Backpacking – Is it for you?

"Of all the articles of clothing worn, equipment to take, supplies to procure and precautions to understand, none is more important than what you wear on your feet."

Day Hikes

These can be a couple of hours or an entire day's duration. Usually they are made within a park's boundaries and on well-marked and maintained trails. Nature trails would fall into this category since they are circuit hikes, i.e., they start and end at about the same place. They are normally easy hikes drawing families and older people. Hikes that observe some natural occurrences such as waterfalls are another type of day hike.

A day hike can be circuitous or out and back on the same trail. The time for either one of these kinds of hikes could be as little as 20 minutes to several hours. Time and weather conditions are the guiding factors in determining the kind of equipment needed (if any) for a hike of that nature.

Water should be seriously considered for anyhike of an hour's duration or longer, but especially in hot, dry conditions. If there is more than one person involved, then take enough water for everyone in the group. If hiking alone for several hours, a small first-aid kit might come in handy as well. Since day-hikes are completed within that time frame, then nothing more need be considered from a safety standpoint, but only from a comfort standpoint. For example, food for a snack or gear to keep from getting sunburned might be a consideration for longer hikes. Also, bug repellant could be deemed a necessity in areas where bugs and insects might be a nuisance. Or, what if it rains? Will you want some kind of rain-gear along as well?

Any of the aforementioned items can be easily carried in a fanny-pack or day backpack and have become very popular with the school crowd over the last few years. Make sure the straps are adjusted comfortably for the length of trip you are considering, or you might wind up with a backache the next day.

Overnight Hikes

When hiking longer trail systems, either a well-planned day hike that will bring you back to a predetermined destination before dark, or an overnight stay will be needed. Many who hike National trails systems do it over a two or three day period and often longer. Since staying outside in a natural setting overnight is so foreign to most people, certain precautions need to be considered beforehand. First, the well-planned aspect should be addressed at the outset. Know where you are going and when and where you plan to return. Give someone that information before you leave. Some systems, such as the Grand Canyon, require Park Headquarter's notification of any overnight hike as to number of people, where and when you are going, etc.

Next, make a list of all the equipment and supplies you will need. Again, the type and amount of these things will depend on season, weather, length of stay and number in your party. Unless you are a seasoned hiker, don't venture out in the wilderness alone, even experienced hikers can get in trouble. Carrying a 40 to 60 pound pack on your back for several hours up and down hills can become tiring and make the hike anything but enjoyable. Consider your stamina and physical condition when picking a route. Some trails are fairly flat, others traverse mountains. Their difficulty is usually indicated in hiking guides.

You need to look carefully at the area into which you are hiking. If it is in a well-marked and maintained trail system in a State or National Park, then one set of considerations need attention. But if it is into a wilderness area an entirely different set of rules apply. These areas are for experienced and physically fit people, not for the novice. Did I mention there are wild animals in most areas where you'll be hiking? Now the cute doe might be fun to watch while she manages her fawn, but an angry grizzly bear takes on a whole different viewpoint. Knowing what an animal is capable of and what to expect from one, might not only help you enjoy watching it, it could also save your life. Realize that we are trespassing and invading the private lives of those animals. 'Nature' is their home and we are but visitors to it. It is not likely that you will encounter any adverse reactions to your presence, but being aware of actions to take in case you'd come upon a mother mountain lion with her cubs or other such occasions can be beneficial.

Aspects to consider regarding equipment is its weight, ruggedness, water-resistance and in cooler weather -- its warmth. The backpack, for example, should be light and ride on your hips, not your back. Therefore, a 'hip-belt' is important. The pack, tent and boots you'll wear need to be waterproof or you may spend a miserable night during or after a downpour. Also, keeping your body warm is paramount in cold weather; therefore the sleeping bag needs to accommodate the temperature range in which you are sleeping.

Since you can only comfortably carry one canteen of water, you'll have to find some along the way. This is another aspect of the planning done before you leave. Take tablets along to sterilize creek water, or be sure to boil it for at least ten minutes before drinking. This means that a stove of some sort is another piece of equipment to take along. They make some pretty small and lightweight butane and propane stoves these days, so finding a suitable one shouldn't be a problem. A nylon tent is usually the tent of choice for backpacking because it's lightweight and durable. Other materials are available, which serve as well but might cost more, so shopping for the right tent might take some time.

Finding the right footwear is almost a science in itself, many articles are available about that selective process. Of all the articles of clothing worn, equipment to take, supplies to procure and precautions to understand, none is more important than what you wear on your feet. Your body moves along a path by using your feet and nothing else. Therefore, it is important to make sure they receive the best possible care. Foot powder and a double-layer of socks are important components of the footwear-backpacking recipe. The inner sock needs to wick up moisture from your foot. Wool works well, along with a sprinkle of foot powder. The outer layer should be thick to absorb shock and act as a shell for the inner layer. Putting foot powder in the bottom of the boot will aid in keeping the foot dry as the day moves on while hiking.

If you think checking your Christmas list twice is important, then know that checking the one you create for the journey you are contemplating is significant. While a tent, pack, stove, sleeping bag, food, water, first-aid kit, footwear and clothes are basic and obvious, there are many items needed that are not so obvious. A change of clothes, extra socks, matches, lantern, flashlight, raingear, headgear, rope, string, compass, maps, plastic bags, a shovel, toilet paper, baby wipes and emergency items such as a flare should also be on that list. Consider every possible situation that could occur while you are out there enjoying nature, and prepare for its occurrence.