Surviving a Lightning Storm while Backpacking

Summary

In this episode of the American Backpacker, Andy offers essential survival tips for backpackers caught in a lightning storm during their wilderness adventure. The video is divided into two parts: advice for when you're on a trail and when you're at your base camp. Key recommendations include seeking shelter, avoiding high ground and open areas, distancing from metal objects, and crouching low to minimize contact with the ground. For base camp scenarios, Andy suggests using an air or foam mat to insulate from the ground and stay safe. The video aims to make wilderness adventures enjoyable and safe.

Takeaways

• 🌩️ When caught in a lightning storm while backpacking, seek shelter immediately if possible.
• ⛰️ Move to lower ground if you're in a high elevation area to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
• 🌳 Avoid open areas and tall objects, as they can attract lightning.
• 🎒 Remove your backpack and any metal objects to minimize the risk of a ground surge from a lightning strike.
• 👥 If in a group, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from each other to reduce the chance of a group lightning strike.
• 🧍‍♂️ Crouch down to minimize contact with the ground and protect yourself by covering your ears during a lightning storm.
• 🏕️ At base camp, consider evacuating to a lower area if your current location is at a higher elevation.
• ⛺️ If staying in your tent, use an air mattress or foam pad to insulate yourself from the ground.
• 🔌 Avoid contact with the tent's shell, lining, or poles, as they can conduct electricity.
• 💡 The video provides a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe during a lightning storm in the wilderness.

Q & A

What should you do if you encounter a lightning storm while backpacking?

You should seek shelter, move to a lower elevation, avoid open areas and tall objects, ditch your backpack, and crouch down to minimize contact with the ground.

Why is it important to find shelter during a lightning storm in the wilderness?

Finding shelter, like an enclosed building or a vehicle, can provide protection from direct lightning strikes and reduce the risk of being struck.

What should you do if you're at a high elevation when a lightning storm approaches?

You should move to a low-lying area to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning, as high elevations are more prone to lightning strikes.

Why is it advised to avoid open areas during a lightning storm?

Open areas, like prairies, have no protection and increase the chances of being struck by lightning, so it's safer to move away from them.

How can you reduce the risk of being struck by lightning when you're near trees?

You should avoid tall trees and seek shelter near shorter, lower-lying trees to minimize the risk of a lightning strike and ground surge.

What should you do with your backpack during a lightning storm?

You should remove your backpack and place it on the ground at least ten meters away from you to avoid the risk of a ground surge from a lightning strike.

Why is it important to distance yourself from other backpackers during a storm?

To prevent the risk of a ground surge affecting multiple people, you should maintain a distance of at least 10 to 20 meters from others.

What should you do if you're at your base camp when a lightning storm arrives?

You can either evacuate to a pre-prepared low-lying area with a tarp or poncho setup or stay in your tent, using an air or foam mat for insulation from the ground.

Why is it recommended to crouch down on an air or foam mat in your tent during a lightning storm?

The insulation provided by the air or foam mat helps to keep you off the ground, reducing the risk of electric current passing through you in case of a lightning strike.

What does the acronym WESS stand for and how does it relate to setting up a base camp during a lightning storm?

WESS stands for Water, Elevation, Security, and Safety. It's important to consider these factors when setting up a base camp, especially elevation, to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.