1. Temperature drops four degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
2. Lightning kills – be off mountaintops and ridgelines by noon.
3. Watch for hypothermia.
4. Rockfall hazard? Wear helmet.
5. Belay any climb with risk of injury.
6. Beware of fast-moving storms.
7. Altitude sickness (AMS) is aided only by descent.
8. Make note of return route.
9. If lost, bivouac!
10. Cellphone or GPS is no substitute for preparation.
11. Be willing to turn back: The mountains don’t care.
The 10 essentials
Cover your bases for backcountry travel in any season:
1. Map and compass
2. Flashlight/headlamp
3. Extra food
4. Extra water and water purifying tools or tablets
5. Extra clothing/rain gear/emergency shelter
6. Sunglasses/sunblock
7. First-aid kit
8. Knife/multipurpose tool
9. Waterproof matches/fire-starter (wood shavings, candle)
10. Whistle
