{"id":165,"date":"2019-11-11T01:09:32","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T01:09:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bwags.org\/wp\/?page_id=165"},"modified":"2026-05-04T17:11:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:11:36","slug":"hiking-the-bwags-way","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bwags.org\/wp\/hiking-the-bwags-way\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking the BWAGs Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

Be mindful each week of these important BWAG principles:<\/span><\/h3>\n

Be welcoming and help newcomers feel like a part of the group.<\/h3>\n

Take time for introductions at the meeting site each week\u2026.knowing the members of the group creates a caring attitude!<\/h3>\n

Take\u00a0responsibility to review the information for any hike of interest and consider your\u00a0timeline and skill level before deciding on which hike to do. Hikers should also\u00a0research the specific trail information and route in advance\u2026..many of the hikes\u00a0have Resources listed and most can be found by Googling the trail name.<\/h3>\n

Create a carload of people with similar skill levels and return timelines. Be honest about how fast\/slow you hike and how far you can hike out of respect for the hikers doing the planned outing. Guidance for choosing a hiking group<\/a>.<\/h3>\n

Do a headcount before starting the hike and return with the same number of hikers.<\/h3>\n

BWAGs do not leave anyone behind!\u00a0 At a minimum, stay in groups of 2-3 along the trail and always stop at junctions for everyone to catch up and ensure they go the correct way. This is critical for safety and for peace of mind! It\u2019s a little scary to come to a junction and not be sure of the route everyone else has taken.\u00a0 Larger groups often subdivide into smaller groups during the hike, but the entire group should be accounted for periodically.<\/h3>\n

Take responsibility for checking frequently to make sure the last person in line is still in your sight. If you can\u2019t see her,\u00a0you don\u2019t know if she is in trouble. \u00a0Suggested tactics to keep the group together:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • \n
      \n
    • \n

      Let the slowest person lead and set a pace that is tolerable for everyone.<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n

      Let a photographer or wildflower lover lead; their frequent stops will slow down the front of the group.<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n

      Take shorter, more frequent stops rather than a 10 minute, mosquito-inviting, impatience-creating stop.<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Preferably stick together as a group, but at a minimum, always stay with your carload. Three or 4 people are critical mass in case someone needs to go for help, plus, the entire carload can make a decision to turn around, if need be.<\/h3>\n

      Let the other hikers know if your carload decides to turn back before reaching the destination so that they aren\u2019t left wondering and waiting. If the main group is too far ahead to communicate a change, you can resort to a note on a car windshield when you return to the trail head.\u00a0 Try to avoid this situation as much as possible by planning ahead before leaving the trailhead.<\/h3>\n

      Limit the group size to 10 to 15 in Wilderness areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Bring money to pay your carpool driver to cover all of the gas expense for hikes outside the local area.\u00a0 The amount depends on length of drive and number of passengers.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Be Prepared!\u00a0What to bring each week: Lots of water, snacks\/lunch, hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, appropriate clothes for the weather, sturdy hiking shoes\/boots with good tread on the soles, hiking poles, gaiters, insect repellent, first aid kit, a map of the area or GPS, BEAR SPRAY that is current (check the expiration date!) and any other of the 11 essentials list below.<\/h3>\n

      Communicate any significant medical issues to the group verbally when meeting for a hike.\u00a0 Carry up-to-date Personal Emergency Contact and Medical Information in a sealed plastic baggie in your backpack with the following information:<\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 First and last name<\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 Emergency Contact name & phone number\/email address (consider listing 2 people)\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 Emergency medications or supplies you are carrying, where they are in your pack & how to administer<\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 Other medications taken, allergies, relevant medical history, blood type<\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 Doctor\/clinic name & phone number<\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 Insurance information<\/h3>\n

      o\u00a0\u00a0 Include your driver\u2019s license and insurance card in your pack for identification<\/h3>\n

      <\/h3>\n

      Some excellent resources for hiking information are Robert Stone\u2019s book, \u201cDay Hikes Around Bozeman Montana, 2011\u201d; Mark Johnston’s book, \u201c100 Great Day Hikes Around Bozeman and the Greater Yellowstone\u201d, 2011; Forest Service maps of the National Forests and Beartooth Publishing maps available in local bookstores\/outdoor store, and many good online websites and apps.<\/h3>\n

      <\/h3>\n

      Always Remember! Eleven Essentials for Your Pack:<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      \n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Navigation (maps\/GPS)<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

      		\n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Flashlight<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

      \n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sun Protection<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

      		\n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fire Starter<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

      \n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bear Spray<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

      		\n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Insulation<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

      \n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emergency Shelter<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

      		\n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nutrition<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

      \n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 First Aid Supplies<\/h3>\n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emergency Contact\/Medical Info Card<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

      		\n

      \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hydration<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

      <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      Practice the Seven Leave No Trace Principles<\/b> summarized below:<\/h3>\n

      Plan Ahead and Prepare<\/h3>\n