While out hiking, the hiker is constantly learning new techniques to improve their hiking method, speed, and ability to enjoy the day.
While this process is a slow one, early on in the trail new techniques are learned on a daily basis. These tips are passed on from hiker to hiker as the hike progesses. In theory, toward the end of the hike we should have a refined method of backpacking and camping, making us machines for movement and outdoor enjoyment.
While I am only 180 miles in the trail, I have already learned new techniques which have made my hike better.
The first lesson that all thru-hikers learn is a lesson on weight. I left to hike with a decent pack base weight of 22 pounds. After carrying that weight to Mt. Laguna I became amos fanatical in figuring out how to shed weight from the pack. It was not so much that the weight really bothered me, its just that I fealt that i was carrying a few unnecessary items. So I shed some weight from my pack. I am sure as I become more acclimated to the outside enviornment I will shed more weight from the pack.
What did I shed:
Four plastic buckles from my pack that I was not using.
I supplement my hydration system with AuquaFina water bottles. I took the labels and the white plastic safetyy rings off the cap area.
I also got rid of a bit of extra clothes I was carrying.
I shed one tent pole and now use my trekking pole for the tent pole. I also got rid of the unnecessary stake bag.
Now I am seriously considering getting rid of half of my firstaid kit, and swapping my knife for a smaller one since I don't use many of the blades it has.
Another lesson learned:
About 150 miles down the trail, Jean Luc showed me a new way to use my trekking poles that takes the load and puts it more on my wrist than on my fingers and hand. This has helped alot when going downhill.
Smaller tricks I have learned are wrapping the duct tape around the trekking pole so that it is always easily accessible. Duct tape has many uses but the main use is for duct taping up hotspots and foot blisters.
After the first night of rain, I learned to hang my tentbag with the open end down so that water can drain out as opposed to hang around weighing my pack down.
Something that I have not done, but other hikers have done is cutting narrow slits into the shoes to make alittle more room for the expanding foot.
I am, of course, only 180 miles down the trail so i am sure there is still much to be learned to become more efficient in the way I move across the country.
I am open to any suggestions from people who feel they have discovered a technique that has helped them backpack better. Efficiency will make the hike easier and more enjoyable.
Thankyou
Happy Trails, Inner Peace, & Harmony