What's next, an editorial about the virtues of eating your vegetables? The editorial board needs a reality check.

I like vegetables.

I hope Frank's body is not the next one they have to bring in from the outback. We've had a rash of them lately.

The number one cause of wilderness death is hypothermia. Extra food, a pocket poncho, pocket knife and a couple of waterproof means for starting a fire are also essential to staying dry and warm. Three fires will direct searchers day or night. Even the spark from a spent lighter or a small flashlight will light up a mountainside to a searcher using night-vision equipment.

Number two is dehydration. A 1 micron filter, or a metal cup or can to boil water 10 minutes will prevent crypto or giardia from making a bad situation even worse. Chlorine tablets are better than nothing but require a 4 hour soak.

He had a compass but no map? Carry both and learn how to triangulate your position so you won’t have to be found. A small whistle will allow you to be heard long after your voice has given out yelling.

A pocket first aid kit including sunscreen, soap, moleskin, DEET and salt can prevent a lot of problems. Sunglasses in winter, brimmed hat in summer.

Frank,

The editorial points out that "It's not about dress codes. It's about common sense."

Kids these days are actually deficient, generally speaking, when it comes to common sense, as are many adults. They are raised on the unlimited lives mentality of video games and don't realize how dangerous it can be in the outdoors.