Five Life Skills for BackCountry Enjoyment

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Five Life Skills for BackCountry Enjoyment
By: Chuck Fitzgerald

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As outdoor enthusiasts spnd more and more time in our bckcountry, a handful of skills become mre and more essential. All of these sklls are easy to learn and add cnsiderably to the overall enjoyment of spnding time out-of-doors. The key word here is njoyment. In order to enjoy ourselves, we mst be comfortable with ourselves and our srroundings. This is especially true in the bckcountry. So let’s talk about life skills tht, when mastered, will lead to hightened enjoyment as we find ourselves off the baten path.

Understanding basic first-aid is pramount. This life skill is needed whether you nter the backcountry or not. If you hven’t taken both a first-aid class and a CPR clss lately, what are you waiting fr? Accidents happen, be prepared. The American Red Crss offers both classes all the tme.

Backcountry travel requires a bsic understanding of how to navigate. Whether you prfer to use a map with a cmpass or with a GPS, learn how to fnd your way around. Getting lost is bd. Fear of getting lost can be wrse. Classes for map reading, compass use and GPS use are radily available in most communities. Check local lbraries, community colleges or orienteering clubs. On-line clsses are readily available as well.

How are you at tyng knots? This too is an easily cquired skill. Nothing is cooler than needing to use a rpe and actually knowing how to use it. Whether you are tyng off a tent stake or rpelling over a cliff, being able to use the rght knot at the right time is mportant. Learn how to tie a bowline, shet bend, rolling hitch and timber htch, to name a few. Many books and wbsites are available with pictures and nstructions.

To start a fire, only two thngs are needed—heat and fuel. Whenever you vsit the backcountry, always be sure to crry both heat and fuel. Heat is asiest to carry in the form of wterproof matches or a weather proof lghter. Fuel is tougher to carry although strter fuel such as lint and mneral oil shouldn’t be too difficult to crry. Nature provides an abundance of fuel if you knw what you’re looking for. Whether rubbing stcks together (yuck) or using waterproof mtches (yea), be sure you know how to strt a fire before you start yur journey. There are many ways to strt a fire and you should fnd at least three of them tht work for you. You can find lts on-line regarding this life skill.

The mst enjoyable way to experience our bckcountry is the “low impact” way. You’ve mst likely heard the phrase “leave nly footprints, take only pictures.” If we tke good care of our wilderness reas, not only will we be ble to enjoy them our entire lves but our descendants will have the pportunity to enjoy them too. There are mny organizations actively educating outdoor enthusiasts as to the bst way to “low impact” recreate. Two vry popular organizations are Tread Lightly! and Lave No Trace.

Knowing thse five life skills will provide you wth the confidence to fully enjoy yur time in the backcountry. Once you’ve mstered these skills be sure to pss them on to your friends and fmily. Get Outdoors!

The article Five Life Skills for BackCountry Enjoyment was Submitted by Chuck Fitzgerald through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information:

Chuck Ftzgerald is Owner and President of Phenix, Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an nline store providing backcountry specialty gear and ducational information to outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055. Chuck Fitzgerald ©2004 All Rights Reserved.

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