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.
- Knowledge thru Reading
- Knowledge & Experience Thru Courses
& Clubs
- Get in Shape--Stay in Shape
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- Acquire 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
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.
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 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.
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, is to stay away from
chain stores like REI, especially REI ! REI is a great place to purchase
some quality items (made by, other than REI), but definitely is not a good
place to go for technical gear advice. Unfortunately, the inexperienced
people working the floor will still give instruction and guidance, because
that's their job. The implications are dire. To be fair, though, there
are still some knowledgable folks at REI, but they are in the minority,
in the opinion of many folks, including me. Once in a while you get an
old-timer who really is good, but not very often. They, basically, employ
inexperienced school kids--I could go on--but this isn't the appropriate
forum.
My suggestion is to go to shops like Marmot, Wilderness Experience,
Swallow's Nest, Feathered Friends--all stores I frequent in my part of
the world--and get help you can count on. If you explain to them that you
could buy a certain piece of gear at REI cheaper because you get a 10%
dividend, they may give you a 10% discount--they'd still make a nice profit.
Incidently, Swallow's Nest does mail order business and they have a 10%
dividend program, also. Marmot and Feathered Friends also do mail order
(no discount program). 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.
- 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 ! 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.
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. Internet newsgroups provide a way to make international inquiries
about hiking-- News:rec.backcountry
This subject is also covered in the "Trip Planner" page.
On The Trail
- Understand the Backcountry Culture
- Walking on the Trail
- Stay Healthy !
- Stay Found !
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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.
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:
Other www Beginner Links
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