Must-Have Gear To Pack When Camping Or Hiking During Wildfire Season

Wildfires can be incredibly dangerous because they move extremely quickly and can change direction and speed with little warning. This can be scary for people who live in wildfire country and love to spend time outdoors hiking and camping. While it is important for every individual to do what they can to prevent wildfires (especially considering that 85% of wildfires start due to human activity), it is also critical for your own safety to be prepared with the right gear each time you go hiking or camping during wildfire season. Having a few extra pieces of equipment and knowing what to wear can help give you peace of mind and make your life a lot easier if you do ever encounter a wildfire while out in the backcountry.

One of the most important types of gear you should consider adding to your wildfire season camping or hiking pack is something that will help you better communicate with emergency services. This is crucial because if you suddenly find yourself surrounded by a wildfire, being able to stay in touch with the outside world or let rescue workers know where you are can save your life. This is why you may want to consider carrying a device like a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon. While these devices can be quite expensive, they are undeniably useful in emergencies. However, if one isn't in your budget at the moment, you should consider bringing an item that gets a rescuer's attention and helps them find you — like a signal mirror. It's also a good idea to have a weather alert radio on you so you can keep track of where the wildfire is and which direction it is heading in.

While bringing the right technology and signaling gear can help you send out a distress call and get rescued faster, it is also imperative to carry necessary first aid gear to help keep you safe until rescuers arrive. This includes a well-stocked first aid kit — one of those basic emergency supplies that can save your life in the wilderness. You should also bring something to protect yourself from inhaling smoke. Luckily, a simple N-95 mask can do the trick and will be able to filter out around 95% of smoke particles in the air. Ensure you're not selecting a regular face mask. Unfortunately, items like medical masks, wet cloths, and bandanas do not filter out smoke.

Because the smoke-filled air can agitate your lungs, if you have asthma or any sort of breathing difficulties that can be triggered by air pollution, it will be important to bring your inhaler with you whenever you spend time outdoors during wildfire season. You should also bring any necessary medication for other illnesses. Lastly, you will want to make sure that every time you head out into the backcountry during wildfire season that you bring plenty of clean drinking water. The recommended amount is at least one quart for every two hours outdoors.

Although wildfires typically happen during the driest and hottest months of the year, you will want to try and avoid wearing synthetic moisture-wicking materials as these are the ones that catch fire the easiest. In a wildfire scenario, synthetic fabrics are more likely to melt and stick to your skin, which can cause more severe burns. Instead, opt for natural fibers like wool or cotton which, while still flammable, burn at a higher temperature and can also be wetted to help prevent them from catching fire at all. Despite the hot dry weather, you will also want to cover as much of your body as possible during a wildfire to help prevent burns.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association also recommends wearing your most colorful clothing whenever possible as this can help rescuers find you more easily in the smoke-filled skies. Orange, red, or silver are good colors to choose because they can help you stand out from your natural surroundings. This time of year it is also a good idea to leave the hiking sandals and trail runners at home because wearing the wrong hiking shoes can be more dangerous than you think. Instead, opt for thick-soled hiking boots that can help better protect your feet from heat and injury.