KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Right! – Who will you be with? Is this the RIGHT route for the RIGHT group on the RIGHT day – see #5
- Tell Someone – Where you are going, who you are with, when you plan to return and when to get help. Tell Someone if the plan changes
- Make A Plan – Define the route that will be taken to the destination
- Bring The Big 10 – see below
- IF IN DOUBT DON’T GO – Heading out is an option – coming home is not.
TEN ESSENTIAL ITEMS
- Navigation: map, compass, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
- Headlamp: plus extra batteries
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
- First aid: including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)
- Knife
- Fire: matches, lighter, tinder – have several ways to start a fire
- Shelter: light emergency bivy
- Extra food and water: Beyond the minimum expectation
- Signaling devices: whistle and mirror
- Extra clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation, contractor trash bag
There are several companies that create a variety of kits at differing price points – inve$t in your $afe return. The kit** demonstrated is the SOL / Survive Outdoors Longer – Hybrid 3 – retails between $40 – $60. As with any pre-fabricated kits – make certain that you can personalize it.
Examples: Medications | Water Purification | Fire Starters | Extra Clothes – t-shirt – to create slings / wound packing
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO CARDS
Please visit any of the following local outlets for your own LPCSAR Know Before You Go Card:
- Gardenswartz (both locations)
- Alpine Bank (downtown and Three Springs)
- Visitor Center at Main & 8th (NE corner)
- Backcountry Experience
- Durango Outdoor Exchange
- Pine Needle Mountaineering
- 2nd Ave Sports
- San Juan Mountain Association
- DSNGR Train Depot
CORSAR
Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams. By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund, which will reimburse these teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the State of Colorado. The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five-year card.
