Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors, but it can be dangerous. Lightning is one of the most hazardous risks faced by backpackers.
Each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed by lightning strikes while out in the wilderness. Knowing how to survive a lightning strike while backpacking is key to staying safe and making sure your adventure doesn’t end in tragedy.
Be Prepared
The best way to stay safe from lightning strikes is to be prepared. Before heading out on a backpacking trip, check the weather forecast for potential storms.
If there are any signs of thunderstorms or other adverse weather conditions, consider postponing the trip. It’s also important to pack appropriately for the trip and make sure you have enough food and water, as well as adequate shelter.
Know Your Location
When out in the wilderness, be mindful of your surroundings and know where you are at all times. Seek shelter in an area that has low elevation and away from trees, caves, or other tall objects that could act as lightning rods. If possible, move away from open areas and toward thicker vegetation or a shallow ditch.
Keep Moving
If you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm while backpacking, keep moving until you can find someplace safe to take shelter. Lightning strikes typically occur within six miles of a storm cloud so if you can get out of this range quickly then do so.
Stay Safe
Once you have found shelter from the storm, stay there until it passes. Avoid using electronics such as radios or cell phones during a thunderstorm as they can conduct electricity if struck directly by lightning. It’s also important not to swim or bathe during a storm since water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Conclusion: How Do You Survive Lightning Backpacking?
Backpackers must always be aware of their surroundings when they venture out into nature and take precautions against lightning strikes. Be prepared by checking the weather forecast before heading out on a trip and packing appropriately for adverse weather conditions.
When caught in a thunderstorm while backpacking, seek shelter quickly in an area with low elevation and away from trees or other tall objects that could act as lightning rods. Keep moving until you reach safety and then stay put until the storm passes before continuing your journey.