Tips For On The Trail River Crossings
River crossings can be a dangerous idea if you do not know what you are doing or are not properly prepared for them. Before you get out on the trail, be sure to check to see if there will be any crossings on your path and find out any information about them that you can – width of the river, river depth, how fast the river flows, difficulty of the crossing, etc.
Eulogy divx Here are a few tips to help you with making your river crossings while on the trail as safe as possible.
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– Just because the trail enters the river here and exits it there doesn’t mean that the straight line through the middle is the safest place to cross. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the challenges of the crossing. Sometimes this means walking quite a distance along the shore to find a route that looks and feels right. Some people find a slippery log more intimidating than a fast current.
Wide Equals Shallow – The current is slower and the water shallower in wide places. Also look for spots where the stream splits in two with an island in the middle.
Keeping Gear Dry – For a truly wet crossing, when you have to swim across or go through deep water, repack your gear for the crossing. The more waterproof stuff sacks, garbage bags, and resealable bags you have, the drier your gear will stay. An inflated air mattress wrapped around your pack and help in place with elastic cords or paracord can help make your pack more buoyant.
Unbuckle Your Waist Belt - You need to be able to get out of your pack quickly. If you fall in, you pack could hold you under water. This is a serious safety measure to stress to anyone else in your group as well!
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