#summitsafely week 12 - Don’t Forget Your Head Torch

Image courtesy of Graham Uney

It's week 12 of the 20 week #summitsafely campaign. This week’s #summitsafely top tip – you must always pack a head torch when heading into the fells and where possible carry a spare batteries and even a spare head torch.

Head Torch

Your head torch is a crucial part of your kit when heading out into the fells. It’s important to take a head torch with you even if you are intending your walk to be in day light as you never know what might happen during your walk resulting in you being out in the dark. It is always advisable to be prepared.

More often than not the mountain rescue teams are called down to help people of the mountain due to mis-judging the time a walk might take, or been delayed on the route or perhaps started too late in the day and no one in the party has a head torch with them. This situation can be avoided by better planning and preparation by taking a head torch.

What happens if you forget your Head Torch?

Navigation – in the darkness it will be a tricky task to see the map. Indeed the moonlight may help you see the landscape but the ability to read a map will be virtually impossible. You will put yourself at risk as dangerous drops, steep cliffs, uneven surfaces cannot be seen.

Our Fell Top Assessor Graham Uney runs night navigation courses. We always recommend being prepared and know how to navigate. You can view all of Graham’s courses here.

Which Head Torch should I choose?

You will require a head torch which is strong enough to see enough of the distance ahead allowing you to view the path. You can opt for a head torch which give you a strong beam reaching 50 to 100 metres ahead, perfect for allowing sight of path junctions and seeing the path ahead.

Spares

We always recommend carrying a spare set of batteries and a spare head torch for emergencies.

Don’t forget, the Lake District National Park runs winter skills course. If you want to learn the basic winter skills check out the course running this year here.

Date: 17 Feb 2017