As the air turns crisp and the trails grow busier, Cochrane RCMP and Cochrane Search and Rescue are reminding hikers to take safety seriously before heading into Alberta’s wilderness.
The cooler months bring a surge of hikers, campers and backpackers, but officials warn that even a quick day trip can become dangerous without proper planning.
“Preparation is the cornerstone of safety and success when venturing into the backcountry,” says Chris Bower, President of Cochrane Search and Rescue. “Whether you’re scaling the front ranges, traversing creeks in Kananaskis, or camping beneath a prairie sky, the wilderness in Alberta is as awe-inspiring as it is unforgiving.”
Bower urges adventurers to plan their route, leave an itinerary with someone they trust and pack for rapidly changing weather.
“Proper preparation, from gear selection to checking the weather, requires thoughtful trip planning."
“Invest in reliable equipment tailored to the terrain and climate, including sturdy footwear and outerwear, navigation tools that can be used outside of cell service, and always carry basic first-aid tools.”
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RCMP also recommend carrying physical maps, a compass or a GPS device that does not rely on cell service, and being honest about personal limits.
The goal, they say, is to make sure a day of adventure doesn’t turn into a rescue mission.