Preparation goes a long way when outdoors.

Byline: THE HEALTH FILES by Bill Bishop The Register-Guard

THREE THINGS HAPPEN in the Cascades when late summer fades into fall.

Swarms of hikers head for remote trailheads. A few of them get lost or injured. And John Miller's people go out and find them.

"When we find them alive, I'm very happy - even when they've done something that is not the smartest thing in the world," says Miller, who coordinates scores of trained volunteer searchers as director of search and rescue for the Lane County sheriff.

Miller is slow to criticize the lost and found because it could happen to anyone who isn't prepared or paying attention.

Take, for example, the Lake Oswego couple who went for a casual three-mile hike around Big Lake earlier this month. They stepped off the trail and got disoriented among fallen trees. They had no food, extra clothing, map or compass.

They mistook Three Fingered Jack to the north for Mount Washington to the south and survived two 30-degree nights wandering in the high country before a search effort by teams from four counties found them five miles south of the lake, Miller said.

The odds of never needing Miller's help improve with the proper gear, some basic training and the right attitude in the outdoors, hiking experts say.

"What happens most of the time is people look at the day and they pack their pack for the day. I think the more appropriate thing is to pack your daypack for the night," says John Jacobson, board member and past president of the Eugene-based Obsidians outdoor club. "That nice sunny afternoon in the mountains can change in the blink of an eye."

Lightweight fleece is Jacobson's choice for a layer of warmth if weather turns for the worse or an emergency requires an overnight stay. Worn under waterproof breathable pants and shell and topped with a hat and gloves, the combination works in a wide range of conditions.

"My pack doesn't actually change much from summer to winter," he says.

Lightweight space blankets are inexpensive and versatile for use as shelter, blanket or seating pad. Blaze orange items, such as hats or bicycling vests, are a must-have item for hiking during hunting season, he adds.

Details make a difference, he says. Little things - such as tweezers for splinter removal, moleskin for blisters and aspirin for sore muscles and altitude headaches - can really improve the outdoor experience.

"Aspirin is something I'm constantly replenishing. Blisters are things that just happen," he says.

When hikers find themselves in trouble in Lane County, it's usually overambition or poor preparation that takes them there, Miller says.

"Judging by history, primarily it's thinking they can do more than they really can, like going farther or going quicker," Miller says.

The second most common route to disaster is failing to take a map and compass or failing to use them, he says.

"When you're not sure where you are, you've waited too long. In Lane County, you can be off the trail 20 feet and not see the trail," Miller says.

Along the route - and especially when leaving a trail for even a short side trip - look behind so you'll recognize the return route, Miller says. For added safety, flag the places where you need to turn on the hike back out. Mark the flags with your name in case searchers need to follow your route, and be sure to remove flags on your way out, he says.

"I strongly recommend people learn how to make a fire. One 2-inch candle stub is worth 100 matches," he says, noting the wick should be burned before packing so it soaks up wax and repels moisture.

If you decide to take just two things on a hike, take a large garbage bag and a whistle, Miller says. The garbage bag is a mini shelter and the whistle will last longer and carry farther than your voice, he says.

The most important thing, he adds, is leaving an itinerary with a friend so your absence will be noted sooner and searchers will know where to start looking if you encounter an emergency or get injured.

But if you find yourself lost in spite of all your preparations, find a comfortable place to hole up, build a fire, enjoy your spare food and use that whistle. Miller and company will be on their way soon.

"Just to get them out of there and give them one more chance at life, that's why I do this, why all the volunteers do this," Miller says.

HIKING SAFELY

Plan ahead: Leave your itinerary with a friend. Searchers can't search without a place to start.

Clothing: Think layers. Bring a waterproof shell, hat and gloves for sudden weather changes and overnight emergency.

Fire: Pack flame sources such as waterproof matches, a candle stub, a butane lighter and a magnesium fire starter.

Food and water: Bring water purifying tablets or a filter for emergencies. Pack extra energy bars and dried fruit.

Light: Bring a flashlight and extra batteries.

First aid kit: Buy one or pack your own. Remember tweezers, aspirin, antihistamine for allergic reactions, sunscreen, pocket knife/utility-tool and moleskin for blisters.

Map and compass: You need both. Learn how to use them with a book or outdoor class.

Gadgets: Global positioning systems and cell phones are great safety tools, but no substitute for a map and compass and common sense. Remember extra batteries.