Lightning is one of the most avoidable backcountry killers. How to plan storms out of your day, use the 30/30 rule, take the lightning position, and help someone who’s been struck.

The sky is the most current forecast you have. Read cloud types and sky signs to see rain, storms, and lightning coming hours ahead — and act before the weather lands on you.

Weather turns back more hikers than anything else. Read the forecast and the sky, plan around afternoon storms, and carry a bad-weather backstop.