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Majestic mile-high Katahdin attracts thousands of hikers each year to its vaunted Alpine heights with its incomparable 360-degree panorama over Gov. Baxter’s wilderness and across the vast expanse of Maine’s northern woodlands. The lion’s share of these mountain climbs occur without incident, but every so often, an accident happen.

Two summers ago, I wrote “A Hiker’s Guide to Climbing Katahdin” to offer some helpful advice for planning and executing a safe and enjoyable Katahdin journey. Given the recent tragedy on the mountain where two hikers perished in severe weather above the treeline, I thought it prudent to revisit and expand upon those safety pointers.

There is no easy trail to the top of Katahdin — every route is steep and strenuous. The rocky trails range from 9 to 11 miles round-trip, with anywhere from 3,800 to 4,200 feet of elevation gain. Physical and mental preparation in advance of your big hike is a must; this is best accomplished through lots of hiking, in all types of conditions.

Mountains are weather factories, so plan on carrying the “Ten Essentials” plus a few extras; Katahdin is no place for going ultralight. Warm and weatherproof clothing, good shoes, plenty of food and water, and a headlamp are among the necessary gear. Add a large trash bag and a piece of foam pad should the need arise to bivouac in place.

Don’t hike alone. This is definitely “do as I say, not as I do” advice, as I hike alone all the time and so do many experienced hikers. That said, there’s strength in numbers, so plan to go with a friend or family member, or better, with a group of four, because that leaves one person to remain with an injured individual while the other two go for help.

Get a paper trail map, select a climbing route and study it. Identify intersecting trails, potential hazards, possible escape routes and key places to turn around. And while you may think it old school, basic map and compass skills should be a part of every hiker’s toolkit. Practice! And carry both with you on the trail.

Navigate using a GPS phone app like Gaia GPS. Utilizing satellite technology, the app allows you to track your location in real time. A satellite communicator such as the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an excellent investment and potential lifesaver. You can text loved ones about your progress, get a current weather forecast, and in a real emergency, there’s an SOS button to summon help.

Pack a first aid kit and know how to use its contents. Take a wilderness first aid course to learn about common emergency medical situations and how to deal with them in the field using rudimentary items from your pack. Keep your certification current; procedures and protocols change, and subsequent classes increase your confidence.

It’s one thing to encounter bad weather out on a mountain hike, but it’s an another thing entirely to start out in poor conditions. Katahdin days are long and hard, so why put yourself through that? Instead, consider alternate hikes like South Turner Mountain, Katahdin Lake, up to Chimney Pond only, or the pretty ponds west of the peak.

Safety on Katahdin demands good decision making. On the trail, make good use of the most important tool you’re carrying: your brain. Think. Employ common sense. Move thoughtfully, observe the terrain, note the trail signs. Look behind you occasionally to fix landmarks in your head. Be in the moment, minimize the chatter.

Stop occasionally. Breathe. Talk with your companions. Evaluate and re-evaluate your circumstances, the weather, the time. Be flexible and know when and where to turn back. You’ve set a time for that, yes, but better to do so sooner (lower down) rather than later (higher up). Consider the rescuers who may have to put themselves in harm’s way to come help you.

Mountain climbing involves risk, but then so does ordinary life. Climbing a ladder, crossing the street, driving a car. We assess these risks every day and live our lives. So it is with Katahdin: You stack the deck in your favor as far as possible, and then with a maximum of care, you go forth to reap the reward of Maine’s greatest hiking experience. Have fun!

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is a Triple Crown hiker and veteran of more than 50 Katahdin ascents. Connect with Carey on Facebook and Instagram.