In 2003, New Hampshire Fish and Game and the White Mountain National Forest launched the hikeSafe program with the goal of preparing hikers and increasing safety in the White Mountains. There are several components to the program, some of which are the Hiker Responsibility Code, the voluntary hikeSafe Card, and a gear list affectionately called the 10 Essentials.
As a volunteer with a local search and rescue team, and as a hiker and an educator, I see a need for training regarding what people carry in their packs and how to develop a skill set for staying safe in the mountains.
Next year First Mag will be running several courses that will help develop skills in navigation, fire and shelter making, and identifying when to self-rescue and when to get help. First Magnitude Wilderness Programs is not affiliated with NHF&G or the hikeSafe program. For more information on this program, please refer to http://www.hikesafe.com. A full description of the course is up on our website.
