Saving Weight on a
Day Hike
Most Hikers are Day Hikers. Almost anyone can go for a walk in the woods, but
sets some apart is there ability and wanting to push themselves to go the extra
miles(s) to hikes where they feel like they are the first ones there. Whether or
not you are one of these people, you will still need to carry a pack.
Unfortunately, after water, snacks, weather gear, first aid kit, extra pleasures
and of course the pocket sized digital camera you might feel like an ant trying
to haul a Big Mac up a tree! With this in mind you can take steps to lessen the
load. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Trim down your first aid kit to the bare essentials: gauze, tape, a few
band-aids, aspirin, matches, blister kit, and maybe an ace bandage
- If you have a sufficient bladder (@8 oz. every 15 minutes) in your
hydration pack and you are sure there is water along your planned
route, you can bring a filter and enough water for one way. The filter
weighs allot less then water and is better balanced then the extra water.
Water is typically the heaviest item in your pack (fresh water weighs 8 lb.
per gallon!)
- Bring dried fruits versus fresh, water=weight.
- Remove as much packaging from your food as possible. Take bags instead
of boxes.
- Control your portions. Don't take that entire box of Wheat Thins®, take
a plastic bag full of them. (Remember to always take more food than you
think you'll need, especially if you start hungry.)
- Take along layers instead of an insulated shell. You can then control
your temperature as well as save weight.
- For longer hikes wear wicking clothing. Cotton clothes collect and hold
moisture, allowing you to get cold, take longer to dry and carry more
moisture weight .
Just remember, when trying to save weight, do not forego important pieces of
equipment such as a good knife, waterproof matches, maps, water, food, and when
in the backcountry or on poorly or unmarked trails a compass or GPS (as long as
you know how to use it!) Sacrificing your safety to save weight is not smart!
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A more
detailed list of items to consider: |
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Map of the area you plan to
hike |
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Compass/GPS |
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Water (if using energy drinks
such as Gatorade, bring an equal amount of water) |
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High-energy food such as power
bars, candy bars, or granola |
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Waterproof matches |
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Candle/fire starter |
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Small flashlight with extra
bulb/batteries |
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Whistle |
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Knife |
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First aid kit |
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Lightweight plastic tarp or
emergency blanket |
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Nylon cord |
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Gloves, hat, gaiters, and extra
clothing |
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Bug repellant and/or head net |
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Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip
balm |
Pleasure
Items |
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Camera and film / fresh
batteries |
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Binoculars |
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Safety Tips |
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Bring the equipment noted on
the checklist (see above). |
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Do not hike alone. |
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Tell someone where you plan to
go, when you expect to return, and stick to the plan. |
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Undertake pre-season
conditioning and training. |
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Take a map and compass class to
learn how to use them. Your life may depend on it. |
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Warm up and stretch before the
day's hike. |
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Novice hikers should hike with
experienced hikers to learn the skills necessary to have a safe and
enjoyable outing. |
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Stay tuned to local weather
forecasts. Take them into consideration, along with your skill level,
before hiking. Plan your trip according to the weakest hiker's ability. |
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Seek professional advice when
choosing equipment to suit your hike, skill level and size. |
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Keep equipment in good working
order. |
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Wear suitable clothing to
protect against variable weather conditions. Conditions at higher
elevations may be dramatically different from where you begin your
hike.. |
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Eyewear that gives ultra-violet
protection and a sunscreen with a high SPF should be worn, even on
cloudy days. |
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Keep an eye out for hazards
such as loose rocks and gravel, branches, and slippery rocks at streams. |
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Adequate rest, nutrition and
energy replenishment will both enhance performance and reduce the
likelihood of injury. |
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Alcohol can negatively affect
your overall performance and can be a contributing factor to injuries.
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Hiking Gear
Hydration
Packs/Bladders
Available in dozens of styles, most are designed in the form of a
backpack, and some lumbar pack systems or strapless bladders designed to fit into your
pack.
When purchasing a hydration system consider the activity you will be
using it for - running, mountain biking or hiking. This will determine how much water you
need (and can carry). It also will influence the pack style you purchase. Activities such
as road bicycling you will need a close-to-the body fit. Day hikers or mountain bikers may
prefer a pack that also has room for extra food and clothing. Check that the mouthpiece of
the hydration system is easy to drink from and not prone to dripping. Also see that there
are holders on the pack to keep the drinking tube in place and enable you to access the
water with ease.
Trekking
Poles
Trekking poles improve balance, reduce fatigue, and as a bonus can
help anchor a tent. There is little difference between the many styles and brands other
then price.
The Handle
Handle style is a matter of preference. Angled or straight? Wooden, foam, or rubber?
Hand-contoured, plain, or cane-style? Experiment before deciding.
The Pole
Three-piece telescoping poles are very compact. Two-piece models are a bit sturdier but
don't compact as well. How much extension do you want? Some go as long as 56 inches, which
can be useful for tall hikers or very steep terrain. Insulated coatings are great in
winter. Some poles have length markings; others convert to an avalanche probe. Most poles
are made of aluminum; some also have internal shock absorbers, which can be handy if your
shoulders or elbows are prone to soreness.
The Tip
Make sure the pole features a replaceable carbide tip, a rubber cap for pavement and rock,
and interchangeable baskets.
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Winter hiking
In the high country and mountains where snow is bountiful there are a few things you
can do to make sure you are comfortable and safe while traveling over and camping on snow.
Navigation
When going in snowy conditions you must first consider how you are going to travel. If
it's early spring and the snow pack is shallow or hard packed you might consider just hiking
in your sturdy leather boots. If the snow is less consolidated you should use snowshoes or
cross-country skis to travel. You can usually expect to do about two mph on snowshoes and
about four mph on skis over level terrain. The trail will also be harder to follow than
simply following a packed or blazed trail during the summer months. Be sure that you have
a good map and even better compass or GPS. Take turns breaking. Keep a steady pace that
prevents you from sweating too much then getting chilled when you stop to rest. And, if
you are in avalanche country, make sure you know enough about snow dynamics to keep
yourself safe.
Weather
Respect the fact that mountain weather can change quickly and it can be severe. Make sure
you pack enough clothes and gear to stay warm and comfortable, and enough food to last an
extra day or two.
Dressing
Cold weather requires you to really think through what you're going to wear to stay warm.
The best way to stay warm and dry is to dress in layers. Start with a wicking layer (both
top and bottom) that will transport sweat and moisture away from your skin. Next, put on
an insulating layer like a fleece jacket or wool sweater. Finish with a wind and
waterproof shell layer that will help trap heat and keep you from getting wet from the
outside conditions. Add, remove or vent layers as necessary and always remember to put on
dry wicking layers and socks if they have gotten damp while hiking.
Extra Tips
- Stay hydrated - cold dry winter air just sucks the moisture out of
you with every breath.
- Always wear gaiters when hiking or snowshoeing - this will prevent
your socks, boots and feet from getting wet.
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Where
to go hiking
Northeast:
New Jersey:
Jamesburg's
Thompson park offers over 6 miles of trails from easy to moderate in
difficulty. Also good for Snowshoeing and light Mountain biking
New York:
Harriman S.P.
With a trail head and parking lot with facilities right off of Rt 17, this is a
premier trail with sections varying from easy to moderate and very scenic views
of wildlife, hidden pools of water and large pond with campground accessible by
car.
Vermont:
Kingdom Trail System
Burke Mountain
Elevation: high point - 3267 feet
Days: 1-5
Difficulty: easy to difficult
Distance: 75 miles
Visitor Information: East Burke Sports, 802-626-3215
Maps: Kingdom Trails Map available from East Burke Sports, or buy a Trail Alliance
Membership, which includes map and update, and pick up a free copy of the Willoughby State
Forest Trail Guide.
For uncrowded mountain bike trails in forested
splendor, Vermont’s Kingdom Trail system, around Burke Mountain in the northeastern
part of the state, is unbeatable. The Kingdom Trail Association has developed 75 miles of
trails; bring your bike or hiking boots in the summer, and snowshoes and skis in winter
months. Beautiful Lake Willoughby is a few miles away, with great trout fishing and
paddling, as well as some of the country’s top ice fishing and ice climbing. Burke
Mountain is also the site of the Northeast’s premier Nordic and alpine center. East
Burke Sports rents bikes, kayaks, skis and snowboards, and provides trail, camping, and
backcountry information.
White Caps Campground (open through
October 15) at Lake Willoughby (802-467-3345) has $15 tent sites and hot showers. Camp
free year-round at Darling State Park on Burke Mountain. Tent sites are along the toll
road; the lean-tos require a 15- to 30-minute hike. Call East Burke Sports for directions.
The Wild Flower Inn (802-626-8310) offers more deluxe trailside accommodations. Rooms,
suites and cottages run $85 to $230, depending on season, size and amenities. The inn
sports an indoor sauna and hot tub, children’s petting barn, miles of trails for
hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing, a sledding hill, and archery range.
Another historic choice is the Mountain View Creamery (802-626-9924), an 1883 landmark
with 10 miles of its own hiking and cross-country ski trails, plus lawn bowling and
croquet for the backcountry-challenged. Rooms are $125 for two (breakfast included) or
$200 for a four-person suite.
The Jackrabbit trail
Adirondack State Park
Elevation: 1500-2300 feet
Difficulty: intermediate
Distance: 18 miles, with many entry and exit points
Visitor Information: Rock and River Lodge, 518-576-2041
Maps: Jackrabbit Trail Map available through the Jackrabbit Trail Association
(518-576-9949)
The Jackrabbit Trail winds through New York’s
Adirondack Mountains along the path of an 1880s’ stage coach road. At the trailhead
near Keene (NY) is the Rock and River Lodge. From the lodge, the trail twists past Lake
Placid, and ends up near the village of Saranac Lake, New York. In the fall, the trail
affords a backdoor view of some of the prettiest foliage on the continent. If you are
going to be there during a snow, pack a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Rock and River Lodge is a converted 1820s’ homestead
that offers bed and breakfast styled lodging with a twist. An artificial ice-climbing
tower, plus an indoor rock-climbing wall hewn from local stone, are on-site. Guests can
sign up for first-rate rock- and ice-climbing courses (using both the lodge’s
facilities plus the bountiful climbs that make the Adirondack State Park one of the top
rock- and ice-climbing destinations in the country), or venture out alone onto the
thousands of acres of wilderness that surround the lodge.
The Climber’s Lodge is a renovated barn with three
private rooms, a bunk room, large fireplace, kitchen and indoor stone-climbing wall. Rates
start at $30 per night/per person; the entire lodge rents for $300 per night for groups up
to 12. The Guide’s Lodge has four private rooms and a dining room, plus it houses the
instruction and guiding operation. A streamside Adirondack lean-to with a fireplace sleeps
five; cost per person is $15 per night.
Guests can use the rock- and ice-climbing structures for
$10 per day, or sign up for classes ($80 per day, for a two-day course) or private guiding
($100 per person/per day for groups of two or more). Rental gear is available; equipment
use is free for courses and guided trips. Call 518-576-2041 for information and
reservations.
E-mail us if you've got a great place to hike or camp.
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Hiking & Camping Glossary
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Bathtub Floor |
A design style used in tents in which the waterproof floor of the tent
is stitched with short "walls" to prevent water from entering in high
winds or in the event that your rain fly doesn’t reach the bottom of
your tent. |
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Bite Valve |
Usually used with a Hydration Bladder, the bite valve is a small valve
at the end of the hose that allows water to flow when flexed in a
certain direction. It is thus named because it is intended to be bitten
in order to let liquid flow. |
|
Bivy |
Short for bivouac. Refers to a small, one-person shelter that is
lightweight, waterproof, and durable. Usually single walled and used
when solo hiking/camping. |
|
Bushwhacking |
Travelling through forest or woods with no established trails or
markings, usually by following a compass, GPS or topographic map. |
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Cairn |
The stone piles often erected along a trail above tree line, to serve as
an indicator of trail direction. |
|
Closed Cell |
Usually refers to a sleeping pad that is constructed so that air cannot
get into or escape the pores of the material from which the pad is
manufactured. |
|
Coated Nylon: |
Usually means that the nylon this product is made of has been treated
with a chemical that makes it waterproof, windproof, or both. |
|
Col or Valley |
A pass between two mountain peaks or a gap in a ridge, usually saddle
shaped. |
|
Declination |
Used when following maps with a compass or GPS, declination is the
difference between true North and magnetic North. |
|
Dome Tent |
A tent that has been designed with some sort of geodesic design, taking
advantage of the structural strength and volume. Basically this means
the tent will look something like the Epcot Center. |
|
Draft Tube |
An extra collar of insulation positioned at the top of a sleeping bag
that prevents cold breezes from travelling down into the bag. |
|
External Frame Pack |
A backpack that uses supports (usually aluminum or plastic) on the
outside of the pack, that it, outside the fabric, to support it's
weight. The external frame pack is believed to provide greater comfort
by keeping the pack away from the body, thus allowing cooling to occur. |
|
Eyelet |
Usually used when discussing boots, meaning a small hole or opening
sometimes surrounded by metal. In most hiking related usage, this is the
hole through which your bootlaces are threaded. |
|
False Peak |
A peak that appears to be a summit, but is rather a crest on the way to
a further summit. |
|
Fiver or ( "I think I have a rock in my shoe") |
A 5 minute break. |
|
Flatlander |
A person from either a city or one of the less elevation challenged
southern states who is unwise in the ways of the woods. Often spotted in
a $40,000 SUV that they don't want to get dirty. flatlanders are
normally found unprepared for their time in the woods, and can be easily
distinguished by their whining and complaining and LOAD chatter!! |
|
Footprint |
Besides the obvious "mark your boot leaves", a footprint is the physical
space and shape a particular item takes up. |
|
Framesheet |
A sturdy piece of plastic or aluminum that adds rigidity to the back of
a pack. Also known as the Internal Frame. |
|
Freestanding |
Usually refers to a tent that, when set up properly, needs no tie downs
or stakes to remain upright. |
|
Fly; Rainfly |
A waterproof covering that fits over the roof of your tent to keep rain
and wind from soaking and freezing the occupants. |
|
Gaiters |
A nylon, cloth or sometimes leather covering that extends from the soles
on ones boots to anywhere from the ankle to the knee, designed to
prevent debris from entering the boot. |
|
Gaper or Gomer |
A novice or non native to trails in general, usually heard saying things
like, "Jeez, I'm cold", "Where are we?", "I got my jeans dirty!", and
"Man, this cooler is getting heavy". One of the lesser intelligent
creatures, the Gomer typically migrates north during the warm weather
months and vice versa. |
|
Gear Loft |
Usually a small cloth sheet that hangs from a tent ceiling that allows
you to store a few items within easy reach. Handy for things like your
headlamp, a book, toilet paper, snacks, etc. |
|
Gore Tex® |
A product of the W. L. Gore™ company, Gore Tex® is a waterproofing
material and method that is used on a variety of nylon products. |
|
GPS |
Stands for Global Positioning System. A small handheld devise that uses
satellites to pinpoint one's exact location on the globe. Usually
provides latitude and longitude, elevation, time, elevation change, and
a variety of other information. |
|
Grommet |
A small hole, usually reinforced with a non-corrosive material. Can be
found in tents, on backpacks, clothing, etc. |
|
Gusset |
Webster's says it best; A triangular insert, as in the seam of a
garment, for added strength or expansion. |
|
Guy Lines |
Stabilizing cord or string used to secure a rain fly on a tent. |
|
Hook and Loop |
The generic term for Velcro® |
|
Howk |
Another term for a false peak or a peak on the way to a summit. |
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Hydration Bladder |
A pliable container that usually has a tube and valve attached from
which one can drink. Backpackers have taken to them because they are
flexible (they pack down well) and they have a tube, so you don't need
to take water out of your pack to drink, you simply suck on the hose.
Platypusâ and Camelbackâ
are the two most popular brands. |
|
Insole |
The "padding" in a boot on which your foot rests. Provides cushioning
and moisture absorption. |
|
Internal Frame Pack |
A backpack that uses supports (usually aluminum or plastic) on the
inside of the pack, that is, within the fabric, to support its weight.
The internal frame pack is believed to provide better stability in
tight, mountaineering conditions where the pack must stay close to the
body. |
|
Lash Point |
A loop or other feature that allows the attachment of some accessory to
the exterior of a product. Usually seen on packs with few pockets to
make the attachment of an external pocket, knife, sunglasses holder or
other accessory possible. |
|
Multi-Fuel Stove |
A stove that will burn a variety of fuels including white gas, kerosene,
gasoline and even jet fuel. |
|
Napoleon Pocket |
A pocket placed near or just below the wearer's heart that is covered by
a rain flap and is accessible without unzipping the jacket. So named
because the wearer looks like Napoleon when accessing something from
this pocket. |
|
No-See-Um: |
This is the term for a generic small insect that has the ability to
permeate most mesh. No-See-Um mesh has pores small enough that these
insects can’t get through. Against popular belief, this does not mean
you cannot see through it. |
|
Notch |
Similar to a col, a notch is a "V" shaped pass between two high points. |
|
Open Cell |
Usually refers to a sleeping pad that is constructed so that air can get
into the pores of the material from which the pad is manufactured to
allow for cushioning. |
|
Outsole |
The "tread" of your boot; the hard rubber bottom that is cemented to the
rest of the boot to give you traction. |
|
Pad Sleeve |
A piece of fabric affixed to the bottom of a sleeping bag that is
designed to hold a sleeping pad, preventing it from slipping away from
one's sleeping area. |
|
Peakbagger |
A person who strives to continuously hike the summits of various
mountains. In NH, this may be someone who endeavors to hit all 48 four
thousand footers. |
|
Pit Zips |
Zippers in the armpit of a jacket used for ventilation. |
|
Post Holing |
While hiking, punching through soft terrain, such as snow or very loose
earth, usually with each step or with hiking poles. |
|
Powder Skirt |
A powder skirt is an extension on the bottom of a shell that covers
below the wasitline to prevent power snow from getting in your pants. |
|
Quad; Quadrangle |
"Quads" are slang for the Quadrangle maps that the US Geological Survey
produces in topographical form. They are available in several different
detail levels, including 7 1/2 and 15 minute versions. |
|
Rain Fly; Fly: |
A waterproof covering that fits over the roof of your tent to keep rain
and wind from soaking and freezing the occupants. |
|
RUA |
Restricted Use Area - indicates that the Forest Service has put special
regulations in place above the normal backcountry rules. Designed to
give special protection to overused or particularly fragile areas, it
normally means that camping and campfires are not allowed within this
range. |
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Saddle |
A curved depression between two higher points in a geography, usually
shaped like a horse's saddle, hence the name. |
|
Scree |
An accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at
the base |
|
Sealed Seams |
Applying some manner or waterproofing to the holes and thread left where
a piece of gear has been stitched together. |
|
Self Inflating Pad |
A sleeping pad that uses open cell construction and will fill itself
with air when its valve is opened. |
|
Shell |
1) In most hiking related applications, a non-insulated, waterproof or
windproof jacket that allows for layering by virtue of a generous cut.
2) The outer lining of a bag, jacket or other equipment. |
|
Spindrift collar |
A flexible, soft, fabric collar at the opening of a pack that allows
"overstuffing" by extending the top of the pack's main compartment.
Similar to a turtleneck collar with a drawstring at the top. |
|
Springlock |
A small, plastic device fitted to the end of an adjustment strap that
locks into place and holds the strap by virtue of a spring. They are
often found at the end of cinch straps on coats, packs, and sleeping
bags. |
|
Stuff Sack |
Any bag designed to hold a significant amount of pliable gear which can
be filled beyond normal seam capacity and has a draw sting closure.
Sometimes waterproof. |
|
Switchback |
A trail that travels diagonally and turns back on itself in order to
allow progression up a steep section of a mountain. |
|
Talus |
A sloping mass of rock debris at the base of a cliff or precipice. |
|
Tarn |
A small mountain pond or lake, often created by glacial movement. |
|
Thinsulate® |
A thin, synthetic insulating material produced by 3M to provide superior
warmth without added bulk to a variety of clothing including boots,
jackets, hats, etc. |
|
Topo; Topographic |
Topo is the abbreviated version of topographic, which means a graphic
representation of something. In this case, the graphical representation
of elevation within a certain area. The US Geological Survey has
surveyed the lands of the world and created maps that demonstrate the
contours of the land. This is helpful in planning a trip because one can
identify flat spots suitable for camping, steep sections to be avoided,
etc. |
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Upper |
The upper part of your boot. This is the piece or pieces that surround
your foot and hold the laces. |
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Vestibule |
Webster's defines a vestibule as; A small entrance hall or passage
between the outer door and the interior of a house or building (or in
this case, a tent). The vestibule allows space that is outside the tent
proper, but still sheltered by the rain fly, to store your dirty or wet
gear. |
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Water bar |
A technique by which one diverts water from a trail by digging a trench
and placing some fortification on the downhill edge, typically a tree or
line of rocks. |
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Webbing |
Flat, nylon straps that are used in nearly every piece of backpacking
gear. Also used for rock-climbing and a thousand other applications. |
|
Windstopper® |
A product of the W. L Gore™ company, Windstopper® is a brand name for a
membrane that stops wind. |
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