7 Things that Can Save Your Butt in the Backcountry
Things can get a little wild in the backcountry and pays to have a few critical things for general safety. A few of these are common within first aid kits but you should always check twice to make sure your lifelines are available and ready for use in the field.
Blister Pads
It’s the little things that can wreak havoc on a hunt and blisters are one of them. A little hot spot on your foot can turn to a full-blown blister. Once this happens, walking becomes difficult and painful. Carry blister pads, moleskin or your preferred blister preventative. Our go-to choice are the Compeed or BandAid brand pads. They’ll stay put for days and the offer excellent protection.
The key in any situation is to apply a pad or moleskin before a blister forms. As soon as you feel a hot spot, cover it up. This will keep you walking comfortably throughout the entire hunt.
Duct Tape
A little duct tape goes a long way and many experienced backcountry travelers will tell you they won’t leave home without it. You can patch tents and fabrics, hold anything together and make temporary repairs to just about anything with some tape.
Duct tape is available in small rolls, but even that can sometimes be too much. Instead, make several wraps of duct tape around your water bottle. Alternatively, it can go on a tripod leg, a trekking pole or any smooth round surface. Wherever you keep it, this is an easy way to pack some tape without carrying an entire roll.
Hand Warmers
Keep a few of these in your first aid kit but don’t break them out when your hands are a little cold. Save them for emergencies where you catch a real chill and need to warm your core. Do a few minutes of rigorous physical activity and hold a warmer against your chest to fend off the dangers of hypothermia.
Emergency Satellite Beacon
The compact nature of emergency beacons make them an excellent tool to bring along. You can even send off text messages with certain models and plans. Keep your battery charged and buy an insurance plan to accompany the rescue signal.
QuickClot
Working with knives, broadheads and other sharp objects is a necessity for hunters. While accidents are rare, they do happen. Carry some QuickClot in the your First Aid kit to stop bleeding during a serious emergency. It’s not heavy and can save your life.
Quick Calories
Backcountry hunts are physical and can drain your energy. When your body hits a wall, it’s amazing what a sudden boost of sugar can do. Another great thing to carry in your emergency kit is a couple of sugar-rich snacks. Honey sticks, candy bars, and anything that gives you a quick boost can make a huge difference when you’re worn out.
Reliable Hunting Partners
It’s not something we often consider, but having hunting partners who are on the same page and will plan, communicate, go slow and work together is huge in the field. If you plan on hunting with other folks, get to know them first and learn to work as a team when necessary. Here at Kawdy Outfitters, we are fortunate to have an outstanding team of world-class guides. If you’ve been fortunate enough to hunt with any of them, you know how helpful it is to have a solid team in the backcountry. Plus, it’s just more fun when you get to hunt with great partners!
Contact Us With Questions
If you have questions about hunting in northern British Columbia, or about our guided hunts specifically here at Kawdy Outfitters, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can explore the rest of our website here for more information. Or contact us with questions.
Written by Zach Lazzari
Zach is an outdoor writer, a hunting and fly fishing guide, and very proud to be a part of the Kawdy Outfitters team. You can follow Zach’s adventures at bustedoarlock.com.