This year the hiking season has been marred by stories of hikers in trouble. Some were attacked by bears; some have been lost. Children have wandered away. It's disturbing to read that folk enjoying their vacation in the outdoors have met with trauma--sometimes causing life changing events.

Hopefully, anyone heading into to the wild will be carrying a  backpack with supplies for emergencies. As a friend of mine has said, you can't fight a bear with a shot gun. You have to know the terrain and you have to be willing to be fully prepared. Nothing is 100% certain--particularly in the wild. But there are things you can do. 

Carrying an emergency kit with medical supplies, lights, and other needed items can make the trip more secure. One item many people forget is something to mark your progress with. Something that can be seen in the dark can save a life. Here is a great product that will do just that:

The photoluminescent paint will stay bright for hours, so if you get lost, and you have marked the trial, you can go back safely. Please don't become a statistic; get one of these today. HERE