As the days get colder, I’m reminded of the importance of always being prepared when out adventuring in the mountains. As AdventureSmart says, “no one ever expects to get into trouble outdoors. But, a turn in the weather, mistake in judgment, unexpected injury, equipment failure, or sudden nightfall can quickly change any recreational outing into a crisis.” Spending the night outdoors unexpectedly in the summer is horrific enough, now amplify that by a zillion with the onset of subzero temperatures, rain, snow, wind and early darkness that are already upon us and make it tough for Search and Rescue to get to you. This is why I’ve dubbed this month SEPTEMBER SAFETY and teamed up with some really great businesses to help keep you safe out there. In partnership with Valhalla Pure Outfitters, we’re GIVING AWAY ALL TEN of The Essentials for outdoor safety over the last 10 days of September.

 

HOW TO ENTER

Each day from Friday September 21 to Sunday September 30, there will be a post on @hikesnearvancouver Instagram asking a question about outdoor safety. Like the post and answer the question correctly to receive an entry into the draw to win ALL TEN items being given away. The more days you answer, the more chances you’ll have to win! You must follow both Instagram accounts @valhallapureoutfitters and @hikesnearvancouver to be eligible to win.

BONUS anyone eligible per rules above who has completed the Joffre Lakes Hike Safety Challenge in partnership with BC AdventureSmart and LOWA Canada will receive 5 additional entries for the giveaway! Winner will be announced and contacted in early October.

 

What are The Essentials for safe hiking?

See the details at adventuresmart.ca but in summary they are the one of The 3 Ts for outdoor safety (Trip Plan, Train, Take Essentials). The Essentials are survival items you should ALWAYS have in your pack for any outdoor adventure, whether the duration is a few hours or several days. They are not the specialized pieces of equipment that you would bring for your given activity (ie sleeping bag for camping, bear spray for hiking), rather they are the basic survival items you should have in ANY outdoors situation. They are:

Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb

Fire-making kit – waterproof matches/ lighter, fire starter/candle

Signaling device – whistle or mirror

Extra food and water (1 litre/person)

Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection and toque)

Navigation/communication aids

First aid kit

Emergency shelter

Pocket knife

Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)

 

Giveaway Items from Valhalla Pure Outfitters

DAY 1: Black Diamond Ember Power Light

DAY 2: SOL Mag Striker & Waterproof Matches

DAY 3: SOL Rescue Flash Signal Mirror

DAY 4: Platypus Softbottle 0.5L x 2

DAY 5: Watuko Bamboo Headgear

DAY 6: Suunto MCB Compass

DAY 7: Adventure Medical Kits – Ultralight / Watertight .3 Medical Kit

DAY 8: SOL Emergency Bivvy

DAY 9: Leatherman Juice CS4

DAY 10: Aloe Up Sunscreen

 

About Valhalla Pure Outfitters

Valhalla Pure Outfitters (VPO) has 13 store locations throughout BC and AB including Nanaimo, New Denver, Nelson, Canmore, Red Deer, Squamish, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Revelstoke, Medicine Hat, Courtenay, Vernon, and Victoria. All stores carry a huge variety of Canada’s top brands. Shops are operated locally by folks who live in the community. You can also shop online at vpo.ca

According to ancient Norse mythology, ‘Valhalla’ was a brave and noble Viking’s final resting place. Bountiful feasts, endless drink, music and friendship were to be shared by all under a roof of antlers.

In the 1970’s, a dedicated group of forward-thinking folks from the Kootenays convinced the BC government of the day to create the Valhalla Provincial Park in an isolated sub-range of the Southern Selkirk Mountains, near New Denver and Nelson. Remote, rugged, huge and spectacular, the Valhalla Park has been their favourite mountain playground for 30 years.

When they started Valhalla Pure Outfitters in 1990 to make specialty outdoor clothing and gear, they didn’t need to look to some exotic location on the far side of the planet. The rapid weather changes and punishing wear-and-tear of the Valhalla Range taught all they needed to know about the requirements their gear would need.