Woman in the Wild: The Everywoman's Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backcountry Travel

Be Responsible for Yourself

Conventional wisdom dictates that there is safety in numbers, and you can benefit from the wisdom of the crowd in the backcountry. However, relying solely on the opinions and judgment of others can also put you at risk. The most vocal person in your group isn’t always the most knowledgeable or prudent, and they may define success differently than you. That person might think getting to the top of a mountain is the first priority, even if there’s a lightning storm brewing. You, on the other hand, think it’s more important to get back to the trailhead alive. There’s a tendency to feel more confident in a crowd, and the more experienced the group, the less likely anyone is to question others’ decisions. This can lead to errors in judgment that put everyone’s well-being at risk. The bottom line is that your safety is your responsibility. Take it upon yourself to continue your backcountry education, prepare properly for trips, and speak up if you disagree with someone else’s decisions.