How to Cross a River Safely

[Eppo]

One of the most dangerous activities a backpacker deals with is fording a river. Hikers are swept away on river crossings every season. Here is a video I produced demonstrating the basic technique for an individual in deep water and with a heavy load. While there are many ways that can be employed for a ford this video shows the most common and accepted technique as described in the book Freedom of the Hills published by The Mountaineers.

[Eppo]

[Aaron Zagrodnick]

Nice video, for me it seems like there's always that critical point about halfway across where my feet have become so cold that I want to hurry across as fast as possible, but can't because of the slow and careful foot placement that's required... At times those chilly crossings can definitely test your mental fortitude!