Beginner Backpacking Seminar

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Beginner Backpacking Seminar

• by
• Mike Juskelis Betty Steil
• Tips, rules and gear for 3-season, weekend
  backpacking in the Mid-Atlantic States
• This slide show and a summary can be found at
  www.midatlantichikes.com and may be used by
  non-profit organizations as an introduction to
  backpacking with no fee as long as proper
  attribution is given to the authors and website
  and the contents are not modified.

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Definitions

• Backpacking - is an extension of the past time of
  hiking. A friend once told me it's pretty much
  the same except you're required to carry
  everything you need to exist for the allotted
  time ... on your back!!!
• 3-season Backpacking When the night time
  temperatures are above freezing, for this region,
  Mid-April through the first week of November.
  Colder temperatures require heavier gear.
• Weekend Backpacking 2 to 3 day trips, sometimes
  4. Longer trips require larger, more robust
  packs, more food, better logistics.

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Why Backpack?

• Exercise with no gym fees
• Explore far away places
• Find solitude
• Enjoy the wilderness experience
• Witness greater vistas than found close to home
  such as

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The Lions Head, Dolly Sods, MNF, VA
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Otter Creek Wilderness, MNF, WV
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Roaring Plains, MNF, WV
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High Meadows, Seneca Creek Backcountry, MNF, WV
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Seneca Falls, Seneca Creek Backcountry, MNF, WV
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Pine Creek from the Black Forest Trail, PA
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Black Moshannon Lake, PA
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North View from Black Rocks, SNP, VA
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Mount Pleasant from Cole Mountain, GWNF, VA
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Rock Run Drainage from the Old Loggers Path, PA
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The Roaring Plains,MNF, WV
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View from Spy Rock, GWNF, VA
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Summit Lake, MNF, WV
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View from Table Rock, Canaan Mt, MNF, WV
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View of The Priest from Three Ridges, GWNF, VA
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• LETS GET GEARED UP!!!!
• Think light, small and compressible.
• Comparison shop.
• Read reviews or check out forums before
  purchasing an item, e.g. REI, Backpacker
  magazine.
• Ask an experienced Backpacker.
• Try borrowing before buying (But make sure it
  fits!).
• Buy quality. Remember You pay for what you
  get.

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• Footwear
• Consider mid-weight, medium top, waterproof
  boots from a reputable manufacturer for long
  treks over rocky terrain. F F
• Use an incline for testing proper fit. When
  going up the incline your heel should not slide
  on the back of the boot. When descending your
  toes should not jam into the front of the "toe
  box" of the boot.
• Wear light weight wool or Smart-wool socks
  designed specifically for hiking. If blistering
  occurs, add wicking liners (polypropylene, silk,
  other wicking fabrics) under your socks. These
  wick dampness and transfer the rubbing action
  to the outer sock instead of your skin.. Cotton
  stays damp.
• Consider sandals or light sneakers for stream
  crossings and relaxing by the campfire at night.

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• Clothing
• For all seasons your undergarments should be
  made of a wicking fabric such as polypropylene or
  polyamide. These materials carry moisture away
  from your body and dry quickly.
• Warm weather outerwear should also possess
  wicking properties and breath.
• Cotton (Denim) and cotton blends are heavy and
  hot. Once they get wet they stay wet longer.
  Cotton Kills. Nylon and polypropylene shirts
  and trousers are better alternatives.
• Trousers with "zip-off" legs come in handy
  when temperature vary through the course of an
  outing or when trails are overgrown with stinging
  nettles or thorns.
• In colder temperatures, layer. The space
  between the layers of clothing holds your body
  warmth. Synthetic fleece, wool and combinations
  of both work well for the cold months.

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• Head Hands
• Don't forget your head and hands. A large
  percentage of body heat is lost through the
  extremities!
• In the summer or when you're overheated, vent
  this heat, but consider a hat to keep the sun off
  your head. Wear a hat (or bandana) that will
  protect, but also vent.
• In the winter or when you're cold, trap it.
  Choose a wool or fleece cap. Wind proof is a
  plus.
• Gloves Consider light weight synthetic gloves
  even in spring and fall if your hands get cold
  easily. Use these as a liner for a more
  waterproof glove in very cold weather. Consider
  that, cold or not, you have to use your hands to
  set up and take down camp.

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• Rain Gear
• For the occasional hiker a disposable poncho
  might be sufficient. Heavier ponchos and heavy
  rain gear trap your body heat, a disadvantage in
  warm weather. They may also limit your view of
  obstacles in the trail.
• Consider a light weight, breathable rain suit.
  This can also double as outerwear around camp on
  chilly nights, thereby reducing your trail
  wardrobe (and kit weight).
• Prices range greatly from water resistant,
  water proof (coated fabric), water proof
  (Gortex). Look for taped seams, and flaps over
  zippers or water proof zips.
• This can be an important purchase, so compare,
  borrow, and talk to experienced backpackers
  before making this purchase.

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• Backpacks
• Good strap/support system
• Womens vs. Mens They are different.
• Some manufacturers can interchange harness and
  belt.
• 3500 - 4500 cui volume depending on duration of
  trips, season, and type of gear to be carried
• Weigh less than 5 lbs
• Optional separate sleeping bag compartment
• Optional lid convertible to fanny pack, Side
  pockets for bottles and/or hydration bladder
  compatible
• A rain cover and internal packing in plastic bags
  is often worthwhile too.

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• Backpack Size and Adjusting
• Backpacks come in different sizes and these may
  not be uniform between manufacturers.
• Go to a reputable outfitter and get sized for a
  pack (even if buying the same pack on-line). Try
  other outfitters.
• When adjusting your pack, most of the load
  should be carried on top of your hips (not around
  or below). An internal pack should be flush
  against your back. There should be a slight
  triangle of space between the pack and your
  shoulders.
• There should be no space between the top of the
  shoulder straps and your shoulders but there
  should be little, if any, load on them.
• When climbing prolonged, steep hills you may want
  to temporarily take some of the load off of your
  hips and put it on your shoulders by adjusting
  the load shifting straps.

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• Tent
• Your tent is your shelter in a storm, so be
  sure it will work that way if you need it.
• Think light. You have to carry it.
• Most tents have overrated capacities.
• Consider stand-alone tents.
• Non-free-standing tents are usually lighter
  than stand-alones.
• Double-walled tents (separate body and rain
  fly) have less of a condensation problem.
• Vestibule and door for each occupant is nice
  but not necessary. Depends on your relationship.
• Use a footprint to protect the bottom of your
  tent.

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• Sleeping Bag
• Synthetic or down filling
• Warmth rating typically overrated.
• 20-25 good for April-May and Sept-Nov
• 45 good for summer
• Down is the lightest and most compressible.
• Down does not insulate when wet.
• Down requires a little more care to launder.
• There are excellent, light-weight synthetics on
  the market these days but they typically pack
  larger.

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• Mattress
• Most youngsters can go without. Adults prefer.
• Types closed cell and open cell. Always get
  closed cell for backpacking.
• There are full length and ¾ lengths, womens
  padding, and variations of widths and thicknesses
• Some of these have an R rating.
• Examples -
• Soft foam mats
• Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite solid mattress
• Inflatables - Therm-a-Rest,
  Slumberjack

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• Hydration System
• Use a 2 liter bladder (or carry 2 - 1 liter
  bottles) for backpacking trips when there are
  several water sources through the course of a
  day.
• Carry 3 liters for very long hiking days or when
  water is at a premium.
• Avoid putting other beverages in the bladders as
  this leads to cleaning issues and may impact your
  ability to purify water in these containers if
  using chemical treatment
• Consider empty polypropylene bottles for
  collecting water to facilitate refilling a
  hydration bladder or for other purposes.
• Dehydration is probably the most common, and
  easily prevented ailment on backpacking trips,
  even in cold weather. Headaches and muscle
  spasms are symptoms.

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How to Prevent Dehydration

• Consume at least one liter of water or sports
  drink before each day of hiking.
• Drink frequently during the day even when youre
  not thirsty. You should drink at least 2 liters
  during a days hike.
• After arriving at camp drink one liter of water
  or sports drink within the first hour.
• Mix sports drink as directed.

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• Water Purification
• Never drink from an untreated water source!!!
• Bacteria, viruses, parasites inhabit the
  streams of what appears to be the most pristine
  forests.
• Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes
  diarrhea 2-20 days after ingestion. It can be
  safely destroyed or removed by
• 1. Boiling water for 1 minute (requires extra
  fuel)
• 2. Chemical treatment with iodine, chlorine,
  chlorine dioxide (light, easy, but
  requires wait time)
• 3. Filtration (weight and maintenance of filter.
  Can drink immediately.)
• All filters require maintenance between trips.
  Disposable cartridge type filters should be
  flushed with one liter of water containing about
  ¼ tsp of bleach. Flush out the bleach with a
  liter of clean tap water. Remove the cartridge
  and allow it to air dry.

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• Stove
• White Gas most versatile, most dependable,
  takes some practice and requires periodic
  maintenance. Stoves tend to be heavier. They
  have the best fuel to burn time ratio. Cylinders
  are refillable.
• Propane/Iso-butane easiest, but have to carry
  canisters in and out. (Only efficient at
  temperatures above 45 degrees.)
• Alcohol Easiest. Lightest. Efficient. No
  moving parts to maintain. Little control over
  flame. Low BTU output. Good for boiling water.
• Others Wood?
• SAFETY NOTES Before cooking make sure the area
  is free of all flammable debris. It's best to do
  your cooking on top of a nice flat rock whenever
  possible. Practice at home, outside and on the
  ground.

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The Kitchen

• Pots, lid
• Mug
• Utensils
• P-38 can opener
• Scrubbing pad/pot holder
• Biodegradable soap
• Cord

• Empty Zip-lock bag for trash
• Fire Starter sticks (opt)
• Waterless hand cleaner
• Cigarette lighter
• Waterproof matches

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• Compass
• Smallest , yet the most valuable piece of
  hiking equipment. You need not buy an expensive
  one nor is it necessary to be an expert in its
  use. However, at the minimum, be able to orient
  your map to true north.
• Instruction available on the Internet, REI
  classes (free), books such as Essential Map and
  Compass.
• The best topographical map on the planet is
  useless if you don't know what direction you're
  walking.

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• First Aid
• The size of your kit will vary depending on the
  length and difficulty of your outings.
• At the minimum it should consist of band-aids,
  sterile wipes, gauze, antiseptic ointment, mole
  skin and/or duct tape (for blisters) and perhaps
  an ace bandage.
• Dont forget personal medications and
  anti-inflammatory medications.
• Longer backpacking trips require a larger, more
  complex kit, especially if you are responsible
  for others. You can build your own or purchase
  them at a health care store or outfitter.
• Whatever you do, inspect it several times a year
  and replace any components that have deteriorated
  or have been expended.

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Wilderness First Aid

• Remember that you will be several miles or days
  from civilization.
• If going out by yourself or leading others
  consider taking a wilderness first aid course
  through your local American Red Cross. Cost
  125.00.

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Lighting Pack a small, light weight but powerful
flashlight or headlamp for the evenings at
campsite or for those times you might still be
out on the trail at night. Keep the batteries
fresh and consider carrying spares. Scoop or
Shovel Nature is our bathroom while we are
backpacking. Use a scoop or small shovel to dig a
cat hole for fecal matter and TP. Bury at least
6 deep. Otherwise, the animals and weather will
surface the paper. Urine does not have to be
buried. Consider a flat rock or rotting branch
to create a salt lick. Mother Nature and the
bacteria containing earth will take care of the
rest. Please do this far away from the trail and
any water source.   Knife It doesn't have to be
anything fancy. A simple pen knife will do. Use
it to cut cord, make repairs, prepare food or
trim a marshmallow roasting stick. A knife with
a scissors is nice.
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FoodUnlimited possibilitiesNeed all food
groups but focus on carbs.

• Freeze Dried meals from Mountain House, etc.
• Foil packaged seafood and chicken
• Pasta and noodles
• Breads
• Gorp, trail mix
• Oatmeal
• Power Bars, Snickers
• Dehydrated food
• Uncle Bens Pre-cooked rice in a pouch

• Esskay Pouch Meals Chili, Cream Chip Beef, BBQed
  Pulled Pork ..
• Pudding and fruit cups
• Dried fruit
• Coffee, Tea
• Granola
• Powdered seasonings and dry milk
• Jerky
• Frozen meals from home for first night

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• Prepare
• If you are a novice, travel with an experienced
  backpacker(s).
• Assemble your gear and inventory it. Have a list
  of what you need while you are getting ready.
• Research. Collect the necessary maps (Topos are
  the best!) and  trail guides. Plot your route.
  Sometimes having more then one reference is
  preferred. Have one or more bail-out routes.
• If you are just getting started, begin short and
  easy. Increase the length and difficulty of your
  trips as you gain experience.
• ALWAYS let others know your plans, route and when
  you should be home. Stick with these plans. DO
  NOT GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. When possible, leave
  emergency contact numbers for the local Rangers
  and police.

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Trailhead Security

• There are always risks when leaving your vehicle
  unattended.
• If unfamiliar with the area contact the Forest or
  Park service and ask them about frequencies of
  vandalism and/or break ins.
• Contact other hikers familiar with the area.
• Do not leave anything in the vehicle that you
  dont want stolen. This includes keys, wallets,
  cell phones, etc.
• Do not leave items in plain site.
• Do not leave bags of any kind in the open.

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Bear Safety
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• . On the trail
• Do not make eye contact.
• Stand tall, shout and clap your hands.
• If the bear does not leave, back away slowly.
• Sometimes Black Bears will charge. This is
  usually a bluff.
• Do not run. (They will easily catch you.)
• Do not feint death. (Only works on Grizzlies
  sometimes).
• Do not climb a tree. (They are better, faster
  climbers then you.)
• If there are cubs, look for the sow. Do not get
  between a sow and her cub(s)! Back away and let
  them reunite and move on.
• Dont take flash photos. Bears are light
  sensitive.

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• . In Camp
• Use the Bearmuda Triangle Fire and food prep
  in one corner, clean-up in the second corner and
  the bear bag in the third corner. Tents are
  outside of the triangle or smellable area.
• Bear bag all food, food waste and packaging and
  smellables (medicines, toothpaste, etc).
• No food or smellables in the tent!!! This
  includes clothing that you have prepared food in.
  Leave it in a waterproof bag OUTSIDE your tent
  in the triangle. This also includes your pack.
• Deodorants, perfumes and colognes should be
  left in your vehicle. (Youll need them at the
  end of the trek but bears are really attracted to
  them.)

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• Hang the bear bag at least 30 yards from camp.
  It should be on a limb that a bear cannot climb
  out on. A man of average height should not be
  able to reach up and touch the bottom of the bag.
  If using a rope between 2 trees, the trees should
  be 12 feet apart and the bag(s) should be in the
  middle of the rope.
• Secure your pack for inclement weather and hang
  it or place it within the smellable area of camp
  away from your tent .
• Do not leave refuse of any sort in the fire ring.
  

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Other Hazards to Look Out for
Timber Rattlesnake (photos by Tony Van Vugt)
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Copperhead Snake
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Brown Recluse Spider
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Black Widow Spider
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Deer Tick Wood/Dog Tick
Male Female Route for Lymes Disease
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Deer Tick Bite
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Poison Ivy
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Stinging Nettle
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Trail Safety Other Hazards
Red Creek Dolly Sods lt 05-28-04 600 P.M.
05-29-04 gt 1000 A.M.
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Leave No Trace Principles of Outdoor
Ethics http//www.lnt.org/programs/lnt7/plan.html

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

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1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the
  area youll visit.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and
  emergencies
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
• Visit in small groups. Split large parties into
  groups of 4-6.
• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of
  marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

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2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails and
  campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
• Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200
  feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a
  site is not necessary.
• In popular areas
• Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even
  when wet or muddy.
• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas
  where vegetation is absent.
• In pristine areas
• Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites
  and trails.
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

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3. Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite
  and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack
  out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
• Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8
  inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp,
  and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when
  finished.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200
  feet away from streams or lakes and use small
  amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained
  dishwater. Carry out or consume any particles.

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4. Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past Examine, but do not touch,
  cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as
  you find them.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native
  species
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig
  trenches.

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5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the
  backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking
  and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire
  rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
• PLEASE DO NOT CREATE A NEW FIRE RING!!
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the
  ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires
  completely, then scatter cool ashes.

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6. Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow
  or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages
  their health, alters natural behaviors and
  exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations
  and trash securely.
• Control pets at all times or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times mating,
  nesting, raising young, or winter.

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7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of
  their experience.
• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
• Step to the downhill side of the trail when
  encountering pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other
  visitors.
• Let natures sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices
  and noises.

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Enjoy your trip to the fullest!
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• References for Beginners
• The Complete Hiker, Colin Fletcher
• Hiking and Backing, A Trailside Guide, Karen
  Berger
• Leave No Trace http//www.lnt.org/programs/lnt7
  /plan.html

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