Animals & Plants: Insect Bites & Stings
Mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and other annoying biters cause reactions from itching to Lyme disease to full-blown, life-threatening allergy.

Animals & Plants: Poison Oak, Ivy, and Sumac
Many persons are allergic to the resin ("urushiol") present in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Learn to recognize these plants in their natural habitats.

Animals & Plants: Snake Bites
If you are bitten by a snake, retreat out of its striking range and try not to panic. Most bites are "dry bites," with little or no venom.

Animals & Plants: Tick Bites & Tick Removal
Ticks are now recognized to transmit many serious human diseases. Check your skin regularly and remove ticks promptly.

Apparel: Caring for Your Apparel
Waterproof/breathable shells depend on relatively delicate components in order to function. Wash them enough, but not too much.

Apparel: Understanding Outdoor Apparel
Backpacking clothing both keeps you comfortable and keeps you safe from the wilderness perils of heat-related illness, dehydration, and hypothermia.

Apparel: What to Buy in Apparel?
Understand fabric characteristics (natural vs. synthetic) and the layering system (layer next to skin, insulating layer, outer shell layer).

Backpack: Bear Country: Basics
Personal safety is the first priority; a bear can be dangerous if provoked or habituated to humans. Safety of the bear is also a concern.

Backpack: Bear Country: Camping & Food Security
In bearcountry, secure all food, including freeze-dried and canned foods, beverages, and odorous items such as soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen.

Backpack: Bear Country: Hiking & Bear Encounters
Although the risk of an encounter with a bear is low, there are no guarantees of your safety. Minimize your risks by following these guidelines.