How to Ford Backcountry Rivers Safely - CleverHiker.com
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- čas přidán 31. 03. 2015
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Learning to ford rivers is a crucial backcountry skill. If you want to experience pristine wilderness areas, chances are there will be plenty of river fords along the way. And if you don’t know what you’re doing, the consequences could be disastrous. So build your knowledge base with this week’s Essential Trail Skills video: Backcountry River Fording.
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Top River Fording Tips:
Drowning is a real danger in the backcountry and one of the top causes of death among backcountry travelers, so don’t take river crossings lightly.
The most important step when fording a river is proper planning.
Look for a wide area in the stream where the water will be shallower and the current won’t be as strong.
High-elevation streams are fed by glaciers and snowmelt. They will be much easier to cross in the morning after a cold night has slowed melting and rivers are flowing with less water.
Make sure to look downstream to plan an escape route for if you do fall in.
Never make a questionable crossing above a dangerous feature like a waterfall or an overhanging tree that could trap you under the water.
Slower water generally shouldn’t be above your thigh and fast moving water shouldn’t be above your knee.
Before you cross, make sure all of your important items are sealed in watertight bags and double bag any electronics.
Unclip the hip belt and sternum straps of your pack before you cross as well. Water is heavy and if you fall in your pack will quickly fill up.
It's generally best to keep your shoes on for river fording. It will be much safer that way and lightweight shoes will dry very quickly.
When it’s time to cross, face upstream and work your way across the river traveling at a 45-degree angle downstream.
Shuffle your feet from side to side without lifting your legs much. The water will be cold but don’t rush. Make sure that your footing is secure with every step.
Use a walking pole or trekking pole for increased stability. Place the pole in front of you upstream and keep your weight forward.
Always keep at least two points of contact on the river floor while you shuffle across.
If you ever start a river ford and feel unsafe, you can always turn around and find a better place to cross.
If you do fall in, don’t panic. If you can, stand up again quickly. If your pack is keeping you from getting up, ditch it. It’s better to lose your pack than to lose your life.
If the current takes you downstream, flip on your back with your feet in front of you facing downstream. That’s the safest way to protect yourself from any boulders in the water.
Remember, unsafe river crossings are completely avoidable. Proper planning and preparation will make all the difference. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
I'm not going to pretend that I know what I'm doing but I do spend a LOT of time at the river, and my biggest tip for getting across is to stay as calm as you can, if you start to get nervous, stop, look around and think about what you're doing, you don't always have to step directly to your right/left, make sure you check your footing every step you take, and like I said, don't forget to BREATHE. If you do fall in, at least you'll fall while calm and aware of what is happening, try to avoid going into panic mode.
Last spring I tried crossing waist deep rapids that weren't terribly strong but definitely wayyy stronger than I should have tried to cross in, I was facing upstream and my feet slipped from under me, I had a fishing pole and tried to jam it down below me to stop me, ended up snapping the bowl in three places and getting fiber glass shards in my hands along with bruising/scraping them from the rocks, not really anything to learn from that story, just thought I'd share...
Drowning is a real danger in the wilderness and one of the top causes of death among backcountry travelers, so don’t take river crossings lightly. Build your knowledge base with this week’s Essential Trail Skills video: How to Safely Ford Backcountry Rivers.
#backpacking #rivercrossing #highdryandalive
Presented by: Joe Valesko, *****, Sawyer Products
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Hi Dave, thanks for the awesome series. It's really useful. Two good tips for river crossing you didn't mention: Use a pack liner. If you fall, your pack will float and can be used as a lifebuoy. And critical gear will remain dry. Also: unclip you hip and sternum strap before crossing. If you fall you won't be dragged under and away by your pack.
Thanks kmg! Happy hiking.
Hi.
Is it possible to swim a bigger body of water, aided your inflated packlined backpack, as a life west? Can we utilise our inflated sleeping pad and drybags in this process?
Thank you.
I recognize Smith Rock and a number of places in the CRG. Nice!
Yup! Some gorgeous areas.
@@CleverHiker No pun intended, I am sure.
Your commentary is always spot on!! Great videos!
+joel1239871 Thanks so much Joel! Really appreciate that.
Your videos are just so professional and helpful!
Samuel L. Jackson Thanks Samuel!
It would be interesting to hear more about the shoe situation. I may have to ford my first river on an upcoming trip. I thought about just wearing Chacos, to keep my boots dry.
On difficult crossings it's best to wear your boots. I take off my socks and inserts out of the boots and then cross. Shake 'em out on the other side and go. Wet feet can cause blisters so maybe change socks after 15 minutes or so after your initial pair soaks up most of the water. Chacos will be fine on gentle crossings like the one in this video.
Thanks, useful information!
I use trail runners, so I can just keep them on (take off my socks if need be) and keep on hiking.
I have always crossed strong current up to my butt without trekking poles before.... I realize now why I am so afraid of river crossings haha.
Your videos are awesome. Thanks for this advices! ATB from Italy.
Roberto
Survival Sniper Thanks Roberto!
hey, how do you get around walking in wet shoes without feet abrasions?
Great set of tips!
+Jim Cyr Thanks!
good work dave
+Julian Anderson Thanks!
good info thanks
B Jones Thank you!
Wet socks grip rocks.
Very usefull informations. Thanks. Greetings from Germany and a like from me. Enrique.
+Enrique Gil Thanks!
If you choose to keep your pants & shoes on, say trail running shoes, do you also keep your smart wool socks on? That's what I have been hiking in, but always wondered what people do in those scenarios.
***** Keep my shoes on but I will usually take my socks off if my feet are dry and I don't plan on doing several river fords during the day. Your socks will get damp when you put them back on after the ford, but they won't be as soaked as if you kept them on during the ford. They'll dry quicker that way. If you're doing many river fords during the day, it won't matter so just leave them on.
Thanks bud! I love your videos, they're very helpful as I learn about this wonderful hobby!
***** You're very welcome Josh!
Dave, I have arthritis and was wondering if carrying a walking stick would be a good idea for me when I backpack?
I'm not Dave but I do have arthritis in my knees and hands. Trekking poles GREATLY help my knees, especially on downhills. As for my hands, I've found it's important to use the straps properly or I end up over-gripping the poles and get very sore. That's also the reason a plain walking stick doesn't work for me.
I think M A Walker has great advice on this subject. I don't have any experience with arthritis (yet?), so I'm sorry but I won't be much help.
Thank you for the reply you guys. I appreciate it. I actually tried one not too long at Munson Falls on the Oregon coast. That was definitely a good wake up call for me on how important it is too get in shape for more challenging adventures. :)
Explain the bottle of HEET in your pack? Is that fuel for your stove?
This system of crossing is out-of-date. He needs to get a copy of the latest NZ Mountain Safety Council's Bushcraft Manual to learn the latest and safest system for crossing rivers. This system explained here is dangerous and does not guarantee a safe crossing.
+Ray Goldring Hi Ray, this is Dave. You're leaving a comment for me, so you can speak with me directly. Thanks for the comment. I'm always looking to make improvements in my systems, so I'd love to hear your NZ recommendations. Please don't try to blast that "my" method is dangerous though. It's not just my method. This system has been used for centuries and is very safe and effective. Thanks!
Ray, The NZ Mtn site does have some good info about river crossings, but it does not really address solo crossings. It says not to do it or to wait until someone comes along. Kind of ridiculous for solo backpackers, at least experienced backpackers. Dave's video DOES provide good solid information and safety tips that will only serve to add to an awareness about crossings and improved safety for doing so. Guarantees are not part of the wilderness experience. As we all know, driving to the trailhead is also dangerous and entails risk. Like many others here, I applaud Dave for this video. Thanks for the additional resource though. No question that it also provides good advice.
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