FedEx : 10 Essentials for Surviving in the Great Outdoors

June 21, 2018

FedEx Trade Networks team member advice for surviving in the great outdoors

Jeff Salzer, a FedEx Trade Networks team member who also volunteers as a search and rescue volunteer in Pierce County, Washington shares 10 tips for surviving in the great outdoors.

'Sometimes people think they are going on a short day hike and just don't take the time to prepare.'

It's a regular scenario for Jeff Salzer, a FedEx Trade Networks team member who also volunteers as a search and rescue volunteer in Pierce County, Washington. The rough terrain, which is not far from Mt. Rainier, can be confusing for hikers.

'What they don't realize is that it's easy to get turned around,' Salzer says.

According to Salzer, these ten things could mean the difference between life and death, and you should always have them while packing:

• Basic first aid kit that includes bug repellant
• Sun protection including sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days, as clouds block as little as 20% of UV rays.
• Extra clothing including a hat, gloves, jacket, and rain gear for protection against the weather
• Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries
• Fire starter as you may need to start a fire to signal for help, or for warmth and comfort]
• Multi-tool kit with a pocket knife, plyers, saw, and screwdriver function
• Water and filter straw
• Extra food
• Map, compass, and cell phone with charger
• Compact mirror, whistle, or flashlight to help signal to your location

Watch more in the video above to see the Pierce County 4×4 Search and Rescue team in action, how Salzer brings this safety knowledge to the workplace, and the first thing you should always do when you realize you're lost.