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backpacking, Backpacking, BACKPACKING, HIKING,
Hiking, hiking
Getting Started
I have an inclination to say JUST DO IT, but I cannot, because the
backcountry can be a dangerous place, even for those who are
experienced. Consequently, I recommend a few preliminary steps as you
begin your backpacking adventures.
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- Acquire Backpacking Knowledge thru reading:
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- Acquire Knowledge & Experience thru Courses & Backcountry
Organizations:
- Mountaineering, Backpacking, Hiking, offered by local
governments, schools, and private outdoor groups.
- Join an Outdoor Club (Sierra Club, Mountaineers, Hiking Clubs,
etc.). These groups provide a fast way to learn proven
techniques & make friends who have similar interests.
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- Get in Shape--Stay in Shape:
I recently heard someone referring to backpackers, in general, as
having a T-REX SYNDROME. That is, obsession with exercising only the
legs. In fact, it's important for hiking, and especially backpacking,
that we have strong lower back, upper back, and abdominal muscles, in
addition to strong legs. Find exercises that strengthen those muscles.
For example, a rowing machine--as well as a machine like the Health
Rider--will work the back, leg, and ab muscles. For those of us who
get bored sitting on a machine, get a bicycle and rowboat.
I have found, however, that lifting weights, machine workouts,
jogging, etc., is appropriate and very helpful, but for some reason,
the only activity that really keeps me in shape for alpine hiking,
backpacking, and scrambling--which is what I do--is hiking. You can
find my method of staying in shape for year-around backpacking, here:
Staying
in Shape For Year-Round Backpacking
Here are some suggestions for getting in shape, staying in shape,
and staying healthy:
Know your physical condition. Not just the "in
shape" or "outta shape" question, but how's your
heart--had a checkup lately ? Know as much as possible about your
current condition before you even start an exercise program (if not
already on one). That knowledge will also minimize potential problems
in the backcountry. If you have a health condition, of any
consequence, understand the implications and consequences of strenuous
exercise and venturing into the backcountry, beforehand. If you
haven't already, get the medical check-up, to find out--one way or the
other--if you have anything to be concerned about. The backcountry is
not the place for medical emergencies. There's no 911 out there !
Already in Shape ? If you exercise regularly, you may
already be in good enough shape to tackle day hikes over easy to
moderate terrain. However, walking (or jogging--not something I would
do) on pavement is not the same as carrying a pack over a rough trail
tread. My suggestion, is to first, at least, put on a pack loaded with
5 more pounds than you would be carrying on your hike, then truck
around the neighborhood for a few miles to see how it feels. Next,
plan a short hike to see how you fare on a trail with the pack on.
Gradually, in addition to your regular exercise program, take more
difficult hikes that keep challenging you as well as increasing your
level of conditioning and endurance. This method is the least painful,
if you will, because it leverages off of what you already have and
gets you on the trail, immediately. What could be better, hiking
yourself into hiking condition.
Not in Shape ? If you're not in good physical condition, you
should take the time to set up a regular exercise program. It must be
consistent and it must be a priority (or, guaranteed, you will not be
consistent and you'll always be on the brink of getting in shape--but
not quite). Hey, I bin there !
Just Start Somewhere. Swimming, Biking (human powered),
Walking. It's good to have a variety of activities which exercise a
variety of muscles. Machines are okay--Health Rider, Nordic Track,
Stationary Bikes, Rowing Machines, Tread Mill--they all work okay,
some better than others. I use a combination of Health Rider, free
weights, and hiking to stay in shape. Somedays, I don't feel like
sitting inside on a machine, so I just lift a few weights, then strap
weights to my ankles and take a two mile walk. Point is, start a
program you're comfortable with and stick to it on a consistent basis.
Anticipate Level of Difficulty, and Train Accordingly: You
will put yourself and your fellow packers at risk, if you think you
can wait til the trip and then get in shape on the trail. Two years
ago, I went on a five-day trip with a group of Mountaineers. One of
the people used to hike with his sons carrying 50 pounds of gear. He
was fairly active, a skier and such, so thought he would be okay,
based on past experiences. Thus, he went on the hike without training
specifically for it. He lasted half a day. Couldn't go on--he was
really hurtin. Had to go back to the trailhead and wait for us for
four additional days (because he was one of the drivers). At least he
didn't get hurt.
Moral: get in shape to carry your anticipated 40 pound load before
the trip. Several weeks before a trip, I anticipate how much weight I
will be carrying, then prepare a pack that weighs 10 pounds more than
that. That, then, becomes my training pack for the next several
weeks--about four or five nights a week--right up to two or three days
before the trip. In addition, I continue with my normal exercising
routine. That way, I'm confident I will be successful on the trail and
that my fellow packers can count on me to be strong and healthy.
Stretching is important. Stretching muscles reduces muscle
tension and allows better, more flexible movement. Prior to your daily
workout, whether in the backcountry, or at home, take some time to
stretch your lower back, legs, torso, neck, etc. If you're not sure
how or what, do some research--there's plenty of material available on
the subject. The point I want to make here is that stretching is
necessary and will help prevent soreness and injury, both on and off
the trail.
Prevent "Pack Lifting" Injury. Jerking a 35 pound
(or more) pack off the ground and swinging it onto your back is a good
way to injure your back. There's several popular, and safe, ways to do
it. The one I use the most is to place my pack on the ground with
shoulder harness facing me; next, I grab the shoulder straps--one in
each hand--, and with straight to slightly bent back and slightly bent
knees, I put my knee into the backpadding of the pack and pull the
pack up my leg to the upper thigh. With my leg now under the pack for
support, I slide my right arm thru the shoulder harness and then turn
and do the same with my left arm. Next, I tighten the hip belt and
proceed to secure pack as usual. This may have taken a lot of words to
explain, but it's relatively fast and safe. Another method is to rest
the pack on a tree stump or embankment and squat down to slip into the
shoulder harness. Yet another method is to have someone hold the pack
while you slip into the harness.
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The Most Important Essential--Common Sense
- "Common Sense"--one of those abstract concepts
that we use when talking to employees, students, and children, with
the assumption that everyone understands what it means, when if
fact, we don't. Well, here's what it means when I use it:
- Common-Sense Glossary: (from the Oxford Modern
English Dictionary):
- Sense: (n) .....4.a/ quick or accurate
appreciation, understanding, or instinct regarding a
specific matter....b/ the habit of basing one's
conduct on such instinct. 5/ practical wisdom or
judgement, common sense; conformity to these....
- Common Sense: (n) sound practical sense, esp. in
everyday matters.
- Practical: (adj) 1/ concerned with practice
rather than theory. 2/ suited to use or action.....5/
concerned with what is actually possible.
- Pragmatism: (n) ......2/ a philosophy that
evaluates assertions solely by their practical consequences
and bearing on human interests.
- Intuition: (n) 1/ immediate apprehension by
the mind or by a sense. 2/ immediate insight.
- Instinct: (n) b/....propensity in human
beings to act without conscious intention; innate impulsion.
2/ unconscious skill; intuition.
- Sixth Sense: (n) ....facility giving intuitive or
extrasensory knowledge.
The exercise of common-sense is a requirement for the
entire "backcountry-experience life-cycle", from
initial thoughts, thru actual planning, transportation to,
execution of backcountry trip, and return trip home.
- Plan Carefully. Plan your backcountry trips, thoroughly,
before you leave home. Be as knowledgeable about what lies ahead as
physically possible, and you will be much better positioned to
achieve and maintain a healthy attitude, perceived and actual
security, as well as a darn good time. The following link gets into
the details of planning out a trip:
The
Trip Planner
- Communicate Your Plans to Friends & Family. Make a
hardcopy of the destination and time table for your trip and give it
to friends or family. Draw on a topographical map where you will be,
how long you will be there, and when you should be back home. This
may be your link to survival should you run into trouble in an
isolated area. This is also covered in The Trip Planner page.
- Know When to Turn Around & Go Back. Follow your
knowledge, training, and gut instincts (the "sixth
sense"). If you are unsure about a traverse, a climb, a trail,
exposure to weather--whatever--back off, live another day, and
contemplate your alternatives. Select a different route; Pitch your
tent and layover until the storm passes; Wait til morning when the
river's water level is lower, before crossing, etc. Keep in mind,
ignoring your "sixth sense" and pushing forward into a
questionable situation might be challenging and macho, but it can
also be called stupid and have deadly consequences. Remember, many
of the climbers who've been killed on Everest were the victims of
their own inability to turn around when their guts were telling them
to do so.
- Listen to Your Body--Undress Before Overheat, Dress Before
Chills--Drink Often--Eat Regularly.
Not only does our pyschological and spiritual being speak to us,
but our physiological parts send us loud messages, as well.
Hypothermia is a real concern in the backcountry. It's a
condition resulting from your body's core temperature dropping below
normal. The symptoms you'd likely experience are lack of
coordination, chills & shivering, slow speech, and acting out of
character. It's important to recognize and even anticipate these
early warning signs, and respond to them, accordingly. Several of
the mild cases that I've seen resulted from persons exerting
high-energy, getting wet with their own sweat, then getting chilled
when they stop. For mild hypothermia, get the person into warm, dry
conditions--clothes, tent, sleeping bag and provide and encourage
consumption of warm drinks.
Hyperthermia is also a problem. It can occur, mainly in hot, dry
summer temperatures, when your internal body heat can't be released
fast enough and you overheat.
The Mountaineering First Aid book, suggested earlier, covers in
detail, both hypo & hyperthermia. You can also go here for links
which deal with both conditions:
Links for Hypothermia & Hyperthermia
I automatically put on a jacket when I stop, even if the sun is
out. Once I dry off a bit and my body temperature stablizes, I can
take off the jacket. The point is this, try to avoid dramatic body
temperature swings, one way or the other. When you first start out
on a hike, it's typical that you'll want to stop after about 15
minutes or so, to take a "clothes break". Take off your
jacket or long underwear bottoms so that you don't overheat on the
trail. When stopping for breaks, either (1) make the breaks short
enough that you don't get chilled or (2) put some clothes on. Repeat
this cycle of putting clothes on and taking clothes off, forever.
Drink much fluid, eat much food. Many times, I get so caught up
in "truckin down the trail" that I forget to stop and eat
and drink. On several occasions, I've experienced dehydration and
got a little sick. I usually recognize the need to snack on the
trail, though, as I start to lose energy after awhile, so I must
grab a little snack to refuel. The point here is that it is critical
to replace the fluids that are gushing out of your body, as you
exercise, as well as a steady supply of nutrition, via snacks &
meals, in order to maintain health & energy.
- Carry Gear That You Perceive Will Maintain Your High Level of
Security: Determine the gear that YOU NEED to maintain your
personal level of security and then seek out the smallest, lightest,
highest-quality manifestation of that gear.
Don't be overly influenced by "lightweight gear
freaks", but, also, for your own safety, avoid the
"everything but the kitchen sink syndrome". Explore the
equipment links below, then decide what makes you feel safe and
comfortable, then start out with that as a baseline. As you become
more experienced, you will discover that your gear configurations
will evolve toward more efficiency and, hopefully, lighter weight.
Remember, though, as you determine your gear needs, a too-large pack
makes a person more vulnerable to falling down as well as to back,
leg, knee, and foot injuries, and a too-small pack may compromise
your personal security, due to lack of necessary gear. Read
carefully the "CREED" section in the "Tips" link
below.
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Equipment
- Strive for a Simple, Light Load on your back. A light, but
efficient load, will allow you to have a more enjoyable time with
energy left over to celebrate when you reach your destination. For
additional packlight philosophy, go here:
- Know Your Requirements. Before embarking on a gear shopping
trip, have your pockets full of information related to:
- What kind of trips you will be taking:
- how many days ?
- how many miles ?
- in what kind of terrain--on trail, off trail ?
- at what altitude--desert, subalpine, alpine ?
- in what seasons--Summer, 3-Season, 4-Season
- in what kind of weather ?
- how many people--solo, 2-person, etc. ?
- Do you sleep hot or cold ?
- Do you rock & roll in your sleep ?
- Are you a heavy breather, in your sleep ?
- What's your torso measurement ?--(see gear planning link,
below)
- What side of the bed do you get out of in the morning. (you'll
probably want to get out of your sleeping bag on that side,
also).
- Do you have weak hips or weak lumbar ? (most packs put
majority of weight on hips--some put more weight on the lumbar
region (my personal preference).
This information will be critical when talking tents, boots,
clothes, backpacks, sleeping bags, and virtually all the other gear
items you will need--some of which you don't even know you need,
yet. Trust me, an experienced salesperson will ask about and use
every one of the info items I mentioned above, and probably more.
- When trying on hiking shoes and boots, take the socks you would
wear during your backcountry adventures--as well as orthopedic
inserts (orthodics). If you don't know what socks you'll be wearing,
then that's where you should start. If you change thickness and
design of sock subsequent to purchase, that good boot fit you work
hard for, may be history.
- Shop at stores with reputable, experienced salespeople. This may
surprise you, but my advise, if you are just starting out -- UNLESS
YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED -- is to stay away from outdoor chain
stores (you know who they are)!
My suggestion is to go to shops like Marmot, Wilderness
Experience, Feathered Friends--all stores I frequent in my part of
the world--and get help you can count on from experienced
backcountry folks. Marmot and Feathered Friends also do mail order.
Check your local area for the best outdoor shops. If the chain
stores are all you have, then make darn sure you've done your
homework--for your own good--and get a second and third opinion.
More and more I do my shopping over the internet. A lot of good
quality shops on the net - for example, The
Lightweight Gear shop. This is a great alternative especially if
you have a good idea of your required specifications. Even it you
don't, many online shops will work with you to ensure you get what
you really need.
- Plan your gear inventory & purchases. Using the
information that you just supplied yourself--from above, as well as
knowledge you gain from studying the following four links and links
on the "Gear Links" page--identify, as much as you
can, the types and specifications of the gear you desire. This
approach to acquiring gear will reduce your (1) dependence on sales
people to figure out what you need and, (2) subsequent need to buy,
sell, & buy gear multiple times before you get what you
actually, really need.
- Consider three or four wheel drive:
- Strive to Lighten Your Load ! You don't need to be a
"lightweight gear" neurotic to know that this makes sense.
Here's some old methods and some new innovations intended to lighten
the load. If you don't already know, every ounce is heavy,
therefore, every ounce removed from your back, lightens your load.
You might want to explore these pages before purchasing
gear--there's some good weight-reduction to be had via acquisition
of specific kinds of gear.
- Use a Checklist, like the one below, for (1) trip planning
purposes and (2) ensuring that you've remembered everything.
- Know Your Gear. Acquiring the right gear is the first step.
You must then gain a keen knowledge of how each piece of gear works,
how it is assembled, and how to maintain it.
Practice using each gear item, before you leave home. Visualize
having to repair each item in the field (and be prepared to do so).
The more you know about your gear and the more comfortable you are
with it, the more secure and comfortable you will be while on the
trail.
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Where to Go ?
Backcountry shops, bookstores, libraries all carry books that will
provide information about hikes in your area, as well as in other areas.
Also, a great way to learn about hikes is to join a hiking club. Not
only will you learn about available hikes, but you'll meet people with
the same interests as you. The internet is a good place to look--State
Parks, National Forests, etc.
Here are some trail links:
Internet newsgroups provide a way to make international inquiries
about hiking:
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On The Trail
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Understand the Backcountry Culture.
- Study the information found at the link, below. It will give you a
good baseline of knowledge & tips for what is
generally-accepted, ethical behavior & practices, in the
backcountry, as well as provide helpful tips related to campsites,
sanitation, pet dogs, and so on.
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Walking on the Trail.
- Maintain an efficient posture, while walking on the trail.
First of all, you need to make sure your pack is packed correctly--
(the Gear Planning & Purchasing page provides instruction
on how to properly load a pack). Assuming your pack is relatively
lightweight and properly packed, you should be able to walk only
slightly leaning forward under the weight of the pack. Try to
maintain the posture you would normally have while walking--head up;
shoulders back; relaxed, swinging arms--in order to reduce muscle
strain and make you a more efficient backpacker.
- Discover Your Hiking Pace ! This is very important.
Everyone has a preferred pace, and to deviate from that pace is
somewhat annoying, uncomfortable, and even injury producing. When
first starting out, don't concentrate too much on your stride and
pace, just do what comes naturally and comfortably. It's important
that you hike at your own pace to maintain that comfort level.
You're out there to have fun and achieve enjoyment, not to keep up
with someone else. If you hike with a group--most groups, if
properly guided, will allow for this, and even encourage this.
Eventually, you may want to concentrate on quickening your pace or
even slowing down. Over time, I have learned to comfortably quicken
my pace or slow my pace, depending on the situation.
- Finding A Hiking Partner. You may have visions of yourself
and your spouse or best friend truckin up a storm thru the
mountains. If your goal is to hike with your spouse and/or best
friend--and still be friends when its all over--then you must
conform to the pace of the slowest person. That's the potentially
annoying, uncomfortable part I previously mentioned. If your goal is
to hike at your own pace, for as far and as long as you like, you,
most likely, will need to seek out a hiking partner with similar, if
not identical tendancies. If that's your wife or best friend, then
lucky you. Hiking partners can be found thru hiking club activities
& newsletters, acquaintances, and even over backpacking bulletin
boards like this one:
- Watch where you're going. Especially nowadays, many trails
are in a bad way--roots, ruts, wash-outs, rocks. Keep your eyes and
mind on the tread in front of you. Plan each step, carefully. Your
eyes, mind, and foot placement must be in coordination with your
feet. That is why its important to travel at your naturally
comfortable pace. If you go too fast, your foot placement may become
uncoordinated Accidents can occur--and do. Even on well-kept trails,
footing can be treacherous when wet, especially. Be careful going
downhill on wet tread. Use your walking stick for added support and
stability (see The Walking Stick) page.
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Stay healthy.
- Drink much, eat much, and maintain a stable body heat, as
previously mentioned. When you plan your daily mileage, take into
consideration water, fuel, & clothes breaks. Also take into
consideraton the terrain you'll be traveling in and make the
appropriate clothing and supplies readily available in or on your
pack. If the garments, sunscreen, food, etc. are readily available,
you'll be more likely to stop and use them-- as opposed to the
hassle of digging around in the pack looking for things.
- Rest occasionally. Whenever you or someone in your group
gets weary, it's important to stop and rest. It's actually best if
you rest before anyone gets weary. A tired backpacker, is a
backpacker who is more prone to injury. When planning your daily
mileage, be flexible. Be prepared to stop for the day when you
and/or your group gets weary and wants to stop, rather that pushing
on to a pre-determined goal and risk someone getting injured.
- Protect yourself from sunburn. Carry and use hats with wide
brims which protect the eyes and face and with shrouds that cover
ears and neck. Frequently apply sunblock--at least, spf 15-- in the
mountains, try spf 25 or higher.
- Prevent & treat blisters. If your boots fit correctly,
you'll be less likely to encounter blisters. A good boot fit will be
snug in the heel area and long enough that toes don't jam up against
the front of the boot when going downhill. Also, if you're wearing
socks like Thorlo Hiking, with padded bottoms. Those are the three
areas in which blisters occur the most. If you have a history of
blisters, then apply moleskin or 2nd skin or whatever to that area
prior to hitting the trail. If already on the trail, stop
immediately upon feeling a "hot" spot. When you feel the
hot spot, the blister is already forming. If you stop right away and
apply moleskin to the reddened area, you'll most likely have little
more that a sore spot for a couple days. If you don't stop and take
care of it, it could develop into a condition too painful to walk
on.
If a full-blown blister does occur, you can drain it by lancing
it at its base and then applying first, an antibacterial gel, and
second, a cushioned, adhesive bandage. Another solution, is to leave
it, as is, undrained, and cover it as follows: cut a section of
1/8" thick molefoam which is larger than the blister by
1/2" on each side. Then cut a hole in the middle of the
molefoam a little larger than the blister and place it over the
blister. Next, Cut a piece of moleskin the same size as the molefoam
and place over the top of the molefoam. You've now encased and
protected the blister from further abrasion. You should be able to
continue on your journey.
- Bugs. You'll have to deal with bugs, one way or another.
Especially biting black flies and mosquitoes. There are many bug-off
solutions--juices, creams, gels, sprays--most of which are DEET
based. You can also purchase bug-net clothes. This is probably the
main reason that I carry a tent. If there were no bugs in the world,
I'd be happy carrying, at most, a bivy for many of the outings I go
on. There's no magic solution, you just have to discover a way to
deal with it.
- Ticks and Lyme disease. Lyme disease has become a serious
problem and one of the main ways it is transmitted to humans is by
Ticks (Mice also, so stay away from them, as well). In tick country,
make sure feet, legs, arms are covered with clothing. Wear
light-colored clothing so ticks will be more visible. Check often
for ticks on clothes and in hair and on exposed skin. If you do find
a tick embedded in your skin the recommendation is to remove it
immediately by pinching your skin with special tick-removing
tweezers just below the head of the tick and lift the tick straight
up and out. It is very important to not squeeze or twist the tick
during the removal process since this can cause the tick to
regurgitate germs into the wound. Also, do not try to burn or
otherwise harrass the tick because it may burrow deeper. After
removal, apply first aid to the wound, and it wouldn't hurt to save
the speciman and take it and yourself to see a physician, upon your
return to civilization.
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Stay Found.
- Carry & know how to use map & compass. Even if you
always stay on the trail and have no intentions of leaving it, it is
important to carry a map of the terrain that you're in. For a brief
moment, you may not be paying attention or may get distracted and,
consequently, take an incorrect fork in the trail, the tread of
which gradually fades away. You turn around and see no trail--you're
disoriented and probably lost. In my opinion, the map is the most
important tool you have because even if you don't know the
intricacies of using a compass, the map (assuming you know how to
read it) will allow you get re-oriented. You can climb to a high
place pick out some outstanding land features then find them on the
map (or vice versa) in order to approximate where you're at. With
this knowledge you'll have an easier time finding your way back to
the trail. If you know how to read the compass--which you should--
you'll have an even better chance of finding your way back. No
matter how careful you are, if you're out there long enough it will
happen to you, too. Be prepared.
- Be familiar with & Pay attention to, the terrain you're in.
Before you venture into an area, become familiar with the terrain by
studying your map. As you travel, pay attention, stay aware of where
you are--don't just blindly follow the trail. Periodically, stop,
turn around and look behind you. See if you can approximate where
you're at on the map. Stay alert, don't space out, and you'll stay
found.
- Stay on the trail. Use your map to become familiar with the
trail, including intersections with other trails. It's not uncommon
to come across side trails which are well traveled by wild animals,
climbers, fisherman, and soon-to-be-lost hikers. Again, pay
attention to the map, pay attention to the trail. Stay on the right
one. If you have a question about which way to go, refer to your
present location on the map, pull out your compass, take a bearing
and follow the appropriate trail. Not all trails are well-defined,
be prepared to use map, compass, and common sense to validate the
direction you travel.
- Keep track of Each Other. If in a group, the rule of thumb
is don't lose sight of the person in front of and/or behind you. If
each person has this attitude and practice, persons will have a
better chance of staying found; those who become lost can be
retrieved before they become "too lost"; and injured
individuals can be quickly located and administered to.
- If lost, don't panic. Once you realize that you're lost,
stay calm, relax, and evaluate the situation. Stay where you are at,
continuing on may just take you farther from help. Use your
emergency whistle to signal distress, or if you don't have your
whistle, make loud noise however you can. Get to the highest place
in the immediate area, and using your basic map and compass skills
approximate your location, and begin working your way back to the
trail, continuing to make noise, until you are found, again.
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Hiking Year-Around
Hiking & Backpacking is really a four season activity. My
observation is that there are three seasonal categories of
backpackers--those that go out only in Summer; those that go out in
three-seasons; and those that go out all year around. A person can
backpack in the same locations, for the better part of three seasons,
with pretty much the same gear (see Seasonal Gear Lists link
above).
In Winter and, potentially, in early Spring and late Fall, there are
other considerations in terms of gear, technique, and places to go (and
not to go).
Whenever snow and ice is present, a hiker/backpacker needs, at a
minium, an ice axe and the knowledge of how to use it. From late Fall,
through much of the Winter, snowshoes are a necessity. From late Winter
thru early Summer, the snow pack generally hardens and snowshoes are no
longer required, but the ice axe and sturdy boots continue to be a
requirement. One needs to know how to kick or chop steps in hard snow
(sorry, running shoes can't do this), how to self arrest with the axe
(stop yourself from sliding down the mountain), and, for your own fun,
how to glissade (sliding down the mountain on your bottom using the ice
axe as a rudder/brake). If you want to become a successful year-round
backpacker, you must become skilled using snowshoes and ice-axe.
For further, more detailed information on Winter Hiking and
Backpacking, spend some time at the following link:
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Other www Beginner Links
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