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    Backpacker Survival Natural Hazards

    Weather

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      Weather

      Survive Unexpected Winter Storms on the Trail With These 5 Expert Tips

      Know when to hunker down, find shelter, keep warm, and wait out the weather.

      Amelia Arvesen

      Latest in Weather

      Weather

      Why Lightning is More Dangerous Than You Thought

      You might not know this about lightning—don't put yourself at risk.

      Zoe Gates
      Published May 11, 2021
      Weather

      The Snow-Yo Is the Worst Part of Hiking in Spring

      When your spring bounces from t-shirt weather to snow in the space of a day, getting ready for the trail is a challenge.

      Leslie Barrett
      Updated Dec 3, 2024
      Natural Hazards

      Weird Wet Weather

      There’s more to rain than falling water. Here are the weirdest wet weather facts you didn’t know.

      Kassondra Cloos
      Published Mar 1, 2018
      Natural Hazards

      Wearing Your Raingear Like a Pro

      Staying comfortable while hiking is about way more than protecting yourself from rain. It’s incredible just how many hikers have to learn proper layering the hard way—this one included. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you’re setting yourself up for maximum comfort when the weather turns wet.

      Kassondra Cloos
      Published Feb 28, 2018
      Natural Hazards

      Predicting the Weather

      You're at the trailhead and ready for rain, but how handy should you keep your shell? Watch the clouds to predict precipitation.

      Kassondra Cloos
      Published Feb 28, 2018
      Natural Hazards

      How to Survive the Cold

      How long before frostbite sets in? How does cold weather change your survival priorities? You asked, the Den Mother answered.

      Den Mother
      Published Nov 17, 2015
      Natural Hazards

      The Last Night of the Lupatia

      One foggy night more than 130 years ago, 16 sailors lost their lives just off the Oregon Coast Trail.

      Cody Bond
      Published Oct 21, 2015
      Natural Hazards

      How to Assess a Developing Storm

      Assess a developing storm on the fly with these steps from mountain meteorologist C. David Whiteman.

      Ethan Schowalter-Hay
      Published Oct 14, 2014
      Natural Hazards

      Inside Nepal's Deadly Blizzard

      In October 2014, a severe blizzard struck Nepal's Annapurna Circuit during peak trekking season. Hundreds of hikers were stranded and dozens died in one of the world's worst hiking disasters. An eyewitness shares his tale.

      Stephen Fabes
      Updated Dec 3, 2024
      Natural Hazards

      Weather Anecdotes: Explained

      Mnemonics make it easy to remember weather sayings and make weather predictions, but is there any truth behind the prediction rhymes?

      Katie Herrel
      Published Sep 7, 2012
      Natural Hazards

      Survive Coastal Dangers

      Waves, currents, and tides threaten thousands of miles of American trails (any within a quarter of a mile of a waterway), and hikers can get caught in the barrage. Headland-sculpting, beach-pounding waves can swallow an unwary trekker without so much as a burp. Learn how to recognize, negotiate, and avoid nearshore hazards

      Sarah Maurer
      Published May 18, 2012
      Natural Hazards

      True Tales: Struck by Lightning

      Bad decisions and running scared got this reader struck by lightning--but he survived.

      Kristy Holland
      Published Dec 5, 2011
      Natural Hazards

      True Tales: Caught in a Flash Flood

      Rising water sends this reader running--and hiding--in Utah.

      Kristy Holland
      Published Dec 5, 2011
      Natural Hazards

      Survival: Predict a Flash Flood

      Stay alert in canyon country.

      Ken Phillips
      Published Oct 20, 2011
      Natural Hazards

      Survival: Lightning Attire

      What not to wear in a lightning storm.

      Matt Walker
      Published Oct 20, 2011
      Natural Hazards

      The 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in America: Bright Angel Trail, AZ

      Baked or broiled?

      Kelly Bastone
      Published Oct 27, 2008
      Natural Hazards

      Caught in a Colorado Snowstorm

      An autumn climb turns life-threatening when a hiker endures a night in a whiteout at 12,000 feet in the Rockies.

      Steve Howe
      Published Oct 27, 2008
      Natural Hazards

      A Hair-Raising Experience

      Why two commonly held lightning-safety beliefs could get you fried, plus expert advice.

      Valerie Bernat
      Published Aug 1, 2000
      Natural Hazards

      Paul Schurke: Chillin' With The Iceman

      Your odds of surviving, much less enjoying, a -30°F night in the woods rate right up there with a snowball's chance in you-know-where. That is, unless you make friends with a guy they call The Iceman.

      Jeff Rennicke
      Published Dec 1, 1997

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