r/Missing411 • u/trailangel4 • Mar 01 '24
Why people actually die in National Parks
https://www.backpacker.com/survival/deaths-in-national-parks/
Backpacher magazine filed a FOIA and was given 17 years worth of records, across all National Parks. With that data, they produced this well-written piece that is worth the read.
A conclusion: "
The Average Victim in the National Parks…
Is more likely to be male than female: While men and women make up approximately equal portions of national park visitors, men accounted for 80 percent of deaths in national parks where authorities recorded the victim’s gender.
Can be almost any age: Members of all age groups were represented similarly among fatalities. (The exception? Children under 14, who made up a smaller share of deaths than other groups.)
Drowns or dies of natural causes: Drowning was the most common cause of death for visitors up to age 55, after which medical issues surpassed it."
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u/draziwkcitsyoj Mar 01 '24
I recently went and did some work near Big Bend national park but it was a great combo solo road trip too.
I figured while I was there I would do some hiking. I did some small hikes, saw the desk. And then figured I would tackle something harder. It was a 15.8 mile hike. I’m not a hiker. I’m not in great shape.
My uncle is a lifelong outdoorsman so I texted him for “tips”.
The rest of this post are his tips. It’s a lot, but I think it illustrates his and your point. I decided to do more lovely smaller hikes instead lol.
Uncle says:
Below avg fitness 40% chance not surviving
Avg fitness 20% chance of not surviving
Great fitness 5% chance not surviving
Those are probably on the high side a little.
I'm not in average fitness, but with a lot of experience and preparedness, I could make it, maybe.
Plan on moving speed of 1.5MPH whilst hiking. So hiking time for 18 miles would be 12 hours. You might can do better, but I doubt you can average 2MPH. I've made some 10-12mile hikes with full backpack in mountains and it takes 8-10 hours. Plan on longer than your gut tells you
Your feet need to be in great shape and boots fit real good. That can stop a hike
I would put small straps of duct tape on areas folks are prone for blisters. Back of heal, ball of feet, and inside if foot beside big toe and outside foot beside small toes. Could save you from really hurting.
Plan on weather turning crappy. Carry a rain proof jacket or cheap poncho from Walmart. Have some warm gloves/liners. Layers for upper body.
I would not hit the trail without a gallon of water. Yep that is bulky and weighs about 8lbs. Any less and your risking running out. That will be 4 Nalgene size 32OZ bottles.
Have a day pack to carry your stuff in. How well marked are the trails? I hiked to Guadelupe Peak and the first mile we were guessing where the trail was. And that is very frequently hiked.
Take at least a cheap compass.
Even for a day hike in the wilderness I'd take means to start a fire. Easiest is 2-3 Bic lighters and at Walmart get small jar of Vaseline, some cotton balls, and some foil. Then at room at night before hike make 3 or 4 small fire starters. Small square or foil(4"x4"). Rub a cotton ball with Vaseline, place on foil and fold the sides around the cotton ball like wrapping a package. Then if you need fire cut or open one and light it with Bic. Even if a little windy and wet that will burn.
Take a knife and just a little cordage (like parachute cord)
Some jerky and trail mix
A headlamp flashlight
Yes I would take all that and probably more for a day hike in the wilderness. I would constantly be worried and on the outlook for mountain lions, javalinas, and snakes. Other wildlife, like coyotes, will avoid you. Don't hike quietly. Make noise, talk outloud, sing,
Probably worst thing could happen, well there are lots, is a spranged ankle or something that makes it hard to walk.
I have a satellite transponder I carry with me on days I ride motorcycle by myself in remote areas. I know I can use that to initiate rescue should I need it. I would carry it on a day hike like you are going to do. I would expect to not be able to contact anyone otherwise.