Hiking clothing comes in many different shapes and sizes, and you’re free to pick what you want to wear. You should prioritize wearing comfortable clothing that’s right for the conditions you’ll be wearing. Warm clothing for cold days, waterproof clothing for rainy days, and so on. One factor that’s too frequently left out of these conversations is that of bright colors, but Colorado’s Alpine Rescue Team won’t let that factor go by the wayside.
The Alpine Rescue Team recently shared a post highlighting the importance of wearing bright colors on trails, and they shared the below picture to emphasize their point. Can you find the hiker in need of a rescue in the picture below?
Wear Bright Colors While Hiking
The above image was taken from a Colorado National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during a recent rescue. Believe it or not, there is a patient in need of help in the photo. Rescuers can only get so far even with latitude and longitude provided. They’ll actually need to spot you once they’ve arrived on location, and wearing dull colors that blend in with the environment can make that incredibly difficult.
Instead of wearing dull colors, choose bright colors for your clothing that will stand out against the terrain. That could be a bright red or yellow t-shirt, jacket, pants, whatever, so long as rescuers will easily be able to find you if they ever need to. Personally I always wear a bright yellow sun shirt and a bright hat while hiking.
Still haven’t found the hiker in the image? Here’s another, this time with them circled.
Other Hiking Safety Tips
- Temperature tends to drop 4°F for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Pay attention to lightning safety guidelines.
- Watch for hypothermia.
- Wear a helmet where there’s a rockfall hazard.
- Belay any climb where there’s a risk of injury.
- Keep a close eye on the weather and beware of fast moving storms.
- Altitude sickness can only be aided by descent.
- Note your return route.
- Bivuoac if lost.
- Do not rely on your cell phone or GPS as a substitute for preperation.
- Be ready and willing to turn back.
