Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 05/04) - Being prepared for a trip out on the land could be the difference between life and death, especially in the North.

When packing for any trip out on the land, it's important that people pack some essential items to ensure their safety.

According to the Mountain Equipment Co-op Web site, people should have: a map of the area, a compass, water, first-aid kit, a decent-sized knife, flash light with extra batteries (for any electronic equipment like GPS you should have extra batteries for them, too), whistle, waterproof matches or a lighter, candle lantern or stove, large orange plastic bags (so rescuers will see you during the day), and an emergency space blanket.

But a word about that "bring the compass" advice. Travelling in the High Arctic will make your compass useless. We're too close to the North Pole.

Always check the weather forecast before leaving on any trip. And even if warm, sunny weather is forecast, expect the worst.

Bringing more clothing and food than you think you'll need is a good idea. Freeze-dried camp store food, or authentic air-dried country food could fill gaps in your travels, even if it's just for the day.

Learn how to make bannock and bring the mixing on any trip. You never know when an afternoon stroll can turn into an overnight test of survival.

Always tell someone where you plan to go and when you plan to be back.

If you can, leave a message on your answering machine, or phone your workplace and leave an answering machine message there.

That way, if you don't show up for work on Monday, your boss will know to start looking on the land.