Outdoor Outings: Safety in All Seasons
Get outside and enjoy our beautiful forests and mountains! Being prepared and following safety guidelines can make your adventure a positive experience.
GENERAL SAFETY REMINDERS
Always check the description of the event to ascertain the difficulty level to see if your fitness level is appropriate. Bring food and water to all outdoor events. Wear weather appropriate clothing with layers as conditions can change quickly. In warm weather pack a rain poncho, wear a hat, put on sunscreen and insect repellent. In colder weather pack extra layer(s) and a spare pair of socks. Always pack a flashlight or headlamp. It's good practice to assume that every season is tick season. In all seasons, wearing blaze orange helps you to be seen more easily. |
EMERGENCY
Call 911
Vermont State Police
Call 911
Vermont State Police
USEFUL LINKS
Trip Planning from the GMC: Be prepared for your hiking adventure.
GMC Digital Maps: Plan your trip with digital maps (no cell signal needed)
AT Guide: It can be purchased in hard copy or downloadable.
Trail Updates from the GMC: Stay Up-to-Date on Long Trail Issues
LEAVE NO TRACE - Complete Guide to responsible use of outdoors - Overview and details
Precautions with Wildlife from the GMC: know what to expect from wildlife along the trail.
Eye on the Sky: Weather Forecast
Mountain Point Forecast: Weather Forecast
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife: know the dates for Hunting seasons. All the land crossed by the Long Trail is open to hunting during regular hunting seasons and many other VT trails cross hunting land.
Trip Planning from the GMC: Be prepared for your hiking adventure.
GMC Digital Maps: Plan your trip with digital maps (no cell signal needed)
AT Guide: It can be purchased in hard copy or downloadable.
Trail Updates from the GMC: Stay Up-to-Date on Long Trail Issues
LEAVE NO TRACE - Complete Guide to responsible use of outdoors - Overview and details
Precautions with Wildlife from the GMC: know what to expect from wildlife along the trail.
Eye on the Sky: Weather Forecast
Mountain Point Forecast: Weather Forecast
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife: know the dates for Hunting seasons. All the land crossed by the Long Trail is open to hunting during regular hunting seasons and many other VT trails cross hunting land.
HIKING SAFETY REMINDERS• Always wear blaze orange that is visible from both front and back
• Be especially careful in valleys and near roads and trailheads.
• Don’t wear clothing with patches of white that might be mistaken for a deer.
• Be prepared for changeable weather.
• Wear or carry a layer that wicks away moisture (not cotton) and a protective layer for wind and rain.
• Bring gloves and a hat.
• Pack a headlamp or flashlight just in case you come down the trail after sunset.
• Be especially careful in valleys and near roads and trailheads.
• Don’t wear clothing with patches of white that might be mistaken for a deer.
• Be prepared for changeable weather.
• Wear or carry a layer that wicks away moisture (not cotton) and a protective layer for wind and rain.
• Bring gloves and a hat.
• Pack a headlamp or flashlight just in case you come down the trail after sunset.
EVERY SEASON IS TICK SEASON:
Learn about Ticks in Vermont from the Vermont Health Dept. website
The Vermont Department of Health warns residents to be vigilant against the rise of the deer tick population. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease. The following is a list of precautions to take when heading outdoors:
Learn about Ticks in Vermont from the Vermont Health Dept. website
The Vermont Department of Health warns residents to be vigilant against the rise of the deer tick population. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease. The following is a list of precautions to take when heading outdoors:
- Wear light-colored clothing with tight weave to spot ticks easily.
- Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirt.
- Tuck shirt into pants and pants into socks or boots.
- The chemical permethrin kills ticks and can be applied to clothing, but not to exposed skin.
- Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors.
- Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Walk in the center of trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas.
- Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stonewalls.
- Wearing gators sprayed with permethrin adds another layer of protection
COLD WEATHER OUTINGS
It can be a wonderful feeling to be out in Vermont's beautiful snow covered forests and mountains! Be prepared for cold weather and changing conditions, and follow safety guidelines to make your adventure a positive experience.
Winter Trekking is a series of 7 short educational videos from the GMC
Winter Hiking Preparedness Part 1 from the GMC
Winter Hiking Preparedness Part 2 from the GMC
DRESSING FOR WINTER (From the GMC Trip Leader's Guide)
To rephrase an old adage: there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing and layering. That means wearing and carrying enough layers of clothing, to shed or add, to keep your body comfortable at all times. Several layers act as vapor barriers and keep you warmer and drier than one or two heavy layers can.
Frequent stops for adjustments are necessary. If you get too sweaty, you will rapidly cool off when slowing down or stopping. Once lost, heat takes a long time to regain, even with added layers. A common mistake by beginning skiers and snowshoers is wearing too much when they start out. A down parka is too warm for most speeds, but may be a welcome extra layer if you have to stop for a while.
The best winter fabrics are synthetics, wool, and, to some extent, silk. Start with a wicking layer, usually a synthetic or synthetic-wool blend next to your skin. Cotton must be avoided as it will not keep you warm when wet and can hasten hypothermia and other cold injuries. To the base layer, add one or more layers, such as a wool shirt or sweater, fleece sweater, and insulated vest. Last comes a windproof layer, worn when cold and wind warrant. It is important that this sheds rain and snow.
Carry wind pants or insulated over-pants for covering tights, fleece pants, wool pants, etc. (Blue jeans are not an appropriate cold weather garment.) The number of layers depends on the temperature range, but always bring more than you think you need.
Hats are essential, because more heat is lost from the head than from any other part of your body. You may want to carry two in order to always have one that is dry and the right weight. A headband can be layered with a hat. On very cold days, you should also have something to cover the lower part of your face, such as a neck gaiter, balaclava, ski mask, or scarf. When it gets really cold, pull up the hood, another essential, of your anorak or parka.
Don't forget to bring several pairs of gloves and mittens, including silk or synthetic liners. Mittens are far superior, al though some find it hard to maneuver ski poles with heavy mittens. Half-gloves can be useful for waxing skis, buttoning clothing, etc. Some modern insulated ski gloves are adequate for most conditions, but for a really biting cold invest in mittens with an over-layer of windproof material. Chemical heat packs and hand warmers can be carried for emergencies.
Most feet like a liner sock of wicking fabric, topped by one or two pairs of wool socks, depending on the size and warmth of your boots. If the fit is too tight, you may get cold.
Don't forget eye protection. The sun reflecting on snow can be blinding and harmful. Goggles are best because they prevent eyes from watering and shut out stinging snowflakes; second- best are sunglasses with side guards.
It can be a wonderful feeling to be out in Vermont's beautiful snow covered forests and mountains! Be prepared for cold weather and changing conditions, and follow safety guidelines to make your adventure a positive experience.
Winter Trekking is a series of 7 short educational videos from the GMC
Winter Hiking Preparedness Part 1 from the GMC
Winter Hiking Preparedness Part 2 from the GMC
DRESSING FOR WINTER (From the GMC Trip Leader's Guide)
To rephrase an old adage: there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing and layering. That means wearing and carrying enough layers of clothing, to shed or add, to keep your body comfortable at all times. Several layers act as vapor barriers and keep you warmer and drier than one or two heavy layers can.
Frequent stops for adjustments are necessary. If you get too sweaty, you will rapidly cool off when slowing down or stopping. Once lost, heat takes a long time to regain, even with added layers. A common mistake by beginning skiers and snowshoers is wearing too much when they start out. A down parka is too warm for most speeds, but may be a welcome extra layer if you have to stop for a while.
The best winter fabrics are synthetics, wool, and, to some extent, silk. Start with a wicking layer, usually a synthetic or synthetic-wool blend next to your skin. Cotton must be avoided as it will not keep you warm when wet and can hasten hypothermia and other cold injuries. To the base layer, add one or more layers, such as a wool shirt or sweater, fleece sweater, and insulated vest. Last comes a windproof layer, worn when cold and wind warrant. It is important that this sheds rain and snow.
Carry wind pants or insulated over-pants for covering tights, fleece pants, wool pants, etc. (Blue jeans are not an appropriate cold weather garment.) The number of layers depends on the temperature range, but always bring more than you think you need.
Hats are essential, because more heat is lost from the head than from any other part of your body. You may want to carry two in order to always have one that is dry and the right weight. A headband can be layered with a hat. On very cold days, you should also have something to cover the lower part of your face, such as a neck gaiter, balaclava, ski mask, or scarf. When it gets really cold, pull up the hood, another essential, of your anorak or parka.
Don't forget to bring several pairs of gloves and mittens, including silk or synthetic liners. Mittens are far superior, al though some find it hard to maneuver ski poles with heavy mittens. Half-gloves can be useful for waxing skis, buttoning clothing, etc. Some modern insulated ski gloves are adequate for most conditions, but for a really biting cold invest in mittens with an over-layer of windproof material. Chemical heat packs and hand warmers can be carried for emergencies.
Most feet like a liner sock of wicking fabric, topped by one or two pairs of wool socks, depending on the size and warmth of your boots. If the fit is too tight, you may get cold.
Don't forget eye protection. The sun reflecting on snow can be blinding and harmful. Goggles are best because they prevent eyes from watering and shut out stinging snowflakes; second- best are sunglasses with side guards.
FUEL FOR THE BODY (From the GMC Trip Leader's Guide)
Winter enthusiasts may have to be reminded to take time out for eating and drinking. Winter sports are not dieting activities. Fluids are as important in winter as in summer, although most of us feel less thirsty when it is cold. Advise participants to carry a thermos bottle with a hot drink. Water bottles may have to be insulated in special bottle jackets or by extra clothing, such as wool socks or mittens, to keep the contents from freezing. Encourage trip participants to fill their water bottles with warm or hot water which resits freezing and makes drinking easier; ice cold water is not tempting when it is cold out. Keep in mind that it is easier to unscrew a wide-mouth bottle than a canteen when you are wearing mittens.
Food is a source of heat, and you should schedule regular brief stops for snacking. The lunch stop should also be relatively short, unless you have a warming hut or other sheltered place to eat. The best menu is rich in carbohydrates and easy to handle with gloves or mittens; a cold winter's day is not the time to fuss with multiple ingredients and utensils.
Winter enthusiasts may have to be reminded to take time out for eating and drinking. Winter sports are not dieting activities. Fluids are as important in winter as in summer, although most of us feel less thirsty when it is cold. Advise participants to carry a thermos bottle with a hot drink. Water bottles may have to be insulated in special bottle jackets or by extra clothing, such as wool socks or mittens, to keep the contents from freezing. Encourage trip participants to fill their water bottles with warm or hot water which resits freezing and makes drinking easier; ice cold water is not tempting when it is cold out. Keep in mind that it is easier to unscrew a wide-mouth bottle than a canteen when you are wearing mittens.
Food is a source of heat, and you should schedule regular brief stops for snacking. The lunch stop should also be relatively short, unless you have a warming hut or other sheltered place to eat. The best menu is rich in carbohydrates and easy to handle with gloves or mittens; a cold winter's day is not the time to fuss with multiple ingredients and utensils.
Always be prepared for an unforeseen problem: a good adage is that if you wore all the clothes and ate all the food that you brought - it wasn't enough.
GMC & SOLO Recommended Personal First Aid Kit
(SOLO Kit Description-Click Here) 2 large triangular bandages (cravats) 4 4x4 (4”x4”) gauze pads 1 1”x10 yard roll of adhesive tape 2 rolls of 4” Kling 1 6” Ace bandage 6 alcohol or betadine wipes Moleskin or Spenco Second Skin paper and pencil Incident Report Form (GMC) SAM splint 2 Surgipads (large gauze pad or Kotex) 10 1” band aids 6 safety pins 1 tube of Povidone Iodine knife or scissors 4 pairs of gloves (Nitrile or Latex) All this can be placed into a waterproof bag in a stuff sack, except the SAM splint. Kit weighs 19 ounces. |
Other useful first aid items you may wish to carry:
first aid book safety pins tweezers chemical cold pack chemical hot pack tampons headlamp w/ extra batteries Tang (w/sugar) space blanket personal medications large garbage bags whistle map and compass metal cup |