Are You Prepared for Obsidian Trips?!?

Obsidians exist to enjoy the outdoors, together, safely. Remember: our trips are a shared responsibility. When you decide to go on an activity with the Obsidians, your enjoyment and safety, as well as the enjoyment and safety of the entire group are of utmost importance.

Obsidians have a wide range of trip difficulties, from a casual Bus tour, to hiking, to technical mountaineering. Be prepared for whatever type of trip you join. Our activity leaders are volunteer facilitators and not professional guides. Participants are responsible for their own safety, equipment, comfort and fitness.

Being Prepared:

Consider whether you are Prepared... for Hydration? For Cold? For Rain? For Sun? For Emergencies?
What are the Ten Essentials? What are safe, trail practices for our groups?

We are flexible with short in-town hikes, but larger adventures require more safety consideration from participants. Please understand these guidelines:

• Prepared For A Trip?
• Prepared For a Snow Trip?

Pay extra attention the 'Equipment Needed' in each trip's signup page, which lists extras beyond the normal 'essentials'. Consult the trip leader if you have questions.

First Aid Kit Suggestions:

Each individual should have a kit. The individual kit is just that. It contains some general items and those that fit your specific needs. This kit might be small. Suggested contents are:

• 6 Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil and Benadryl tablets for your pain and swelling (need regular replacement)
• Personal meds
• Disinfectant pads
• 5 Band-Aids, 1”x 3”
• 5 Band-Aids, 2”x4 1/2”
• Surgical Tape, 1”
• Butterfly strips
• Insect bite treatment (optional)
• Rolled elastic bandages, 3 inches wide
• Emergency Blanket (space)
• Moleskin
• Lip protection
• Sunblock
• Protective gloves
• Safety pins, #3's
• Triangular cloth bandage
• Duct tape (wrapped around a pencil)
• Foam sit upon (makes great splint)

Members can find more complete information (including Leader First Aid kits) in our Members Area Documents.

Are You Able to Complete the Trip?

You are encouraged to call the leader if you have questions about your abilities for a trip, or require more information on it.

The Obsidians welcome all to improve their trail fitness with us. Our activities support a variety of skill and fitness levels.

For beginners: Pay extra attention to the trail distance (miles) and elevation gain (feet).   A trip rated 'Easy' does not mean it is easy:

• An example of a 'designed' beginners hike would be the 2.5 mile 'Get Acquainted hike' around our lodge, with 300' elevation gain
• A 3-mile hike up Mount Pisgah (1000' elevation gain) is still classified as 'Easy', but Pisgah's elevation gain catches many by surprise. As a local/urban hike, Pisgah has a benefit in that you can turn back early if needed.
• A 5-mile wilderness hike with 1000' elevation gain is still classified as 'Easy', though many need time and practice to build up fitness for this. Being in the wilderness further complicates matters
• Contact email@obsidians.org if you need help finding an appropriate starter trip.

About the Obsidian Safety Committee:

Our Safety committee (safety@obsidians.org) works behind the scenes to support the club. This includes:

• Writing guidelines, including our COVID protocols (latest)
• Supporting Training classes at the lodge (including NOLS Wilderness Medicine, among others)
• Assist with safety logistics.
• Reviewing safety incidents and learning from our mistakes

Obsidian Members can find additional Safety committee documents in our Members Area Documents.