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Backpacker Magazine – October 2011
Survival: Lightning Attire
What not to wear in a lightning storm.
If I Only Knew Then (Feature Narrative) | Recognize Grizzly Behavior | Save Yourself in Whitewater | First Aid Emergencies | Unsafe Snow Conditions | Unexpected Accidents | Make Good Judgment Calls
My friend Betsy and I were on the final pitch up the Grand Teton when a huge lightning storm blew in from the west and began striking the rock around us. We tried to find cover but couldn’t on the exposed monolith. While hunkered down, we were both struck multiple times: me, in the foot, leg, torso, and left biceps. For Betsy, the most powerful strike went straight through the metal backing on her watch. The strike came out the end of her finger, and the digit had to be amputated.
Lesson: When lightning is near, remove watches, jewelry, any metal.
Sea Kayak Flip
Casey Lyons, BACKPACKER associate editor
No Water in the Desert
Annette McGivney, BACKPACKER Southwest editor
Sea Kayak Flip
Casey Lyons, BACKPACKER associate editor
Predict a Flash Flood
Ken Phillips, Chief of Emergency Services, Grand Canyon National Park
Ventilate a Tent
Shannon Davis, BACKPACKER senior editor
BYO Survival Gear
Chris Thomas, mountaineer
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READERS COMMENTS
just because something on the television shoe Myth Busters (a television show with scientifically inept actors portraying pseudo scientific experiments) was so called "busted", does not mean it is still just a myth. I have had many lightning experiences myself while growing up in the Colorado rockies that closely mirror this experience.
just because something on the television shoe Myth Busters (a television show with scientifically inept actors portraying pseudo scientific experiments) was so called "busted", does not mean it is still just a myth. I have had many lightning experiences myself while growing up in the Colorado rockies that closely mirror this experience.
Check out Mythbusters episode on lightning strikes and metal jewlery.
This is tough to do. Metal zippers on coat and backpack; if I continue to hike where do I put my hiking poles?
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