his agreement that your mental state is critical to safe mountaineering. He goes on to say that "Nothing beats keeping a level head and making a plan of attack when a situation in the woods goes south."

Scharfe goes even further by using visualization techniques to mentally map out where he's going to be at various times throughout the day, which is particular critical when you're exposed to the elements high up in the alpine areas.

He also believes in hiking light and only takes with him enough gear to UNCOMFORTABLY survive and nothing else.

According to Glacier National Park ranger, Matt Graves, for safety in the mountains you need to pre-plan your route, know your physical limits, bring food and water, dress in layers, and know what's out there in terms of hazards, including wildlife. Everything in the wild should be approached with knowledge and respect.

Both Graves and Scharfe agree that while cell phones and global positioning systems may be useful in emergencies, they also give you a false sense of security. For you own safety and the safety of the would-be rescuers, never go anywhere you're not mentally and physically prepared to go.

Spending time in the mountains is one of life's most deeply rewarding experiences. I always carry a lightweight bivvy with me on day hikes in the mountains.