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In case you didn’t know, you should always carry a headlamp with you on your day trips. Why? Well, there are many reasons, most of which involve unexpected trip changes or happenings that you may not have considered.
For starters, consider these quotes extracted from DEC Ranger Reports regarding calls and accidents they responded to in the last year: “At 11:05 p.m., the group arrived back at Marcy Dam as [the forest ranger] started in to escort the hikers out of the woods since they did not have any flashlights with them;” “The hiker did not have a headlamp or flashlight and reported that his four friends hiked out ahead of him;” “The caller stated that the pair did not have flashlights or headlamps and that his girlfriend had rolled both of her ankles but was able to walk.” These are only a few of the multitude of examples available.
In a recent blog post to our website, I break down why this lightweight, inexpensive item is a must-have for your next outdoor adventure.
Read the full story here: https://www.ausableriver.org/blog/why-you-should-always-bring-headlamp
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Breaking trail for 16 hours on a solo trip from the Loj to Upper Works through Indian Pass one winter at -17 F and overcast, I would have been dead without my headlamp. Due to hypothermia, I wouldn’t even have been able to change the batteries—it took me 15 minutes to sign out at the trail register. Now I always carry TWO headlamps, not to mention extra batteries.
Thanks for sharing the personal insight, Tim. It’s even more important to be self-sufficient and prepared when adventuring alone. I’m glad to hear you made it out of the woods okay in this event. Hopefully you don’t find your self in a similar situation again.