Planning and preparation are keys to a safe and fun outdoor experience. Having the appropriate equipment on any backpacking trip is essential, but what you carry in your brain is your most important asset. Your experience and knowledge must be continually updated and improved upon, so get trekking.
Bear Safety and Mythbusters
Edziza Trails practices time tested bear prevention and avoidance techniques. Curtis has had a number of bear encounters and has successfully used bear prevention techniques.
The bear avoidance techniques used are; making noise, building bear caches and storing food away from camp, watching for bear signs, urinating at a few points around the perimeter of your camp like the trail leading into and exiting camp, and vacating the area if a bear or bear sign is detected.
There are a number of useful websites that have information about minimizing bear encounters, here is a useful one BearSmart
Bear myths dominate the general public’s understanding of bear behavior, these animals can be dangerous and do attack humans but it is very rare. There have been very few bear fatalities in North America. This news article will help put the black bear attacks into perspective The Globe and Mail
The image of the bear has been given a bad reputation mostly from sensational journalism. Edziza Trails will provide a safe outdoor experience but you must educate yourself on bear behaviour and learn bear safety; bears will love you for it!
First Aid
Curtis Rattray attends Wilderness First Aid from Slipstream their training is a good mix of practical and theory based information. Curtis has provided first aid on two separate occasions; both were not in the backcounty. One was an automobile accident and the other a trauma wound.
Navigation
The areas the tours take place in are very familiar to your guide, Curtis Rattray. In preparation for each season he travels the trails to ensure each location is in good condition for a safe and fun experience.
You can sharpen your navigation skills by taking courses. If you would like to learn map and compass techniques please let your guide know as he can take the time to provide some basic training.
Stream Crossings
Really knowing the area is key. Trip planning must include map and air photo reconnaissance of possible stream crossings to assess level of difficulty.
Edziza Trails does not have any difficult stream crossings in any of the tour options. Curtis has made numerous stream crossings safely. He always checks for a suitable crossing site and uses appropriate stream crossing techniques.
Equipment
Good, robust camping equipment is an essential part of a safe and fun outdoor experience. For the Stikine Region you will need a three season backpacking tent, sleeping bags rated between - 4 and + 5 degree Celsius, quality rain jacket and pants and good hiking boots.
Edziza Trails will carry a satellite phone, Fist Aid supplies, map, compass, and bear deterrent equipment at all times for all tours.
Weather
The Stikine region is in the northern latitudes of BC and many tours are at high elevations even the valley bottoms are high, for example Dease Lake is at 849 m.
Weather can be an issue in the area particularly towards fall. Curtis has experienced snow in August in the backcountry. Ensure you have appropriate clothing; Curtis always pack a toque even in the summer. They are great to wear for sleeping on those cold nights.
Bear Safety and Mythbusters
Edziza Trails practices time tested bear prevention and avoidance techniques. Curtis has had a number of bear encounters and has successfully used bear prevention techniques.
The bear avoidance techniques used are; making noise, building bear caches and storing food away from camp, watching for bear signs, urinating at a few points around the perimeter of your camp like the trail leading into and exiting camp, and vacating the area if a bear or bear sign is detected.
There are a number of useful websites that have information about minimizing bear encounters, here is a useful one BearSmart
Bear myths dominate the general public’s understanding of bear behavior, these animals can be dangerous and do attack humans but it is very rare. There have been very few bear fatalities in North America. This news article will help put the black bear attacks into perspective The Globe and Mail
The image of the bear has been given a bad reputation mostly from sensational journalism. Edziza Trails will provide a safe outdoor experience but you must educate yourself on bear behaviour and learn bear safety; bears will love you for it!
First Aid
Curtis Rattray attends Wilderness First Aid from Slipstream their training is a good mix of practical and theory based information. Curtis has provided first aid on two separate occasions; both were not in the backcounty. One was an automobile accident and the other a trauma wound.
Navigation
The areas the tours take place in are very familiar to your guide, Curtis Rattray. In preparation for each season he travels the trails to ensure each location is in good condition for a safe and fun experience.
You can sharpen your navigation skills by taking courses. If you would like to learn map and compass techniques please let your guide know as he can take the time to provide some basic training.
Stream Crossings
Really knowing the area is key. Trip planning must include map and air photo reconnaissance of possible stream crossings to assess level of difficulty.
Edziza Trails does not have any difficult stream crossings in any of the tour options. Curtis has made numerous stream crossings safely. He always checks for a suitable crossing site and uses appropriate stream crossing techniques.
Equipment
Good, robust camping equipment is an essential part of a safe and fun outdoor experience. For the Stikine Region you will need a three season backpacking tent, sleeping bags rated between - 4 and + 5 degree Celsius, quality rain jacket and pants and good hiking boots.
Edziza Trails will carry a satellite phone, Fist Aid supplies, map, compass, and bear deterrent equipment at all times for all tours.
Weather
The Stikine region is in the northern latitudes of BC and many tours are at high elevations even the valley bottoms are high, for example Dease Lake is at 849 m.
Weather can be an issue in the area particularly towards fall. Curtis has experienced snow in August in the backcountry. Ensure you have appropriate clothing; Curtis always pack a toque even in the summer. They are great to wear for sleeping on those cold nights.
