Loved it or hated it, send your letters to the editor here and your rant might get published.

Esh Mountaineering Survival Tip 1: You should prepare adequately so as not to find yourself in a survival situation. Each member of the group should know the general terrain, planned route, and schedule, and carry map and compass if there is a chance of becoming lost. You should be observant and have a general idea of your direction of travel at all times. In addition, a friend at home should know your plans. Each member of the group should be aware of everyone else's abilities and the pace should be set by the slowest individual. Everyone should know who is carrying first aid kits and where it is packed. Let others know immediately of expected or identified dangers. Keep an eye on ALL group members, including yourself.

Esh Mountaineering Survival Tip 2: Hypothermia occurs when a person's core body temperature begins to fall uncontrollably. There are four main ways to avoid hypothermia: 1. Stay Dry. Avoid wearing cotton or denim in wilderness areas - once wet they have very little insulating value and they take a long time to dry. Wear wools and synthetic materials instead. 2. Avoid Exposure. Wind rapidly accelerates the loss of heat from your body. Dress properly and try not to spend time in exposed locations. 3. Understand cold. Learn how to get warm and stay warm. Most cases of hypothermia happen at about 50-degrees Fahrenheit--surprisingly mild--so it is always important to remove wet clothing promptly and remain well-protected from the elements at any temperature. 4. Maintain energy. Once you have become so tired that you are unable to continue you will rapidly begin to lose body heat. Don't push yourself to your limits.

Esh Mountaineering Survival Tip 3: Accidents and injuries do occur. In the event of an injury, it is important to make sure that everyone remains calm. Someone must take charge of treating the injury and appoint tasks, even the most pointless of jobs, so that everyone feels that they are contributing to the group. Proper leadership will increase the chances for success in a potentially bad situation. The same strategy applies if you or your party become lost. Remain calm and check if it is possible to retrace steps. Navigate by compass, familiar features, and common sense. Take care not to become more lost or begin to panic. Make sure that you have confidence in the path you take; the decision to move should be a group decision. Make sure you pack a HELLRAISER bandana. In case of an emergency, it can be used as a sling, bandage or dust mask (shown above).