More praise for Trail Tested

“One of the most comprehensive looks into the world of hiking ever created by one of the sport’s most
accomplished athletes. Trail Tested is an excellent guide for any hiking enthusiast from beginner to
expert. Learn in one exciting read what it took Trauma thousands and thousands of hard-earned miles
to learn.”
—Eric Larsen, polar explorer, educator, and lecturer, Outside magazine’s Eco All Star (2008)

“Trail Tested is a visually stunning foray into the realities of long-distance hiking. Justin Lichter's
35,000 miles of hiking experience and trail-tested wisdom come through in every page. Trail Tested is
great for both day hikers and hikers that will be out for many days!”
—Lawton “Disco” Grinter, Triple Crowner, directed and edited The Walkumentary, author of I Hike

“In Trail Tested, Justin has distilled thru-hiking to its very core. Justin shares his knowledge backed by
nearly 40,000 miles on the trail in a concise and thoroughly enjoyable format. For every thru- and sec-
tion hiker, whether it’s your first hike or you’ve had your trail name for years, this book is a must read.”
—Rob Coughlin, general manager, Granite Gear

“This book is probably the most important outdoor field guide since the first release of The Complete
Walker by Colin Fletcher in 1968. These pages will save you time, money, and many exhausting nights
of confusion from surfing mindless internet threads . . . job well done.”
—Winton Porter, Georgia author of the year 2010 for Just Passin’ Thru;
former owner of Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap on the Appalachian Trail

Viewing Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse

from Renjo La (17,520 feet), Nepal
Photo by Shawn Forry
 Taking a break and reading on the Great Divide
Trail in the Canadian Rockies. Sometimes ultralight
isn’t always right! Other things can take priority,
like when the new Harry Potter book came out.

Cover photo: Hiking above treeline on Mt. Kenya, Kenya, Africa

Facing page: Almost to the top of Cho La Pass, 17,782 feet, with
Ama Dablam in the background; Nepal Himalayas
Photo by Shawn Forry

ii TRAIL TESTED
 TRAIL
TESTED
A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking

Second Edition

Justin Lichter

GETTING STARTED > iii

An imprint of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.
4501 Forbes Blvd., Ste. 200
Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
Falcon and FalconGuides are registered trademarks and Make Adventure Your Story is a trademark of The Rowman
& Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.

Distributed by NATIONAL BOOK NETWORK

Copyright © 2021 Justin Lichter

A previous edition of this book was published by FalconGuides in 2013.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means,
including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a
reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Lichter, Justin, author.

Title: Trail tested : a thru-hiker’s guide to ultralight hiking and backpacking / Justin Lichter.
Description: Second edition. | Guilford, Connecticut : FalconGuides, [2020] | Includes index. | Summary: “Hundreds
of valuable tips and advice based on Justin Lichter’s more than 35,000 miles of hiking across the country and
beyond”— Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020012930 (print) | LCCN 2020012931 (ebook) | ISBN 9781493052097 (paperback)
| ISBN 9781493052103 (epub)
Subjects: LCSH: Hiking—Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Backpacking—Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Backpacking—
Equipment and supplies—Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Classification: LCC GV199.5 .L34 2020 (print) | LCC GV199.5 (ebook) | DDC 796.51—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020012930
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020012931

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Infor-
mation Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

The author and The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc. assume no liability for accidents happening to, or
injuries sustained by, readers who engage in the activities described in this book.
 CONTENTS
Introduction vii Weather Forecasting 169
Winter Camping 171
Animal Tracks 177
GETTING STARTED Knots 178
Early Days 1 Getting There and Back 181
Preparation 3 Gear Lists for Different Seasons 183
Choosing Gear 7 Keeping in Touch 193
Fabrics and Materials 11 Photography 197
Backpacks 15
Sleeping Bags 27
STEPPING IT UP
Sleeping Pads 37
Tents and Shelters 41 Making Your Own Gear 205
Trekking Poles 55 Fording Rivers 207
Hiking Footwear 63 Hiking in Snow 211
Hiking Socks 71 Hiking Cross-Country 215
Backpacking Stoves 75 Scrambling 217
Cookware 83 Making Hiking Routes 219
Water Treatment 87 Adding Technical Adventures on Long-
Hiking Clothes 95 Distance Hikes 221
Rain Gear 101 Technical Gear 223
GPS Units 107 Multisport Adventures 227
Lights and Headlamps 111 Finding Water on a Map or in a Desert 239
Trail Food 115 Sponsorships 242

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL APPENDIX

Getting in Shape 119 Some Random Crucial Hiking and
Minimizing Impact 123 Lifestyle Tips 245
First Aid 125 Major Trails in the US 247
Campsite Selection 135
Navigation 139 Acknowledgments 254
Hiking with Your Dog 147 Glossary 255
Hiking Abroad 159 Index 263
Thru-Hiking Tricks 167 Q & A 267
About Trauma 269

GETTING STARTED > CHOOSING GEAR v

Cameron Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada
 INTRODUCTION
WHAT THIS BOOK IS AND IS NOT
This is not a typical how-to book. There is a lot of information inside, from small
”micro-tips” to larger picture items. This book will hopefully get you feeling com-
fortable in the backcountry faster and also provide help as an ongoing reference.
It may help you learn some things faster and hopefully speed up the learning
curve, as well as save you money and time when buying gear. The goal is to make
this an easy, fun-to-read learning tool and reference for all ability levels. Hope-
fully it will make it easier for you to get outside, experience the outdoors, and
overcome situations that might previously have turned you back. Sometimes the
unexpected makes trips more rewarding.

The goal of this book is to give you useful tips and reduce the time you spend learn-
ing so you can enjoy more time in the wilderness. Almost every page has a tip or two
that I’ve picked up along the way. Some of the tips are personal preferences, so keep
in mind it’s an outline about the topic in question, its pros and cons, and my opinions.
Getting outside and hiking and camping can change your life. You may even
start to want to change some of your priorities and reduce some things you don’t
need in your life. Streamlining the gear selection process to essentials and planning
to get outdoors help keep your enthusiasm going. You’ll quickly learn to live with
what’s on your back!
This book is purely to prepare for the journey. Enjoy the read while at home or
en route to the trailhead. Use the information here to prepare and remember what
you can on the trail. Adding weight with a book is counterintuitive to this book’s
purpose. Let me instead help you shed weight from your pack.
In building on the first edition, I’m adding trends in gear, planning, and where I
see the ultralight hiking world moving in the future. There are countless new tips and
chapters on the future of the sport and multisport adventures—the direction of fun
I’ve been pivoting to and think the future of long-distance adventuring is headed.

Now let’s go hiking!

vii
 GETTING STARTED

Near Red Pass, Washington, on the original, washed-out

Pacific Crest Trail route in 2004 (disposable camera)
EARLY DAYS
You can always learn to hike, backpack, and camp. You
may not go on a 1,000-mile hike or be out in the moun-
tains for six months, but you can experience the calm
of disconnecting, unplugging, simplifying life, and
Windsong, Ottie, Yoni, and I
being with nature. There’s nothing like being out in crossing the Bear Mountain
Parkway, New York
the backcountry and thinking only about the beauty,
where/when you’re going to reach the next water source, how much you can eat
out of your food bag, and where you’re going to camp.

I started hiking when I was young, and I can’t imagine life without hiking. What you do
when you hike is up to you. Some people love sitting by a lake. Others like hiking fast and
far, looking at flowers, or summiting peaks. You’ll find what you like. Age and skill don’t
matter. This is an activity for everyone. The more you get out, the more you’ll learn, and
you’ll learn more than you even realize.
There is a beauty to a simple hike. You really don’t need anything that you don’t already
have. You don’t need to start out by buying a lot of gear.
Going on a day hike is simply going on a nice walk through the woods. You can wear
your sneakers or running shoes. Use your school backpack. Grab an empty soda bottle; it’s
your water bottle. Grab some food from the cupboard. Find a destination to go to—that’s all
you need for a hike.
If you like it and want to go on more day hikes or go out on overnight trips, cover more
miles, and mix in cross-country (lingo for off-trail) travel, this book will help you find what
you need and learn the necessary skills.

Windsong and I atop Avery Peak, Maine, Windsong and I atop Mount Katahdin, northern terminus
on the Appalachian Trail of the AT

1
Sometimes you just need to take a nap
to stay mentally fresh.
 PREPARATION

MENTAL PREPARATION take this in stride and not go too hard out of the
gate. Ease into it, even if you are in good shape
Mental preparation is an integral part of planning heading out. No matter the time of year, you’ll
and, in some ways, probably even more so than likely have at least 8 hours of daylight, a lot more
physical preparation. Long-distance hiking, back- in summer. Pace yourself. Take breaks. Have fun.
packing, multisport adventures, and other adven- Don’t turn it into a death march. If you’re not
tures are a big transition from most people’s nor- having fun, there’s no reason to be out there. It
mal routines. It is important to start thinking and might be type-2 fun, but still make sure you’re hav-
planning ahead for not checking your e-mails daily ing fun. And it is important to acknowledge before-
or being able to pick up the phone and call or text hand that you won’t be having fun every minute of
friends or family at a whim. You will most likely be every day. There will be terrible, miserable times,
disconnected, or at best have limited connectivity. and painful moments. There will be cold, wet, soggy
Less so on the Appalachian Trail and certain sec- days, but also beautiful, perfect sunny days. Don’t
tions of other major trails, but you also may choose make the decision to quit on a bad-weather day. It’s
to limit yourself to connection during town stops the journey, not the destination. Without the highs
or just at nighttime to save your battery or be re- and lows, the trip won’t be as rewarding. Just know
spectful to other people seeking solace in the wil- there will be some very tough times, emotionally
derness. Sometimes it takes a day or two or more to and physically. It’s not all rainbows.
get used to the new routine that places more value
on maps, food, and movement than checking your
calls, texts, and e-mails. Practicing self-control the PHYSICAL PREPARATION
first few days of the trip will help ease the transi-
Mental preparation is key, but physical prepara-
tion and help get you into a routine that doesn’t
tion is the foundation for success. You will break
revolve around checking your devices.
in easier to long days of movement and travel if
It is also important to transition into a routine
you are in shape and ready for it. Starting a hike
that revolves around motion and movement all day
“off the couch” is never easy. It can lead to inju-
long. This is not easy, and the first couple weeks
ries and bruising on your shoulders and hips from
can be exhausting, even painful. It is critical to

3
a weighted backpack. It is important to work up and hike the next six or seven days until a resup-
in weight and start wearing a weighted backpack ply day. It’s hard to fully recover until there’s a
before a trip. Get your hips, shoulders, and leg rest day. To this day, she says the last few miles
muscles used to carrying the extra weight. Don’t and that hiking day were the hardest of her life
expect cross-training to prepare you for the and the sorest she’s ever been.
sport you’ll be doing. At least start to build up I typically look at physical preparation as in-
in that same activity, even if you don’t have the cluding the first few weeks of the hike, not just
time to put in 8 or 12 hours doing the type of pre-hike. I don’t usually have time before a hike to
walking you will be doing. This will help get your devote 8- to 12-hour days to preparation, training,
feet ready for the shoes, calluses in place with and hiking. That time may be limited to an hour
the equipment you’ll be using, and also help the or two or day hikes. Sometimes I’m coming off
mental transition. ski season, so there may be a little cross-training
Let me give you some background for what with backcountry skiing, but not apples to apples.
I’m talking about in this section. I’m normally It is very hard to start going 8 hours plus per day
thru-hiking or long-distance hiking by myself, without ramping up. If you’ve done a long hiking
with my dog, with Pepper, or with someone else trip before, you may find it easier; your body may
I met on one of the long trails. We know each be used to it, but it is crucial to ramp up and not
other’s tendencies, goals, and capabilities. How- overdo it. Wherever you are with training, try not
ever, this time I went with my girlfriend to hike to go over 5 miles more than that right away. For
a few-hundred-mile section of the Pacific Crest example, depending on trail conditions, I try not
Trail (PCT) southbound from the Canadian bor- to go more than 20–25 miles per day for the first
der through Washington. I tried to ease into the week or ten days; then I might have a smaller day
mileage, or what I thought was easy mileage. I at a resupply to provide some rest and recovery.
thought 10–15 miles per day was pretty reason- After that I may ramp up to 23–28 miles per day
able to start. After all, she was in shape and for about a week or so then have a shorter recov-
frequently day hiking. We started late the first ery day at a resupply before increasing to 28–35
afternoon, and all was good. We got about 6 or 7 miles per day. I think the shorter, recovery days
miles in and set up camp. The next day we were or complete rest days are very important in the
about 12 miles in when she started to bonk. We ramp-up progression.
took a long break and then started hiking again. Just as important is the daily flow. This gets
We needed to get a few more miles to camp so we more and more challenging in cold or bad weather.
could fill up water for cooking. When she got to When I first hiked the Appalachian Trail, I hiked
camp, she lay down and couldn’t move. I told her 5-plus hours at a time, with an hour or hour-and-
to soak her legs in the water, since that would a-half lunch break. I continued this for my first
help tremendously. The water source was 1,000 thru-hikes on the Pacific Crest and Continental Di-
feet away, but she couldn’t move, never mind get vide Trails. I would be on the trail by 6 or 7 a.m.
over to the water. Finally, after a couple hours of and would go until noon. Same in the afternoon
her lying there, I insisted she go soak her legs. until dinner, then maybe even get a couple hours
She was sore and completely spent. Not a good of hiking in after dinner if there was still day-
way to start the hike—she still had to wake up light. I would pack snacks in outside pockets of my

4 TRAIL TESTED
backpack and eat snacks about halfway through
the five-plus-hour session while hiking. I called it
“snack-packing.” I no longer think this is the best
system. I changed up the routine a long time ago.
Consistent calories are key to not bonking.
The routine I think works best is 3 hours on
and then a break. You can extend or shorten your
break based on temperatures, weather conditions,
or where in the trip you are. For example, if you’re
at the beginning of a trip, you may want to take a
longer break to help spread out the exertion periods
and help break in. Typically I’ll break for an hour at
the beginning of the trip then reduce to 30 or 45
minutes when in shape—enough time to eat, get
your shoes off, dry out some wet gear, and recharge
a bit mentally. Then rinse and repeat for the length Getting ready to head to rural areas where they don’t
accept credit cards. Be prepared with cash!
of the day. If you’re breaking in, you may also want
to stop a little earlier or break the last session into
a partial session when you find a good campsite.
In summary for a typical summer hike: I wake up towns near the trails or near national parks. That
early and am out hiking around dawn (6:30 a.m.), definitely skews the equation. I used to be able to
hike until 9:30 a.m., break/second breakfast until hike a trail and budget $1 per mile, including food,
10:15 a.m., hike until 1:15 p.m., break for lunch restaurant meals, hotels, and replacement gear.
until 2 p.m., hike until 5 p.m., snack/break until Keep in mind that I don’t drink alcohol, which can
5:30 or 5:45 p.m., hike until dark, find a camp- add a considerable amount to your budget. In the
site and cook dinner. If the days are short, dinner past ten years I’ve seen my cost increase to more
might be cooked at the last break. like $2 per mile because of increased food costs,
not including transportation to and from the trail.
Your cost could be as much has $5 to $10 per mile,
FINANCIAL PREPARATION/ depending on how often you’re staying in town
BUDGETING and eating at restaurants, or if you have any di-
etary limitations. That being said, thru-hiking is
A lot of people ask what it costs to thru-hike. There
still relatively inexpensive—$5,000–$20,000 for a
is no true mathematical equation for this, since it
2,500-mile hike that might last five to six months.
depends on your budget. I think the single biggest
If you are able to minimize other expenses, includ-
cost of a hike is how many hotel rooms you get.
ing expenses you’re paying “at home” while out on
Hotel rooms can range from $50 (in the Southeast
the trail, this can be pretty obtainable in a season
on the AT or if you are sharing with another hiker)
or two of working.
up to $250+ per night in summer in the touristy

GETTING STARTED > preparation 5

Getting the lowdown in one of the great specialty outdoor
stores, Midwest Mountaineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Weighing in Scoping out some hidden pockets.

 CHOOSING GEAR
Gear is a personal preference, and preferences can only be gained from ex-
perience and trial and error. I know exactly what gear I prefer for certain
situations and places. For the past ten years, the majority of what I carry
stays the same. I swap certain things for different trips based on the condi-
tions I expect to encounter. It’s important to pack properly for the condi-
tions you expect and for potential changes or setbacks. After a few trips
you’ll start to learn exactly what you want with you on your journeys. Until
then, here’s what you need to know about getting started.

I can’t say this strongly enough: Don’t go out and on expensive equipment and will probably suggest
buy hundreds of dollars’ worth of new gear when things that likely aren’t essential.
you’re just getting started. Research the gear by Figure out what you think you really need
reading reviews in magazines, in forums, and on before making purchases. Go camping and hiking
the internet. But, be advised, you’ll hear a million with friends that have gear, and ask about it. Ask
different opinions on the same pieces of equipment, questions at stores and look around for discounts,
and many times they’ll contradict. Also, always online or on Craigslist. It’s likely that as you get
keep in mind your intentions for the equipment used to the outdoors, your gear will change quick-
and what types of trips you plan to be doing. For ly. With experience, your comfort level will change.
example, I’ll rarely trust Backpacker magazine on a The first few times I went backpacking, I never
gear review for a thru-hike or other long-distance would have thought that I’d be completely comfort-
adventure unless the writer or correspondent has able in a small, flat tarp with no bug netting in
long-distance experience, since typically they’re certain conditions. Once you have figured out your
only using brand-new gear for a few days or a week “go to” gear choices, you can add different gear to
and covering less distance each day. your quiver for different seasons or situations.
I have seen it happen a hundred times. A fam- I have seen countless people start the Appa-
ily wants to go camping. They go into a store to get lachian Trail (AT) with 50- to 60-pound backpacks
outfitted with gear. The salesperson sells them tons and a bunch of brand-new gear. (I was one of them,
of stuff he or she likes and thinks they also will even though I had backpacked in southern Utah
like. The salesperson may be trying to upsell you for three months the year before.) Then everyone

Photos by Russ Sackson

7
learns in the next few weeks that they don’t need The lightweight way also crosses over to other
most of the stuff they’re carrying. They bought all sports like climbing, mountaineering, backcountry
this new gear just for the trip. Many AT hikers end skiing, even into everyday life!
up buying everything all over again within a few When picking out gear, try to keep an ultra-
weeks of setting out. Tents (or any gear for that light or lightweight mindset. A rough estimate
matter) are like cars: Once off the dealer’s lot, you’ll of your base weight (backpack, sleeping bag, and
be lucky to get two-thirds of what you paid for it. tent) for backpacking should be 10 pounds or less.
When considering buying hiking or back- This will help your pack stay relatively light. How-
packing gear, keep the weight in mind. It’s not so ever, you do not want to try to cut weight on the
important for car camping. Your tent and other backpack itself if you know the weight of your
backpacking gear could cross over for car camp- gear is going to be above the pack’s recommended
ing. Remember, you will be carrying everything weight limit. The weight rating is for your comfort.
you have on your back. Ounces quickly add up to You don’t want to cut corners on the pack and end
pounds, and pounds add up to a heavy pack. You up with thin padding in an effort to shave base
may or may not want to be an ultralight hiker. weight. You will end up being uncomfortable on the
However, it’s important to keep weight as a main trail. Countless times I have seen people hit the
consideration in order to be comfortable. The sec- trail with an ultralight backpack and be miserable
ond part of that is learning what you actually need in just an hour. An ultralight pack works for a lot
so you can limit what you are carrying. of people. If you’re going out for just five days, your
food alone might weigh more than some packs’ rec-
Lighter loads:
ommended capacity.
• Are more comfortable. I have seen people head out on 5-day trips
• Are faster to pack up. in an ultralight pack with about 50 pounds in their
• Are easier, faster, and more agile to move with. pack. A pack that has no hip belt and small mesh
• Are more organized and simplified. shoulder straps can’t support that amount of weight.
• Mean less energy is exerted, so you can travel The shoulder straps always end up cleaving into the
farther and faster. hiker’s shoulders from the weight. I saw one hiker
• Are often less expensive than heavier gear. who had wrapped duct tape around huge squares of
open cell foam underneath each shoulder strap. The
tape probably made it a little more comfortable, but

I wouldn’t recommend buying

certain items used. Be careful
with climbing equipment. You
never know how many falls someone has put
onto a rope, a carabiner, or a harness, which
can greatly affect their
performance. Rain gear Light, lighter, lightest.
and items with DWR This guy carried this
(durable water repel- cabinet for four days up
the valley. I’d much rather
lency) also can have a
C hecking packability and be wearing our ultralight
short useful life. packs than either of
compressibility.
Photos by Russ Sackson
these!

8 TRAILTRAIL
TESTED
TESTED
it was definitely not the ideal situation. He added
weight to his ultralight pack to make it more com-
fortable. His goal of being ultralight backfired! TIP
On Magazine Reviews
BUYING GEAR Take magazine reviews, and all reviews,
with a grain of salt. They can be handy. Most
There are a few good places where you can get
magazines’ users and
outdoor gear. You can buy directly from the man-
reviewers are hardly
ufacturer. Some manufacturers sell directly to lightweight hikers.
customers; others sell only from their website. Man- They are writing for
ufacturers and their customer service crews are also the masses. If heading
a great place to get information on the products out on a thru-hike,
you’re interested in. They should know everything remember there is a
about their products. If you have any questions, ask minimal chance that
them before and after your purchase. a magazine reviewer
You can often find really good prices on gear and will have used the
almost any product you’re looking for online. How- equipment as much
ever, you lose that personal, interactive contact and as you will. Reviews
can be very handy
often the ability to get feedback or ask questions.
and nice to compare new gear. One of the
I know some online stores have LiveChat features.
biggest issues with the outdoor industry and
It just doesn’t feel the same, though, and you don’t
its publications is that they constantly need
really even know if the person that you are talking to publish new things. They can’t give an
to has any clue about the gear you are asking about. award to an older model or design and thus
Then of course there are the local outfitters and need to continually hype the new gear. There
major outdoor retailers, like REI. You get personal- have been awesome packs, like Granite Gear’s
ized service, a good vibe, and can get some really Vapor Trail. It won Backpacker magazine’s
helpful salespeople. Some of the most amazing back- Editor’s Choice Award in 2003. In my opinion
packing stores I’ve been in are locally owned spe- it was the best thru-hiking pack on the
cialty outdoor stores, especially along some of the market for almost ten years. However, the
main long-distance hiking trails. It is a trade-off, media won’t give old equipment new awards,
however; the price might be higher just like Marlon Brando won’t be receiving
an Oscar for The Godfather this year. Keep
in store than online.
that in mind when you are reading current
Other options to consider are
reviews and trying to pick the best gear for
Craigslist, eBay, and hiking fo- you. You might find that your best choice is a
rums like backpackinglight.com pack model that is a couple of years old. You
and whiteblaze.net. These websites won’t find a review in the latest magazine
have “gear for sale” or “gear swap” because they won’t keep repeating the same
forums, which will have some more- gear reviews. They also may favor items with
specialized gear than REI. You can new colors and new catchphrases instead of
access them for free. real meaningful additions—or the companies
Now on to the nitty-gritty . . . buying advertising in their publications and
thus paying their bills.

GETTING GETTING
STARTEDSTARTED > Choosing
> CHOOSING GEARGear 9
 FABRICS

Checking compressibility at a display

at the Outdoor Retailer trade show
Photo by Russ Sackson
S AND MATERIALS
Twice per year, thousands of manufacturers go to the Outdoor Retailer trade show
to introduce new fabrics, hardware, and technologies. The textile manufacturers
attend to show their latest and greatest innovations to manufacturers in the
industry. They hope to get these new materials into up-and-coming outdoor
products. Here are the basic, common ultralight materials. This section will also
help explain why some products are more expensive than others and which will
likely last longer.

FABRICS it as durable as DCF. Has pretty much gone by the

wayside with the introduction of DCF.
Nylon and polyester are standard fabrics. Nylon is a
DCF (DYNEEMA COMPOSITE FABRIC)/FOR-
little lighter, tougher, and more abrasion-resistant.
MERLY KNOWN AS CUBEN FIBER: Another ma-
The weight of fabric is measured in denier, writ-
ten like this: 40D. It is a measurement of a yarn’s terial that originated in the sailing industry. This
weight, in grams, based on a 9,000-meter length of is Spectra laminated with Mylar. It’s very strong
that yarn. Higher numbers represent more rugged but susceptible to damage from abrasions. How-
fabric; lower numbers are less rugged. ever, for its strength-to-weight ratio, it is fantas-
tic and probably the most durable option for the
RIPSTOP NYLON: A nylon woven with a doubled weight. It’s also very pricey. The proliferation of
thread at regular intervals. This helps prevent rips DCF Is probably the single most important techno-
from spreading. logical advance in the ultralight industry in the
CORDURA: A nylon brand name. Cordura yarns past ten years.
are of the highest quality. The name Cordura rep- HYPALON: A heavy but strong material often used
resents high-tenacity (strength) yarns, and the in high-abrasion areas, like underneath crampon
fabrics coming from the mills producing those storage areas.
yarns are rigorously tested to ensure they meet
MESH: Mesh comes in different forms. It’s handy
Cordura standards.
to have mesh pockets because they stretch and you
SPINNAKER: An ultralightweight sailcloth. From
can see into them. Most people think mesh is light-
my experience, it doesn’t seem to last as long nor is er than other fabrics. This is not true if compared

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics and materials 11

 to lightweight silnylon or other ultralight fabrics
like DCF. Mesh absorbs a lot of water and gets heavi-
er when wet. Also, if it gets nicked, it can unravel
over time.
DURASTRETCH OR STRETCH MESH: Another
option for outside pockets or back panels. It’s a
great substitute for regular mesh. It’s less transpar-
ent but doesn’t absorb as much water and holds up
better to heavy use.

ZIPPERS
Zippers come in different sizes and types (wa-
terproof or regular). Most waterproof zippers are
merely water resistant, but at least they shed some
water. Don’t be fooled by an inverted slider; this
does not mean it is a waterproof zipper. YKK is one
of the most widely used zippers. I have noticed
that YKK “taped” waterproof zippers start to “peel”
A waterproof zipper in the middle over time and with a lot of usage.
and zipper “garage” The peeling leaves a little area where water can
get in once you have used the zipper. Another way

Photos by Russ Sackson

Laminated jacket Coated jacket

12 TRAIL
TRAIL TESTED
TESTED
manufacturers waterproof zippers is by “welding” LAMINATE VS. COATINGS
the teeth to the rubberized fabric and having little
offsets in the teeth. All zippers need maintenance Here’s a nutshell comparison of waterproof and/or
when dirty, especially after being in gritty condi- breathable technologies used in rain gear and on
tions. Heads up: Curved zipper runs wear out faster other waterproof products. A laminate is like add-
than straight zippers. ing wallpaper to a fabric; a coating is like paint-
ing a wall. Laminates are often more breathable
and expensive.

Dan, from Granite Gear, and I

chatting about new ideas and
prototypes

Most people think mesh is light because

you can see through it and it has holes.
Mesh is heavier than many fabrics,
including ultralight silnylon and DCF.

GETTING STARTED > FABRICS

Fabrics AND
and MATERIALS
materials 13
Scoping out Midwest Mountaineering’s pack wall Getting fitted for my torso length
 BACKPACKS
There are tons of packs out there.
Here’s the lowdown on packs.

TYPES OF PACKS
The standard terminology for referencing the
“front” of a backpack is the side that faces away
from your back.
DAY PACKS: These are usually smaller, so you
don’t need to worry much about the weight of a day
pack. Most companies make them with a bunch of
bells and whistles. (Literally! Check the sternum
strap for an emergency whistle!)
Features may include water-bottle pockets,
hydration-system compatibility, stretch pocket or
helmet pocket on the pack’s front, ventilated back
panel, hip-belt pockets for a camera or an energy Some packs save weight by skimping on fea-
bar, ice ax loops, and other zippered pockets. Peo- tures that make the pack comfortable and entice
ple aren’t carrying much weight in a day pack, so you to buy it because it’s light. I don’t mind a
there’s really no need for a suspension system in backpack that’s a few ounces heavier than another
the back panel or for a real weight-bearing hip belt. when it’s much more comfortable.
If you’re looking for a day pack, find the features, Most overnight packs are available in mul-
price, and colors you like. Check the fit carefully. tiple sizes and have adjustable torso lengths and
There isn’t much else to it. different-size hip belts to make the pack fit better.

OVERNIGHT PACKS: Overnight packs are a dif-

ferent animal. Some are full-featured; others are GENDER- AND
stripped down. Packs are made for different-size AGE-SPECIFIC PACKS
torsos and waist belts. Overnight packs also have
different capacities and load or weight classifi- YOUTH BACKPACKS: These packs offer smaller
cations. Fit and comfort are the most important volumes so that they fit a youth’s body better and
things to me. do not overburden the child with too much weight
in the pack. They also include a more adjustable
Photos by Russ Sackson

GETTING STARTED > Backpacks 15

 suspension to accommodate a child’s growth. Sev-
eral brands design packs for children. Women’s
backpacks, because of their smaller frame sizes,
often work well for young backpackers of either
gender. Small versions of some men’s packs also
work for children and teenagers.
WOMEN’S BACKPACKS: Women-specific designs
are engineered to conform to the female frame.
Their torso dimensions are generally shorter and
narrower than men’s. Hip belts and shoulder straps
are contoured with the female form in mind.
The progression of packs and trekking poles! I’ll take
my comfortable lightweight pack any day of the week.
TO GET THE RIGHT FIT
Torso length, not height, determines your pack size.
Here’s how to measure yours: 3. Place your hands on your hips so you can feel
your iliac crest, those two pointy bones just above
Measure torso length: the front pockets on your pants, which serves as
1. Have a friend locate the bony bump at the base of the “shelf” of your pelvic girdle. (It’s the first hard
your neck, where the slope of your shoulder meets thing you feel when you run your fingers down
your neck. This is your seventh cervical (or C7) ver- from the sides of your rib cage.) Position your
tebrae. Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. hands so that your thumbs are pointing toward
2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend your backbone.
start at that spot and measure downward along 4. Have your friend finish measuring at the point
your spine. where the tape crosses an imaginary line drawn be-
tween your thumbs. That is your torso length.
5. Use your torso length to find the best pack size
for you. Generally, manufacturers size their pack
frames like this:
• Extra small: Fits torsos up to 15½"
• Small: Fits torsos 16" to 17½"
• Regular: Fits torsos 18" to 19½"
• Large/Tall: Fits torsos 20" and up

Measure belt size:

Take the tape measure and wrap it around the top
of your hips, where you can feel your iliac crest.
Use this measurement to get a properly fitting hip
belt. A properly positioned and fitted hip belt will
straddle your iliac crest, about an inch above and
Three possible choices for lightweight backpacks below that line.
Photo by Russ Sackson

16 TRAIL TESTED
TYPES OF PACK VENTILATED BACK PANELS
SUSPENSION
These are making headway in the market, and a
EXTERNAL SUSPENSION BACKPACKS: These lot of people like the extra breathability they offer
seem to be going by the wayside, but I will men- your back. Your back will sweat when hiking with
tion them briefly. These were the standard back in a pack on. These various styles of breathable back
the 1970s. They have a metal frame that surrounds panels are supposed to aid in airflow along your
the exterior of the pack. These packs carry weight back to help keep it cooler. These can really help
well but are bigger, heavier, and not nearly as agile cool your back if the conditions are right and there
as other packs. They are pretty antiquated because is a cool breeze blowing. If it’s hot and you’re in 100
the internal suspension packs have progressed so percent humidity, like on the AT in summertime, I
much. External frame packs make everyone look don’t think there is anything that will really pre-
like SpongeBob SquarePants from behind. vent you from getting hot and sweaty.

INTERNAL SUSPENSION BACKPACKS: These

are the more popular option these days. Hundreds
of models are available. They have a stay to pro-
vide stiffness to the pack, allowing it to handle
the weight of a load. The suspension can vary from
lightweight metal stays around a back panel, to
metal or aluminum rods placed vertically along the
pack’s sides, to plastic or composite frame sheets.
Generally, the stiffer the rod, stay, or frame sheet,
the more weight the pack can carry comfortably.
Stiffer suspensions makes for heavier packs.
NO SUSPENSION/FRAMELESS BACKPACKS: Photo by Russ Sackson
These are usually the lightest weight packs, but
they also support the least amount of weight. Many packs have ventilation channels built
Typically, a pack without a suspension isn’t recom- into back panels and, in some cases, even into the
mended to carry more than 25 pounds. If you want frame sheet as well. A few packs have engineered a
to carry more with one of these packs, a good way permanent air channel between you and the pack,
to create some rigidity along the back panel is to using a trampoline-like mesh panel. Your back rests
fold your sleeping pad and slide it on the inside against the mesh back panel, and the mesh provides
along the back panel. If you’re using an inflatable improved breathability. With these, the frame-
pad, leaving a little bit of air in it offers more com- supported pack rides a few inches off the back.
fort and extra support. With a foam pad you can Certain ventilation features seem to have in-
fold it along the back panel or curl it around the herent flaws. Packs with mesh back panels have a
whole inside of the pack and place items inside the number of drawbacks:
curve of the pad.
1. The mesh absorbs and holds more water than
other materials, so a mesh back panel can both
keep your back wet and add weight to the pack.

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics

GETTING and
STARTED > BACKPACKS
materials 17
2. It is fairly abrasive, so it can wear out shirts
and other clothing faster.
3. It has no real ripstop properties. If you snag
the back panel on something, you risk having it
run and continue to unravel.
4. In trampoline-style systems, the air channel
between the pack and the mesh takes up valuable
space between your back and the pack itself. It loses
volume while adding weight because of the tram-
poline.
5. Trampoline-style packs add additional space be-
tween your back and the pack itself. It moves the
weight of the pack from your center of gravity,
which could make the pack less comfortable or agile
when fully loaded.

PACK LOADING SYSTEMS

PANEL  LOADER: A panel loading backpack is

anything with a zipper or access point up and down
the pack. It allows you to access the body of the
pack through a panel.
TOP LOADER: Any pack with primary access
through the top, even if it has a lid. Top-loading
packs generally have a zipper or roll-top closure sys-
tem. These packs are normally some of the lightest
weight packs on the market. Some have access zip-
pers on the front panel or side to allow easy access STRAPS
to items at the bottom of the pack. You don’t have
to dig from the top to the bottom to grab some- About 75 percent of the weight of a backpack
thing. The zippers are nice but add a few ounces. should rest on your hips. Your back, shoulders, and
upper chest area should carry minimal amounts of
HYBRID/NONTRADITIONAL: Packs that don’t fit
weight. To optimize pack comfort and stability,
the top or panel-loader description. Granite Gear’s
tinker with the various adjustment straps.
Core and Flatbed are good examples of hybrid or
nontraditional packs. They are designed for specif- LOAD-LIFTER STRAPS: These are stitched into
ic needs and work better for trail crews, handling the top of your pack’s shoulder straps and the
bear canisters, or carrying odd shapes and sizes top of the pack frame. Ideally, they should form a
that won’t easily fit in a normal pack. They are usu- 45-degree angle between your shoulder straps and
ally heavier than a traditional top loader. the pack.

18 TRAIL TESTED
 The straps should be snug, but not too tight.
They prevent the upper portion of a pack from Unless on a trip where
pulling away from the body and causing it to sag I think a lid will be
worthwhile for convenience
on your lumbar area. If straps are left too loose,
or some other reason, I find
the pack can tip backward, compromising balance
it is not worth the added weight for
and comfort.
the space provided. Lids add zippers,
If load-lifters are angled higher than 60 de-
buckles, and a bunch of fabric for a
grees or lower than 30 degrees, the pack is likely
relatively small amount of useful space.
not the correct torso size. Shoulder straps on many
I’d rather just have an ultralight stuff
packs can also be adjusted on the frame sheet to sack that I pack at the top of my top-
make the pack fit your torso better. loading backpack with the items I
Some ultralight packs don’t have load-lifter want handy—some snacks, extra maps
straps. If you get a good fit from the shoulder straps if needed, and gloves or other items I
and you aren’t carrying much weight, they’re not might need to grab quickly.
strictly necessary.
HIP STABILIZER STRAPS: These are on the side
of the hip belt. They connect the belt to the lower
pack body. They keep it close to your body to pre- STERNUM STRAP: This allows you to connect
vent the pack’s weight from swaying. your shoulder straps across your chest, increasing
As with load-lifters, some ultralight packs the stability of the load. It helps you and your pack
don’t have hip-belt stabilizer straps. If you get a move as one. Don’t overtighten the sternum strap.
good fit from the hip belt and aren’t carrying much It can constrict your breathing, particularly when
weight, they’re not strictly necessary. going up hills.

Photos by Russ Sackson

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics

GETTING and
STARTED > BACKPACKS
materials 19
 1
WEARING YOUR PACK
After shouldering your pack, in order to fit it prop-
erly, the straps should be put on and adjusted in
the following order (bottom up):
1. Hip belt
2. Hip-belt stabilizer straps
3. Shoulder straps (beneath armpit) 2
4. Sternum strap
5. Load-lifter straps (cinched down but not
cranked on)

HOW TO LOAD A BACKPACK

This is very important in order to get the most out
of your backpack and keep it comfortable and. The
comfort rating, or weight rating, is irrelevant if you 3
do not pack it properly. If a pack is packed improp-
erly, it will always be uncomfortable.
Always place heavy items against the pack’s
back (against the frame or hydration sleeve) and
not on the outside of your pack. This helps keep the
center of gravity close to your body and helps keep
everything stable.

I pack like this:

1. Iline my pack with a trash compactor bag or
4
pack liner.
2. I stuff my sleeping bag and clothes I don’t an-
ticipate needing until camp into the bottom of the
trash bag. (I don’t use a compression sack because
it adds weight, but some people like them.) I pack
a roll-down DCF ultralight stuff sack for my sleep-
ing bag and put this at the bottom also. If the trail
section is longer than four days and I need to gain 5
volume in my pack because of the amount of food
I’m packing, I’ll stuff my sleeping bag in the stuff
sack. I then pack it inside the trash bag and against
the back panel, filling the void in front and on the
side with other clothes I will only need in camp.

20 TRAIL
TRAIL TESTED
TESTED
3. Iset aside my trail snacks and other food for the 1. Always fill your canister to the max when it’s in
day, then drop my food bag on top of that. your pack. If you’re running low on food, put other
4. I shove spare clothing around the front of the items in the canister to fill it. Don’t waste space.
food bag to fill empty spaces in the pack. 2. Put the canister where you normally put your
5. Istuff my shelter on top of the food bag and put food bag. It helps with weight distribution in
my pot and stove toward the front of the pack, at your pack.
the same level as my shelter. I then roll my liner 3. Pack things as tightly as you can around the
down to seal it. canister to take up the dead space, since your
6. I place my food for the day on top of everything backpack is not exactly cylindrical. This will keep
so it’s easily accessible during breaks. If my shelter the canister from shifting while you walk, keep-
is wet, I put all my food inside the liner bag and seal ing your pack more stable as well as preventing
it. Then I stuff the shelter on top. “pack on legs” syndrome, where your pack is huge
7. I’ll
fill outside pockets and my hip-belt pockets vertically (so people can’t actually see the person
with my water bottle, water treatment, maps, sun- carrying the backpack except for his or her legs).
screen, bug repellent, a couple snack bars, a camera, 4. Remember to put any scented items in your bear
and any other items I may need throughout the day canister at night. Bears are attracted to scented
at easy reach. items like toothpaste and deodorant.

When you are planning to hike in a national

PACK COVERS
park or wilderness area, make sure to research if a
Pack covers are a lightweight fabric that is de- hard-sided bear canisters is required. This is becom-
signed to cover your backpack in wet weather and ing more and more common, and many places have
keep your gear dry. Many people like them and specific instructions and details on what products
consider them a necessity. I would rather let my can and can’t be used to meet their requirements.
pack get wet and just use a trash bag liner on Many locations don’t accept the Ursack as an op-
the inside to keep my equipment dry. When your tion, even though it is easier to pack.
backpack gets wet it also gets heavier, since it is
absorbing water. I would rather be 100 percent
confident that my sleeping bag and insulation lay-
ers are not getting wet inside my backpack. If you Waterproof your pack for next
are bushwhacking, a pack cover can get snagged to nothing in weight or cost:
on things and tear. It also has a tendency to ac- Line your pack with a plastic
cumulate water in the bottom. trash bag, trash compactor
bag, or pack liner. Pack everything inside
that to keep the interior waterproof and
BEAR CANISTERS your gear dry. I use a trash compactor
Bear canisters make packing your backpack a lot bag. It’s thicker and more durable, even
though it’s a bit heavier. Make sure the
harder, since they never seem to fit well inside a
seal is good by overlapping, rolling, or
pack. Here are a few tips for using them.
spinning and tucking (aka donkey tailing)
Photos by Russ Sackson in the top so no water can get in.

GETTING STARTED > BACKPACKS 21

 Other Backpack Features
HIP-BELT POCKETS: especially nice when you have wet stuff. You can
A nice feature that throw whatever is wet on the outside in the shovel
keeps a camera, energy pocket so it doesn’t contaminate your other stuff.
bar, or Aquamira handy. If it’s wet when you wake up, you can seal up your
Most packs without pack while in your shelter. When you’re ready to go,
hip-belt pockets are you can throw the wet shelter in the shovel pocket
designed to allow so you don’t have to open up the pack liner in the
aftermarket pockets to elements at all. Make sure the shovel pocket isn’t
be added on. too loose and floppy. It can suck back and hug into
the pack. It can also snag on things and not carry
SIDE POCKETS (AKA WAND POCKETS): These
itself well.
are a staple on any pack I use. I like accessing my
water bottle, maps, food, and water treatment eas- COMPRESSION: Compression is essential to sta-
ily, without taking off my pack. bilize the load in a pack and bring it closer to your
Stretchy side pockets are essential body. The number of compression straps needed on
to me. Climbing packs don’t have a pack depends on its size. Compression straps are
side pockets because climbers either webbing straps or LineLoc cord. LineLoc is
don’t want things to fall out. I much lighter, but it doesn’t compress as broad an
like the accessibility of side pock- area as webbing. The LineLocs are easily changed if
ets. If you don’t want to use them they break. Webbing is sewn into the pack and is a
or it is raining, put everything bit more difficult to change.
inside the pack.
DAISY CHAIN: A daisy chain is a sewn-on piece of
SHOVEL POCKET (ALSO CAN BE A FRONT material, usually webbing, with loops for clipping or
MESH POCKET): Some people love having a shovel attaching things to the outside. They’re a handy fea-
pocket and wouldn’t buy a pack without it, while oth- ture but not absolutely necessary. Usually there are
ers couldn’t care less. A lot of ultralight backpacks plenty of other places on a pack for clipping extra stuff
include it because Ray Jardine’s original ultralight onto, so you don’t really need a separate daisy chain.
pack design had one. I think it’s a handy feature, but
HYDRATION PORT/HYDRATION COMPATIBLE:
I don’t care too much if a pack doesn’t have it.
This is standard in modern packs. It’s a system or
If your pack does have
sleeve that houses a hydration bladder and a port for
a stretch shovel pocket on
a drinking tube. I don’t like to use a hydration blad-
the back, you’re generally
der for a number of reasons. I’ll explain them later.
sacrificing straps on the
Some hydration systems are easier to use than others.
front of your pack for your
If you are a fan of a hydra-
sleeping pad or crampons.
tion system, make sure the port
If you use an inflatable pad,
for the tube is big enough to
it isn’t a big issue because
easily slide your drinking tube
you can pack it in by the
through. Make sure it is not a
back panel. If you use a
hassle to feed it through every
foamie (foam mattress) then the front of the pack is
time you fill up. That gets old
a nice place to carry it. When a shovel pocket doesn’t
fast. You can carefully cut out
have straps, you often end up attaching crampons or
the material or port to widen it.
the foamie atop your pack and fumble with the mess
every time you want to get into your pack. LID: Many people like having a pack lid to keep a
Those are the trade-offs. Having that big lot of little things you might use on a hiking break
stretch pocket to throw stuff in without open- handy. Lids are handy but they can often add about 10
ing your pack much during the day is handy. It’s ounces, almost the weight of a full can of soda, to the

22 TRAIL TESTED
 pack’s weight. If I get a pack Sleeping bags have progressed so far that it’s hard to
with a lid, I want one that is fill the entire compartment with just your sleeping
removable. I often don’t need bag. As a result, the compartment makes it hard to
the extra capacity or need to pack a pack well, get things into all the pack’s empty
keep gear organized or handy spaces, and waterproof a pack with just one garbage
in the lid. When I don’t need bag. Also the U-shaped zippers that kept the sleeping
it, I use the pack without the bag compartment closed are prone to blowing out.
lid to save weight.
HEAT-MOLDABLE HIP BELTS: Some companies
You can often use your lid as a hip pack or
like Osprey offer customers a heat-moldable hip-belt
shoulder bag in town or when not on your backpack.
system. Retail stores with Osprey packs usually have
I often use my lid like a messenger bag. Here’s how
a little oven that they bake the hip belt in and then
to do it on many packs. Completely unclip the lid
fit it to you. This technology came from ski boot lin-
from the pack. On the underside of the lid there’s
ers. While it is essential to get a good fit on your hip
often a pocket where extra webbing is hidden. This
belt, I think the heat-moldable hip belt is more of a
webbing is used for a shoulder or waist strap. Unclip
sales gimmick than a necessity.
the harness on the webbing and pull both sides out.
Hip belts will conform to your hips as you use
(If a lid doesn’t have this strap, it’s often designed
them. It is like breaking in a pair of shoes; but,
to be used with the pack’s hip belt as a pack strap.
unlike shoes or boots, most hip belts are not uncom-
Remove the hip belt and run it through the fabric
fortable out of the box. Maybe heat molding speeds
or webbing on the lid’s underside to create the day
up the break-in process (nice in ski boots because
pack.) Flip the extra material, which connected the
they can be so uncomfortable), but it also causes the
lid to the pack, over toward the lid’s top and thread
foam to pack out in certain areas. That’s usually what
webbing through the ladder lock (loops) on the lid.
happens when you’re fitted with a heated belt.
You can use those straps to compress the bag.
ICE-AX LOOPS: There’s usually at least one on
SEAM-TAPED/WELDED/WATERPROOF
every pack. For me this is a necessity. While it’s
PACKS: Very few packs are seam taped and truly
important to carry an ice ax
waterproof. Most packs are water resistant because
when you need one, it’s more
they’re made of waterproof materials. If the seams
important to me to carry my
are not taped, the pack is not completely waterproof.
trekking poles when it’s rain-
Welded seams are more waterproof, but they make a
ing. Stashing your poles when
pack more expensive and harder to repair.
it’s raining helps keep your
If any of my gear is wet, I pack it outside the
hands warmer.
trash bag so it won’t contaminate the rest of my
Ice ax loops are kind of
stuff. Remember that your sleeping bag is your life-
counterintuitive. You feed the
line. It is the most important thing in your pack
ax through the loops from the
because it keeps you alive when you’re cold and wet.
top, then flip them back up and strap them in.
Keeping wet stuff from my sleeping bag means my
sleeping bag will always be dry. PADDING: In the race to lower pack weight, some
companies have sacrificed padding in hip belts and
OTHER POCKETS: A lot of packs have pockets all
lumbar pads. If you keep your pack weight low, this
around the pack. People love pockets! Pockets are a
isn’t an issue. Overloading a lightweight pack that
good way for people to organize their stuff. I think
has a minimalistic hip belt and lumbar pad can cause
too many pockets are a hassle. They don’t add any
hot spots. When looking for a pack, be realistic about
necessary function to the pack and make it heavier.
how much weight you plan to carry. You should be
SLEEPING BAG COMPARTMENT: Almost every comfortable in your weighted pack when you are
pack used to have a zippered compartment at the carrying it up to 10 or more hours a day. When light-
bottom of the pack for a sleeping bag; today, just ening your load, the last piece of gear you should
traditionally styled packs do. I think they’re useless. lighten is your backpack.

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics

GETTING and
STARTED > BACKPACKS
materials 23
 trail tested
From November 1, 2005, to October 23, 2006 (356 days)
I hiked more than 10,000 miles. I averaged more than
26 miles per day for the entire trip. Equally as impressive
to this personal accomplishment is that my pack lasted
the entire trip! A little sun-faded and well-used, my pack
was still completely functional after all of those miles.
In comparison, I went through loads of other gear,
including twenty-four pairs of shoes (as you can see from
the picture with me standing next to all my worn-out
equipment). This page has some pointers to
help keep your backpack working
for the long haul.

24 GETTINGTESTED
TRAIL STARTED > CHOOSING GEAR
 10 Tips to Make Your
Pack Last Longer
1. Do not pack a backpack beyond its recommended
TRAUMA PICK weight limit.
Pack comfort is the most important thing for me. If 2. Do not constantly stuff a backpack to its collar’s
my pack is uncomfortable, it makes the whole trip capacity. The roll-top collar is intended to make a back-
uncomfortable. The last place I want to cut weight pack more waterproof. If you find yourself constantly
is from my backpack. Once I know my other gear filling your pack to the collar’s brim, you need to get a
and expected food weight is light enough, I will backpack with more volume.
downsize and choose a lighter pack. I’d much rather
have a little heavier backpack and be comfortable 3. Do not pack sharp, unprotected objects near the
than cut weight in the backpack prematurely. pack’s fabric. They can pierce it.
Depending on where I’m headed. I typically choose 4. Do not place objects tightly near the outside of the
a pack that is capable of carrying about four to pack. If fabric on the outside of the pack is tight, it’s
five days’ worth of food comfortably, for me usu- being stretched. Stretched fabric is easier to rip.
ally around 3,200–3,600 cubic inches (about 45–55
liters). Since most of my pack weight is food and on 5. Most backpacks are meant to stand upright when set
most trails in the United States my average resup- down. The bottom of the backpack has the strongest fab-
ply time is four to five days (except the Appalachian ric on the pack, and it’s intended to take that wear. Do
Trail), this means my pack will be comfortable on not sit on the pack when it’s on the ground. It stretches
the bulk of the trip. If the segment is longer than and abrades the pack’s fabric.
four to five days, I may be slightly out of the weight
6. Do not force backpack zippers closed. If the zipper
class of the backpack for a few days, but I am OK
with that. I also don’t mind carrying the extra doesn’t zip easily, readjust the contents of the backpack
weight of the pack that can support the 4- to 5-day to allow the zipper to close easily.
load. I can easily carry an unframed pack for a 4- to 7. Do not pack a backpack so there is anything protrud-
5-day stretch and be comfortable for three-season ing in the zipper’s path. If an item creates an abnormal
camping. A minimal frame or removable frame sheet kink in the zipper, it’s putting additional stress on the
is also a nice option. zipper. This can cause the zipper to fail.
For most trips, I like a lightweight pack that
weighs less than 2.5 pounds and has side (wand) 8. Do not cross-load webbing straps with heavy objects.
pockets so I can stash my water bottle, maps, This pulls down at the seams where the webbing is sewn
water treatment, snacks, and a few other odds in and puts unnecessary stress on the seams.
and ends. I also like a pack that has some sort of
attachment system on the front or a big stretch 9. If bushwhacking, do not lead with the backpack. It’s
pocket. These can come in handy for keeping your not designed to be the first line of attack in shielding or
wet shelter on the outside of your pack or just protecting a backpacker from invasive materials.
making more items handy during the day. 10. There is no need to use excessive force when tight-
RECOMMENDED PACKS: Volume depends on ening compression straps. Doing so creates unnecessary
the trip, season, and distance between resupplies, stress on the seams. Tightening them loosely doesn’t
but my go-tos are: Granite Gear Crown, Granite affect the pack’s performance or shift or dislodge any
Gear Leopard (for trips with technical equipment), packed items. By using loose yet secure methods in
Granite Gear Virga, Mountain Laurel Designs, ULA, tightening the compression straps on a backpack, the
Gossamer Gear, and Z Packs (model preferences vary seams last longer and wear much less over time.
depending on capacity and needs for the trip).

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics

GETTING and
STARTED > BACKPACKS
materials 25
 If you are going to purchase your first
sleeping bag or only have one bag in
your quiver, think about what time of
year and where you will most likely be
hiking. For most people a 20-degree bag is a good
trade-off and a good temperature rating that will
work most of the year. If you sleep warm and wear
some clothes in the bag, you may be able to use a
30-degree bag as a three-season bag. A 30-degree
sleeping bag is what I use the most.
 SLEEPING BAGS
There is nothing like getting into your sleeping bag after a tough day on the trail.
Get a sleeping bag that’s right for you and right for the conditions you’ll be in.
Everybody sleeps differently and has different comfort levels. Here’s what you need
to know to choose a good bag.

FILL MATERIALS have a nylon fabric with a durable water repel-

lent (DWR) coating to help keep water out; the
DOWN: This is the fluffy under-plumage from shell of a few bags is made of a completely wa-
a goose or duck. Down is a great insulator. Most terproof, breathable membrane.
down in outdoor gear is goose down because it
has a higher fill power. Fill power is the number SYNTHETIC: There are many different brands of
of cubic inches that 1 ounce of down will displace. synthetic fill, however, they all fall under two main
The higher the fill power, the less down is needed categories: short staple fills and continuous fila-
to meet a given temperature rating. ment fills.
The manufacturer needs less down to make a Short staple fills, like PrimaLoft, are the most
higher-fill-power sleeping bag, but the price will common. They use densely packed strands of fine
usually be higher. The higher the fill power, the less denier filaments to insulate. That means little fi-
the bag will weigh. (Depending on their fill power, bers are packed together to create loft and insula-
two different sleeping bag models with identical tion. The small filaments allow for a flexible and
temperature ratings can have different weights.) fairly compressible synthetic bag. However, the fi-
Down fill pros: bers break and lose performance easier.
✓ Very light. Continuous filament fills, like Climashield,
✓ Highly compressible. are typically stronger and more durable. They are
made from thicker continuous fibers. Continuous-
✓ Durable.
filament fills have a good loft, but because of that,
✓ Breathable.
they are less compressible.
✓ Lasts a long time if you treat it right. The loft
lasts longer than synthetic fill. Synthetic fill pros:
✓ Cheaper.
Down fill cons:
✓ Fill is very evenly distributed.
x Initially more expensive.
✓ Completely nonallergenic.
x When wet it loses loft and therefore its insu-
✓ Maintains some insulating properties even
lating properties. Most quality down bags will
when wet.
Photos by Russ Sackson

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics and materials 27

Synthetic fill cons: Women usually sleep colder. And my friend and
x Heavier than down, lower warmth-to-weight hiking partner on a few trips, Pepper, sleeps colder
ratio. than a lot of women. On a few hikes I have used a
x Less compressible. 40°F sleeping bag comfortably while he was using
x Made out of polyester, petroleum-based, and a 20°F bag. Essentially, manufacturer’s ratings are
less sustainable. based on their own research and categorization.
These numbers should be considered more of a
x Usually doesn’t last as long as down and doesn’t
guide than a guarantee.
fluff up as well.

TEMPERATURE RATINGS SHAPE

The shape of a bag, as well as your shape, can af-
Choose a sleeping bag rated for the coldest tem-
fect how you sleep. Most high-quality sleeping
perature you expect to encounter. There are a few
bags for backpacking are mummy-shaped. Roomier
ways to save weight and use a lighter-weight and
mummy-shaped bags are sometimes referred to as
warmer bag. The bad news is that ratings are usu-
semi-rectangular. Summer sleeping bags and a lot
ally subjective to the manufacturer.
of low-performance bags are rectangular.
However, the new European Norm (EN) is
For the warmest and lightest sleep system,
helping to standardize the rating system. Not
choose a mummy bag with narrower shoulder/hip
many manufacturers have adopted it. Hopefully
specs, as long as you are going to be comfortable
it will become more common, because tradition-
in the narrow space. If it feels too restrictive, you
ally a bag’s temperature rating has been the lowest
have a broad frame, or you are a restless sleeper,
temperature at which the average sleeper is com-
you might want a bag that’s wider at the shoulder
fortable. This is tricky, because everybody sleeps
and hip. Keep in mind that larger bags are heavier.
differently and has different metabolic rates. I am
a warm sleeper and have used a summer sleeping
bag liner down to 15°F (not ideal, but it worked CONSTRUCTION
and I didn’t freeze).
Several techniques are used to make sleeping bags.
All have the same goal: to maintain even distribu-
A QUICK NOTE ABOUT EN RATINGS: tion of the fill in order to prevent cold spots and
EN/ISO ratings take into account that women sleep drafts. Down bags generally use a baffle system,
colder than men. There is a gender-specific rating while synthetic bags use a shingle or layered system.
specifying the lowest comfortable temperature
that a standard man or woman would sleep com- Down bags are sewn using two
fortably. Keep in mind that the EN ratings take into techniques:
consideration that the sleeper uses a sleeping pad
1. The box technique is where each baffle is sewn
and wears a base layer and a hat. As the system
has become more popular, EN/ISO ratings have like a three-dimensional rectangle before down is
helped to standardize the temperature testing and inserted. This allows room for the down without
ratings. One impediment is that it costs additional compressing it. This system is most often used on
money to test bags with this system and all the warmer sleeping bags.
ratings are certified by a third-party laboratory.
That said, the system is used throughout Europe Photos top and bottom left by Russ Sackson; top right courtesy Montbell
and catching on. There is hope for standardization.

28 TRAIL TESTED
 FOR BEST LOFT/INSULATION:
If you can, unpack your sleeping
bag when you first stop for the
night instead of waiting until getting ready to
sleep. The bag has time to decompress, adding
more loft. If it’s nice out during the day, air out
your sleeping bag during hiking breaks in the
day. This will help keep it dry and lofty when
you need it later. Some newer sleeping bags
are also baffleless. This allows you to better
“control” where the down is. After your bag
“puffs up” for the night, you can shake more
down into the top of the bag to provide extra
warmth, since the bottom of the bag is getting
compressed anyway.

Drying my gear and soaking up sun during

a break after a couple of wet days

GETTING STARTED
GETTING Fabrics> and
> STARTED SLEEPING
materials
BAGS 29
2. The sewn-through technique is often used in DownTek and DriDown:
ultralight and warm-weather bags. It helps save Some manufacturers are now purchasing hydropho-
weight because there isn’t as much down in warmer bic down for their products. This down is treated
bags and you don’t need four sides on each baffle. with a water-repellent coating. The companies
There can be some cold spots at the sewn areas making the hydrophobic down are trademarked
though, because there often isn’t much room for under DownTek and DriDown. These are relatively
down there. new products. If it is one of your concerns, they
seemingly take some of the fear factor away from
Synthetic bags are usually sewn with one
getting your down jacket or sleeping bag wet. The
of two techniques:
treated down will still lose some of its loft, but it
1. The shingles technique uses sheets or pieces of
will be similar to synthetic insulation, where it still
fill overlapped like shingles on a roof. These are
retains some of its capabilities to insulate.
stitched to both the outside and lining of the bag.
If these work like the advertising says, it ame-
2. The layered technique has two offset layers: one liorates a major concern when using down. Howev-
sewn to the outside shell and the other to the inner er, I am comfortable with my capabilities to not get
lining. With two offset layers of continuous insula- my sleeping bag or down insulation layer wet. So
tion, it reduces cold spots at the seams. from my perspective, this is not something I would
specifically seek out. If it came with a product I
Other sewing techniques used in sleeping wanted anyway, at a minimal increased cost, then
bags include quilted-through sewing and weld- I would use it. Also, being that the products are
ed seams. Quilted through is cheap and used on relatively new, I don’t know how the added coating
warm-weather bags, since all the layers are sewn onto fairly fragile down filaments will affect their
into one seam. When everything is sewn into one durability and the loft over the long term. Nor do
seam, it’s more susceptible to cold spots. we fully comprehend the environmental impacts
There are also a few bags on the market with of the nanoparticles, like many nanotechnologies
welded seams. They’re not sewn through at all, becoming more prevalent inside and outside the
which helps reduce the potential for drafts and fill outdoor industry.
loss through the needle holes. Many have a lami-
nated waterproof outer material. These bags can be
very pricey. WOMEN’S BAGS
These bags are cut to fit a woman’s body shape.
SHELL AND LINING Here are the main differences:
• Shorter in length.
The outer shell of most sleeping bags is made of
• Narrower at the shoulders.
ripstop nylon. Most high-quality bags also have an
• Wider proportionally at the hips.
outer shell treated with a durable water repellent
(DWR). DWR helps keep the insulation from getting • Some have extra insulation in the upper body
and/or foot-box.
wet. There is no DWR finish on the inner lining, be-
cause such a sleeping bag would get really clammy • Sleeping bag sizing.
when you are inside of it.

30 TRAIL TESTED
 Other Sleeping Bag Types

BOTTOMLESS: A full sleeping bag but has only

fabric on the bottom. Instead of insulation in the
bottom, many have a built-in sleeve to put your
sleeping bad in, since the compressed insulation will
not provide warmth anyway. Big Agnes has a number
of models designed this way.
QUILTS: Quilts cut out even more material than the
bottomless system mentioned above by having no
material between you and the pad. Some quilts have
a strap system to help keep the quilt tight around
you in case the temperature is close to the quilt’s
cold temperature rating.
Bottomless bag pros:
✓ Quilts weigh less than regular sleeping bags.
✓ Big Agnes models have a sleeve on the bottom
instead of insulation so your sleeping pad can
slide right in and always be on the bottom.
Bottomless bag cons:
x They can be drafty or have cold spots, especially
if it’s windy.
x If you roll around while you sleep, you will feel
those drafts.
ROOM FOR TWO: Many bags can be zipped togeth-
er so couples can sleep together. This usually creates Photos left courtesy of Katabatic Gear; right
more airspace in a sleeping bag, so it isn’t nearly as courtesy of Big Agnes

warm. You can also zip together bags of different

temperature ratings if one person sleeps colder than
the other. Bags can join together if:
TIPS TO STAY WARM: To stay warm
• One bag has a right-hand zipper (bag opens on the at night, pee first. I am not sure why,
right when lying on your back inside the bag) and but it helps. Maybe it’s because you
the other a left-hand zipper. don’t have to expend energy warming
• The zippers are the same size. Most sleeping bag urine in your bladder through the night. It can also help
makers use a number 5 or 8 zipper for sleeping bags. to boil some water, put it in your water bottle, and put
the warmed bottle between your legs in your sleeping bag.
• Zipper lengths are compatible (i.e., both are full- The warm bottle helps warm up blood headed to your feet.
length or half-length zippers). It can also help to eat something, like a couple spoonfuls
• If you want to zip bags together, it usually of peanut butter, to give your body some calories to use
makes it easier if both bags are from the same to heat your body. Also make sure to use the drawstrings
manufacturer. provided in the sleeping bag. Cinch the hood and draft
collar up to prevent the cold air from getting in.

GETTING STARTED
GETTING Fabrics> and
> STARTED SLEEPING
materials
BAGS 31
 Sleeping Bag Features
•
HOODS: A hood on a good mummy bag is inte-
grated and essential. You will lose a lot of body heat
without a hood. Only summer and warm-weather
sleeping bags don’t need a hood. All hoods should
have drawstrings or a cinching system so you can
tighten it down and have it snug around your head
and face if it gets chilly.
DRAFT TUBE: This is crucial in any non-summer
sleeping bag. This insulation-filled baffle runs along
the inside of the zipper, covering it, to prevent • •
drafts passing through zipper teeth or coils.
DRAFT COLLAR: This insulation-filled baffle forms
a yoke around the collar of the bag. It sits atop the
shoulders and neck to help prevent heat from escap-
ing from the bag. It’s usually on bags intended for
below-freezing conditions.
STASH POCKET: Some sleeping bags may have a
little pocket to keep a headlamp or glasses. They are
great for utility, not so great if you roll around while
you sleep.
PAD LOOPS: Some bags and quilts, like Big Agnes
bags, have loops or a sleeve along the bottom to
secure the sleeping pad to the bag so you won’t roll
off it.
TRAPEZOIDAL FOOT-BOX: If you sleep on your
back, you might be interested in this. Most foot-
boxes are shaped flatter. The trapezoidal foot-box is
designed so that your feet can flop out anatomically
while you’re sleeping. It’s not an issue if you sleep on
your side or stomach. •
SLEEPING BAG STRETCH: Montbell has histori-
cally used a patented stretch system in their sleeping
bags. This is a nice feature that allows a bit more
movement and is form fitting to your sleeping bag.
Sierra Designs has licensed the first iteration of this
stretch system, and Montbell uses a newer design.
BAFFLELESS SLEEPING BAG: Allows you to
move the down around to provide more or less
warmth and also prevents cold spots by reducing
seams and pockets from stitching that didn’t have
down in them.
Photos by Russ Sackson
•

32 TRAIL TESTED
SLEEPING BAG LINERS
Sleeping bag liners have a few uses. First, they help
keep your sleeping bag cleaner. You can wash bags
less, which probably helps them last longer. Sec-
ond, liners often add between 5 to 15 degrees of
warmth to your sleeping system.
Some liners claim to add 25 degrees of warmth,
but it depends on what they are made of. You can
sleep in just a sleeping bag liner in hot weather,
which gives your sleeping system more flexibil-
ity. Rectangular sleeping bag liners sometimes are
called travel sheets.

Popular types of sleep liners:

SILK: This is the lightest-weight and most com-
pact. Silk insulates in cold weather and breathes
and absorbs moisture in warm weather. It’s gener-
ally expensive.
COTTON: Cotton is durable and absorbs moisture
well. It also takes longer to dry. It is not very light-
weight or compact. It is reasonably priced.
FLEECE AND MICROFLEECE: Warmer option
and moisture wicking. However, it’s usually heavier lose a little of its insulating ability every day—and
and not very compact. Moderately priced. get heavier. Sleeping in a VBL can get clammy, but
SYNTHETICS (COOLMAX AND MTS): Moisture it is sometimes a necessary evil.
wicking and breathable. Moderately priced.
INSULATED (THERMOLITE REACTOR EX-
POST-TRIP SLEEPING BAG
TREME): This liner can make your sleeping system
CARE
25 degrees warmer. Dries faster than cotton. Price
ranges from moderate to expensive. STORAGE : Never store your sleeping bag in a com-
VAPOR BARRIER LINER: VBLs are used in the pressed compression sack. Most high-quality sleep-
winter or extreme cold conditions. A vapor barrier ing bags come with a larger cotton bag for storage.
liner adds some warmth to the sleeping system. Use that bag so the sleeping bag isn’t compressed at
Such liners prevent your sleeping bag from “wet- all. Storing it compressed ruins the sleeping bag’s
ting out.” When camping in a cold climate, your loft and drastically reduces its lifespan.
body emits moisture and heat that will hit its dew When you return home from using your sleep-
point somewhere within the loft of your sleeping ing bag, lay it out or hang it up for a day or two.
bag. If the weather is cold enough and you can’t dry Flip it over, turn the foot-box inside out, and make
your sleeping bag during the day, use a VBL to pre- sure it is completely dry before you pack it up and
vent moisture from building up in your bag. It can store it.

GETTING STARTED
GETTING Fabrics> and
> STARTED SLEEPING
materials
BAGS 33
 Use the included cotton stuff sack or a dif- gentle, non-detergent soap that helps the down
ferent large cotton sack, since it will breathe and maintain the oils that help it keep its loft. It cleans
allow your bag to stay lofted. Don’t use any sort well without damaging your sleeping bag.
of waterproof or non-breathable sack, which can Always use a front-loading washer when wash-
trap moisture or condensation and possibly lead ing a sleeping bag. It helps to maintain the quality
to mildew. of the insulation without breaking it apart. NEVER
CLEANING: Don’t dry-clean a sleeping bag. This can use a top-loading washer or a washer with an agita-
damage the down or synthetic fill and ruin the loft. tor. Use the gentle cycle and cold water.
When cleaning, use a down-cleaner soap (for Some people prefer to hand-wash their sleep-
example, Gear Aid’s ReviveX Down Cleaner), avail- ing bag in the bathtub. I have had good luck with
able online or at a local gear shop. This is a very front-loading washers. If you’re a hand-washing
aficionado, you should still use the down cleaner
and cool water. Rinse the bag well to ensure all the
soap is gone.
Air-dry your bag (which takes a long time), or
If you need more space in use a front-loading dryer. If you use a dryer, use
your pack, keep your sleeping very low heat or no heat. You don’t want to melt the
bag in a stuff sack or nylon or get the insulation too warm. I have had
compression sack. Over time,
good luck adding a tennis ball or two to the dryer
this can reduce loft in a bag. I try to avoid
while the bag is drying. This helps un-clump the
using a sack for my bag when I can. I just
insulation and re-loft the bag.
push it down into my pack’s garbage-bag
lining, pushing it into the bottom, where
it helps fill in all the bottom corners of the SLEEPING BAG
pack so there is no dead space. MAINTENANCE

RESTORING DWR FINISH: The durable water re-

pellent (DWR) finish on a sleeping bag will wear off
over time. This is pretty easy to restore with a stan-
dard DWR treatment like ReviveX Down Cleaner by
Gear Aid.
TREATING LEAKING DOWN: All bags will lose
a few feathers here and there. Most manufactur-
ers use a tightly woven material for the shell or
a down-proof liner to help prevent this. But it
is inevitable that a bag will lose a few feathers.
Sometimes they’re lost at the seams; other times
the quills poke through the shell or liner. If this
is happening, try to grab the feather through the
opposite side of the sleeping bag and pull it back

Photo by Russ Sackson

34 TRAIL TESTED
in to the bag. The hole should be small and close
up after the feather is pulled back through. If you TRAUMA PICK
can’t do that, the feather is destined to come out. I am 5’11” and pretty lean. I like to use a regular-
A few feathers won’t affect the bag’s performance. length sleeping bag. I really like a traditional
If you’re losing feathers because of a rip in the shell sleeping bag with down on the bottom for most
material, you need to patch it. situations. I have used a quilt and like those for
TREATING FABRIC TEARS: If you are out camp- some conditions, especially in the summertime
ing or hiking, use a patch of nylon repair tape or on the Appalachian Trail. My preference is a
some Tenacious Tape by Gear Aid. I carry a little sleeping bag that stretches with movement or a
bit of Tenacious Tape and duct tape. The Tenacious baffleless sleeping bag.
Tape works really well for gear repairs. It sticks RECOMMENDED BAGS: The entire line of
amazingly well and comes off without leaving any ultralight Montbell sleeping bags, Katabatic Gear
residue, unlike duct tape. Quilts, Western Mountaineering
BROKEN ZIPPER: It is easy to replace a slider. If
the coil is damaged, the repair becomes more compli-
cated. Getting it professionally done by a gear repair the stop was on, if applicable. If there was a stop,
service or tailor is recommended, because the whole replace it, then feed the opposite track tape in and
coil must be removed and replaced with another. It test the zipper. If the stop was just sewn in, insert
is hard to do unless you’re a regular Betsy Ross. both track tapes into the top grooves of the slider,
TO REPLACE THE ZIPPER SLIDER: Get a slider pushing them through to the slider’s bottom. Use a
that matches the one you are removing. Letters pin if needed to work the track tapes through. Pull
printed on the slider tell you the size you need. tapes gently to make sure the slider is sitting even-
If the stop and end are sewn into the bag, use a ly on tracks. With both tapes threaded through the
seam ripper to carefully remove stitching around slider, gently pull it up until the locked track teeth
the lower ends of the zipper tabs. When the zipper’s appear at the bottom. Make sure they track evenly.
end is visible, pry off the metal stop at the bottom If the metal zipper ends were sewn into the
of the zipper. Take care not to tear the tape at the bag itself, sew a new stop at the top of the tracks
base of the zipper teeth, because it can unravel. with needle and thread. Sew the zipper back into
With the stop off, slide the old zipper slider the sleeping bag, following the guidelines of nee-
off. Take the new zipper slider and guide it onto dle holes left from where stitching was removed
the track tape (the coils or teeth). Start on the side for repair.

Illustrations courtesy of Gear Aid

GETTING STARTED
GETTING Fabrics> and
> STARTED SLEEPING
materials
BAGS 35
 Pepper eating dinner on an unnamed pass at the head of
Moody Canyon, Utah, on the Hayduke Trail. What’s the
best thing about the end of a day of hiking?
Eating dinner, getting in your sleeping bag,
going to sleep, waking up, and
eating again!

My sleep system

Pillows in the wild: Some

companies make inflatable
pillows. I believe this is
a completely unnecessary
purchase. It just adds extra weight and
takes up space in your pack. Use your
sleeping bag stuff sack or another sack as
a pillow at night. Fill it with extra clothes.
If you use a hydration bladder, you can add
extra air and place it under your sleeping
bag as another pillow option.

36 TRAIL TESTED
 SLEEPING PADS
Sleeping pads are a critical component to most camping trips, except in the height
of summer. They help with comfort, cushioning, and insulation. A sleeping pad
keeps you from losing a lot of body heat to the ground. If you don’t use one, you
will get chilled, no matter how warm a sleeping bag you are using. The sleeping
bag’s loft will get compressed underneath you, reducing its ability to insulate you,
and the ground will steal all your body heat.

R-VALUE Pepper doesn’t like to go too short with a pad

and prefers a three-quarter-length sleeping pad. I’ll
This is the measure of a pad’s insulative properties. sleep anywhere. I use an extra small pad. Another
The higher the R-value number, the more insulat- buddy, Scott, uses a paper-thin foamie (foam mat-
ing it is, and the warmer you will sleep. tress pad).

SHAPE SLEEPING PAD TYPES

Pads have different shapes. The most common
shapes are mummy (contoured to your body’s SELF-INFLATING PADS: These are pretty popu-
shape) or rectangular. The mummy pad shape helps lar. They’re usually made from open-cell foam that’s
cut down on extra material and saves weight. The sealed inside an airtight, waterproof nylon shell.
type of sleeper you are (back, side, frequent roller, Self-inflating pad pros:
etc.) determines what shape and thickness of a pad ✓ Comfortable.
you will want. ✓ Insulates you from the ground (good R-value).
✓ Adjustable firmness.
SLEEPING PAD ✓ Compact and very packable when not inflated.
CONSIDERATIONS Self-inflating pad cons:
My friend Squeaky prefers a tent and full-length x Typically heavier than foam pads of the
sleeping pad, despite the weight both add to his same size.
pack. He says the weight is worth it because the x More expensive.
most important thing for him is getting a good x Can puncture, but repairs aren’t difficult.
night’s sleep so he feels rested the next day.

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > CHOOSING
STARTED > Sleeping
GEARpads 37
Photos by Russ Sackson

BACKPACKING AIR PADS: Air pads use air for AIR MATTRESSES: These are way too big for
comfort and have to be blown up. Sometimes they backpacking. Air-filled mattresses are usually the
have some foam or insulation incorporated into the size of a regular bed. They’re mainly for car camp-
pad for extra warmth. ing or visiting guests.
Air pad pros: Air mattress pros:
✓ Comfortable. ✓ Very comfortable.
✓ Compact when packed. Air mattress cons:
Air pad cons: x Heavy and bulky.
x Can puncture, but repairs aren’t difficult. x Pump required to inflate.
x Can require a lot of air to blow them up. x Can puncture or leak.
x If uninsulated, they’re not as warm as other x No insulation in the mattress.
pads.

Basic pads made of closed-cell foam.

FOAM PADS:
TRAUMA PICK
Foam pad pros:
I like to use a small or extra-small inflatable
✓ Weight varies depending on size and thickness sleeping pad, with an inch or so of inflation.
but can be very lightweight and the lightest This is enough to keep me comfortable with-
pad system. out lifting my body too high off the ground.
✓ Inexpensive. It packs down small and is lightweight. I like
to fill my pack with my food and use that as
✓ Durable. the lower half of my sleeping pad. I sleep on
✓ Good insulation. my side most of the night so a relatively nar-
row pad works well for me.
Foam pad cons:
RECOMMENDED PADS: Thermarest Pro-
x Not as comfortable.
Lite XS or NeoAir UberLite for three-season
x Not as packable. use, Thermarest XTherm for winter use

38 TRAIL TESTED
Hiking above the clouds on Mount Kenya, Kenya

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics and materials 39

 TENTS
Cooking dinner and enjoying some downtime before
bed. I love sandy campsites and decomposed granite.
They offer great sleeping conditions and are gentle on
the floor of your tent or groundsheet.

FIRST-TIME SETUP:
Whenever you get a new tent
or shelter, take your shelter
out of the stuff sack it is
packaged in and check it out before you
head out on a trip. Set it up at least once
before you head out so you are familiar
with the setup and can do it quickly if
needed. If you don’t, it’s sure to be windy
or raining and dark when you need to set it
up the first time.
Also streamline what was packed in the
stuff sack. There are usually some things in
the stuff sack that you don’t need to carry
in your backpack. By setting up your tent,
you can also check the seams to see if they
are taped with waterproof tape. Sometimes
I will seam seal a brand-new shelter before
I head out on a trip. I also get my guylines
ready and cut to size. This way I know my
shelter is ready to roll and should hold up
in any condition.

A dry run testing out a new tent Photo by Russ Sackson

40 TRAIL TESTED
  AND SHELTERS
Your choice of shelter is a personal preference more than any other gear. It will vary
depending on where and when you are hiking.

CHOOSING A TENT OR Most people will buy a three-season shelter,

SHELTER but four-season shelters are also available. The only
major differences with a four-season shelter are:
Key factors to consider when buying a shelter are:
• They are burlier and stand up to harsher condi-
• The conditions and seasons when you plan to tions like heavy snow.
camp.
• They weigh more than a three-season tent.
• The weight of the shelter. Tent weight varies
• They usually have less ventilation, with a lon-
by features. A typical one-person tent now
ger rainfly that extends closer to the ground
weighs 2 to 3 pounds but can be lighter. A
to protect you from the elements. However,
typical two-person tent can range from 3 to
experienced thru-hikers will use most ultralight
4 pounds. Other shelter options are available
shelters for three seasons and maybe even the
and weigh anywhere from a few ounces to a
winter.
couple pounds—in case you are interested in
alternative ultralight shelters.
Choose a tent for the conditions you expect
• The amount of usable space in the tent and
to encounter. For example, if you expect to hike
the amount of space you need.
in warm, humid weather where it could rain a lot,
• Ease and speed of setup. When you want your
find a shelter with good ventilation to prevent con-
shelter the most, you will often be wet and
densation. A shelter with a lot of mesh panels or
cold and may have lost some dexterity in
other ventilation options is better adapted for that
your fingers. Can you still set up the shelter
climate. An open-air shelter would not be ideal in
quickly so you don’t get hypothermic—or
this climate, since you’re likely to encounter mos-
eaten alive by mosquitoes?
quitoes, blackflies, or no-see-ums.
• How many people will usually sleep in the
As you camp more, you may want different
tent? Are you hiking with other people? Do
shelter systems for the different conditions and
you want to share a shelter or have your
trips you take. For instance, I have an ultralight
own?
one-person tent and a tarp system. Depending
on where I’m headed and when, I choose the best

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics and materials 41

shelter for the trip. Before I hike, I research the
temperatures and weather conditions I’m likely to
encounter—including wind, rain, snow, humidity,
bugs, shade, tree cover, where my route is going,
and whether I’ll be in alpine areas, in forest or open
country, or meadows.
INTERIOR SPACE/TENT SIZE: Get a tent that fits
you without sacrificing too much comfort. After all,
you may be in there for hours—or even all day—if
the weather is bad. Remember, the bigger the tent,
the heavier it is. Balance comfort with weight, and
only get what you need. Vestibule size is important Getting organized at camp in the Himalayas. Don’t be scared
to camp on snow. It often offers comfortable, low-impact
too. It can accommodate wet stuff, shoes, maybe camping. If there’s just a little snow on the ground, brush the
even your pack and a few other things. You don’t area off before you set up your shelter. If there is snowpack,
need extra interior space for that stuff. pack it down and set your tent up on top of it.

Consider how many people you’re likely to camp

with. If it’s just you and your significant other, get Manufacturers usually offer three dimensions
a two-person or even a three-person tent. You can to help people comparison shop: floor dimensions,
always split the weight by having one person carry floor area in square feet, and peak height. These
poles and stakes and the other carry the tent. One help give you an idea of the space in the tent, but
person can carry the whole shelter system and the they don’t really tell you much about its layout and
other the kitchen. design. A wedge-shaped tent has little space at the
Tent sizes are not standardized in the industry. foot end of the tent. The dimensions won’t detail
Like warmth ratings on sleeping bags, what each how steep a tent’s walls are either.
manufacturer calls a one-person or two-person tent
TENT DIMENSIONS: Tents usually aren’t perfectly
is up to them. Most companies assume people want
square or rectangular. This specification shows a
a smaller tent to minimize weight. Look for dimen-
tent’s length and width measurements at their lon-
sions that fit you and your group’s needs. If you’re
gest points. Tents are usually about 84 inches long.
6’6” and the tent is only 6 feet long, you’ll want
This is just enough for a 6’0” person. They might
to consider other options. Most companies figure a
hit the foot and head of the tent a little because
two-person tent has to fit two sleeping pads side by
the walls slope in. Some companies offer longer and
side and more sleeping pads for larger tents.
wider tents for taller people.
Another consideration is being able to sit up-
right in your tent. You’ll usually be lying down FLOOR AREA IN SQUARE FEET: Two tents can
in your tent, but sometimes it’s nice to sit up to be said to have the same floor dimensions but still
change clothes. It is also beneficial if you get stuck have different square footage, oddly enough. The
in the tent all day or have to wait for your food to tent with the smaller square footage usually tapers
finish cooking in bad weather. Many tents shave more toward the foot area. This is also true for the
some weight by slanting the roof from the tent’s square footage of vestibules. This figure is a mea-
high point or by lowering the high point of the tent sure of the total footprint of the tent. It doesn’t fac-
so more of it can be at the same height. tor in the slope of the walls and actual usable area.

42 TRAIL TESTED
PEAK HEIGHT: Peak height is measured at the PACKED SIZE: This is the manufacturer’s figure
highest spot inside the tent. It usually considers for the amount of space the tent and components
that a person’s head is round. Peak height is there- will take up in your pack. It’s not important.
fore measured around an 8-inch-diameter ball.
This translates into the useful peak height, even
though some tents may still have a higher point. TENT FEATURES
Peak height does not factor in the slope of the walls Terms and information you should be familiar with
or any other figures for the tent’s size. to find the best tent or shelter for your needs:
All of these numbers give you a good base for
STAKES: All tents come with stakes. These stakes
comparison. However, nothing is quite as good as
are never the lightest-weight ones on the market.
seeing the tents in person. Look at how they’re set
There are tons of different-shaped stakes. Most
up, and sit in them to truly gauge their comfort.
shelters take about six stakes. If you really want to
Shop around. Read user and online reviews. Do
set it up stout, bring and guy it out, you may need
not rely on just magazine reviews. Get a good look
to bring a couple more. I usually carry six ultra-
at numerous designs, compare the weights, and test
light titanium stakes and then two others—regular
them out in person. All of this will ensure you’ve
stakes that came with my shelter that are shaped
got the right tent for you.
differently. If a certain stake shape isn’t working
MINIMUM WEIGHT: This is the total weight of the with the ground, I have options and a few extras.
tent, the body, rainfly, and poles. This is the tent’s
GEAR LOFT: A mesh “shelf” that attaches inside a
essentials, minus stakes. This makes up the weight
tent’s top. This is not mandatory, but it’s helpful on
of what you will be carrying. When comparing tents,
certain trips. It’s a great place to hang damp gear to
I’d recommend using this figure for comparison.
dry at night. It could be helpful for winter camping
PACKED WEIGHT: This is the weight of every- and overnight ski touring trips.
thing packaged with the tent when you get it from
POCKETS: Some tents have sleeves or interior
the store. You can disregard this number, because
stash pockets for glasses, headlamps, books, or
chances are you’re not carrying everything that
other things. You can find things easily in the dark,
comes with the tent on your hike. The package
and they won’t clutter your tent. Ultralight tents
weight includes the instruction manual, a replace-
don’t have pockets in order to save weight. I don’t
ment pole segment, and other things you may not
think there is any need for pockets. I usually just
carry on your trek.
put my hat or visor on the side of the tent and keep
all of my things in the hat.
VENTILATION: Ventilation can be key to comfort
depending on where and when you are hiking. On a
humid or cold night, moisture can build up on the
inside of the tent. If enough builds up, it can form
drops big enough to fall on you—not ideal. In some
conditions condensation is inevitable, but tents
with good ventilation can help prevent it.
VENTED RAINFLIES: Some tents, mostly four-
Seam-sealing preparation of the shelters
we were going to use before heading out season tents, have some type of rainfly vent. This is
on a winter Pacific Crest Trail trip

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > Fabrics
STARTED > TENTSand
ANDmaterials
SHELTERS 43
 Photos by Russ Sackson

POLES: Most backpacking tent poles are made of

aluminum. Aluminum poles are good because they
are durable and have a high strength-to-weight
ratio. All aluminum poles are anodized in order
to resist corrosion and make them more durable.
Aluminum poles are also made with various grades
of aluminum, from 1000 series to 9000 series. The
series depends on the alloys used in the alumi-
num. The alloy plays a key role in the strength
known as a chimney vent. It helps a little in rainy, and durability of the compound. The 6000 and
humid weather and on cold winter nights. I think 7000 series poles are standard. The 7000 series
you will still get a lot of condensation with these. aluminum is the standard for high-end tents. The
VESTIBULE: The area the rainfly covers that isn’t DAC Featherlite NSL poles use a very high-grade
part of your sleeping area. Vestibules are handy for aluminum that is used in airplanes. It is strong,
cooking, storing wet gear, shoes, or even your dog. flexible, and lightweight.
It’s nice to have at least some sort of vestibule on POLE SLEEVES/POLE CLIPS: Most tents use a
a tent. clip system to connect the poles to the tent body.
MESH PANELS: Some tents have a lot of mesh It is much lighter than a fabric sleeve, which most
panels; some don’t. It’s a personal preference. Mesh tents used in the past. Some cheaper tents still
helps ventilate the tent so condensation collects on use a sleeve, but in my opinion, sleeves are just
the fly instead of the interior. Mesh is also nice for a pain to deal with and add unnecessary weight.
stargazing if you don’t set up the rainfly. The big- The clips create a larger airspace between the tent
gest benefit of mesh is keeping bugs out. and the fly, increasing ventilation and minimiz-
Remember that mesh weighs more than ing condensation.
lightweight nylon and can actually increase tent
weight over tents with less mesh. Mesh can also
let in spindrift (blowing snow) or sand if you’re in
those conditions.
DOORS: Some tents have side doors; others, front
doors. Some two-person tents have two doors, one
on each side. This is a little more convenient, so
you don’t have to wake your partner if you have to
go outside at night. Then again, who isn’t going to
wake up in a tent when someone gets up and unzips POLE HUBS: Pole hubs are a great addition to pole
the door? Two doors also help with cross ventila- technology. The pole hub has led to many new de-
tion. In a tent you will get some airflow no mat- velopments in tents. It is a connector that allows
ter what. That being said, if you are watching your one pole to do the work of multiple poles. It helps
pack weight, don’t get a tent with two doors. It adds with organization, speeds and eases setup, and
a fair amount of weight and isn’t really necessary. makes for a lighter-weight tent.

44 TRAIL TESTED
 Setting up in a bitter, cold gale-force
wind in the Indian Himalayas

Unexpected company at my campsite

in the Indian Himalayas

Photo by Russ Sackson

GUY-OUT POINTS: Guy-out points are reinforced

spots on a tent or tarp where you can attach a cord
(guyline) to keep the tent taut. In tents with rain-
flies, it keeps the fly from sagging into the interior,
which helps prevent condensation by improving
ventilation. Guylines also help keep a tent tight
during wind and snow.
Some tents have guylines with reflective mate-
rial. It’s a little bonus so you don’t kick or trip over
the line at night.
FOOTPRINTS: A piece of material to protect the
base of a tent. Most tent brands sell this as an ac-
cessory. You can make your own easily. Either
way, make sure the footprint matches the exact

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > Fabrics
STARTED > TENTSand
ANDmaterials
SHELTERS 45
dimensions of the tent floor—or is even smaller. If camping in remote areas, though, they can help
Any bigger and it can draw water under the tent’s rescue crews find you.
floor when it’s raining. One side is coated with a My personal preference is a tent or shelter that
waterproof treatment. It’s usually the shinier side isn’t overly bright. I don’t like obtrusive color. I
of the material. Place that side up. It will make the would rather blend into the surroundings so that
footprint wear better and stay waterproof longer. my tent doesn’t affect other people’s scenery or de-
You don’t need a footprint if you carefully tract from the natural setting. Also, I often have
choose your campsite and clean it before setting to throw up my shelter in less than ideal places,
up your tent. A footprint just adds weight to called stealth camping. Whether it be near a road,
your pack. dirt road, or near private property, I would rather
FLY/FOOTPRINT OPTION/QUICK SETUP: Some be more inconspicuous. However, I will not choose
tents have a fast setup option. With these you use my shelter based on the color. The most important
tent poles and the vestibule or rainfly to set it up things are the shelter design and functionality.
first. This shelters you while you put the rest to- FREESTANDING: There are some technicalities,
gether underneath. I have tents with this feature and people always argue about the definition of a
but have never actually had to use it. The one ad- freestanding tent. It is a tent that can stand on
vantage of doing this would be if it was raining. its own and doesn’t necessarily need to be staked
Then you could set it up quick and get under it out. This is usually because the tent pole provides
easily. Once set up, you can hook up the interior of enough support. Just because a tent is freestand-
the tent from underneath the fly. You might be able ing doesn’t mean you will not need to or want to
to keep the interior of your tent from getting wet. stake or guy it out. It just means that if you are
If it’s a quick-setup rainfly, you can save weight throwing it up really fast to get some peace of mind
by not carrying the tent interior. I think this fea- at lunch on a buggy day, you won’t need to put the
ture is pointless. If you aren’t going to set up the stakes in. A freestanding tent is very nice for some
tent interior for bug protection, why not just use trips and conditions. If the soil is really rocky or
a tarp? you are camped on smooth rock, and it isn’t bad
SHELTER COLOR: Color greatly affects the sales
of a tent. If a company uses the right colors, a tent
often sells well, despite if it’s a good or bad shel-
ter. But the shelter color can have a greater impact
than most people think.
Lighter shelter colors allow morning sun to
enter and light it up. Dark shelter colors block more
sun, keeping the interior darker but heating it up.
Dark colors fade faster and are more likely to suf-
fer from ultraviolet damage, especially if a tent is
often left up during the day.
Earth-toned tents blend into the landscape
and aren’t as intrusive to other people in the back-
country. Brightly colored tents can be an eyesore. A freestanding tent Photo courtesy of Montbell

46 TRAIL TESTED
weather or windy, you might not have to deal with Using a Mountain Laurel Designs ultralight tepee
driving stakes in or piling rocks onto guylines. tent in the Nepalese Himalayas—saving weight and
staying dry in the biggest mountains in the world
Photo by Shawn Forry

ULTRALIGHT/MINIMALIST
TENTS AND SHELTERS
Some people think ultralight or minimalist shel-
ters are just for serious ounce and gram counters.
I think the variety of minimal and ultralight shel-
ters available these days meets almost everybody’s
needs and wants.
There aren’t many reasons not to get an ultra-
light or lightweight shelter. Many tent designs are
similar to mainstream tents, just lighter. Ultralight
shelters typically save weight by using lightweight
fabrics—usually a lower-denier nylon. The tent
may be a little more expensive and slightly less du-
rable, but if you take care of your equipment, it
shouldn’t make a difference.
When using an ultralight tent, try to choose
a good campsite. I usually use an ultralight tent
when I don’t use a tarp. Typically I’ll use a form of
the Big Agnes Fly Creek 1. I never use a footprint,
and I have never ripped the floor of the tent. If you
choose a good campsite and clear rocks, pine nee-
dles and cones, and other sharp objects, you should
have no problems.

SINGLE-WALL TENTS: Most tents are double-

walled. They have an interior body and a separate
rainfly. Single-wall tents consist of a waterproof
main body, so you don’t need a separate rainfly.
Single-wall tent pros:
✓ Often lighter than double-walled tents.
Single-wall tent cons:
x When not designed with adequate ventilation,
condensation can be a problem, particularly in
humidity or cold weather.

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > Fabrics
STARTED > TENTSand
ANDmaterials
SHELTERS 47
HYBRID TENTS: A cross between a single-wall and These shelters don’t have a floor, so they are
double-wall tent, a single-walled tent with double usually lighter than tents and provide more cov-
walls at the vestibule and foot ends with a mesh ered space for less weight.
interior. It helps ventilate the tent and reduce con- Tarp pros:
densation.
✓ These are the lightest shelters available.
Hybrid pros: ✓ They are compact and packable.
✓ Can be lighter than a double-wall tent.
Tarp cons:
Hybrid cons: x You may need to carry a separate groundsheet
x Likely to allow more condensation than a dou- and bug protection—if the place and season
ble-wall tent, an issue in humid climates. require it.
x They’re not for people who can’t deal with
TARPS, TARP SHELTERS, AND FLOORLESS bugs, or prefer to feel enclosed in a tent.
TENTS: Tarps are basically a piece of fabric with x They also don’t provide as much coverage in
stake-out points, allowing you to tie the tarp up stormy weather.
between trees or trekking poles. Tarp shelters and x Make sure to get comfortable with setting up
floorless tents are usually single-walled shelters well before using in the backcountry.
without a floor. None of these is like the heavy
tarps at the hardware store you buy to cover up HAMMOCKS: Backpacking hammocks, like the
something at your house so it doesn’t get wet. Most Hennessy Hammock, are another lightweight shel-
use lightweight, state-of-the-art fabric, usually ei- ter option. They have a rainfly and mesh bug net-
ther silnylon or DCF. ting to protect you from the elements—and bugs.
Hammock pros:
✓ Fairly lightweight, compact, and packable.
Hammock cons:
x Without trees or a strong sturdy connector
point on both sides, you’re out of luck.
x It takes a little while to get used to sleeping in
a hammock.
x In cold or windy weather, hammocks can get
cooler than tents because cold air can flow all
around you.
x You may need a colder bag or longer sleeping
pad. This will add more weight to your pack.

BUG SHELTERS: Usually just bug-proof mesh.

Some have poles. Some you tie to a tree branch.
Some have floors, but most just drape to the ground
to prevent mosquitoes, blackflies, and no-see-ums
Setting up my tarp on the
Benton MacKaye Trail, Georgia from getting in.

48 TRAIL TESTED
 SEAMS AND SEAM SEALER
Shelters are made of waterproof materials—at
least on the rainfly and floor. The needle puncture
caused by sewing the different pieces of fabric of
a shelter can lead to water seepage in rainy condi-
tions. These seams need to be sealed with a water-
proofing material.
Most brand-name tent makers use a water-
proof tape to make sure the seams are watertight.
Bug shelter pros:
They don’t need to be seam-sealed—at least not
✓ Usually fairly light, and there is nothing like at purchase. Some lightweight shelters, however,
keeping away from bugs when they’re out with need seam-sealer to make them bomber (super-
a vengeance. waterproof).
Bug shelter cons: As a shelter gets older, waterproofing can fail.
x Another thing to carry. Unless you can inte- You may need to apply seam-sealer to keep it wa-
grate it with your primary shelter, it’s only use- tertight. But don’t worry, it’s easy to use. Usually
ful in good weather. you just have to tape both sides of the area, push
seam-sealer out of the tube (like toothpaste), apply
BIVVY SACKS (short for bivouac sack): A bivvy is it evenly with the brush, remove the tape, and let
a thin, waterproof cover for you and your sleeping it dry—follow the directions. I’ll usually seam-seal
bag. The top and bottom of bivvy sacks are usu- a tarp even before I use It.
ally made out of waterproof material. The top is a
breathable fabric. Some models add extra headroom TENT TIPS
with a pole in the head area and mesh netting to
keep the bugs out. Bivvy sacks can be confining. QUALITY VS. DISCOUNT TENTS: Why buy a
They are a good lightweight option if you’re sleep- brand-name tent when you can get a cheaper tent
ing alone and expecting mild weather at Walmart or another discount store? It’s simple:
These can also complement a tarp-sleeping You get what you pay for! If you’re going backpack-
system—if your tarp is small. When used with a ing, don’t go cheap. For car-camping, cheap tents
tarp system, it will give you added protection are fine, but for backpacking, they’re not! You’re
against spindrift, raindrops, and windchills, and it out to have fun, and a low-quality tent might not
can add about 10 degrees to your sleep system. withstand weather conditions. You could needless-
Bivvy pros: ly risk your life in a cheap tent. Brand-name tents
are lighter. They have better materials and designs
✓ Packs well, saves space and weight.
and are built to last longer.
Bivvy cons:
EXTRA POLE PIECE: Most tents come with a
x Confining. Not for the claustrophobic. short pole section in addition to the rest of the
x No room to sit up and change clothes. poles. This is a repair sleeve. You can use it as a
x Bug exposure. splint on a pole that cracks or breaks. If that hap-
pens, you can slide the section over the damaged

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > Fabrics
STARTED > TENTSand
ANDmaterials
SHELTERS 49
 part of the pole and secure it in place with duct REMOVING STUCK STAKES: If you can’t get a
tape, providing support for the broken pole section. tent stake out by pulling on it directly, pull it from
There is no need to carry that for a “just in case” the webbing or cord on the tent for extra leverage.
situation. I have never carried this pole sleeve, nor You can also loosen it by wiggling it side to side or
have I ever broken a pole. However, if I did, I would knocking it back and forth with a rock.
likely duct-tape the damaged pole to give it support STAKING A TENT ON LOOSE GROUND: If you
or tape a section of my trekking pole to the dam- are camping in sand, rocky terrain, or snow, there
aged section to brace it for the night. are specific stakes or methods you can use to stake
PACKING THE POLES: Trying to put tent poles out your tent. Try piling rocks on top of the stakes
back into their bag can be frustrating. If there are to make them hold, or fill a couple of stuff sacks
two or more tent poles, put them in at the same with sand or snow, or bury them and tie them to
time, or put one in, slide it back out a few inches, the stake-out points of your tent to anchor it. You
and then put the other(s) in. This helps keep the can tie cord to the stake-out loops on one end and
pole’s bungee cord from catching on the bag and to a rock a foot or two away on the other. Then pile
helps it slide in better. a few rocks on the cord in between the tent and the
DEALING WITH WET SHELTERS: Before packing rock it’s tied to.
up a wet tent or tarp, shake it out. This helps re-
duce the amount of water on the fabric, reducing TENT CARE TIPS
its weight and lessening the chance of mustiness or
mildew on your tent. There are a number of steps you can take to make
your tent last longer on and off the trail.

On-trail tent care tips:

A very precarious spot for a toilet tent.
Keep your campsite safe from hazards! PACKING YOUR TENT: When packing your tent,
Everest Base Camp, Nepal. stuff it into a stuff sack instead of folding it. It
ensures you don’t fold it the same way each time.
Folding it the same way each time can create a
crease that weakens the fabric and wears out the
waterproofing.
POLE CARE: Be gentle with your tent poles when
setting up and breaking down. Don’t toss them out,
trying to get all the sections to click into place
when setting up. Do each section manually. It plac-
es less stress on the poles and shock cord. When
breaking down the tent poles, break them in the
center first. This helps reduce the stress on the
shock cord in the pole when it’s stretched out.
UV: If setting up camp early or leaving it up for a
day or more, choose a shady spot. It minimizes ul-
traviolet exposure and helps keep your tent cooler.

50 TRAIL TESTED
Taking a break and waiting out a thunderstorm on the Continental
Divide Trail in 2004. A lot of thunderstorms roll in during the after-
noon in the Rockies. If you are headed above tree line, be prepared to
wait them out.

If there are no shady spots available, put your rain- are good because you won’t impact a new area.
fly on. It handles ultraviolet light better than the Usually they’re already cleared, smooth, and level
rest of the tent. with no vegetation. Check and remove sharp ob-
WIND DIRECTION: When setting a shelter up in jects or anything else that could hurt the fabric.
the wind, figure out which direction the wind is Clear pinecones, pine needles, rocks and sticks,
blowing and set it up with the narrow end, usually etc., from where you pitch your shelter. When you
the foot end, into the wind. Don’t start attaching leave, spread around some duff (leaves and twigs)
the poles until after the tent is entirely staked out. to make it look like the site was never used.
Setting up your tent this way uses the tent’s aero- KEEP IT CLEAN: Keep shoes outside the tent in
dynamics so it doesn’t get broadsided, doesn’t put the vestibule when possible. It helps keep the shel-
too much pressure on the poles, and keeps it qui- ter clean and prevents unnecessary wear.
eter, since the material won’t flap around as much. TAKE DOWN: When breaking down a shelter,
SPINDRIFT: When camping in snow and wind, shake it out first. Remove any pine needles or other
build a wall of snow on the windward side of the sharp debris from the inside. This helps prevent
tent to break the wind. Position the tent so the door the chance of small punctures that can occur when
is opposite the wall. Pile snow up around the rain- such items are left in the tent. And you won’t carry
fly’s bottom. This helps stop spindrift from blowing any extra weight.
under the rainfly and vestibule. AIR IT OUT: If your tent is wet, try to air it out, and
CLEARING A SPOT: Choose good campsites to shake it off before you leave for the day. If it’s still
save the floor of the tent. Established campsites wet, lay it in the sun during a break.

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > Fabrics
STARTED > TENTSand
ANDmaterials
SHELTERS 51
Off-trail tent care tips:
STORAGE: Never store a tent when it’s wet or
moist. The tent will get mildew, will smell horrible,
and eventually be ruined. Make sure your gear is
dry when stored. Store tents and other gear loosely
and not in tight stuff sacks.
CLEANING: NEVER machine wash or machine dry
a tent or shelter. It could ruin it. Use cold water,
a nonabrasive sponge and a non-detergent soap,
like Revivex or a Gear Aid product for tents. Gently
wash the tent by hand. Don’t use any household
cleaners. Rinse the tent thoroughly and then set it
up in a shady spot to air-dry.
Mildew in your tent:
Never let your tent get mildew! It’s bad for the tent
and smells horrible. If your tent gets mildew, try to
get rid of it with the following:
1. Clean it as mentioned above, scrubbing the area
lightly.
2. Use MiraZyme by Gear Aid diluted with water. If
only a small area needs treatment, scrub it with a
sponge soaked in the mix. If a larger area, mix the
MiraZyme and water in a bathtub, and dip the whole
tent in the tub.
3. Set the tent up to dry. If you’re a light sleeper
and hiking a well-traveled
4. If it’s still smelly, mix 1 gallon of hot water, 1 cup
trail or section and plan on
of salt, and 1 cup of lemon juice concentrate. Rub
sleeping in shelters with
the mixture onto the areas with mildew.
other hikers, make sure to bring some
5. Setthe tent up again, allowing it to air-dry. This foam earplugs!
should take care of the smell. The stain will remain.

TRAUMA PICK
My shelter choice varies depending on the season weighs less than 2.5 pounds. I have also used these
and location of travel. During most three-season tents and various tarps during the winter.
camping, I will use a DCF tarp because of its weight-
RECOMMENDED TENTS/TARPS: Big Agnes Fly
to-space ratio. If the bugs are going to be miserable,
Creek HV1 or Fly Creek HV 2 if you like a tent, Moun-
I will also bring a bit of bug netting to drape inside
tain Laurel Designs Patrol Shelter (in DCF), Mountain
the tarp or tie up to a tree. If the terrain is going
Laurel Designs Solomid or Duomid (in DCF), Mountain
to be mostly exposed, open, windy, and buggy, I
Laurel Designs Flat Tarp (in DCF). If you want a bug
will consider a one-person double-walled tent that
insert for certain seasons on your tarp, you can add
weighs less than 2 pounds. If there are two people
that optionality through MLD.
on the trip, I will take the two-person version that

52 TRAIL TESTED
 Sleeping Well
Know how you sleep and the capabilities of your shel-
ter and sleeping bag. Some ultralighters carry a small
Your sleep system should be flexible depending on the
tarp and also carry a bivvy for a little more protection,
seasons. Here are some tips for making sure you’ve got
which adds versatility to their sleep system.
the best gear for your trip.
IT ALL ADDS UP
NORMAL ULTRALIGHT SLEEP SYSTEM
Tents, bivvys, and sleeping bag liners can each
A lightweight foam pad or short or half-length inflat-
increase the temperature of your sleep system by 10
able pad. Pack is used as the lower half of your
degrees. If you’re using any of these, adjust your sleep
sleeping pad. Sleeping bag for the low temperatures
system accordingly.
expected during the trip. Slightly warmer if using a
tent, bivvy, or sleeping bag liner. Beanie, insulated TIPS FOR A LITTLE EXTRA WARMTH ON A
jacket, socks for sleeping, and clothes to sleep in at COLD NIGHT:
night, increasing the warmth of your sleeping bag. • Find a campsite out of the wind.
Some people carry a small foamie, which they place • Urinate before going to sleep. This helps keep your
under their inflatable pad for extra warmth when body warm.
they’re winter camping. • Boil some water, put it in a water bottle, and place
the water bottle between your legs in the sleeping
bag (make sure the bottle won’t leak and isn’t hot
enough to burn you).
• Cinch the hood on your sleeping bag up and cinch
the draft collar. If it’s really chilly, cinch it up until
only your nose and mouth are exposed.
• Eat a snack.
• Sleep on your side.
• Do some push-ups and jumping jacks and then get
into your sleeping bag.
• Pull your beanie down as far as it will go on your
head or over your face.
• Usually your feet are the first part of your body to
get cold. You can double up on sleep socks to keep
your feet warmer or put on a second pair of pants
but sag them low so they drape over your feet.
• If your feet are getting cold, it can also help to put
the foot of your sleeping bag into your pack to add
an extra layer of warmth.
• If you have any extra clothes, either put them on or
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT CHECK THE WEATHER stuff them in the dead spaces of your sleeping bag
for insulation.
If you’re going for an extended period, look back at his-
torical temperature data to get an idea of the weather • Clear nights are the coldest. If you think it is going
patterns in the region during your time frame. Pay to be a clear, cold night, sleep under a tree with
attention to the overnight lows. Bring gear designed some low-lying branches. A good conifer works well.
for those conditions (e.g., a sleeping bag with the right It helps trap and reflect some of the long-wave radi-
temperature rating, a sleeping pad with the proper ation back toward the earth. This will keep it a little
R-value, and clothes to bolster your sleep system). warmer under the branches during the night.

GETTING
GETTING
STARTED > Fabrics
STARTED > TENTSand
ANDmaterials
SHELTERS 53
Ascending Deerhorn Saddle along a variation
of the Sierra High Route ski route in the
High Sierra, CA

54 TRAIL TESTED
 CHAPTERPOLES
TREKKING HEAD
Trekking poles are standard, especially among long-distance hikers. You might
feel dorky or clumsy when you start using them, but they can be very handy. They
can double as tent poles for a lot of ultralight shelters, thereby saving weight in
your pack.

Carbon fiber is lighter and more expensive than TREKKING POLE FEATURES
aluminum. Most carbon fiber poles weigh between
13 and 18 ounces. They are strong but can snap LOCKING MECHANISMS: Some adjustable poles
under torque or during a fall. When they break they lock into place with a twisting mechanism. Turn
usually splinter and can be harder to repair than the section to the right to lock it and left to un-
aluminum poles. lock it. Overtightening can ruin the mechanism so
I’ve broken sections on both types of poles, and that the pole is no longer adjustable. Other poles
neither stands up to certain stresses. However, most are locked into place with an external lever mecha-
companies will service a broken aluminum section nism. There are also some poles that collapse like
under warranty without a problem. It can be a little an accordion. This design was taken from ava-
hard to exercise a warranty claim on carbon fiber. lanche probes and locks from the top. It is getting
more popular from the manufacturers, but not my
FIXED OR ADJUSTABLE preference for hiking poles since they don’t pack up
as compactly when stashed.
Some poles are fixed length with just one section. They are all proprietary but similar in terms of
These need to be fitted when bought. Others are keeping the pole locked in place. I think the twist-
adjustable and made of up to three sections. Poles lock is lighter and sleeker than any of the external
with multiple sections are adjustable to fit your locking mechanisms, but the industry has trended
needs. They collapse into a smaller pole for carry- more toward the external locking mechanisms.
ing, which is convenient, but they weigh slightly They’re a little easier to adjust on the fly, less prone
more. Adjustable poles, though slightly heavier, are to breaking, and the locking mechanisms are more
usable for multiple purposes and allow you to cus- durable, so they’re probably better when adjust-
tomize them for different terrains. ing your poles daily for hiking and then setting up
your shelter at night.
PRICE
GRIPS: Shape and feel vary by brand. Some are
The material the poles are made out of determines
designed specifically for the left or right hand.
the price. Carbon fiber is the most expensive.
Cork, foam, or rubber are used for the grips. Cork

GETTING STARTED > Fabrics and materials 55

Using a trekking pole to
measure a bear track

One way to get creative

when trying to stake out
your tent in rocky terrain
Photo by Shawn Forry

Pepper doing the limbo through

a natural arch in Bryce Canyon

56 TRAIL TESTED
resists moisture, breaks in well, and conforms well USING WRIST STRAPS
to the hand. It also reduces vibration. Foam is very
comfortable and soft, but it absorbs moisture. Rub- Used correctly, the straps help bear the load and
ber also absorbs vibration. It is mainly used for ski keep the pole in your hand. Most people use wrist
poles because it insulates in the winter but can cre- straps incorrectly. If it’s comfortable for them,
ate friction and blisters in warm weather. then it works. Here’s how to use them correctly:
Some poles have foam grips that extend below
1. Put your hand through the bottom of the strap—
the main position. I had poles with this feature but
never used it. If you’re not sure you want it, I’d say not the top.
pass on it. It adds weight to the pole. 2. Grip the pole.
WRIST STRAPS: Wrist straps on most poles are 3. Then tighten the strap.
adjustable. After a while, they will customize to
your wrist and hand. Choose a comfortable wrist
strap that doesn’t rub or chafe your hand or wrist.
BASKETS: Baskets are the circles above the pole
tips. They keep the pole from sinking too far into
wet ground. Trekking pole baskets are usually
smaller than ski-pole baskets. They’re removable
and replaceable for different conditions. They are
used in hiking or snowshoeing.
POLE TIPS: Most poles have carbide or steel tips,
and they last a long, long time. They also come
with rubber tips you can use if you’re Nordic walk-
ing or using your poles on a road.

USING TREKKING POLES

Your elbow should be bent at a 90-degree angle
when you plant the pole. You don’t want to put all
your weight on it but instead use it to offset some
of your weight as you walk. With adjustable poles,
try to make sure each section is at roughly the
same length and none are extended near to their
end or their maximum limit.
Some people shorten their poles when they
go uphill and lengthen them when they are going
downhill. This compensates for the change in dis-
tance your upper body has in
relation to the ground when
hiking on an incline. Photos by Russ Sackson

GETTING GETTING > Fabrics

STARTED STARTED > TREKKING
and materials
POLES 57
POLING TECHNIQUE V2 (YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9PJZH_65-I4):
In skiing, this is two double-pole pushes for each
It recently popped into my mind as I was out on full stroke cycle of both leg pushes. So each single
my first cross-country ski of the year the other skate push is accompanied by a double-pole push.
day. I am an avid skate skier and strider during the Used in a range of situations except high-resistance
winter and have subconsciously crossed over much and very high-speed situations. Note that the ini-
of my trekking pole technique from these sports. tial pole plant happens just before the ski is set
A lot of power is generated from poling in skiing, back down on the snow.
but I feel they could be used more efficiently in I mention this method because of the timing
trekking. I haven’t heard specifics of the topic dis- and pole plant timing. It is not used often. Main-
cussed much in the hiking community, so I figured ly this will be used in trekking in slow downhill
I would address this area. situations to brace yourself and prevent impact on
I will also use a similar method of naming and your legs and knees as you step down steep steps or
association. through steep, tricky terrain. It is hard to get two
SINGLE STICKING: This would be typical walk- pole plants in per leg stroke cycle while trekking
ing where your left-hand pole is planted as your left on normal ground.
foot lands and your right pole is planted as your V2 ALTERNATIVE (ALSO KNOWN AS V2 ALT.)
right foot falls, or vice versa. This is the normal sys- (YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=HXERUS42BBI):
tem. This adds slight efficiency to propel yourself This differs from regular V2 because you are just
forward—I’d say less than 15 percent, even with a poling on one side. Again the pole placement is
good push-off—but does take some of the strain right before your footfall.
off your legs from the repetition of walking and on I often use this technique on nontechnical ter-
descents. It is especially valuable on steep descents rain and well-graded trails, or while road walking. It
(but I still find myself using the V2 Alternative more works especially well on dirt or gravel roads when I
often on the steepest of descent). am trying to get into the 3- to 4-mile-per-hour target
V1 (YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=J50I6STJYHO): speed and maintain that. The single push-off of the
In skating, this is where you make one double-pole double pole at the time of your footfall propels you
push for each full stroke cycle of both leg pushes— forward through your full stride cycle, while also giv-
with no distinct “glide” phase on the poling-side ski ing you enough recovery time between pole strokes.
before the pole push starts. In skiing this is often
used in high-resistance lower speed situations, and
the poling takes place as your foot lands. See the
video link above for details. Never use just one trekking
I often use this technique while grinding up pole or hiking stick unless
hills or on steeper terrain. I will pole with both you have no choice because
poles to carry me through a full stroke cycle of one broke. Not using both
both leg pushes. It is a slow and steady motion that defeats the purpose. You’re not lessening
keeps a constant flow uphill. the stress on your joints as much. One pole
I also sometimes use this technique on slow, will not help you balance as well as two
technical downhills that require concentration on
can. If your shelter requires a trekking pole
for setup, you’ll want to have a second pole
your foot and pole plants.
as a backup.

58 TRAIL TESTED
QUICKLY STASH YOUR
POLES
There will be many times when you need to put
your poles away in order to use your hands. It is
a waste of energy to take your pack off to stash
them. Here’s how I do it:

1. Loosen a shoulder strap, and slide your poles be-

tween the strap and your body.

2. Thread the sternum strap through the wrist

straps of the trekking poles.

3. Clip the sternum strap buckle and you are ready

to go.

Pepper hating life and giving in to the Dirty Devil—

quicksand in the Dirty Devil River, Utah.

Photos by Russ Sackson

GETTING STARTED > TREKKING POLES 59

POLE MAINTENANCE OTHER HANDY USES FOR
TREKKING POLES
The most common problem with adjustable trek-
king poles is slipping sections when a locking • Balancing while river crossing or walking on
mechanism fails under pressure. This doesn’t nec- narrow logs to keep your shoes dry.
essarily mean it’s broken, but it likely needs some • Scratching legs or swatting flies and mosqui-
maintenance. Locking mechanisms on adjustable toes off your legs while walking.
poles never need lubrication or WD-40. • Setting up your tarp.
For poles with an internal locking mecha-
• Makeshift tent stakes/deadman.
nism, preventive care can keep the problem from
• Aerating soil.
happening. It’s simple: Clean your poles regu-
larly and you will extend their life significantly. • Scratching your back.
Manufacturers might recommend some different • Reduces swelling in hands while hiking.
steps. Generally, loosen then separate each sec-
tion; remove any dirt or moisture in the locking
mechanism with a dry, soft nylon brush—an old
toothbrush works nicely—then let them air-dry
and put your poles back together. I stash my poles on my pack
If your pole has an external locking mecha- and carry them when it is
nism that is slipping, it can usually be tightened raining, snowing, or on a
via a screw on the locking mechanism. Turning the chilly morning. I can keep
screw to the right tightens it to reduce the chance my hands warm in my pockets or in the
of slippage. Tightened too much, however, the lever sleeves of my rain jacket. I may also stash
won’t close easily. It should be firm to close but not them when on a long road walk so I can
overly tight. read a book while walking. On talus or
Pole tips and grips can be replaced if necessary. when rock hopping, it is easier to stash
Companies are usually very good about their war- your poles in case you have to scramble.
ranties if you break a pole section or experience If you have them out, it’s a classic time
other problems. to wedge them between rocks and break
a pole.

TIP
For a winter trip it can be helpful to
add a slope angle gauge, like found at
poleclinometer.com on to your pole.
For basically no added weight this can
give you an idea of the slope angle in
avalanche terrain. Scrambling across rocks to get water on the
Florida Trail

60 TRAIL TESTED
TRAUMA PICK
I like to use ultralight carbon fiber or aluminum
trekking poles with three sections. They will col-
lapse small enough to stow on the outside of my
pack if it is raining or cold. I do not like the trek-
king poles that collapse like an avalanche probe
because they do not fit inside of themselves and
therefore don’t pack as small. I think a basket is
mandatory because it helps prevent snapping a
section on certain types of terrain and provides
a little swing weight.
RECOMMENDED POLES: Leki carbon fiber
three-piece poles for most summer trips. If doing
cross-country or technical trips or winter trips, I
consider switching to aluminum-shaft Leki poles.

GETTING STARTED Fabrics

GETTING >STARTED > TREKKING
and materials
POLES 61
 TRAUMA PICK
During most conditions, I like to use a lightweight
trail running shoe. I like trail runners because
they minimize the break in time, dry faster, fit
better, and are much lighter. I expect to have wet
shoes at some point on a hike, and I’d much rather
have wet trail runners than wet boots.
RECOMMENDED SHOES: Personal prefer-
ence based on your foot specs. I have a narrow
foot and have had good luck with Vasque trail
runners, Salomon, and Garmont. Unfortunately,
models seem to change every year, and from my
One way to break in shoes! Not really, but when experience often durability can be highly vari-
you are long-distance hiking, get used to wet, able even within different production runs of the
dirty, stinky, and plain old nasty shoes. same shoes.
HIKING FOOTWEAR
Getting the right shoes for hiking is one of the most important things you can do.
You want them to be comfortable right out of the box and durable. There are three
main types of shoes for hiking: trail runners or running shoes, light hikers, and
hiking boots. Depending on the amount of ankle support you need, shoes come in
three heights: low-cut, mid-cut, and high-cut.

TYPES OF FOOTWEAR hotter. If your feet do get wet in these boots, they
will take longer to dry than in runners or light hik-
TRAIL RUNNERS AND RUNNING SHOES: These ers. These boots often need breaking in before they
are lightweight shoes designed for running or fast feel comfortable. Their average life span is more
and light backpacking. They are the most breath- than 1,000 miles.
able hiking shoes and dry faster than other shoes. LOW-CUT SHOES: These are often more comfort-
They usually don’t require any break-in time. They able and easier to break in. They provide the least
wear out and fall apart faster and offer less support amount of ankle support. If your ankles are bad or
than other hiking shoes. Their average life span is roll a lot, these aren’t your best choice. Low-cut
about 300 to 500 miles. It’s a wide range because shoes are ideal for fast and light hiking with light-
it depends on the shoe and conditions you’ll en- weight packs. If you like low-cut shoes, consider
counter. using lightweight gaiters with them in certain con-
LIGHT HIKERS: These trail shoes are beefier than ditions to help keep out debris.
trail runners. They’re still relatively lightweight MID-CUT BOOTS: These are heavier than low-cut
and breathable, but are heavier and dry slower than shoes and offer more ankle support. They usually
trail runners. They are also more supportive and take longer to dry and often require breaking in
durable but less burlier than boots. Their average before hitting the trail.
lifespan is between 500 and 1,000 miles.
HIGH-CUT BOOTS: These provide the most ankle
HIKING BOOTS: These are sturdy, durable shoes support and are warmer for winter travel. I think
heavier than other hiking shoes. They usually they are too warm to use in summer months. These
have Gore-Tex or other waterproof laminates that, definitely need breaking in before heading out on
while breathable, will probably also make your feet a hike.

63
SHOE CONSTRUCTION
Shoes are made of three main parts: the upper or
main body of the shoe, the midsole, and the tread
or outsole.
UPPER: The fewer the seams in the upper, the less
chance of failure. Seams can let water into the boot
and, over time, lead to wear even if you can’t see it.
Such excess wear can lead to a blowout when you
least expect it.
MIDSOLE: Midsoles are usually made of EVA, a thin
layer of a rubbery, foamlike substance that helps
with shock absorption and cushioning. However,
some barefoot-style footwear doesn’t have a mid-
sole layer.
OUTSOLE: Shoes are often completed with a sole
made by the shoe manufacturer. Other companies
will use Vibram outsoles or soles made by a third-
party manufacturer. Shoes with Vibram soles or
soles from third parties usually cost more than
those with generic soles because you are paying for
the brand.
I have worn through a lot of Vibram and generic
soles with all the miles I’ve hiked. Honestly, I can’t Toss those factory insoles.
tell any difference in how different soles wear. I Most factory insoles with
don’t recommend spending extra money just for the new shoes aren’t good.
Vibram name. Make your choice based on the fit of They’re typically a piece of foam that
the shoe, not the sole. does not provide good arch support.
I have packed out (flattened) some
factory insoles in a day or two. I highly
SHOE MATERIALS recommend replacing them with better
The materials used on a shoe directly impact its insoles, like Superfeet or orthotics made
weight, durability, breathability, and water resis- for you by a professional.
tance. Some materials break in faster than others.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER: This upper material defi-
nitely requires breaking in. It’s not nearly as light-
weight or breathable as synthetic fabrics or other
combinations. Still, it is the best choice for durabil-
ity, abrasion resistance, and water resistance. Full-
grain leather also is very easy to treat and care for.

64 TRAIL TESTED
Don’t try this at home. Do-
ing whatever we can to dry
out our shoes before we
leave town after being wet
for weeks on end.

Getting creative with footwear repairs in a rural

Nepali village with shoes approaching their end of
life. Spent shoes are often found in the gutter, but
it was impossible to find new shoes. I needed to
make these last until the next major resupply.
NUBUCK LEATHER: Nubuck is buffed full-grain GETTING A GOOD FIT
leather that resembles suede. It is durable and abra-
sion resistant but usually needs some breaking in. They say, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” I
say, “You can’t judge a shoe by its box.” It’s im-
SPLIT-GRAIN LEATHER: Split-grain leather is perative to try shoes on before you buy them. You
made by separating the inner part of cowhide from can change your clothes, your socks, and maybe
the exterior part. This makes it lighter and reduces even your hat on the trail. You are stuck with your
break-in time. Split-grain leather is usually used shoes until at least the next town. If you’re in the
with nylon panels. However, these boots have more wilderness for a week or more before hitting town,
seams than full-grain leather boots. They are usu- you could be really, really uncomfortable in a bad-
ally offered in waterproofed and non-waterproofed fitting pair of shoes or boots.
varieties. Split-grain leather boots don’t handle Try them out in the store. Before trying them
abrasion as well as full-grain leather and may not on, put on socks and any sock liners that match
last as long as full-grain leather boots. They are, what you plan to wear while hiking. The thickness
however, less expensive. of the sock plays into the fit of the shoe. If you use
SYNTHETICS: Many shoes use synthetic mate- a custom footbed orthotics or insoles like Super-
rials, including polyester, nylon, and synthetic feet, try the shoe on with them. They change the
leather. They are lighter, break in faster, and cost fit and volume of the shoe.
less than real leather. They can wear faster. Walk around the store in the shoes. Go up and
down steps, a handicap ramp, a fake rock if the
store has one. Make sure your heel doesn’t slide
REINFORCEMENTS
around in the heel cup and your toes aren’t cramped
Boots and heavier shoes sometimes have a shank or sliding into the front of the shoe. Try on a couple
made of steel, plastic, or nylon in the midsole that of different sizes and styles. Don’t choose a shoe or
provides stiffness and load-bearing support. Some boot in which the laces barely tie, or you have to
shoes have plastic plates instead of shanks that tighten the laces up so much that they’re cinched
provide a little stiffness to the forefoot and protect over the tongue. Most shoes stretch as they’re worn
the foot from hard or sharp objects. and when wet. Either way, you won’t have much
additional room to tighten a loose shoe—or even
tie it—if you get a shoe too big or small through
WATERPROOF LININGS the laces.
Many shoes today have waterproof laminates and/
or membranes. Many laminates are designed to
BREAKING IN FOOTWEAR
breathe more than leather. All sorts of shoes, from
trail runners to boots, have waterproof linings like Get your boots or shoes well before you head out on
Gore-Tex or eVent fabrics. a long trek so you can break them in. Remember, it
Gore-Tex or eVent linings are pretty worthless takes more time to break in hiking boots than light
in trail runners, in my opinion. You’re just paying hikers. Trail runners break in much faster. Boots
extra money for a shoe that will get wet when you should feel good when you first put them on. If
cross a stream or creek. they fit badly when you try them on, they won’t
feel good once they are broken in. If you notice

66 TRAIL TESTED
Footwear tips and tricks:
CAMPFIRE: Try not to sit at a campfire with your WET SHOES IN FREEZING CONDITIONS: If your
shoes toward the fire. Campfires can ruin shoes by shoes are wet at the end of the day and it will freeze
melting the glues holding your shoes together and overnight, open your shoes all the way, put them
can even lead to delaminating. If you are comfortably inside an inside-out pack liner or stuff sack, and
warm while sitting, your shoes will be roasting. sleep with them under your feet, or put them in your
trash compactor bag and sleep with them. If they
BOOT-LACING: Relieve pressure and give your
freeze solid—it can be like trying to put your feet
boots a custom fit with these lacing tricks: Skip-
into a block of wood. If you can’t pry them back onto
lacing can take pressure off sensitive areas. Skip-
your feet in the morning, fire up your stove and care-
lacing means you skip a lace loop on your shoe
fully warm them up over the fire, or put them in your
where it feels too tight. Double-wrapping can create
sleeping bag for a little while to thaw out.
different levels of tightness on the upper and lower
sections of the boot. The double wrap is crossing RESOLE: If you love the boots you have and the
the laces like when tying your shoes, but not actu- uppers are in good shape but the soles are bare,
ally tying them. It’s also called a surgeon’s knot. It remember that boots can be resoled. Just about any
sometimes helps to tie this at the lace level before shoe-repair person or cobbler can do this. It’s less
the ankle cuff. expensive than buying a new pair of boots. You don’t
have to find and break in a new pair.
TYING: If your shoelaces keep coming untied, you
can double-knot them. Try tying them in the opposite TREATING: Don’t use oil-based treatments on
way. You want the ears coming out horizontally. This leather hiking boots. This includes mink oil and any
helps keep your shoes tied. If one loop is cockeyed, other oil-based product. Oil-based products make the
the laces are more likely to untie. leather softer and more supple, which can affect the
amount of support the boot provides. Use only a wax-
STINKY FEET: If your feet stink like my friend
or silicone-based product.
Russ’s do, pay attention! To de-funkify your shoes,
use ReviveX Footwear Odor Eliminator. I’ve found it GET CREATIVE ON THE TRAIL: Some shoes fit
works really well. Make sure to spray it thoroughly on certain people’s feet better, and sometimes they
all surfaces of the shoe, especially the tongue. require adjustments. I have worn shoes that didn’t fit
If your sandals stink, as Chaco’s often do, mix right and blew them out in one day. One pair of shoes
water and MiraZyme in a bucket or sink and scrub the my friend Pepper wore had an ankle cut a little too
footbed. Set the sandals out to air-dry. Don’t hand dry high for him. As he was wearing them and packing out
them, since the MiraZyme literally eats the funk as the midsole, it irritated the bottom of his ankle when
they dry. When they are dry, put them in the freezer he was walking on sidehills. He knew he had to raise
overnight to make sure no residual odors remain. his heel in the shoe. He ended up using leftover pack-
Minimize the time you wear your shoes without aging from his lunch that day. He folded up the tuna
socks, even around camp. Bare feet inside your shoes packet and put it under the insole. It lifted his heel
will lead to stink. and ankle just enough to alleviate the problem.
I had a shoe that wasn’t fitting right and the
SHOE-DRYING: If your shoes are wet, take the
inside of the heel ripped. The hard plastic was rubbing
insoles out when you take your shoes off. Your
my heel raw. I took out a knife and scissors when I
shoes—and insoles—will dry faster and feel dry on
got to town and turned them into clogs. I wore them
your feet. If you’re in town, you can also stuff news-
for another couple hundred miles pain-free!
paper inside your shoes to absorb moisture and help
Remember: When you’re out there hiking, you
them dry quicker.
only have what’s on your back. Keep an open mind,
and get creative!

GETTING STARTED > Hiking footwear 67

bad hot spots or discomfort from wearing the shoe Keep your shoes clean; always brush off dirt
around the house, you should return the shoe and or mud, especially on the leather parts of your
try something else. boots. Don’t wash your shoes with detergent. Use
To break them in, wear them for a couple hours a mild soap.
a day. Walk around in them and slowly work your If your shoes are wet, when you get home let
way up to wearing them for a full day. Increase them dry slowly by leaving them in a warm place.
the distance you walk in them on a daily basis as You can also stuff them with newspaper to help
well. This helps your feet adjust to the shoes as dry the insides. Never dry them with a heater, by
you break them in. It builds calluses so you won’t the fire, or with a hair dryer. Using excess heat can
get blisters in potential hot spots. Always wear the cause boots to shrink. Drying them slowly prevents
shoes with the socks you plan to wear while hiking. shrinkage and keeps the leather from getting tight.
When breaking in shoes and boots, make sure Leather boots need to be conditioned with the
that the tongue is lined up straight. If they have a right treatment every once in a while. This keeps
waterproof laminate, make sure the gussets attach- the leather healthy and moist. There are a lot of
ing the tongue to the shoe lay flat. Creases created leather treating products on the market. Full-grain
at the beginning of the break-in period will likely leather requires different treatment than nubuck
remain throughout the shoes’ life span. or split leather.
If your new boots are feeling pretty good but A lot of people ask about choosing the right
have a hot spot, you can try taking the boots to product to re-treat your shoes. Most lightweight
a cobbler, shoe repair store, or even some outdoor hiking boots and light-hiking shoes are made with
retailers with shoe repair services. They have a nubuck, suede, nylon, and Gore-Tex fabric. For
stretching device that can punch out the area that these I use ReviveX Nubuck, Suede & Fabric Spray
was causing the hot spot. However, if you do this, Water Repellent.
there is no way you’ll be able to return the boot. Midweight hiking and backpacking boots are
Make sure these boots are going to work for you usually made with full-grain leather. Most also
and fit well everywhere else before you do this. have Gore-Tex fabric. For these I use ReviveX Leath-
Some people believe that getting your boots er Spray Water Repellent.
wet and wearing them for a long hike is the best Mountaineering boots are usually made of full-
way to break them in. It really doesn’t speed up the grain leather and often include Gore-Tex fabric. Re-
break-in process, and it really isn’t great for your viveX Leather Gel Water Repellent is good for the
boots or your feet. rougher conditions that mountaineering boots will
encounter, such as kicking steps in snow, mixed
SHOE CARE conditions, and ice climbing. The leather gel will
darken leather. Make sure you like the outcome by
This is most important for boots, since they cost trying a small test area. If you don’t like the darker
the most and last the longest. With proper care color, you can use the ReviveX Leather Spray men-
they can last even longer. Most of this is irrelevant tioned for the midweight boots.
on the trail, but it is good practice between hikes.

68 TRAIL TESTED
 If going on your first long-distance
hike, I’d recommend getting a shoe
a half-size larger. Many people’s feet
expand on the trail after hiking every day. Because
most people’s feet swell throughout the day, you’ll
get a better trail fit if you try shoes on at the end
of the day.

(ABOVE) Getting creative to solve foot problems!

(BELOW) Embrace sand and sandy washes on the Hayduke Trail,
or else you’re in for your worst nightmare.

Sole repair on my shoes to try to get two more

days out of them to get to the end of Nepal
Photo by Shawn Forry

GETTING STARTED > Hiking footwear 69

 Taking a break and letting my feet,
shoes, and socks dry out

Put socks and other damp materials

in your sleeping bag at night to
dry them. To prevent wet socks
from freezing in cold weather, put them between
your bag and your sleeping pad. However, on
the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) the air is so dry that
you can leave things out overnight and they will
usually dry. You can stab your trekking poles into
the ground, put your socks over the handles, and
by morning they will be dry.
Some ultralight hikers use lightweight dress
socks as their hiking socks. They are inexpensive,
and you can usually find them in any thrift store
along the trail for a dollar or two. They don’t last
long, but are synthetic, thin, and dry fast.

A common seam that can blow out where

the cuff rollover is sewn into the sock. Some
socks do not have the seam in this location.
Photo by Russ Sackson
 HIKING SOCKS
Socks are important to having a good hiking experience. Socks affect how
your shoes fit. The wrong socks can cause blisters and/or rubbing. Choose your
socks wisely.

The last thing you want are socks that blow out SOCK CATEGORIES
after a few days on the trail. Being limited to wear- There are distinct categories of socks. They range
ing a sock on one foot because of the blowout to in thickness and purpose from liners, which are the
prevent rubbing or wearing socks you intended to thinnest, to heavy-duty socks for mountaineering,
sleep in because you don’t have any others can be which are thick and heavy.
a real problem.
LINERS: Liners are lightweight, thin socks meant to
Hiking socks are designed for durability,
be worn under other socks. They are moisture wick-
abrasion resistance, warmth, cushioning, weight,
ing and can help alleviate hot spots. They can help
wicking, height (low, ankle, mid-calf, knee-high),
boots fit more comfortably while keeping your feet
quick-drying capabilities, and repelling odor. Get
and socks from getting wet from sweaty feet. I have
socks made for the conditions you’ll encounter and
also worn liners as lightweight socks. They work but
footwear you plan to wear.
aren’t as durable as other lightweight socks.
If you can, find a brand and style you like and
stick with it. That way you’ll know their size and LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING/BACKPACKING SOCKS:

how they work with your feet and shoes. You don’t These socks are made for warmer conditions and
want a big sock or a sock that bunches up and slips people who like less sock. They are good with
around inside your shoes. trail-running shoes and light hiking shoes. Most
Depending on the season and where I am ultralighters use this level of sock or even a sock
headed, I normally use lightweight hiking socks. designed for running. They usually are geared to-
I carry one or two pairs and a pair of midweight ward wicking more than warmth. They are a little
socks as my sleep socks. Using a heavier sock as a thicker than sock liners and more durable. Some
sleep sock helps keep me warm at night. If I blow brands add a little cushioning and abrasion resis-
out lightweight socks and have no other socks until tance in key areas and use a thinner weave in other
the next time I get to town, I know the midweights areas to make the sock breathe more.
should at least last longer. In winter I change out MIDWEIGHT HIKING/BACKPACKING SOCKS:
midweight sleep socks for heavyweight socks and These are heavier and have more cushioning than
also might hike in midweights. lightweight socks. Midweight socks are designed for

71
use in average or cold temperatures, and for use with
a heavier shoe, like a light hiker or a boot. You can
wear these with liners, but it’s just another thing to
carry. If your feet are getting blisters or hot spots,
try using these socks with liners. It can’t hurt.
MOUNTAINEERING/HEAVY-DUTY SOCKS:

These are the thickest socks for hiking. I usually

wear these for downhill skiing because they are the
warmest and made for cold temperatures. They are
not ideal for backpacking in summer because your
feet will sweat a lot.

My pet peeve—stickers—all over the place! Some sections

TYPES OF MATERIALS of the Coastal Divide Trail are a nightmare. The bushwhacks
are plastered with these things. You could spend hours
What a sock is made of dramatically affects its picking all of them out of your shoes and socks. Yoni would
performance. It’s not just wool or cotton anymore. spend half the night trying get all of them out of her hair,
then finally give up and go to sleep.
Many socks are made of a blend of materials for
maximum performance.
WOOL: Wool is a popular sock material. If you
think about Grandma’s old wool sweater when you not a necessity. I think they are just a selling point
hear the word “wool,” get the idea out of your head. for the sock. I’ve never noticed any significant level
Wool socks do not itch. Wool is comfortable, wicks, of cushioning in my socks—at least not in compari-
repels odor, and stays warm when wet. It can take son to a nice cushy insole.
a little longer than synthetic materials to dry and OTHER MATERIALS: Many socks also have other
can be less durable. Some socks are made from a materials woven into them to increase certain prop-
wool blend to compensate for these negatives. erties. For example, most socks have nylon or Lycra
SYNTHETIC: Many companies use synthetic ma- woven in to increase stretch and shape retention.
terials for socks because they last longer and dry
faster. Coolmax is the trade name of a synthetic
commonly used in socks.
TRAUMA PICK
COTTON: Cotton is not an ideal hiking or back-
I like a wool-blend sock. Wool doesn’t get as
packing sock material. It absorbs moisture, smelly, and the nylon blend helps with the lon-
doesn’t insulate well, gets dirty fast, and can lead gevity of the sock. I usually prefer an ankle-high
to blisters. sock for hiking. I wear a calf- or knee-high sock
for sleeping.
CUSHIONING MATERIALS: Some manufactur-
ers weave extra durable materials into cushioned RECOMMENDED SOCKS: FITS Light Hiker
spots. These socks usually look pretty slick with Quarter, FITS Light Hiker Crew, Darn Tough, Ice-
breaker Hike+ Lite Crew
color changes and designs associated with the
cushioned areas. They can be comfortable but are

72 TRAIL TESTED
 TRAUMA TRAIL STORY
It’s important to know how to use your stove.
It’s very important that you know how to use They kept turning the fuel bottle over, while
your stove correctly before setting out on the the stove was lit. While they were doing this, the
trail. On the IAT (International Appalachian stove was swinging wildly, spewing fuel all over
Trail) I walked up to a wooden hut. These were the place. The flames were starting to jump to
like Hilton hotels to hikers on the IAT. The hut that white gas that had been spilled all over the
had decks, wood stoves, tables, and bunks. wooden deck.
A group of Québécois were attempting to I started stomping out the flames that were
cook dinner out on the deck with their stove. starting to spread around the deck. They joined
They were spraying white gas everywhere with a in, and we got the fire under control before it
stove that was lit. caught the wood on fire.

I ran over and turned the knob on the

fuel bottle to stop the flow of gas.
It was the first time they had ever used a back- They finished cooking their dinner then sat
packing stove. They said they thought the “On” down at the table to enjoy their cheese-and-
and “Off” printed on the valve meant that when cracker platter with a bottle of wine. They were
that print was facing up, the stove was either extremely relieved, as I was, that a disaster had
on or off. I showed them how to use their stove. been averted.

A desolate landscape in the EPA

Superfund site along the Pennsylvania
stretch of the Appalachian Trail
 BA

Finding denatured alcohol

in the United States
is not difficult. Look
for HEET, gas-line antifreeze in the yellow
bottle. It’s methyl alcohol, burns cleanly,
and is cheaper than denatured alcohol. HEET
also comes in a red bottle. That’s isopropyl
alcohol, which doesn’t burn as cleanly as the
methyl alcohol, and will blacken your pot.
If you’re desperate, you can use rubbing
alcohol from a pharmacy. It blows out easily
and blackens your pot, but it will eventually
get the job done and boil water. Some
alcohol stoves may be able to accommodate
twig fires in a backup situation too.
Finding denatured alcohol internationally
is not as hard as a lot of people think. I have
found it in every country I’ve hiked. Keep an
open mind, and remember that you’re looking
for methyl alcohol. In many countries it is
used as a window-cleaning fluid. It may be
dyed purple so people won’t drink it, even
though in reality it looks like Kool Aid.

Pepper cooking dinner in the

Nepalese Himalayas
CKPACKING STOVES
Backpacking stoves are standard equipment. After all, campfires are not truly Leave
No Trace–friendly. Cooking over a campfire is messy because you don’t have a flat
surface to cook on and you need to find dry wood every night. Campfires also at-
tract animals to your camp and increase the possibility of starting a forest fire.

If you are cooking on your backpacking trip, get a look forward to at night, especially if it’s been cold
stove for backpacking and not a car-camping stove. and wet. If you carry a stove, it’s ideal that it and all
They are different. Backpacking stoves are lighter, its necessary components fit inside your pot.
smaller, and packable. They only have one burner.
There are three main types of stoves: canis-
ter, liquid-fuel, and alcohol. There are also some ALCOHOL STOVES
alternative-fuel stoves for backpackers. Each stove These are simple, lightweight, quiet, and compact.
type has pros and cons. Most ultralighters use an There is nothing to go wrong, break, or clean. All
alcohol stove for at least three seasons, if not year- you have to do is pour alcohol in the stove and light
round. I have used alcohol stoves in conditions as it. It burns slowly and will boil your water. You can
cold as negative 30°F and at 18,000 feet elevation also make your own alcohol stove out of soda, tuna,
and haven’t had any problems. or cat food cans. You can’t beat that price!
Learn how to clean and maintain your stove Alcohol stoves don’t burn as hot as other types
properly. This is mostly a concern with liquid-fuel of stoves, so it can take longer to boil water, espe-
stoves. Bring a field maintenance kit if you’re going cially if it’s windy. With alcohol stoves you defi-
out for more than a couple days. nitely want a windscreen. Depending on the type
Some ultralighters don’t cook meals or boil
water. They don’t even bother carrying a stove.
My friends Scott, Squeaky, and Pepper never cook
and are perfectly happy eating cold meals at night.
Some people just don’t like cooking, don’t want to
take the time to cook, or don’t want to carry the
necessary supplies to cook a hot meal.
I like to cook one meal a day (dinner). It helps
give me some variety in my diet and something to
Photo by Russ Sackson

75
of alcohol stove you use, you may need a pot sup-
port or stand.
You can also make your own pot support by
punching holes in your windscreen big enough to
fit tent stakes through and use them to support
your pot on a tripod.
Alcohol stove pros:
✓ Simple and easy to use.
✓ Compact and lightweight.
✓ Fuel is cheap and easy to find.
✓ Stove is cheaper than any other stove type,
even if you buy the most expensive titanium Photo by Russ Sackson
alcohol stove.
✓ No parts to clean or break. lighter or match, and you’re ready to go. Some can-
✓ Burns clean if you use the right fuel and leaves ister stoves even have a starter button. They sound
less soot on your pot. like a jet engine and boil water really fast. The fuel
✓ You can reuse any plastic bottle for a fuel bot- canisters are self-sealing, so when you detach them
tle and refill it as much as you want. from the stove, the gas won’t leak out.
Canister stoves burn clean and are easy to use.
Alcohol stove cons: They also have decent flame control, allowing you
x Doesn’t burn as hot as other stoves and takes to simmer or boil water for different needs. Also,
longer to cook/boil water. you never have to prime canister stoves as with
x Can be susceptible to windy conditions. liquid-fuel stoves.
x Fuel efficiency and flame control are lower, While canister stoves heat your food quickly
especially in windy conditions. If you pour too and are convenient in many ways, they have some
much fuel in the stove, it can be dangerous to issues other stoves don’t have. For instance, you
put out. It is difficult to pour leftover fuel back may need a little more than one canister’s worth of
into your fuel bottle for later use. The Trangia fuel for your trip. You can’t fill a canister partway.
alcohol stove is heavier but makes up for these Unless you have one from an old trip, you have to
drawbacks. You can snuff the fire out by put- carry two canisters. They don’t get smaller when
ting the lid on and secure unused fuel. It has a they are empty. Also, since you can’t refill a can-
separate simmer adapter also. ister, it creates extra waste that will end up in a
landfill. Canisters are more expensive than other
CANISTER STOVES fuels. But most importantly, I have seen canisters
depressurize in the cold—usually in below-freezing
Canister stoves are fueled with a pressurized can- temperatures. Depressurized canisters can lead to a
ister of isobutane or a butane-propane mix. You at- weak burn until the canister warms up.
tach the stove to the canister by screwing it on.
Then you open up the stove valve, light it with a

76 TRAIL TESTED
Canister stove pros:
PURCHASING CANISTER FUEL TIP
✓ Easy to use.
Most fuel canisters and stoves are interchangeable
✓ Fairly compact and lightweight. between brands. Most canisters use a Lindal valve
✓ Good flame control. and standardized threading so you can use them
✓ No spilled fuel or direct fuel handling. between brands even though the stove’s manufac-
turer will recommend that you only use their brand
✓ Burns clean; leaves little soot on pots.
of canister. You can use an MSR or Gigapower can-
✓ Maximum heat output right away. ister on a Jetboil stove.
✓ No priming.
Canister stove cons:
x Fuel is more expensive. ISS cons:
x Poor cold-weather performance. x Less versatility because the all-in-one package
x Heat output reduces over time. is designed to work as a system.
x As the fuel is used in the canister, the x More expensive.
pressure decreases. x Not as lightweight as ultralight options.
x Hard to tell how much fuel is remaining
in a canister and how many uses are left in CANISTER STOVE CONSIDERATIONS:
a canister. • NEVER use a windscreen on a canister stove
x Hard to find canisters for resupply in where the stove attaches directly to the canis-
some areas. ter. This prohibits airflow and can cause over-
heating. The fuel can then explode. You can use
x Some models are unstable because their
a windscreen with canister stoves with the can-
base is small. They are tall stoves with a
ister unattached to the stove. A remote canister
high center of gravity, making them prone
can also be turned upside down to add pressure
to tipping over.
to the fuel as it becomes empty.
• Some models have internal pressure regulators
ISS (INTEGRATED STOVE to keep gas pressure consistent as the canister
SYSTEM) empties. It also helps cold-weather performance.
• Some canister stoves have stabilizers. With
Some popular canister stove systems, like the Jet-
other stoves you have to buy them separately.
boil systems and MSR Reactor, include the stove Stabilizers are usually a piece of plastic that
and cooking pot or cup as an integrated system. attaches to the fuel canister’s bottom, creating
Some stove kits come with other accessories. The a wider base to prevent the whole stove from
Jetboil Flash includes a stabilizer system, a coffee tipping over.
press, and some other trinkets.
ISS pros:
MULTI-FUEL STOVES
✓ Have some of the fastest boil times.
✓ High fuel efficiency. Liquid-fueled stoves are common too. They’re pop-
✓ All-in-one package means you don’t need ad- ular with outdoor groups and other backpackers.
ditional cookware. They are not favored by lightweight hikers. In the

GETTING STARTED > BACKPACKING STOVES 77

United States these stoves use a refillable fuel bot- A foggy, misty evening on the
tle that’s filled with white gas. Washington section of the Pacific
These stoves perform really well in extreme- Crest Trail. Studying maps for the
next day while cooking dinner.
ly cold temperatures. They need to be manually
pumped to pressurize them and primed to vapor-
ize the fuel. Many of these liquid-fuel stoves can
use multiple fuels. This is convenient because they
can run on fuels like white gas, kerosene, unleaded
gasoline, diesel, and even jet fuel. Check your man-
ual to make sure the stove actually is a multi-fuel
stove, and know which fuels it can burn.

Photo by Russ Sackson

Multi-fuel stove pros:
✓ The best option for cold-weather performance.
✓ Refillable fuel bottle.
✓ Can work with multiple fuels.
✓ Fuels are fairly inexpensive and can be found
almost anywhere.
✓ Stable stovetops can handle large cookware.
Multi-fuel cons:
x Requires priming, which increases the likeli-
hood of fuel spills.
x Expensive.
x Heavier than ultralight options.
x Components, including the fuel bottle, are usu-
ally bought separately.

MULTI-FUEL JETS: If you are using a multi-fuel

stove, it’s likely to have jets designed specifically
for the different types of fuel it can burn. Make
sure you use the right jet piece for the fuel you

78 TRAIL TESTED
plan to use. On your fuel bottle, write in a perma-
MULTI-FUEL TIP
nent marker which jet goes with what type of fuel
in case you lose the instruction manual. If you plan to run your multi-fuel stove on unleaded
gasoline, use the lowest octane fuel available.
PRIMING: I’ve seen many people almost burn down It burns more efficiently and cleaner than higher
AT shelters and cabins while trying to prime their octane fuels. It will save you some money. However,
liquid-fuel stoves. Priming a liquid-fuel stove is you’ll still have to clean it more often than you
not difficult and doesn’t have to create an eyebrow- would running it on white gas.
singeing fireball. Read the instructions and prac-
tice in a safe environment. A cement patio or side-
walk will be a safe place to practice. White gas pros:
To prime a stove you let a little bit of liquid ✓ The cleanest and most efficient liquid fuel
fuel into a dish on the stove and light it to preheat. choice.
That way, when you turn the stove on full blast, ✓ Evaporates quickly when spilled.
the gas vaporizes. Also, make sure you know how
to turn the gas off quickly in case things get out of White gas cons:
hand. Not knowing how to turn off the gas creates x Spilled fuel is flammable and priming is re-
dangerous problems. quired.
MULTI-FUEL STOVE FUEL CHOICE, PROS AND Gasoline and diesel pros:
CONS: White gas is the cleanest fuel. If you burn ✓ Common anywhere.
other fuels beside white gas, you will need to clean
Gasoline and diesel cons:
the stove more often.
x Spilled fuel is flammable and smells unpleas-
ant.
x Need to prime the stove and clean it more
often.
COOKING TIP: Soaking Kerosene pros:
certain foods before you ✓ Spilled fuel is harder to ignite.
cook them helps them cook
✓ Easy to find.
faster and conserves fuel—or, in some
circumstances, uses no fuel at all. My Kerosene cons:
friend Scott soaks and eats dehydrated x Spilled fuel evaporates slowly and smells un-
beans every night without cooking them. pleasant.
x Priming is required.

MAINTENANCE: If you plan on using a liquid-

fuel stove, learn how to clean and maintain it.
When you get it, read the instructions and play
around with it. Learning how to maintain the
stove while it’s clean is much easier than learn-
ing on the trail when your stove won’t work and

GETTING STARTED > BACKPACKING STOVES 79

you’re hungry and cranky after a long day of hik- It’s an interesting concept, but it won’t work in
ing in the rain. all hiking environments. On the AT there’s enough
wood, but it rains a lot. You may not always be able
to find dry tinder. You may have to search for twigs
ALTERNATIVE-FUEL at the end of a tiring day. I have seen some people
STOVES use this system. They pick up dry tinder when they
There are some stove options that don’t really fit come across it on the trail and carry it with them
neatly into other categories. Most of these alterna- to start their fire at night.
tive-fuel stoves are ultralight options that aren’t as This method isn’t my personal preference, as
popular as an alcohol stove. it seems like a hassle. Furthermore, natural fires
don’t burn clean, making pots sooty and black. The
ESBIT TABLET STOVES: Fuel for these stoves
soot can get your hands and other gear inside your
are little white squares about the size of a shred-
pack dirty.
ded wheat. They light instantly when touched with
flame and burn slowly. The stove consists of a little STOVE DOS:

plate for the fuel tablet and a little titanium stand Make sure all fuel lines, valves, and any other con-
for your pot. The system is incredibly light. The nections are tight before turning on the fuel and
main problem with the Esbit stove is that it is hard lighting your stove.
to find, as are the fuel tablets. It works well if you’re • Try to cook on flat or semi-flat areas.
doing mail drops (see “Thru-Hiking Tips”), because
• Use a stabilizer with a canister stove. I’ve seen
places that sell Esbit stoves are few and far between.
people with canister stoves spill dinners a few
times by adding weight to the top of the stove;
it doesn’t make for happy campers. A stabilizer
Esbit Tablet Stove
decreases the chance you’ll knock over your
stove and spill your dinner.
• Keep the lid on your pot while it’s over the
flame. This will heat your food or boil water a
lot faster. It also uses less fuel and water.
• When possible, choose a pot that’s wider than
taller. It allows more contact area for the flame,
increases efficiency, and helps lower the cook
system’s center of gravity.
• If you’re trying to pump up a bottle for a liquid-
fuel stove and not building any pressure, re-
move the bottle’s top and flay out the rubber
ZIPSTOVE/WOOD BURNING STOVE: This stove
gasket that seals it to the bottle.
is similar to an alcohol stove but has a little fan
that helps feed oxygen to the fire. You fuel the fire • If you’re not planning to use your liquid-fuel
with little twigs, leaves, and other things you find stove for a while (several months or longer),
empty the fuel bottle. Fuel can go bad over time.
that burn. The theory is you still have a stove but
don’t have to carry fuel with you.

80 TRAIL TESTED
• Consider using a heat exchanger with liquid-
fuel stoves if you are headed out in the winter.
It helps boil water faster, melts snow faster, and
saves fuel.
• If you’re camping in the cold with an alcohol
stove and it won’t light, hold the lighter to the
alcohol for a longer period. Alternatively, light
a piece of toilet paper and hold it above or drop
it into the alcohol stove to act as a wick.
• In cold weather you can keep the canister
warm by putting it in your sleeping bag at
night (which works well for boiling water in the
morning). And shortly before stopping for the
evening, place it in a jacket pocket to warm the
fuel up. You can also put your canister in water
in your pot lid. If the water is above freezing,
it will warm the canister just enough to get it
out of that inefficient temperature range. Don’t
put it in hot water to warm it up it. The gas can
expand too much.
STOVE DON’TS:

• Never cook inside your tent. You risk burning

down your tent while you are inside it; you also
risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
Staying warm in my tent while waiting for water to boil
• Don’t tip over a canister stove when the canis- on a cold, windy evening in the Indian Himalayas
ter is full; it can cause a big flame-up. New fuel
canisters may have a small air pocket at the
top, which must flow out for a second or two TRAUMA PICK
before the stove will light.
I use an alcohol stove under most circumstances.
• Don’t fill the fuel bottle for a liquid-fuel stove They are efficient and lightweight, even in cold
above the bottle’s fill line. If it’s too full, you conditions. They are tricky to use on windy
can’t pressurize the fuel properly. Remember days, but it is easy to devise ways to protect the
that fuel expands as it warms up. If the bottle stove. On some trips, like in the Himalayas, I
gets hot from being near the stove or on a have been forced to use a multi-fuel stove. These
warm day, filling it below the fill line will pre- are fine also, but they need cleaning from time
to time and have more parts to deal with. The
vent too much pressure from building up.
beauty of the alcohol stove is in its simplicity
and ultralight design.
RECOMMENDED STOVES: Trail Designs Side-
winder Ti Tri, homemade tuna can stove, Kovea
Spider for winter use if you’ll need to melt a lot
of snow for water

GETTING STARTED > BACKPACKING STOVES 81

 COOKWARE
COOKWARE 2. A spork or spoon (use your pocket knife if you
CONSIDERATIONS need to cut anything; don’t bother carrying an
extra knife for eating).
• How many people are in the group you’re cook- 3. Pot handles for any pots that require an external
ing for?
handle.
• If you’re with a group of people, figure out if
everybody’s cooking separately or as a group. If
cooking for yourself with a group, you can save OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
weight and space in your pack by eating out of
your pot rather than a separate bowl or cup. CAFFEINE: I am not a coffee or tea drinker, but if
• Are you a backpack gourmet or just eating to you need coffee or caffeine in the morning to get
keep going? moving, try caffeinated bagged tea or instant cof-
• Do you need a cookware set, or can you piece a fee like Folgers or Nescafé. Starbucks also makes a
good cookware system together with a pot and higher quality instant coffee called Via. I’ve even
a spork? (Piecing your cooking system gives seen some Vietnamese coffees and other specialty
you more flexibility.) drinks in instant packages. These will be faster and
save you effort and equipment to get your morn-
• Weight.
ing jolt. They’re easier to make, lighter to carry,
HOW MUCH DO YOU EAT, DO YOU NEED TO and create less waste. However, backpacking coffee
COOK TO EAT, AND HOW LONG ARE YOU presses and those types of things do exist. They
HIKING? FOR COOKING, EACH PERSON just seem like extra things to carry. You can also
SHOULD CARRY: make cowboy coffee, which is unstrained coffee, or
1. A pot to cook with and eat out of. When I am carry some coffee filters or a bandana and strain
hiking alone I like to carry a 0.9-liter pot. This size your coffee when you pour it from your pot to your
works perfectly for me, even when I have a ravenous water bottle. I also know some hikers who substi-
appetite. If you’re in a group cooking communally, tute their coffee fix with a caffeine pill to avoid
each person needs a bowl or cup. You also need to wasting time boiling water in the morning.
determine how many people in the group need to UTENSILS: There are tons of outdoor marketed
carry stoves and pots. See the Trauma Tip chart for utensils. I really like the versatility of a spork. A
typical comparisons for people/cookware if you are titanium spork is the only cooking utensil I carry.
cooking communally or alternating cooking.

83
COOKWARE MATERIALS STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel pros:
TITANIUM (ALSO KNOWN AS TI) ✓ Tough.
Titanium pros: ✓ Durable and more scratch resistant than
✓ Lightweight, so it’s the top choice for ultra- aluminum.
lighters.
Stainless steel cons:
✓ Tough and durable. One Ti pot could last your
x Heavy.
whole life. I used the same Ti pot for more than
x Can heat unevenly, causing burned spots in the
30,000 miles.
bottom of the pot.
Titanium cons:
x More expensive. PLASTIC
x Conducts heat less than other materials. Plastic pros:
✓ Lightweight.
ALUMINUM
✓ Cheap.
Aluminum pros: ✓ Durable and scratch resistant.
✓ Lightweight.
Plastic cons:
✓ Cheaper than Ti.
x Not as durable as metal products.
Aluminum cons: x Can melt.
x Dents and scratches easily. x Some plastics are stained by foods like
x Breaks down slowly when used with acidic tomato sauce.
foods.
x Some people argue that cooking in aluminum is
unhealthy.
x Cooking leafy greens and cauliflower in alumi-
num can change their taste and color (which is
kind of scary).

Here are some typical comparisons for people/cookware if you are cooking
communally or alternating cooking.

TO FIGURE NECESSARY TOTAL POT VOLUMES

Factor that 1 person will eat about 0.6 liter the first day or two and then up to 0.9 liter thereafter.
# of People # of Stoves # of Pots
1–3 1 stove 1 or 2 pots
3–5 1–2 stoves depending on what you are cooking 2–3 pots
(if using an alcohol stove definitely 2 stoves)
5+ 2+ stoves (3+ if using an alcohol stove) 3+ pots

84 TRAIL TESTED
TRAUMA COOK SET
This is all I carry for a cook set on most trips.
• 0.9-liter Vargo or Evernew Ti pot • Mini Bic lighter
• Sidewinder Ti Tri and Caldera Cone • 1- or 0.5-liter Platypus with HEET (clearly
• Ti spork marked so nobody drinks from it)

TRAUMA PICK
All I use is a titanium spork and a 0.9- or 1.3-liter titanium pot. My fuel bottle typi-
cally is a 0.5- or 1-liter Platypus. It is the perfect size to fit about six to seven days’
worth of fuel, depending on my menu. I use a small collapsible water bottle, like
a Platypus (but make sure it is marked fuel so you never drink out of it). I use the
collapsible bottle so it shrinks down as I use the fuel and packs smaller. If I have a
longer stretch, I can just add another Platy or a small water bottle that crushes easy
for that stretch.
RECOMMENDED COOKWARE: Vargo or Evernew Ti Ultralight pot (900- or
1,300-milliliter pot), Ti spork

GETTING STARTED > cookware 85

 Walking past a pristine alpine tarn in the High Sierras
Photo by Shawn Forry

If you’re traveling where

obtaining safe drinking
water is an issue, you
can get medication to treat potential
illnesses. A doctor can prescribe
medications like Metronidazole or
Nitazoxanide to treat amoebic dysentery
and giardia. If hiking internationally,
I recommend carrying these as a
precaution. You never know when you’ll
get sick, and it can be very helpful to
have them on hand if something happens.

Pepper, floored
on his second
day in Nepal,
after eating
or drinking
something bad

Getting water from a great

spring in Utah’s canyon
country. There’s nothing
like water that flows
straight out of a rock!
 WATER TREATMENT
You never know the quality of water you’ll find in the backcountry. You never
know who or what’s been there before you. It is important to carry some type of
water treatment.

One of my friends doesn’t carry any water treat- giardia, it was probably a stomach “bug” caused by
ment and ends up with giardia every time he hikes something in the water, but not giardia.
the PCT. Guess he doesn’t mind waiting in town for The main culprits that can be taken care of
a week or two until he feels better. He usually ends with the proper treatment options are:
up in Mammoth, California. In fact, a number of PROTOZOAN CYSTS (Cryptosporidium parvum,
stories I’ve heard lead me to believe that the South Giardia lamblia). Small (1 to 300 microns;
Fork of the Kern River is contaminated and makes 1 micron = 1-millionth of a meter).
people sick. It could be because of all the swallows
BACTERIA (Escherichia coli, or E. coli, salmonella,
that live in a bridge there and crap in the water. If
Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica, Lepto-
you’re hiking there, make sure you treat that water
spira interrogans, and many others). Really small
before drinking it.
(0.1 to 10 microns).
I thoroughly believe that water treatment is
often superfluous. Water in many places is clean. I VIRUSES (hepatitis A, rotavirus, enterovirus, nor-
think general perception is impacted by marketing ovirus). Super small (0.005 to 0.1 micron). Only pu-
and scare tactics. Many backcountry water sources rifiers, not filters, eliminate viruses because they
and springs are safe to drink from. If a water source are so small. Viruses aren’t typically found in North
freezes solid in the winter and you’re hiking early American backcountry water sources.
in the spring, it’s probably safe. WATER TREATMENT WORKS, AND HERE’S
That said, you’re still better safe than sorry.
SOME FIRSTHAND PROOF
You never know which sources are contaminated.
In the midst of a 30-mile waterless stretch on the
Getting any waterborne illness isn’t fun. Use water
CDT in New Mexico, I came across a stock reservoir.
treatment properly. Most weigh 8 ounces—less
There was little shade that day, and the sun was
than a can of soda—or less, so they don’t add much
relentless. I probably had enough water to make
weight to your pack.
it the rest of the way, but I was getting uncom-
Illnesses contracted in the backcountry are
fortably parched. Because I underestimated the
probably blamed on contaminated water. They’re
heat, I underestimated how much water I needed
possibly caused by poor hygiene, improper hand-
to be comfortable through the section. More water
washing, or cross-contamination from somebody
wouldn’t hurt—and I hate carrying extra water.
else’s hands. When most people say they had

87
 For really nasty water, treat it twice,
or let your chemical treatment sit
longer than recommended. After
A typical cloudy water source in the desert—yummy!
Strain it with a bandana, let it sit overnight to settle the cow reservoir ordeal, I told SteriPEN what
out, or just add some Crystal Light and drink up— happened and what I did to the water. They
sometimes there’s no choice! I’m used to it and don’t tested my theory in a lab and came to the same
even think twice anymore.
conclusion I did: After a double dose, the water
was safe to drink. Products like Aquamira also
work well; if you have a particularly nasty water
source, you can just give the chemicals more time
to treat the water.

Stock tanks and stock reservoirs are typical water sources on

the CDT. You’ll get some extra fiber and veggies drinking from
this one! Photo by Shawn Forry

88 TRAIL TESTED
 As I walked toward the stock reservoir, I saw a far between, you might want to either drink a lot of
few blobs floating in thick, cloudy water. Two dead water when you stop or carry extra water through-
cows were stuck in mud at the edge of the reservoir. out that day. It will add weight though.
They’d been baking in the sun, causing their mid-
sections to explode, exposing their bloated, rotting
entrails. Apparently two mice eager for a meal had WATER TREATMENT
tried to swim out for a nibble but had drowned and OPTIONS
were floating in the murky water. In North America you’ll usually only need to filter
Yoni, my furry companion, smelled the water water, which rids most threats from water except
and decided not to drink. She had “cameled up” at for viruses. Purification, which includes pump-
the last water source. and gravity-based filters, boiling, ultraviolet light,
Depending on the trip, I usually use a SteriPEN mixed-oxidant solution pens, and chemical treat-
to treat water instead of a filter. It uses ultraviolet ment, eliminates all biological hazards.
light to purify water. I submerged my water bottle Purifiers have to meet EPA standards for get-
to fill it up. When I pulled it out of the water, I ting rid of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Filters
couldn’t see my hand through the thin, clear bot- do not. For international travel, you might want a
tle—it looked like a mud milkshake. I treated the purifier or an alternative water treatment method.
water with my SteriPEN and couldn’t see its light Some filter-based purifiers filter water and then add
through the water. Just in case, I treated it twice. a chlorine solution to kill viruses.
I added a packet of Crystal Light Peach Iced Tea Other treatment options include pump- and
to help mask the taste. I mixed it up and chugged gravity-based filters and bottles with built-in fil-
the liter down while attempting not to gag. It was ters. But remember, not all filters are purifiers.
a little gritty and almost the consistency of a milk- Some purification options like pumps cost more
shake. It quenched my thirst and kept me going. than filters without purification.
We hiked on and got to the next water source that Key factors for evaluating water treatment
evening. I never got sick, luckily! methods are effectiveness, speed, weight, size,
You can usually avoid a situation like this by pore size (only relevant for filters), convenience
planning ahead. In the morning and whenever you and ease of use, maintenance, life span and dura-
stop throughout the day, consult your map or GPS bility, impact on taste, and cost.
device to locate water sources. If they are few and

WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS

Treatment/Evaluation Speed Weight Size Pore Size Convenience Ease of Use Maintenance Longevity Durability Quality of Taste Cost
Filters/Purifiers* 2 2 2–3 4 2 2–3 3 3 3 5 (F), 3 (P) $60–$220

Gravity filters 3 2 2–3 4 3 4 3 3 4 5 $65–$80
Squeeze bottles 3–4 3 3 3 4 4 2 3 3 5 (F), 3 (P) $35–$50
UV light 5 4 4 NA 4 5 5 4 4 5 $79–$149

Mixed oxidant 4 3 4 NA 2–3 2–3 3 4 3 2–3 $140
Chemicals 1 5 5 NA 5 5 5 5 5 2–3 $6.50+
5 = Excellent, 4 = Very good, 3 = Good, 2 = Fair, 1 = Poor; NA = Not applicable. *Some filters are not cleanable

GETTING STARTED > water treatment 89

 There has to be a certain saturation in your body
to make you sick. Since you’re only drinking 1 liter
from each water source it’s unlikely, though possible,
you’ll hit that contamination level in one spot.
Some chemicals and other natural and unnatu-
ral things can make water taste bad. Tannin from
trees, cow crap, and iodine are just a few examples.
No matter your choice of water treatment, I rec-
ommend bringing a few packets of Crystal Light or
some other single-serving instant drink mix. It’s
great to have some iced tea or lemonade when you
really want to chug a liter.
With any water treatment you use, make sure
all parts of your water treatment system dry com-
pletely between trips—especially if you are using a
filter. Take things apart; air them out. If you don’t,
you could end up with mold on the filter and inside
Taking proper precautions and using your water bottles.
the SteriPEN in the Indian Himalayas

FILTERS: If you’re using a filter, another way to

eliminate some of the bad taste is with a carbon
component. Some filters come with it; others offer
TREATING WATER it as an add-on. The carbon component gets rid of
Using chemicals to treat cold water takes longer the tastes. If you’re using a purifying filter system,
than using them to treat warm water. It takes lon- don’t use the carbon component too soon. It can de-
ger to treat viruses and cysts with chemicals be- activate the chemical treatment before it has fully
cause they have thick “shells.” If you’re at a nasty- treated the water.
looking water source—like a reservoir with cow There are two main types of filters: pump and
carcasses floating in it—you might want to treat gravity. Pump filters are commonly used on the
it twice or let chemicals sit longer than required. trail. Gravity filters are good for base camps, or if
Water treatment is a dicey subject to me. I have you’re staying at a campground without running
friends that don’t treat water and don’t get sick. water. With the latter, you can just fill the bladder
Some don’t treat water and get sick right away. A with water and hang it from a tree at night. You’ll
full third of people are giardia carriers and don’t have fresh, filtered water to drink in the morning.
know it. That could be a reason some get sick and Always be proactive when using a water fil-
some don’t. It’s more likely that people get sick ter. When the flow becomes slow, clean the filter.
after a certain level of contamination. Don’t wait. It will just take longer and longer to
Most people end up with a little bacteria or fill your water bottles while hiking and it get more
stomach bug and believe they have giardia. I per- frustrating. Keeping the filter clean also will help
sonally think getting giardia is pretty rare. it last longer.

90 TRAIL TESTED
 The insides of a filter can be fragile. Handle it is similar to Aquamira, which uses chlorine diox-
with care when you are cleaning or using it. Also, ide. It is not FDA approved. Chlorine, used improp-
be extra careful in freezing temperatures. I don’t erly, is deadly. I don’t recommend this method.
recommend using a filter in cold conditions. If it ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT: For a quick and effective
is going to freeze at night, it’s important to get rid water treatment option, check out ultraviolet light
of all of the water from the filter and the filtering devices, like the SteriPEN. These are nice because
medium. Water is left inside could freeze, expand- all you have to do is dip your water bottle in water,
ing and cracking the filter cartridge. dip the device into the water, and swirl the water
Many hiking water filters are designed for field around for a minute or so. You can treat water while
maintenance. This helps because you can clean the walking if you need to. There’s no sitting around
filter rather than replace it, but if you want to get pumping water while mosquitoes snack on you.
the most out of your filter, consider cleaning it as There’s nothing I hate more than feeling helpless,
soon as it gets harder to pump or the stream of like a pincushion!
pumped water lessens. If you’re filtering silty water, Since the SteriPEN treats water so fast, I often
you’ll have to do this more often. It can be a pain. don’t carry extra water. I know I can drink within a
To help reduce the amount of silt that hits the minute of getting to a water source, unlike a filter
filter itself, many filters come with a pre-filter. Pre- or chemical treatments, which can take a little lon-
filters can slow water intake, but if you’re filter- ger to produce potable water.
ing silty water, use a pre-filter or cover the intake If you use a SteriPEN, drink your water with
tube’s open end with a bandana or coffee filter. a straw. Though the SteriPEN sterilizes all the
If your filter doesn’t come with a pre-filter,
don’t spend extra money on an add-on. Use a coffee
filter or bandana, and secure it around the end of
Please don’t use normal soap
the intake hose with a rubber band.
in backcountry water sources.
Most soap adds nutrients
PRE-FILTER TIP: Even if you don’t use a filter, to water that can create algae blooms or
placing a bandana at the bottom of your shirt encourage pathogen growth.
or a coffee filter over the mouth of your water
bottle when you fill it can prevent silt and
floaty things from getting into your water.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT: Chemical treatments

like Aquamira or iodine are a nice choice because
they’re lightweight and small. However, they can
take a long time to fully treat water and can leave
a residual taste. They can also take longer to treat
very cold water, which is a little counterintuitive,
since that’s usually what you find In the mountains.
Some ultralighters use household bleach,
which is basically chlorine, for water treatment. It
Rinsing off in an ice-cold shower near the end of the day;
Yosemite National Park, California Photo by Shawn Forry

GETTING STARTED > water treatment 91

contaminants in your water, the rim of your water bottle, it will take longer to melt. An additional
bottle could feasibly be contaminated. Using a bonus of making this slurry is if you add some
straw makes sure you don’t have to worry about it. Crystal Light; then you can make a delicious and
Before you start using the SteriPEN—or any other refreshing trail slushie.
water treatment options for that matter—read all
instructions. I can’t tell you how many times peo-
ple have thought their SteriPEN was bad, but after CROSS-CONTAMINATION
I told them how to use it—wait for the green light AND HYGIENE
to flash before you stick it in the water—voilà! The I’ve already mentioned that I think most water
product was perfectly good after all. is safe to drink. However, I am cautious and
If you know how to use your SteriPEN and are treat most of my water. I don’t want to get a bug
having problems with it, dry off its sensors a little that makes me sick for even one day, let alone a
or let it dry by leaving it out in the sun. Sometimes whole week.
I stick it in my pocket for a while before or after use. I think that most trail illnesses aren’t caused
by drinking water. For instance, on the well-
BATTERY OPERATED TREATMENT TIPS: travelled AT, I think a lot of people get sick from
When using a SteriPEN or other water treat- poor hygiene. Most of that can be easily prevent-
ment that uses a battery, and the user man- ed. For instance, don’t let people dig into your bag
ual doesn’t specify battery type, use lithium of trail mix. Pour some into their hands. Simple
batteries. They are more expensive but last things like that can help keep you healthy.
longer and are better in the cold. If you are really worried about water quality
If you’re having trouble with batteries in and want to take full precautions, you need to go
cold temperatures, treat your water at night the full 9 yards. Many people who treat water in-
before you go to sleep. The batteries will be advertently do things that create potential cross-
warmer from the day, and you’ll have clean contamination from untreated water. It’s best to
water in the morning. Another option is put- assume that all untreated water from streams,
ting batteries or the water treatment device lakes, etc., has something harmful in it.
in your pocket for a little while before you If you use a filter, never allow the intake hose
need to use it to help warm it up. (the hose that goes into the water source) to touch
the outflow (filtered water) hose, the inside of the
filter, or your water bottle. Isolate the hoses in sep-
arate, marked Ziploc-type bags so that no untreat-
BOILING WATER: Boiling all of your water is an-
ed water from the intake hose touches any other
other option that kills everything, but I really don’t
part of the filter.
recommend it. It is very time- and fuel-consuming.
If you use a SteriPEN, technically you cannot
Also, you won’t have cold refreshing water to drink
clean the threads (screw-top) of your water bottle,
immediately.
and you don’t want to put your mouth to the water
If you are hiking in the snow and want more
bottle to drink. That’s why, as I mentioned earlier,
water, it can help to add snow to the remaining
I’ll keep a straw inside my water bottle and take it
water in your water bottle. This will help melt the
out when I fill and treat my water. You can also just
snow faster. If you put snow into an empty water

92 TRAIL TESTED
Jumping into ice-cold glacial runoff in the Canadian Rockies.
There’s nothing as refreshing as this “instant cooldown.”
Photo by Shawn Forry

make sure to wipe the threads of your water bottle

off before you drink. Bone-dry desert
If you use chemicals to treat water, make sure
to loosen the lid on your water bottle after 30 min-
utes or so and turn it upside down. Make sure the
Recommendation: SteriPEN Ultra or Ultralight
treated water wets the threads, and wait another
(depending on trip details and resupply opportuni-
10 minutes or so before drinking. This disinfects
ties for recharging) or Aquamira.
where you are drinking from.
I may sound like a germaphobe, and probably
am, but it’s important to take full preventative THE TRAUMA WATER
measures. Treat your water to the fullest extent. SYSTEM
After all, what’s the point of taking all that time
to pump water if what you end up drinking is I usually drink a liter or more of water when I stop
partly contaminated? at a water source and don’t carry much water while
hiking, since it’s a lot of extra weight. I know that I
won’t get thirsty for a while, since I have just “cam-
AVOID CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION:
eled up.” I also flavor it with Crystal Light, which
No water treatment option removes chemi- helps me down a bunch of water quickly. Depending
cal contamination really well. It’s best to on the weather and distance between sources, I can
avoid getting water from water sources near get away with carrying no water on most of the Ap-
heavy agricultural runoff or current or aban- palachian Trail. This system works extremely well
doned mines. with the SteriPEN, because my water is ready short-
ly after I get to a water source. Using this system,
I have covered up to 30 miles of waterless stretches
with only 1 liter of extra water.

GETTING STARTED > water treatment 93

 The miles don’t just take a toll on your body. After 1,200 hard
miles, your equipment and clothes will start wearing out too.
Photo by Shawn Forry

I highly recommend
spending the extra money
for a wool base-layer shirt
for hiking. I used to use synthetic clothes
but now am a firm believer in merino wool.
It doesn’t hold odor like other base layers.
If you get it wet in a creek or lake, it will
smell like wet sheep while it is wet; but as
soon as it dries, it’s odor free, as if you just
washed it. You just can’t rid synthetic shirts
of odor once it builds up. As salt deposits
build up on synthetic base layers, they can
feel like they are stabbing or scratching
you. This can be a very unpleasant feeling.

Bundled and hiking across Iceland’s

windy, barren landscape
Eating lunch on the first day of my hike across the
Himalayas. I was a little disgruntled because I wasn’t used
to getting stared at by all the local kids yet.
Photo by Shawn Forry
 HIKING CLOTHES
Your clothes are one of your most important choices when hiking. They keep you
warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. An important thing to learn is how
to layer clothes. Using a good layering system helps you carry less clothing while
being prepared for more conditions. It also allows you to adjust on the go.

Each of the three primary layers has a specific because it does not wick moisture or dry quickly.
function. The base layer provides moisture man- This makes you colder. A new type of cotton is sup-
agement, some warmth, and sun protection. The posed to dry faster. I have yet to try it.
middle layers are insulating layers that protect Use a merino wool, silk (not very popular), or
you from the cold. The outer layer shields you from synthetic shirt (some trade names are Capilene,
wind, rain, and snow. Coolmax, Zeoline, and PowerDry) as your base
layer. A base layer isn’t just a shirt; underwear (in
all its forms) is also considered a base layer and is
BASE LAYER (MOISTURE also available in a variety of synthetics.
MANAGEMENT)
SYNTHETICS
The base layer is key to moving moisture (sweat)
from your body. A good base layer is crucial to Synthetic pros:
comfort in the outdoors. It helps prevent hypo- ✓ Very good moisture management.
thermia in cold situations and overheating in ✓ Best drying time.
warm conditions. ✓ Cheaper than wool.
The amount of base-layer coverage is purely up ✓ Durable and available in various weights and
to you. You might change your preferences based thicknesses for different conditions.
on where you’re hiking. I usually use a lightweight
Synthetic cons:
quarter-sleeve shirt to a half-zip long-sleeve meri-
no wool shirt. This keeps the sun off and is a little x They get stinky over time, and it’s hard to get
warmer. It also provides versatility for some extra rid of the smell when you wash it.
ventilation. x Petroleum-based materials.
When it comes to base layers, remember that x Can feel prickly when dirty.
“cotton kills.” Cotton isn’t good for hiking trips

95
MERINO WOOL wind can whip through it, and it is bulky and not
easily packable.
Merino pros:
✓ Offers good moisture management. NATURAL FIBERS: Natural fibers include wool
and down. Your mid layer can be a thicker wool
✓ Warm even when wet.
shirt than your base layer. It can also be a down
✓ Excellent odor resistance.
jacket. Down jackets come in various weights and
✓ Natural, soft on the skin. thicknesses (like sleeping bags do).
✓ Comes in various weights and thicknesses. Natural fibers allow you to match the thick-
✓ Can repel light rain. ness of your mid layer to the conditions, season,
✓ Stretches. and temperatures. Down has the best warmth-to-
✓ Sustainable. weight ratio and compressibility. You don’t want a
✓ Ultraviolet resistant. down jacket to get wet, because it loses its insula-
tive properties. Depending on your use and condi-
Merino cons: tions, you may want a synthetic-fill jacket instead
x Pricey. of down.
x Slightly less durable than synthetic clothing. SYNTHETIC: Synthetic jackets also come in differ-
ent fill weights for different conditions. They are
SILK usually slightly heavier than down jackets. They
Silk pros:
✓ Decent at wicking moisture.
✓ Good for cold-weather use. I usually like a down jacket or
Silk cons:
a synthetic jacket as a mid-
layer because of its warmth-to-
x Pricey.
weight ratio and packability. The ideal loft and
x Not the most durable. insulation weight varies. The choice depends
x Not great for odor resistance. on the climate I am headed into, how wet or
x Slow to dry and not usually machine washable. cold it will be, and whether I plan to hike in
the mid layer or just wear it at camp.

MID LAYER
(INSULATING LAYER)
The insulating layer, or mid layer, is a versatile
layer that’s key to the layering system. It can be
a wool wicking layer or a down- or synthetic-filled
jacket, depending on the conditions you will be
facing. There are a number of options for mid lay-
ers from fleece, wool, or synthetic materials.
FLEECE: Fleece comes in many thicknesses
(weights) and is now fairly inexpensive. It insu-
lates when it is wet and is breathable. However,
Making dinner during my winter hike, in one of the many
three-sided shelters on the AT

96 TRAIL TESTED
Hiking through the snow in remote
Dolpa, in the Nepalese Himalayas insulate more when wet and stand up to wear un-
Photo by Shawn Forry
derneath a backpack a bit better. A synthetic layer
can be a great layer underneath your rain jacket
and provide extra warmth on a cold, wet day.
FLEECE WIND STOPPER: They can be nice be-
cause they block the wind. They are usually warm.
They’re not great in a backpacking situation be-
cause they are bulky and not compressible.

OUTER LAYER (WIND AND

WEATHER PROTECTION)
The shell or outer layer is crucial. It protects you
from wind, rain, and snow. It keeps your inner lay-
ers from getting too wet and retains body heat. An
improperly chosen shell layer that doesn’t breathe
could leave you just as wet on the inside because of
condensation and sweat. The main considerations
in a shell layer are weight, durability, waterproof
laminate, DWR (durable water repellency), and
breathability. Other basic features like pockets, pit
zips, and hood should also be considered.
There are four main types of shell layers:
1. Waterproof/breathable shells: These are the
typical hard shells and are the most functional
for a long-distance hike. With a hard shell you
are prepared for most bad weather conditions
while still maintaining a fairly light weight. Most
hard shells are laminated or coated with water-
proofing like Gore-Tex, eVent, or Neoshell. Some
hard shells are geared toward skiing and moun-
taineering. They can be more abrasion-resistant,
are made of heavier materials, and have more fea-
tures, but can be much heavier than a hard shell
designed for hiking.
2. Water-resistant/breathable shells: These are
known as soft shells or wind shells. They are best for
mild weather, light precipitation, and high activity–
level sports. Soft shells are breathable; wind shells
aren’t breathable. Neither handles precipitation

GETTING STARTED > Hiking clothes 97

as well as a hard shell. Most soft shells use some 4. Waterproof/non-breathable shells: These are
stretch material, which can make for a nice layer more economical but don’t breathe at all. They are
for skiing. But, except for cold winter conditions, made for low activity levels like fishing. Don’t skimp
they’re not that good for backpacking because they and buy this type of shell. If you hike in it, you are
don’t pack very well. going to sweat a lot.
3. Insulated shells: Some shells have a built-in in-
sulation layer. These jackets are made more for re- GAITERS
sort skiing. I don’t recommend these for backpack-
ing, since they aren’t as versatile as a good layering Gaiters are simple. They enclose the cuff of your
system. They don’t pack as well. It’s much nicer to shoes so that nothing can get in at the top. They are
have a separate insulation layer from your water- the only way waterproof shoes might actually stay
proof shell, because it keeps the insulation layer dry after a day of hiking in the rain. Without them,
from getting wet. water can drip down your legs and into your shoes.
Some people love gaiters; others hate them. I
always think they’re a good idea, but when it comes
down to it, I rarely use them when I bring them.
Outer Layer Tips Some people consider them indispensable, and
some people hate wet shoes. I don’t mind getting
TIP ON RAIN SHELLS: You can get a good
lightweight rain shell for about $99. Remember some rain or pebbles in my shoes every now and
that you get what you pay for. The major dif- again. Eventually you will hike in wet shoes. You
ferences as price increases are quality, fabric, get used to it.
seam-taping, and attention to detail. There is After wearing wet shoes for days on end, it’s
no reason to buy the top-of-the-line rain jacket. nice to have dry shoes, but in my opinion there
No matter which brand you buy, they all wear
is no need to go the extra mile to try to have dry
out. A good rain jacket is nice to have in bad
weather conditions. shoes all the time. For me, gaiters aren’t really
worth the hassle, nor are waterproofed shoes, un-
ZIPPER PLACEMENT TIP: When trying on
less you’re hiking in a cold climate or in winter.
outer shells, pay attention to where the zip-
pers (pockets and pit zips included) fall on your CHOOSING THE RIGHT GAITERS: There are dif-
body. You don’t want the slider under your hip ferent types of gaiters for different uses: heavy-
belt; this can be uncomfortable. duty and light. For hiking and backing I only rec-
TIP ON HOODS: I like using the hood on my ommend light gaiters. Other gaiters are for heavy-
rain jacket when it’s raining. Hiking with a cold, duty use like alpine expeditions or snow travel.
wet head of hair in the rain, with water dripping For hiking all you really need are gaiters that
down your neck, isn’t fun. It makes you a lot
just go over the ankle and are made of Schoeller
colder and takes a long time to dry, especially if
you have long hair. or some sort of DWR-treated stretch woven fabric.
Since they stretch and are made of a softshell ma-
TIP ON PUTTING ON RAIN GEAR: If you’re
terial, they are comfortable and low profile, which
below tree line and it starts to rain, find a good
tree to stand under. Open up your pack and put helps them last longer since they won’t get snagged
your rain gear on. The tree will keep you and your on things. The cord that runs underneath the sole
gear from getting soaked while you are suiting up. of the shoe is the weakest part of the gaiter, but it’s
easy to change.

98 TRAIL TESTED
 Gaiter Tips TRAUMA PICK
IN THE RAIN: Wear your gaiters underneath I like to wear a long-sleeve, half-zip merino wool
your pants or rain pants. The pants provide an shirt. This helps keep the sun off me because it
extra layer of rain protection with the gaiters has a higher collar and long sleeves. The sun can
underneath. This prevents water channeling into zap your energy at the end of the day, so it is
the gaiter, which will eventually soak the top of important to keep it off your skin as much as pos-
your shoes and socks. sible. The weight of the shirt depends on where
the trip is. I like to wear a 150g/m2 or 200g/m2
SIZING: Gaiters come in different sizes. Make merino wool shirt. This wicks moisture well, dries
sure to get the right size, or you won’t get the fast, and prevents odors.
performance you were expecting. Gaiters should
fit snugly around your leg and should fit well I also usually wear shorts. I like shorts with deeper
around whatever shoes you wear. pockets, or possible even a zippered pocket, so
nothing falls out (my Chapstick); it is imperative
that they dry fast.
I wear boxers and like merino wool 150g/m2 boxers.
I also use a wind jacket and wind pants on most
trips. They are the lightest weight for their warmth.
Because they don’t breathe very well, they help
keep your body heat inside. At a few ounces per
piece, they are amazingly versatile.
I also usually take a down jacket, parka, or synthetic
jacket, depending on the location and season of the
trip. If I think I am going to have to wear the insu-
lation layer during the day or underneath my rain
jacket for warmth, I will bring the synthetic jacket.
If it is mainly for in camp and sleeping, I will bring
the down jacket because there is less likelihood of it
getting wet, and down is lighter than synthetic.
Finally, I also bring a merino wool beanie on most
trips in case it gets chilly. Gloves and mittens vary
by the location and season. I really like eVent mit-
tens as overmitts. These are lightweight and help
keep your hands warm in most conditions. They
prevent your hands from getting wet and also help
perspiration to escape. I usually wear a synthetic or
merino wool glove liner underneath the overmitts.
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING: Icebreaker 150
or 200 g/m2 long-sleeve half-zip shirt, Icebreaker
These gaiters provide basic protection against
boxers, Montbell Stretch Light Shorts, Montbell
light rain, snow, grit, sand, and rocks. If you’re
U.L. Down Parka or Montbell Thermawrap Pro
going out in the winter, consider using a heavier
Parka, Montbell Tachyon anorak or Dynamo Wind
duty nylon gaiter.
parka and Dynamo Wind pants, Icebreaker beanie

GETTING STARTED > Hiking clothes 99

 Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen
National Park, Norway

Hiking in cold, wet

weather: When it is raining
or snowing and cold, stash
your poles on your pack so you can put
your hands inside your rain jacket. It
will keep your hands a lot warmer! Also Fording the Rakaia River in New Zealand during a mix
pack smartly and have layers and gloves of cold rain and snow. This large, braided river was
supposed to be one of the toughest fords on our hike
conveniently packed in your pack so that through the South Island of New Zealand, but it turned
you can reach them quickly if you are cold. out to be a walk in the park. Photo by Shawn Forry
 RAIN GEAR
Rain gear is an important part of a hiker’s clothing. It provides protection from the
elements. Good rain gear for hiking must also be breathable, durable, and pack-
able. With rain gear, little things can make a big difference.

FEATURES as two-layer, two-and-a-half layer, and three-layer

rain jackets.
The features you want in rain gear depend on how Two-layer jackets are the most affordable.
hot you get. If you get hot and sweat a lot, you’ll They’re not the most practical for long trips. They’re
want a rain jacket with more vents and pockets. usually a little heavier and less breathable. They’re
Always get a rain jacket with a hood, unless you designed more for lifestyle or day trips.
like water soaking through your layers of clothes Two-and-a-half-layer jackets are the lightest
from your neck down. weight full-featured waterproof, breathable jack-
You really only need a front zipper to vent a ets. They can be well priced and have either coat-
rain jacket. Between that and pushing the sleeves ings or laminates.
up your arms, you should get decent ventilation. Three-layer rain jackets are the most durable.
Pit zips seem like a great idea, but when you’re hik- These jackets have laminates. They’re full-featured
ing you usually keep your arms close to your body, jackets that are highly breathable. They’re usually
reducing the effectiveness of pit zips. more expensive.
One of my biggest pet peeves with rain gear There’s not a good, universally accepted stan-
is poorly designed wrist cuffs. Some cuffs absorb dard for fabric breathability that you will see on
water, staying wet longer than the rest of the jack- every product. Sometimes a tag might have a num-
et. Wet wrist cuffs also make you colder, since they ber in tens of thousands for waterproofness and
cool the blood flowing to your hands. breathability (30,000/30,000). Not all jackets will
have the numbers though, and when they do, it is
LAMINATES: The waterproof laminates and coat- usually geared more toward skiing and snowboard-
ings on rain gear often wear out quicker than the ing jackets.
fabrics and materials themselves. As soon as the ma- A lot of people ask me about eVent versus Gore-
terials start to get worn out, they can leak. The first Tex laminates. No waterproof jacket breathes as
places that get worn on rain gear are the areas in much as people want or desire. However, I think
contact with your pack’s shoulder straps and hip belt. eVent breathes better than Gore-Tex, but I question
Rain jackets for backpacking have an inner wa- its durability in rain gear. It lasts a long time in
terproof layer. They are categorized by their layers stuff sacks, but I have seen a lot of rain jackets

101
with eVent leak when on-trail for extended periods RAIN GEAR ALTERNATIVES
of time. It happens with any jacket. It might hap-
pen a little quicker with eVent. UMBRELLAS: Some people love carrying an ultra-

SEAM TAPE: Rain gear should be seam-taped. In light umbrella. It can be very useful on some trips.
the backcountry, anything less is unacceptable. If you are under tree cover most of the time where
It won’t keep you dry, warm, or safe. Seam tape you are protected from the wind, they can keep
blocks puncture holes created by sewing needles you from getting completely drenched. These con-
when the jacket is made. ditions can be found on a lot of sections of the AT.
In addition, they can be used as sunshades in the
WEIGHT: Rain jackets vary in weight from about 5 desert.
to 6 ounces. Most 9- to 10-ounce shells are pretty
PONCHO: Some manufacturers make ultralight
solid, last a long time, and have enough features
like pockets and vents. ponchos out of silnylon and other ultralight fab-
Rain gear designed for mountaineering and rics. These can be good on protected trails like the
hard off-trail travel usually weighs more than rain AT, as long as it isn’t windy. If it is windy, they can
gear designed for hiking. Jackets with fewer fea- blow around and won’t provide effective weather
tures like pockets and zippers usually weigh less. protection. With a poncho you probably won’t have
to carry a rain jacket, rain pants, or a pack cover.
FIT: Keep in mind that many rain jackets have a Many ultralight ponchos are designed to go over
trim, athletic cut. This can be because there isn’t your backpack also. Some ponchos are designed to
extra material to tuck away under your pack. Re- be a tarp as well. In an area where it doesn’t rain
member the trim fit when you try such jackets on. much, this can help save weight. Keep in mind that
You’ll likely want a little bit of room under the jack- the tarp dimensions often are smaller, and you
et for your mid layer on a cold rainy day. have to take off your rain gear in order to set up
your shelter. This is not ideal in a rainy climate.

TRAUMA PICK
I like a lightweight rain jacket (all seasons) and
rain pants (except in the height of summer) for
most trips. They can then be used as a layering
tool. A hood is essential for the jacket.
RECOMMENDED RAIN GEAR: Montbell Ver-
salite jacket and pants, Montbell Torrent shell
and pants if bushwhacking and you need a little
more durability
Not a happy camper—soaking
wet, chilly, postholing in the
sloppy snow, and about to
blow off the ridge during a
driving rain with low visibility
and a gale-force wind on the
Knife Edge Ridge during a Photo courtesy of Montbell
winter PCT hike

102 TRAIL TESTED

 Rain Gear Features
HOODS: Some jackets have hoods that stash in around your head or helmet to keep water, wind, and
the collar or are detachable. I like the hood on my cold air out. A little brim on the hood is nice because
jacket, right behind my head. When it starts raining, it keeps water from dripping into your face.
snowing, or getting cold, I don’t have to scramble to
VENTS: The biggest and best vent on any coat is
get it on.
the front zipper. It lets the most air in. Some pockets
Some hoods are made larger so the wearer can
double as vents because they have a mesh liner. Vents
also wear a helmet under the hood. Either way, when
in the armpits are also a popular feature that let in
trying on a rain jacket, make sure the hood cinches up
more air. But remember, each vent, pocket, bell, and
whistle can add ounces to the jacket’s weight.
• CHIN GUARDS: Some jackets have a chin guard, a
piece of fabric or fleece on top of the zipper. It’s a nice
feature on a ski jacket, but it’s not necessary on a rain
jacket. On a wet rain jacket, fleece stays wet longer
• than the rest. It becomes a cold piece of fabric to rest
your chin on, like a sponge. However, a flap that covers
the zipper’s top is crucial—you don’t want to get your
chin or facial hair caught in the top of the zipper. Been
there, done that, and don’t ever want to do it again!
STORM FLAP: Some rain jackets have a flap behind
the main zipper to help keep wind and rain out. How-
ever, a jacket with a waterproof zipper doesn’t need
the flap and can save some weight.
• POCKETS: More pockets equal a heavier jacket.
When trying on rain gear, make sure the zipper slid-
ers won’t sit underneath your hip belt, climbing har-
ness, or shoulder straps.
DROP-TAIL: Most hiking rain gear stops just below
the hips. Snow gear and lifestyle gear usually have a
• drop tail that goes below your butt. Some rain gear
might have a drop tail, but it’s not really necessary,
especially if you’re wearing rain pants as well.
DRAWCORDS: Drawcords help cinch the rain jacket
to the body to keep out more snow, wind, and rain. A
drawcord at the hem allows the wearer to cinch the
jacket at the bottom. Hiking rain gear doesn’t need
a powder or spray skirt. A drawcord on the hem is
enough for almost all conditions and doesn’t add the
weight of a spray skirt. Drawcords on the hood are
key to cinch it down for a good, tight fit.
•

GETTING STARTED > Rain gear 103

 Rain Gear Tips and Tricks
STAYING DRY • If you do put your rain gear into a dryer,
• If you’re below tree line and it starts to rain, remove it promptly. Dryers remain hot after
find a good tree to stand under before you turning off. If your jacket settles on the wall
open up your pack and throw your rain gear and sits on a hot spot, it could melt.
on. It’ll keep you and your gear from getting • Keeping rain gear waterproof: First things
soaked. first, I try not to wear my rain jacket as an
• While hiking in rain in humid climates: If it is extra layer unless I really have to. The less
raining on a hot and humid day, like midsum- you wear it, especially with your backpack on,
mer on the AT, no rain gear will keep you dry. the better it will be when you do need it.
You’ll be wet from sweating in the rain gear • After a lot of use: To stay dry you need to
and from walking in the rain. In such situ- maintain the durable water repellent (DWR)
ations, you might as well just get soaked in treatment on the exterior of your rain gear.
your clothes and change out of them when Over time, the materials lose their ability to
you stop. You can also try using an ultralight repel water because of dirt, body oils, wear
umbrella. You can slide it between your pack and tear, and washing. Washing your rain
and shoulder straps so you don’t have to hold gear is the first step; treating it with DWR
it. This works well if it isn’t windy during a will help extend the life of your rain gear
storm. The umbrella can also work in the des- indefinitely.
ert as a sunshade to block the sun during a
• A machine washing can help bring rain gear
break. I have seen people line the inside with
back to life. But after a while you will notice
Mylar to help reflect the sun.
that water droplets soak into the fabric,
MAINTAINING RAIN GEAR: making it wet. That’s when an aftermarket
• Keep it out of the smoke: Over time, smoke DWR revitalizer is needed. ReviveX and most
affects the performance of rain gear. Unless companies make wash-in and spray-on DWR
it’s raining and you’re hanging out by a camp- applications. With either you usually need a
fire for extra warmth, try to stay clear of heat source like a dryer or iron to make sure
smoke while wearing rain gear. the treatment adheres properly. Just read
the instructions, and don’t get out of control
• Try to keep sunscreen and insect repellent
with the heat!
(especially DEET!) off your rain gear. Wash
your rain gear occasionally. For eVent gear, • I use spray-on DWR. It allows you to target
hang it to dry. For Gore-Tex, put it in a dryer the rain gear’s exterior instead of a wash-in
at low or medium heat for 10 minutes. Wash- product that also coats the fabric on the
ing and drying helps the gear last longer inside, which may affect the breathability
because it removes dirt and body oils that and wicking. A spray-on DWR also allows you
can diminish the performance of the water- to isolate areas for treatment, like the areas
proof breathable laminate or coating. that come into contact with shoulder straps
or hip belts. Those are most likely to lose
waterproofing first.

104 TRAIL TESTED

Postholing on the descent from Nango La, Nepal
Jeff Knight and I figuring out how to traverse
a burn area in the Boundary Waters, Minnesota.
Burn areas can have tons of blowdowns, making
it very tough to find, or stay on, the trail.

Prepare for bad reception

areas: If you’re going under
heavy tree cover or into
a canyon, try to fix and acquire satellite
signals in an open area before you get into
the thick of it.
Once the satellites are locked, the
GPS will “hold” them for a longer period
before losing them. If you don’t acquire
satellites before entering an area with spotty
reception, the unit might not be able to
locate enough satellites to fix a location.

Yoni and I hiking the canyon country of southern Utah

Photo by Russ Sackson
 GPS UNITS
A lot of people use GPS units to navigate the backcountry. They are handy if navi-
gation is going to be difficult. In a thick forest with few site references, a GPS can
be useful (although if the forest is too thick, the unit will have trouble acquiring a
signal). I’m old-school, so generally I prefer to use a map and compass. I find that
a GPS adds more weight than it does navigation assistance.

GPS units range from super small (the size and weight position by receiving information from numerous
of a cell phone) to larger, full-featured devices that satellites and reports it in UTM (Universal Trans-
weigh more than half a pound. The smallest, light- verse Mercator) coordinates or in terms of latitude
est models have fewer features and a smaller, less- and longitude.
effective antenna. There’s a trade-off depending on NAVIGATION: GPS units use set waypoints—
which features are most important to you. Do your known points or destinations—to help the user
research, talk with other GPS users, and read reviews navigate the route. The device shows the distance to
of different devices before making a purchase. the waypoints entered into the device. You can enter
Some GPS units are waterproof and some float. waypoints gleaned from guidebooks or other sources
If you think you’ll use a GPS unit in a rainy climate into the unit or use software that is preloaded with
or when crossing many rivers or streams, consider waypoints. Waypoints can include trailheads, camp-
these factors before making a purchase. sites, water sources, and other landmarks.
The price of a GPS unit is affected by its screen
ROUTE PLOTTING: You can enter all the navigation
type and size, memory capacity, internal maps, an-
and trail information into a GPS before leaving home
tenna type, and processor chip.
or use preprogrammed software to identify your route
Real-world conditions for GPS units are rarely
if you’re hiking on known trails. If you input numer-
ideal. Thick tree cover, canyon walls, mountains—
ous waypoints into a GPS unit, it will create a route
all can block signal reception. Therefore, a GPS does
plotted by the coordinates entered. It will also show
NOT replace a map and compass. You should always
you the distances from point to point. However, it
carry a detailed map of the area and a compass.
will plot the course with straight lines between each
If you’re interested in a GPS, there are a lot of
waypoint—and you usually won’t be walking in a
options to consider. However, all GPS receivers for
straight line for too long when hiking. That’s where
hiking are capable of performing four basic tasks:
preprogrammed software can come in handy.
location, navigation, route plotting, and tracking.
TRACKING: As long as a GPS unit is on, it tracks
LOCATION: The basic function of a GPS is to ac-
your hike, leaving “breadcrumbs” at set time or
curately give your location. It triangulates your

107
distance intervals so that you will have a track of great if you don’t use an altimeter watch like I do.
your route. You can turn this feature off if you pre- An altimeter helps me navigate by giving me an
fer, but it can be very helpful if you need to back- idea of what my elevation is. The barometer can
track. You can also tag locations for geocaching or also help you prepare for the weather.
to remember a particular site. BATTERIES: When choosing a GPS unit, consider
SCREENS: Depending on the make and model, GPS what size batteries it uses. If multiple battery-
units are equipped with black-and-white, color, or operated devices can share batteries, you might
touch screens. The latter two are more expensive. reduce how many you need and also reduce the
Color screens are nice because they help the user weight you carry. Lithium batteries work best and
differentiate between landforms and water. Back- last the longest.
lit screens are nice if you’re going to use the GPS To preserve battery life in a GPS device, turn
at night or in low-light conditions. Touch screens off its magnetic compass. It won’t affect GPS
often don’t work with gloves, so they’re not ideal for
winter use. Also, touch screens, color screens, and
backlit screens use more power than simpler screens. GPS Tips
ANTENNAS: There are two main types of anten- Set a waypoint at the start of your hike. If you’re
nas for GPS units: quadrifilar helix antennas and using your GPS on a short hike, mark the location
flat patch antennas. of your vehicle as a waypoint. It helps familiarize
The quadrifilar helix, or quad helix, antenna you with the device and can be useful if you get
is the most common. It performs better under tree lost or get stuck in bad weather.
I think GPS devices are extraneous for most
cover than flat patch antennas.
long-distance hikes—especially the AT. They are
However, flat patch antenna–based GPS units one of the more expensive pieces of equipment.
are less expensive and a good option if you’re hik- Unless you’re traveling on snow, in bad weather,
ing in open country. or in an area that’s hard to navigate, they’re like-
The reception and accuracy of a GPS unit de- ly not necessary. Many people, like Guthook, have
pends on its processor chip, like the SiRF Star III. developed apps for smartphones that are tailored
to specific hiking trails. Other apps like Gaia
Highly sensitive chips and antennas allow the de-
GPS are great for backcountry travel and more
vice to quickly lock onto satellites and report loca- versatile for general hiking and other wilderness
tion information. routes and travel not on mainstream trails. These
INTERNAL MAPS: Some GPS units come preloaded apps can be downloaded relatively inexpensively
and will help with location finding on a device
with maps. Others use preloaded memory cards. The
that you’ll likely be carrying anyway, so no added
maps that come with a unit affect its price. The more- weight. The only issue is making sure to have
detailed maps cost more. Being able to load maps onto enough charge and battery life in your phone for
a unit is a beneficial feature to aid in navigation. when you need it. I typically keep my phone off
or in airplane mode so the battery doesn’t drain.
ALTIMETER: All GPS units provide elevation data.
Also make sure to keep the battery warm on cold
It’s part of the information they receive from the days by keeping your phone in your inside jacket
satellites. Some also feature a barometric altimeter, pocket to preserve the battery life.
which can help the GPS unit determine your loca- Many GPS units can now be satellite mes-
tion even if it can’t triangulate your location—it sengers too. If you need to contact friends and
happens. GPS units with barometric altimeters are family and have emergency options while on the
trail this is a handy product.

108 TRAIL TESTED

navigation information it collects from satellites. can be replaced by the manufacturer. They can save
Turn off other nonessential features like backlight- and reload your saved data also.
ing and auto-routing when you aren’t using them. SPEED: When comparing GPS models, check the
Most modern GPS receivers have built-in back- TTFF (Time To First Fix). This tells you how long
up batteries to keep your stored information safe it takes a unit to “lock on” to satellites and start
when the main battery runs out. If this fails, it reporting location information.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Satellite Phones
A personal locator beacon (PLB) is a portable beacon definitely more versatile
that sends distress signals via satellite to emergency at conveying a message
responders and helps them locate you. Satellite phones but are more expensive.
connect to satellites rather than earthbound cell phone If you’re hiking the AT, a PLB is unnecessary.
towers. Both work throughout most of the world. Plenty of people hike it, and throughout most of the
PLBs may help ease friends’ and family’s worries trail you’re close enough to roads and towns, making it
while you’re on a trip. PLBs are starting to offer other easy to find help quickly and talk with your family and
features as well. This is really nice, so they’re no longer friends as often as you—or they—need to. I feel the
a “just in case” weight sitting in your pack. same about satellite phones on the AT. You can get in
The product line is now blending with satellite touch anywhere on the trail with just a cell phone.
communicators. ZOLEO, Garmin inReach and SPOT’s If you’re hiking in remote locations, far from
satellite messengers are PLBs that can also send mes- towns, then it is probably worth it to carry a PLB or sat
sages and coordinates out. They link to cell phones, phone. Before you choose to do so, check their cover-
some more seamlessly than others. They have annual age range. SPOT, for instance, runs off of Globalstar’s
subscription fees, and some devices can partner as a satellite network and has some gray and low-service
GPS. This allows you to send text messages and update areas across the globe. Iridium’s coverage is worldwide.
social media pages also. Some, like Zoleo and Garmin, These satellite communicators can now also con-
can also get local forecasts texted to you. For inReach nect with Facebook, Google maps, text messaging, and
the instructions can be found at https://wx2inreach. other social media and online sources to tell people
weebly.com. It’s nice that it’s not just dead weight you’re OK, put your location on a map and track your
in your pack waiting for an emergency, though I still trip and coordinates, and even send custom messages
don’t think it’s necessary on most trips. up to a certain character length (usually 140 charac-
With a satellite phone you get more benefits. You ters). These features can make the PLB much more
can get and receive voicemail messages, make calls, useful than just an emergency beacon, and also a more
and send and receive text messages. These texts often cost-effective option than a satellite phone.
don’t even count as using minutes. Sat phones are

Wristwatches/Altimeters
A backpacking wristwatch with an altimeter helps wristwatch’s features before coming to rely on it. It
you navigate and predict pending weather. becomes even more useful as you use it more.
Most backpacking wristwatches have altimeters,
thermometers, barometers, and compasses. The altim- Tip: The altimeter measures barometric
eter will show your elevation, giving pressure. It is crucial to calibrate your eleva-
you a better idea of your location when
tion at known points a few times per week to
looking at a topographic map. However,
it’s important to learn how to use a keep the barometer and altimeter accurate.

GETTING STARTED > gps units 109

 LIGHTS

Pepper and I camping in an alcove waiting while our

dinner cooks. This is two days from the end of the Nepal
section of our Himalaya hike and shortly after descending
out of the high country for the last time and entering into
hot, humid, low-elevation areas for the remaining miles.
S AND HEADLAMPS
The only light system I recommend for hiking, backpacking, or any outdoor adven-
ture is a headlamp. In fact a headlamp probably saved my life one night.

I’d been reading by headlamp in my tent for about more—she wasn’t budging. She just kept staring at
an hour. It was time to sleep but I figured I’d take me. Using the headlamp I looked around and spot-
a last look around before crashing. It was anoth- ted movement about 35 feet behind me—it was an-
er epic day of hiking. I’d already been chased by other female lion. She had been creeping up behind
an angry elephant and, while running for my life, me in the grass, trying to flush me out of my spot
spooked a lion that was camouflaged and napping so the other female could attack. This is exactly
in the grass. Luckily, when the lion took off, the how female lions hunt prey.
elephant went after it. This was about 1,500 miles I reached down, grabbed my trekking poles,
into a solo southbound hike across Africa, in a wild- and started screaming and banging my poles. I was
life preserve near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. trying to act as intimidating as possible. Nothing.
Ready for a nice, quiet evening I peered out The lion behind me crept closer, while her hunt-
of my tent. My battery-starved headlamp (I have a ing buddy stared me down. I kept yelling, banging
habit of waiting until my batteries are completely the poles and shaking the tent. Still, nothing. I
dead before changing them) barely sliced through quickly grabbed my camera. I was hoping the flash
the tall grass around me. It illuminated a large would scare the predators off. Nope. The lion from
female lion sitting about 30 feet in front of me. behind had crept around and was now only a few
I yelled, shined my light in her eyes, and yelled feet away on my left. She was walking toward me
and gave me a mean, hard glare as she walked past.
I used the camera and flashed her again. I inadver-
tently took some up-close photos of the lion just as
she sauntered by, and she began to walk away. Her
companion watched as she trod on and luckily got
up to follow her hunting partner. Amazing!
I don’t know why they spared me, but I’m not
complaining. Not surprisingly, I didn’t sleep at all
that night. I decided to change my route and get
out of the nature preserve as soon as possible. I sin-
cerely believe that without a headlamp, I might not

111
 be writing this book today. If my hands were busy
with a handheld flashlight, I would not have had
the freedom to use the camera flash or make noise
with my poles. I also had to keep my eyes on them
at all times. So, when I say, “Nothing compares to
hands-free lighting with a headlamp,” I mean it.
Here’s what to shop for in a headlamp.
FEATURES: Headlamps should tell you their lu-
mens (brightness), run-time, weight, and beam
distance (see table). Compare the figures on a num-
ber of models. Try each one to find out which fits
your head best. Choose the model that offers the
best combination of comfort, features, and price.
Modern hiking headlamps use LEDs, which are
very efficient and effective. Skip the headlamps
with a separate battery pack. They’re heavier and
add weight and bulk to your hiking gear. That is,
unless you plan on spelunking on the trail.
Some models have two types of LEDs in one
headlamp. One is for hiking because it illuminates
better. The other is for reading, cooking, and ac-
complishing tasks around camp.
Manufacturers also are including a red, green, Pepper scribbling notes
or blue LED as the second option in the headlamp. about the events of
the day in a remote
teahouse in the
Nepalese Himalayas

Headlamp Tips
Don’t use lithium batteries in a headlamp unless
the instructions specifically say to use them
or the headlamp comes with lithium batteries
in the box. Lithium batteries can burn out the
circuitry. However, if the instructions say to use
lithium batteries, follow the directions. They
work better in cold conditions and last longer.
Some companies sell a lantern adaptor for
headlamps. This is a reasonable idea, but it’s
overkill. Your headlamp illuminates everything
that you look at, and the beam follows where
you turn your head. If you need to flood a larg-
Relaxing before bedtime in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
er area, you can hang it in the tent’s canopy.

112 TRAIL TESTED

These are designed to be easier on your eyes be-
cause they don’t make your pupils contract as a TRAUMA PICK
white LED does. They’re also not as bright. The light My headlamp of choice depends on the trip, sea-
won’t wake up your partner if you’re reading late. son, and amount of night hiking I will be doing.
HEADLAMP MODES: Most headlamps have a few Normally for three-season camping, I choose a
lighter model. Under some circumstances I will
different modes, or brightness levels. This helps
decide to up the lumen output and sacrifice a
conserve the battery when you don’t need it on full little in weight so I can hike more comfortably in
force. Some also have a strobe feature. That can the dark.
serve as an emergency beacon in case something
RECOMMENDED HEADLAMP: Princeton Tec
happens—or maybe it could scare off large animals. Byte for most three-season trips, Princeton Tec
BEAM: The beam on some headlamps is adjustable Remix or SNAP for winter trips or trips where I
from a flood or wide light to a spot or focused light. might be night hiking more
Others use two LEDs to give you the same flexibil-
ity. Some have just one option. ON/OFF-MODE SWITCH: The headlamp’s switch
REGULATED OUTPUT: Many new LED headlamps is pretty basic. You want to make sure it will operate
feature regulated output. Instead of losing light as easily in all the conditions you’ll face. And you don’t
the batteries drain, they sustain their brightness want the light to turn on so easily that it goes on in
throughout the life of the batteries. This is a great your pack, draining you batteries during the day.
feature, but when the batteries reach a low point, On the other hand, you don’t want to struggle with
the power will fade quickly. turning it on when you need it most. Depending on
when you’re hiking, you may also be wearing gloves.
TILT: Most headlamps allow you to tilt the light
This can affect your ability to turn the light on and
various degrees to illuminate whatever you’re
off. Play around with different models in the shop.
doing: looking at the trail in front of you or the
Some headlamps now have a plug-in recharge-
food you’re cooking. It’s an important feature. I
able battery. Depending on the type of hiking and
don’t recommend getting a lamp that doesn’t tilt.
backpacking and length between resupplies, this
WATER RESISTANCE/DURABILITY: Most good may be a good option. Personally, I’d rather use bat-
headlamps are fairly tough and can handle some teries; they are more easily found at resupplies and
rain. You probably don’t need one that is completely typically functional for multiple electronic items
water- and submersion-proof. If it’s pouring rain, I may be carrying. It seems like every item has a
you probably won’t be hiking at night anyway. I’d different recharger, and I don’t want to carry extra
much rather be curled up in my shelter and warm. chargers or be tied to a bounce box at every resupply.

HEADLAMP FEATURES
Characteristic Units of Measurement Meaning
Light output/ brightness Lumens How bright the light is at its source. The higher the number, the brighter.
Beam distance Meters How far the unit’s beam will illuminate a surface.
Run time/battery life Hours At its LOWEST setting, how long the unit should be able to produce usable light.
Weight Ounces or grams Most headlamps are between 3 and 6 ounces. Heavy-duty, high-intensity lights are heavier.
Size Inches or centimeters The dimensions of the headlamp itself. Headlamp straps are adjustable and should fit just about any head.
are

GETTING STARTED > LIGHTS AND HEADLAMPS 113

 Just as baseball
has dealt with
steroid use,
long-distance hiking has its own set
of controversies. Some long-distance
hikers take caffeine pills—purportedly,
they help hikers trek through lulls and
How do you think we trek big miles? Actually this is Pepper dividing stay on schedule. Perhaps they help
up powdered milk for the Nepal section of the Himalaya hike. Save
hikers keep their competitive edge on
weight and space by repackaging items. Only take with you the
amount you need until your next resupply. the trail. As for me, I’d rather just eat
chocolate and more candy bars.
 TRAIL FOOD
Food is one of the most important considerations when you are backpacking and
hiking—especially on long-distance hikes.

Food will consume much of your thoughts while The more calories per ounce, the less food
walking. People have different cravings, from choc- weight you have to carry. Many foods weigh in at
olate to juicy cheeseburgers to Ben & Jerry’s ice 150 calories per ounce or higher. For instance, olive
cream. When considering trail foods, there are many oil and ghee are closer to 250 calories per ounce. Car-
things to consider. You’re hiking for extended peri- bohydrates and protein have about 100 calories per
ods of time, and your metabolic rate will increase ounce, while fat has up to 250 calories per ounce.
substantially. I’ve witnessed people lose more than Food that’s under 110 calories per ounce isn’t
100 pounds in two months of long-distance hiking. ideal for hiking, because you must carry extra food
Who needs Weight Watchers when you can go weight to meet your dietary needs while hiking.
on the Trauma diet—eat anything and everything Anything under 110 calories per ounce has water
you see and still lose weight! Food is a personal weight. Water is heavy and has no calories, so it’s a
preference, more so than any other item. Whatever lose-lose choice for hiking food.
your pleasure, you need nutrient-rich, calorie-rich, Foods with calories per ounce of 125 or greater
and good-tasting food. are ideal for hiking. If you are trying to meet a
Pepper loves salty trail food like tortilla chips 4,000-calorie-per-day diet—I can burn 8,000 calo-
and potato chips. My friend Nacho likes salami, ries per day on the trail—you’d only have to carry
pepperoni, peanut butter, and dried fruit tortillas 2 pounds of food per day.
(made with precision). Squeaky could eat Powerbars When hiking sunup to sundown on a strenuous
all day long. I love bagels (only Thomas’ and Sara trip, it’s easy to blow past 4,000 calories in a day.
Lee, because they are moist and you don’t need to It sustains my energy. When I get to town, I do a
toast them on the trail) and cream cheese, tortillas, town binge—eating everything in sight to make up
cashews, and dried apricots. Another favorite is my for the deficit.
Nutella and potato chip wrap. My all-out favorite, Some people try to cut their pack weight by
which I eat every night of a hike, is pasta. I’m more cutting the amount of food they carry. I met a
of a sweet-treat fan than a salty snack fan. guy attempting his second thru-hike on the Pa-
Food will be the majority of your pack weight. cific Crest Trail. He had tried the trip the previ-
Food can be measured in calories per ounce. It’s im- ous year but quit after about 800 miles. He said he
portant to shop for densely caloric and nutrient- got too weak to continue hiking. He was obsessed
rich food when planning for a hiking trip—leave with cutting down his pack weight to make the
the Twinkies at home! hiking easier. He cut down on the amount of food

115
 he carried, and his strategy backfired. You need the heavier after resupplying, but it gets progressively
calories for energy. Cutting weight is fine, but don’t lighter every day.
shortchange yourself on food. To combat weakness,
add calories to your diet.
To cut weight, examine your cook system and FOOD BASICS
other gear. Make lighter gear choices so you can When hiking, most people need 2,500 to 4,500 calo-
carry more food on long trips. Your pack will be ries per day. That’s about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of cal-
orie-rich food per day. Each individual is different
I am a sugar junkie.
After a full year of
and has different caloric needs, but it’s a good place
hiking, I was sick to start. If you’re unsure of how much food to take
of so many of my with you, err on the side of caution. Take extra
typical hiking foods
that I had to resort meals or a few more packets of ramen. It’s better to
to whatever I could have more food than not enough.
eat without gagging. When shopping for food during resupply or be-
This was my typical
food for the last two fore starting a trip, be organized. The more long
days of my 10,000- hikes you take, the better you’ll become at esti-
mile trek. Photo by mating ten days’ worth of food. When starting out,
Shawn Forry
organize your shopping list and meal plans ahead
of time. Think about what you are going to eat each
day for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and des-
sert. This will help you get what you need without
feeling overwhelmed.
Remember that weight, size, and packaging of
the food matters. It determines how it will fit in
your backpack. You don’t want foods with a lot of
space around them, like a box of crackers. Consider
the ease of preparation also.
Taste is crucial. You don’t want to eat food
you don’t like after a long day of hiking. I don’t
enjoy most backpacking- and hiking-specific
foods. I like normal foods from the grocery store.
I also rotate foods so I don’t get tired of eating the
same thing.
A lot of people think freeze-dried foods are
their only option for eating in the backcountry.
They’re wrong. There are plenty of other easy-to-
prepare meals available in the supermarket. Lipton
Sides, pasta (ideally angel hair, because it cooks
fastest), instant soup mixes, couscous, polenta,
and quinoa are just a few examples. These options
Enjoying fresh seafood on a beach walk during
are a lot less expensive than freeze-dried meals.
the New Zealand hike. Tastes like chicken!

116 TRAIL TESTED

 Certain fresh foods will last for days in your on quickly. Oatmeal, cream of wheat, and other
backpack, depending on the weather. For instance, hot cereals are good if you don’t mind cooking in
cheese can last for days in most weather conditions. the morning.
Cream cheese usually lasts three to four days, un- LUNCH: Dried fruit, protein bars, bagels, nuts, pret-
less it’s really hot. Cheddar will last up to 6 days, zels, chips, jerky, tuna packets, tortillas, cheese,
unless it’s really hot and dry. Jack and Parmesan salami, pepperoni, chocolate, Nutella, peanut but-
last the longest. Capsicum peppers can last a day or ter and jelly, and Pop-Tarts are all good options.
two, and carrots can last a few days.
SNACKS: Eating snacks throughout the day
You don’t need canned foods. Foods like tuna
while hiking is important to keeping you going.
come in packets, which are handy for camping. Cans
You might try protein/energy bars, gorp (aka trail
are heavy, and since you have to pack out empty
mix), dried fruit, chips, pretzels, chocolate—and
cans, you never really get rid of the bulk. Canned
anything else that you might like. It can be easy
food is usually packed in liquid, which adds a lot of
to eat while hiking or go down fast to keep your
extra water weight, not calories, to your food.
energy level up if the weather is bad.
When possible, repack food in sealable zipper
bags. Taking things out of their original packaging DINNER: If you want to go superlight and not

and putting them in bags gets rid of a lot of extra carry a stove, a variety of lunch foods also work
air and space in your pack. It makes the food more for dinner. If you carry a stove, you have a wide
packable and easier to see what is what. And you range of options. Get calorie-rich foods that have
will have a trash bag when you’re done. little to no water weight. You can cook angel hair
A lot of people ask me how I get my protein pasta, instant rice, Tasty Bites, Lipton Sides, ramen
when I am hiking since I don’t eat much meat on noodles, instant soups, instant mashed potatoes,
the trail (besides the occasional packet of tuna). I or freeze-dried prepared meals for camping. I find
recommend nuts (and a whole lot of them), cheese some of the latter can be tough on your stomach.
(small amount of protein), jerky, salami, or tuna
(occasionally), and of course Gummi Bears (they’re
not going to break the bank and have 1 gram of pro-
Food Tips:
tein per serving!). Another trick is to prepackage When eating an energy bar, drink at least a swig of
your powdered milk, if you are going to be eating water with it. It helps your body digest the bar and
absorb the nutrients.
cereal for breakfast or making curries at night, and
Take multivitamins on a long-distance hike as
you can add whey protein to the powdered milk Zip- a nutritional supplement. You won’t be eating many
loc. This also helps the powdered milk taste better. nutrient-rich fresh greens or food while hiking.
Chia seeds are good trail food. If you soak them,
they become like a pudding and can be a healthy snack.
FOOD OPTIONS You can grow sprouts while hiking. It’s a great
trick for any stretch over four days. Take an empty
Here are some considerations for tasty and healthy small plastic jar, like a peanut butter jar, and put some
trail food. seeds in it. Soak the seeds overnight and empty the
BREAKFAST: Cereal with powdered milk is my
water in the morning, making sure the seeds don’t
come out. Rinse them a couple of times a day over the
breakfast of choice. Other hikers like Pop-Tarts or next few days. Dry out between rinses so they don’t
breakfast or energy bars. All of these are easy to get moldy. In a few days you’ll have fresh sprouts.
prepare and make it faster to pack up and move

GETTING STARTED > Trail food 117

 GETTING READY FOR
THE TRAIL

Approaching the Arrow Glacier while ascending the

Western Breach Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
 CHAPTER
GETTING HEAD
IN SHAPE

It is very important to get yourself and your equipment

ready before a long hike. Getting yourself in shape is
easily overlooked by the logistics and planning for a long
hike, but it is just as important. Your hike can easily be
cut short if you don’t physically prepare yourself. It is
also crucial to use your gear and familiarize yourself with
everything. This will give you the opportunity to tweak
and adjust things to your preferences before you begin.
It might save a few ounces in the process! Looking at Mount Aspiring on the
descent from Cascade Saddle,
New Zealand

The amount of time you need to start conditioning and training for backpacking varies
based on your fitness level and the amount of time you usually spend exercising. You always
use slightly different muscles when hiking than cross-training.
The best way to train for backpacking is hiking. Start with an empty backpack and get
used to a base mileage. Over time, add weight to the pack until you hit the weight you expect
to carry. This will help you be more comfortable with your pack on the trail. Similarly, my
friend, a polar adventurer, trains by pulling tires behind him across grass fields. He uses the
same harness he uses to pull his pulk sled on the ice cap. This gets his body ready for the con-
tact points and pressures. Training is very important before you set out on any trek of length.

GETTING STARTED > Getting in Shape119

 The training time is a chance to build your it’s gone. I had a friend who trimmed webbing on
base daily mileage. Increase your base mileage his sleeping bag’s draft collar too much. He could
slowly—going farther one day then returning to no longer cinch the bag around his face at night
your shorter base mileage for subsequent hikes for extra warmth. He hadn’t anticipated how he
before pushing farther again. This will keep your would fill the extra volume. Once you’re familiar
body from getting overwhelmed and tired. It reduc- with your backpack, shelter, or other gear, you can
es the chance for injury. Train on hikes that best consider cutting some of the extra stuff.
mimic the terrain where you’re planning to back- On backpacks you can cut extra webbing from
pack. If you’re climbing peaks on your trip, practice shoulder straps, load-lifters, and the hip belt. Make
by hiking where there’s significant elevation gains. sure you leave at least 6 extra inches, and make
If it’s winter and you can’t be outside or can’t sure you don’t need that webbing for the pack to
get to a suitable hiking area, train in the gym. Do fit correctly. If you know how to sew, think about
ellipticals, stair-climbing machines, bike, tread- shortening the overflow collar if you don’t need it.
mill, and swim. Do all the exercises that focus on On shelters and tents you can sometimes trim
distance and endurance. Get practice wearing your some cord from the stake guylines or other connec-
weighted pack and breaking in your shoes. tor loops. Be sure before you do it that you don’t
need them and won’t use them. You can also swap
out guylines for lighter-weight cordelette.
ADJUSTING AND TWEAKING
GEAR CAN REDUCE
WEIGHT A windy day on the AT, Franconia Ridge, New Hampshire

Equipment is designed to fit a spectrum of people

within a size range. As you get used to your equip-
ment, you’ll find you can make some small tweaks.
Shortening adjustment straps can save a few ounc-
es. Don’t do this as soon as you get new gear; you
may get rid of something that could have been use-
ful. When you’re familiar with your gear, adjust it
to save a few ounces and reduce clutter from your
backpack, tent, clothes, and stove.
Test your gear. Pay attention to what adjust-
ments you make for different conditions. There’s
plenty of webbing on your backpack that can be
eliminated. Some of the length around your hip
belt can be removed. Consider marking your adjust-
er straps at points that show you where the straps
need to be. Over time, see if that changes. Deter-
mine how much you can safely cut off, then cut it.
Never cut anything too close to the minimum.
It will be hard to tighten and grip and can slide
through the hardware. There’s no going back once

120 TRAIL TESTED

 Cutting off excess webbing but leaving Singe the ends to
enough for minor adjustments prevent fraying.

A mountain goat licking a rock, presumably because

someone sweaty sat on or peed on it, leaving salt
deposits; Glacier National Park, Montana

GETTING STARTED > Trail food 121

 A backpack with “Leave No Trace” principles
A water cache on the PCT printed on it Photo by Russ Sackson
left through the winter

The ridiculous amount of stonemen

A trashy stream in the (aka ducks or cairns) don’t make
Indian Himalayas navigation any easier
MINIMIZING IMPACT
Minimizing your impact is key to everyone’s enjoyment of the outdoors. It’s also
vital to the future of the outdoors. It’s not hard to understand or do.

The tenet is simple: Try to leave everything either If there’s no clear trail and you’re facing mul-
as you found it or better. Don’t leave any signs tiple terrains, try to walk on rocks or snow instead
that you have been there—cairns, campsites, fires, of plant life and soil. If you are with a group hiking
etchings in bark, etc. The backcountry should be across meadows and there are no clear trails, it is
respected for what it is: natural. The best way is to better to spread out instead of hiking single file.
make as little impact as possible. It has less impact on plant life and is less likely to
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT: Never leave any trash create a repeated-use trail. If the trail is muddy,
behind. Aluminum never burns completely in a walk through it, not around it. Don’t complain—
campfire. Orange and banana peels take a long time your shoes are going to get wet anyway.
to break down, so don’t leave them in the back- DON’T TREAD ON CRYPTO: There is a black crust
country. Pack all of it out. Take only pictures; leave on desert sands that mounds up like a miniature
only footprints. termite hill. It’s alive and it’s known as cryptobi-
TREAD LIGHTLY: Leave nothing behind, and don’t otic soil. It takes an extremely long time to grow.
disturb anything you don’t need to. Don’t trample It helps prevent erosion. It is very fragile when
or pick flowers. Don’t break tree branches on liv- stepped on, so avoid stepping on it whenever pos-
ing trees, and don’t make a lot of noise. Campfires sible. If you’re walking in a group, stay in single file
are heavy impact, even if there is an established and use the same footsteps.
firepit. I know campfires are part of many people’s USE ESTABLISHED CAMPSITES: Whenever pos-
backcountry rituals, but don’t make a campfire un- sible, camp where others have camped. It helps pre-
less you need it. Definitely don’t create a new fire vent further damage on untouched land and pre-
ring unless absolutely necessary. If you have to es- vents more campsites from being established.
tablish a new fire ring, make sure the ashes are cool DEALING WITH THE DOO-DOO: Always move
before you leave. Disperse or cover the ashes, and human waste at least 200 feet from water and
move the rocks elsewhere so no one else will use trails. Dig a cathole and bury it. Nothing’s worse
the same spot. than seeing stray toilet paper float by on the wind
HIKE LIGHTLY: Always stay on established trails in the wilderness or snared on a bush.
when they’re available. Never cut switchbacks. NEVER FEED WILDLIFE: Feeding Bambi isn’t a
When there aren’t switchbacks on steep trails, you favor to her. It’s closer to a death sentence. Don’t
will wish there were. Don’t ruin existing switch- feed wildlife or try to draw them close to you. It
backs and speed up trail erosion. changes animals’ behavior and changes their diet.

GETTING STARTED > Minimizing impact123

 TRAUMA TRAIL STORY
Like you, the trail can be fragile, and a simple kicked dirt or sand on it, poured water he was
mistake can have unexpected consequences. carrying on the growing fire, perhaps tried to
About a year before I hiked the PCT for the first piss it out. No such luck. Between the breeze
time, a thru-hiker’s bathroom foray started a and dry tinder, SoCal was destined to burn.
wildfire that burned thousands of acres in the That hiker’s poop break caused thousands
Southern California desert. of acres on the PCT to burn before people could
The hiker had abandoned the trail to take get it under control. Be careful on the trail,
care of business. When he was finished, he and pay attention to the conditions around
broke out his lighter and lit his toilet paper on you. It’s better to pack out or bury a little TP
fire to “leave no trace.” The breeze was blowing and let it decompose than to start a forest fire
a little bit, and his TP fire got out of control. and endanger lives.
He did what he could to contain it. I’m sure he

Watching a fire burning in the San Gabriel Mountains

on the southern section of the PCT and trying to
figure out the best way around
 FIRST AID
People generally pack more first-aid items than they need. I am a trained EMT and
a ski patroller. I find it’s very seldom that you need to perform first aid on the trail.
There’s only so much first aid you can do in the backcountry—even with a 10-pound
first-aid kit. In a severe emergency, the main goal is do no more damage and get the
person out of the backcountry and safely to higher medical care as quickly as possible.

A section of your trekking pole can help immobi- Remember to pack any prescription medica-
lize an injury, like a sprain—or even a fracture—if tions. Depending on the season and where you’re
you’re in the backcountry. Clothes can be used to hiking, also consider sunscreen, lip balm, and in-
apply direct pressure to an injury and to wrap it. sect repellent.
Your water bottle or hydration bladder can double
as an ice pack.
SANITIZATION TIP: If you use a chemical
Get creative; you should have everything you
water treatment, use it to sanitize your
need, even in a minimalist backpack.
hands before dealing with broken skin if you
First aid requires common sense. Remember
think your hands are soiled. Just pour some
RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). This
Aquamira- or iodine-treated water over your
will help stop bleeding on fresh injuries and help
hands. Or place a small dose of the chemical
injuries heal quicker.
mix on your hands and rub them like you’re
The most important things you need are duct
applying hand sanitizer.
tape, a small knife, and ibuprofen. You can roll duct
tape around your trekking poles or a fuel bottle. It
can protect blisters and other foot issues. By plac- TRAIL SAFETY, HEALTH,
ing a small piece of duct tape shiny side up against AND WELL-BEING
a larger piece’s sticky side, the tape won’t stick to
the injury. By cutting out a small piece of fabric Common outdoor issues and how to prevent or take
and placing it against the duct tape, you can create care of them while in the backcountry:
a bandage. Your small knife can be the knife you SUNBURN: This is common on the trail despite
use for eating. Ibuprofen (Advil) is a nonsteroidal dealing with it in everyday life. Elevation and snow
anti-inflammatory. Unlike acetaminophen (Tyle- increase the UV light that hits your exposed skin.
nol), it won’t just take care of the pain; ibuprofen In such conditions you should reapply sunscreen
also helps alleviate inflammation. throughout the day.
You can carry a topical antibiotic like Neospo- A thru-hiker on the PCT needs to be very care-
rin if you are worried about infections. ful in the Sierras because snow reflects UV light and

125
 old shoes that your feet are used to. Clean socks
also help prevent blisters and rubbing.
If you feel a hot spot starting, try to address it
immediately. Don’t wait until it gets worse. If you
take care of it early on, it can heal quickly without
ever forming a blister. Put some duct tape or mole-
skin on the hot spot to reduce the friction. If you
have a spot that often blisters, consider dressing it
before you start hiking.
If a blister is painful, pop it by lancing the side
of it with a needle at night, when it’ll have time
to start to heal and dry out before the next day.
Make a duct tape patch to cover it by cutting out a
piece of duct tape bigger than the blister. Place it
shiny side up on the sticky side of a larger piece of
duct tape. Then apply it to the affected area. When
you remove the duct tape, you won’t be pulling on
a sore area or ripping the blister open. Take the
bandage off every night when you are done hiking
My close call: On the next-to-last day of the Nepal traverse,
so the affected area can get air and heal quicker.
I fell through a suspension bridge and was slammed in the
face by a loose plank, leaving my eyebrow caught between
the lens and frame of my sunglasses.
BLISTER TIP: Long-distance hikers feel
strongly about their anti-blister techniques.
I try to get the hot-spot calluses on my feet
the sun is very strong. Many people get roasted. before a trip. I know that once I have calluses
Don’t forget your ears, the underside of your nose on my common hot spots, I am set. Some hik-
(if you are on snow), the back of your neck, and ers apply antifungal cream on their feet twice
your calves and knees, if you are wearing shorts. a day for a month before a hike. They think it
Wear sunglasses at high elevations and when hik- helps strengthen the skin on their feet. Still
ing on or through snow. Hike with your mouth others apply Hydropel to their feet to prevent
closed—I have met people who got sunburned on them from getting wet. Pruned skin is soft
the roof of their mouth. skin, which is more easily irritated.
Use aloe for sunburned skin. Try to keep that
area from getting burned further by covering it or CHAFING: Chafing is often a hiker’s worst night-
putting sunscreen on. mare. It can be debilitating. It can make it almost
BLISTERS: Blisters are annoying, painful, and can too painful to walk. Common areas that chafe are
ruin a trip. They are caused when friction rubs skin the inner thighs, butt crack, feet, armpits, and back.
back and forth. It first causes hot spots then sep- Women may chafe under their bra line or bust. Mois-
arating layers of skin, which fill with liquid. The ture, friction, and the buildup of salt crystals from
best way to prevent blisters is to start all trips in sweat are the root of the problem. The salt crystals

126 TRAIL TESTED

combined with friction and moisture can make skin or hike a few shorter days. You can also elevate
rough, irritated, and rubbed raw. If you’re chafed, the sore joints and ice them with cold water. Tak-
you may end up walking like John Wayne. ing glucosamine and chondroitin pills during a long
Treat chafing when you notice it. It can get hike may also aid in the repair of cartilage.
worse and may even become infected. Wash chafed Joint pain, particularly knee pain, will likely
skin with fresh water, and let it dry completely. lessen as your weight goes down on the trail. A
Promote airflow to the region to let it dry out. Make pound of weight loss equals 4 fewer pounds of pres-
sure to keep it clean too. sure on your knees. “The accumulated reduction in
If your feet or ankles are chafing, change or wash knee load for a one-pound loss in weight would be
your socks. They may be gritty, causing the chafing. more than 4,800 pounds per mile walked,” wrote
Treat chafed skin with petroleum jelly like researcher Stephen P. Messier, PhD, of Wake For-
Vaseline, Sportslick, or other skin-lubricating prod- est University in the July 2005 issue of Arthritis
ucts. The treatment will help prevent additional & Rheumatism. “For people losing 10 pounds, each
friction, giving the skin a chance to heal. knee would be subjected to 48,000 pounds less in
GENERAL ACHES AND PAINS: Most people have compressive load per mile walked.”
aches and pains when they begin a backpacking No studies have shown that weight loss can
trip or a thru-hike. The best prevention is training. slow the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Get your body used to wearing a weighted backpack Researchers say a reduction of pressure on the
and hiking. Stretching in the morning, at breaks, joints of this magnitude would appear to have a
and in the evening helps. major impact on the disease. Obesity is an impor-
Don’t push your body too hard before you’re tant risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee.
ready for it. Build your daily mileage slowly. As your
body acclimates to a comfortable pace at the start, GENERAL ACHES AND PAINS TIPS:
add a few more miles on some days. Other days, for > On hot days, dip your shirt or hat in water
about half a week, hike just the base mileage. Take a and put them back on for an “instant cool
rest day. If you feel good, continue to up the mileage down.” Getting in water can revitalize you on
so the higher mileage becomes your base mileage. a hot day so you can keep hiking.
Repeat the whole process to reach a new level if you
> I use my pack as the lower half of my sleep-
can. It takes a month to increase daily base mileage
ing pad. This saves weight and elevates my
between 5 and 10 miles. Don’t increase your mileage
legs while I sleep. This helps prevent inflam-
too much too fast. I have seen a lot of injuries result
mation in my feet and legs. It keeps my shoes
from increasing mileage too quickly.
fitting properly.
For muscle aches, take vitamin I—ibuprofen;
it helps with pain and inflammation. Massage your > To reduce or prevent knee pain, massage the
muscles, especially your iliotibial (IT) band. If it’s outside of your thigh with firm pressure from
too tight, your IT band can pull on your kneecap your knee to hip. Use a tennis ball, rock, or
and create knee pain. This is a common source of something firm to massage the area. It helps
knee pain, caused by the repetitive motion of walk- keep your IT band loose so your knee tracks
ing and backpacking. correctly. You can also learn some stretches
For joint pain, rest helps the most. Stop hiking from a physical therapist to target this area.
a little earlier in the day to extend your rest time,

GETTING
GETTING
READY
STARTED Minimizing
FOR >THE TRAIL > FIRST
impact
AID 127
FOOT CARE: It is important to look after your the nearby creek, but it really helped. When
feet. Rest them whenever possible. Elevate your she came back she said it was well worth it.
feet and legs to encourage good circulation and re- Bonus: It helps keep your sleeping bag clean!
duce swelling. > If you think you have an ingrown toenail,
Ventilate and dry your feet out by removing cut a V-shaped notch in the middle of the toe-
your shoes and socks when you rest. At the same nail. It can alleviate pressure on the side of
time, shake dirt and gravel out of them. Remove the nail and help the ingrown part of the nail
their insoles so they can dry out too. If it’s hot out, grow out as the toenail grows in.
get in a stream to soak your feet and legs.
When you put your socks on, make sure they’re
POISON IVY, POISON OAK, POISON SUMAC,
free of debris and wrinkles. Both can cause blisters.
STINGING NETTLE: These plants are fairly com-
Keeping your socks clean and rinsing them out
mon on parts of the AT, PCT, and hiking trails
occasionally will help prevent them from getting
throughout the United States. Know what they look
gritty and can prevent rubbing and foot problems.
like, and do your best to avoid them. “Leaves of
Be proactive with hot spots. Treat them with
three, leave them be!” is a good rule of thumb for
moleskin, bandages, and duct tape when they first
both poison ivy and poison oak. Poison sumac and
start. At night, remove all foot bandages to help
stinging nettle are a little harder to discern. Until
blisters, hot spots, or other foot injuries dry out
you wash these off, you can spread the oils or ir-
and heal.
ritating hairs. Wash off as soon as possible if you
Cracked feet are due to dry conditions—often
think you have touched any of these plants.
from hiking in sandals. If this is the case, wearing
If you aren’t really sensitive to the plants—
socks with your sandals will keep your feet from
you don’t have an immediate reaction—it’s extra
drying out. If necessary, clean the crack out and
helpful to know what the plants look like. I have
use superglue to help hold the crack together and
knowingly and unavoidably touched poison ivy
help it heal.
and poison oak many times. I try to find a creek
Everybody has different routines for dealing
or water source to jump into and wash the affected
with their feet. My friend Scott takes 40–45 min-
area within 30 minutes. If I didn’t know what the
utes at night to take care of his feet and prevent
plant looked like, I could end up with a nasty rash.
foot problems. My dog, Yoni, also cleans her feet
Washing soon after has avoided the itchy rash.
every night before she goes to sleep. All thru-hikers
have their own routine, and they all know how im- BITING INSECTS: A horde of biting insects sucks.
portant foot care is. Bugs are an unavoidable part of many backpacking
trips. Try bug repellent, head nets, or insect-proof
clothing to keep them away. In some really buggy
FOOT CARE TIPS:
places, only pure DEET works. Not even that is good
> If it’s convenient and you have time, soak enough to give you full peace of mind. Covering up
your feet and legs in a creek or lake at the can sometimes give you peace of mind when the
end of the day. It feels great and can help bugs are really bad.
with injury recovery and prevention. It’s like Some natural bug repellents work when the
icing your legs. My friend Raina did this after bugs aren’t that bad. You need to reapply them
a painful day. She didn’t want to walk over to more frequently than DEET. However, DEET has its

128 TRAIL TESTED

own downsides. It will ruin anything plastic, syn- One friend grabbed the bottle of 100 percent
thetic fabric, watch crystals, and eyeglass frames. DEET from her pack and sprayed it on while she
I’ve seen what DEET can do. We had been hik- continued walking. She didn’t want to give the
ing together off and on for a few weeks, thru- little bloodsuckers any chance to attack when she
hiking the PCT. It was summer, and the bugs were stopped hiking. She spritzed on the DEET, and we
out in full force. Mosquitoes were ravenous. We walked for a few more minutes.
were killing five at a time with each swat on our
shoulders and arms—even while we were walking.
It was about 5 minutes from break time, and we
were all ready to break and eat lunch.

Earlier in the day I said, “I think I feel a little

rubbing.” Lesson: Stop when you first feel something.

When it’s buggy out and

you’re on break, make sure
your pants are covering your
lower legs to keep the bugs off.

A 15-minute pile of mosquitoes. Absolute misery turned

into sheer joy and entertainment when we decided to see
how many dead mosquitoes we could stack during a break.
Poboktan Creek, Canadian Rockies.
Eating dinner and covering up to keep sane and protect
myself from a swarm of mosquitoes in the Canadian Rockies

GETTING
GETTING
READY
STARTED Minimizing
FOR >THE TRAIL > FIRST
impact
AID 129
 We stopped in an open spot where a little stinger out and ice the area. Benadryl can be help-
breeze blew. The mosquitoes let up a little bit. I ful as an antihistamine.
took my shoes and socks off, pulled out my bagels TICKS: Ticks are common on the AT when it warms
and cream cheese, and made my lunch. Everyone up. Do body checks, especially on the AT. Ticks
else did the same with their lunch. can carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted
The girl who applied DEET ate a burrito for fever. I once pulled handfuls of ticks off Yoni near
lunch. She prepared and ate the burrito, using her Waynesboro, Virginia, on the AT. There were hordes
tortilla bag as her plate. When she tried to take the of them—I couldn’t pull them off fast enough.
plastic tortilla package off her leg, she couldn’t. It Not all ticks transmit Lyme disease, but the
had melted onto her skin. ones that do have nymphs that can be so small they
She pried and scraped the package to get it off can be hard to see.
but was left with a Don Pablo’s Tortilla tattoo on Ticks are attracted to warm areas of the body.
her leg. Name, logo, colors—all of it! She tried to Check your head, nostrils, ears, armpits, and groin.
pour water on it and scrub it off. No luck. The tat- If you find a tick, try to pull it out without squeez-
too was on her leg for nearly three weeks before it ing the body. Pinch the tick near the head, and
disappeared! pull it out.
Still, sometimes peace of mind is priceless. In
the buggiest conditions, it’s worth the weight to
carry a head net and bug netting for your shelter or TICK REMOVAL TIP: If you’re having trouble

a bug-proof tent. getting a tick out, there is a great trick. Put

liquid soap on a cotton ball, cover the tick
with the cotton ball, and swab it for 15 to 20
BITING BUG TIPS: When applying sunscreen seconds. The tick will come out on its own
and insect repellent, put the sunscreen on and stick to the cotton ball.
first and let it absorb into your skin for a few
minutes. Then put the bug juice on.
SNAKEBITES: Many people are scared of snakes,
> Natural insect repellents include tea tree particularly rattlesnakes. They’re relatively easy to
oil (also an antibacterial), citronella, lemon avoid. Pay attention in the day, particularly when
eucalyptus, rose geranium, pennyroyal, you get to open rocky areas. Snakes love to sun
patchouli, neem tree oil, and peppermint for themselves during the day on rocks. That’s also
ants. These are OK for certain situations. when they have the energy to strike.
When bugs are really biting, DEET is the only If you hear a rattle or see a snake, don’t keep
repellent that really works. moving toward the snake or antagonize it. Most
snakebites are on people’s hands and wrists. People
STINGING INSECTS: You’re not likely to encoun- usually get bit because they antagonized the snakes.
ter bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets often. Give the snake some berth and walk around it.
Stings are painful but relatively harmless for most Most rattlesnake bites are dry bites—bites that
people. If you are highly allergic, you should talk don’t envenomate. Even rattlesnake bites with
to your doctor and take appropriate precautions, venom are rarely deadly except for children and el-
like carrying an EpiPen. If you’re stung, scrape the derly people.

130 TRAIL TESTED

 HANTAVIRUS: Hantavirus is usually spread by ro-
dent droppings, saliva, and urine. Breathing fumes
or dust tainted by rodents is the most likely way to
contract the virus.
It’s not common to get the disease. But AT shel-
ters and other places on the trail can house rodents.
Hantavirus has an incubation period of one
to five weeks. Initial symptoms can include fever,
headaches, muscle aches, coughing, nausea, and
vomiting. That’s followed by difficulty breathing,
shock, discolored skin, bleeding, and, in severe
cases, death. If you suspect you’ve been exposed
A rattlesnake near Deep Creek, California, on the PCT to or contracted hantavirus, seek medical atten-
tion immediately.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS (AMS): Altitude sickness is
the illness people get when they travel to high alti-
tudes. Some people start feeling it around 6,000 feet;
If you do get a bite, stay calm. Rinse the wound.
others don’t feel it until around 10,000 feet above
Immobilize the extremity. Keep the wound at or
sea level. Your reaction largely depends on the el-
below the level of your heart to slow the spread
evation where you live and your fitness level.
of potential venom. Apply antiseptic and antibiotic
Initial symptoms of AMS are sluggishness and
ointment, and hike out to find medical attention as
headaches. If it progresses, it can be debilitating
soon as possible. DO NOT apply a tourniquet!
and even deadly.
Use a marker to make a circle around the bite on
Controlled acclimatization is the best preven-
the skin. If it starts swelling, mark additional circles
tion for AMS. People generally try to ascend about
with time notes so that you can monitor the prog-
1,000 meters (3,000 feet) per day. Camp at the new
ress of any swelling. It helps doctors understand the
level, and try to acclimatize.
severity of the bite. It also helps if you can identify
When summiting high peaks like Mount Ever-
the type and size of snake that bit you.
est, people acclimatize by spending one night at
a higher elevation then descending and camp-
ANIMAL AVOIDANCE TIP: On the AT, never ing at a lower level before ascending higher. That
leave your shoes or salty things in front of strategy helps their body adjust to the oxygen-
your shelter. This is asking for porcupine starved environs.
trouble. They’ll eat anything that is salty At lower elevations, AMS can largely be pre-
from sweat. Many shelters on the AT have a vented by staying hydrated, avoiding severe el-
“Deacon’s Seat.” This is a wood pole in front evation changes in a short amount of time, and
of the shelter that prevents porcupines acclimatizing. If you are suffering from altitude
from eating other wood on the shelter and sickness, the best thing to do is descend to a
salty things. lower elevation.

GETTING
GETTING
READY
STARTED Minimizing
FOR >THE TRAIL > FIRST
impact
AID 131
 Dusk was turning into
complete darkness .
Clouds on the horizon were like flashbulbs pop- It poured all night long. After an hour, the
ping at an old press conference. A thunderstorm crappy clay soil couldn’t absorb any more water.
was moving into the New Mexican desert. I came Rain ran under my tarp like I had pitched it in
upon a USDA Forest Service campsite with a the middle of a stream. Because of the rain,
privy. I picked a decent camp spot, set up my my tarp was sagging; the stakes couldn’t take
tarp, and went to sleep. Nobody was in this re- the pressure and were all bending in or pull-
mote camping area. It was October, and only ing out of the ground. I piled rocks on them,
hunters were around. Maybe everybody else had but nothing held in the oversaturated soil.
seen the weather forecast. I was getting wet. My sleeping bag and pad

Pepper’s tarp aft

Hiking up the amazing Paria Canyon

on the way to Las Vegas

132 TRAIL TESTED

 TRAUMA
TRAIL STORY
were accumulating water; my pack was also
taking on water. At 2 in the morning I made
the decision to abandon ship. I threw my stuff
in my pack and ran to the covered entrance-
way of the pit toilet. I slept there the rest of
the night.
It was still raining and thundering all
around when I woke up in the morning. It
was like the thunderstorm wasn’t moving. The
ground looked like a hurricane had
hit, with downed tree branches,
leaves everywhere, and water flow-
ing inches deep on all slopes and
pooling in every depression.
I looked at the sad state of my
tarp. It was a soaked, mangled mess
that looked more like a bedsheet on a
clothesline fresh from a washer with-
out a spin cycle. It was a rough night
and a humbling experience.
I later learned the same thing
had happened to Pepper that night.
He was about 100 miles ahead of me
on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
He too fought a losing battle all night Pepper’s tarp after the deluge
but didn’t have anywhere to run. He Photo by Shawn Forry

woke up soaked, his drenched tarp

on top of him.
ter the deluge. Both our adventures show how
important it is to have the right shel- had worn off, but I was just trying to push it a
ter for the trip. I knew mine was get- few more weeks until the end of the hike.
ting old and the waterproof coating

It was still raining and thundering all

around when I woke up in the morning.

GETTING STARTED > Minimizing impact 133

 Indian Himalayas

Raina getting Yoni’s food ready before the rain moves

in; Pasayten Wilderness, Cascades, Washington
 CAMPSITE
SELECTION
Depending on where you’re hiking, you may have to camp in a certain location
because of local rules. On other trails you can choose to camp wherever you want.
Here’s what you should look for in a campsite.

THREE-SEASON CAMPING When you know you’re sleeping in or setting

up a multiday base camp, try to set up in a shady
Many impacted campsites are along rivers, lakes, spot. It keeps your tent cooler and, by avoiding UV
saddles, and other flat areas. These are often great radiation, helps the fabrics last longer.
places to camp, since you won’t be impacting a new Try to find a spot that is sheltered from the
site. I often seek these out. They’re flat and used, wind. When that’s not an option, face the narrow
making them easy to set up on. part of your tent or shelter into the wind. It reduces
Try not to set up camp in fragile areas—in wind noise and the chance that the shelter will be
meadows, on fragile vegetation, or near a water broadsided by wind, which can keep you up all night.
source if there aren’t many sources (desert). You Try not to set up camp in low spots in the land-
can negatively impact wildlife habitats. scape, places where water might run off and pool
Camping near water is nice because you don’t under your shelter if it rains overnight. This is even
need to carry water to cook with. However, cold more important when sleeping in a canyon—make
air settles around lakes and low points, which can sure you’re not pitched in a spot where flash flood-
make it colder than camping in a forest. Air near ing occurs. If you think it may rain or flash flood,
a water source is moist. You’re likely to have more make sure you have an exit route in mind.
condensation form on your shelter or sleeping When camping on a beach like in the Olym-
bag when camping near water, and dew is usually pic National Park on the PCT, camp well above the
heavier. You’ll be more likely to pack up a wet shel- high-tide line.
ter in the morning. When camping on a previously undisturbed
If the bugs are out, they’re more likely to be spot, try to minimize your impact by putting things
around water. If bugs are an issue, camp out in the (rocks, branches, pine needles, etc.) back where
open and away from water. On a ridgeline or in a you found them. Try to make it look like no one
saddle, there might be a breeze. This helps a little has camped there. That minimizes the chance that
with the bugs. You can also—if it’s safe—start a someone else will use the spot as a campsite, pre-
small smoke fire to try to get rid of them. venting it from becoming another impacted area.

GETTING STARTED > Campsite135

 I like to sleep under the
stars (cowboy camp) when
I think it won’t rain. I just
throw out my groundsheet, sleeping pad, and
sleeping bag and fall asleep under the starry
canopy. It’s easier and faster to pack up in
the morning. My shelter makes a nice pillow,
and I drift off under the stars. If it’s cold
and pushing the temperature range of my
sleeping bag, I’ll set up my shelter, since it
adds 5 to 10 degrees to my sleep system.

Getting set up for a night of cowboy camping in a

comfortable, sandy wash. I even had stone shelves to
replicate a nightstand.

136 TRAIL TESTED

 I like camping in sandy washes when I know my stove, to improve its efficiency. Sometimes the
it isn’t going to rain. They drain well and are re- little aluminum windscreen that I am carrying just
ally comfortable. They are very low impact spots needs another buffer. Other times the rock wall can
because nothing grows in the wash and your tracks be a little bigger so it stops the wind from blow-
disappear quickly. ing on me when I am sleeping or from funneling
in under my tarp. This helps me maintain my body
heat if it is a chilly and windy night. If it is windy
WINTER OR COLD and rainy, it will prevent splatter from entering un-
WEATHER derneath the tarp. Keep in mind that you should
In winter or cold weather, you can camp on disperse the rocks in the morning so that you don’t
snow or cold, frozen ground. Don’t be hesitant or leave any impact when you leave.
scared to camp on snow, particularly if you know When using a shelter in a downpour, some-
it won’t get above freezing while you’re camping. times you might have to excavate and dig a small
Camping on snow is zero impact! A bare rock, an drainage channel and add soil to bolster the inside
un-vegetated area, or an exposed ridgeline where wall. If the rain is really piling up, it can be benefi-
wind has blown the snow away are good spots to cial to help it drain around your shelter, especially
camp on if the weather is not going to blast you. if it begins to flow into your tarp or underneath
These sites can be hard to find. your tent. A few minutes’ work with a sharp rock
Cold air sinks at night. To stay warmer, try not can save you a lot of headaches.
to camp in open valley floors and low spots. Cold air Make sure you’re safe from avalanches. Check
accumulates in these areas. trees for flagging (broken branches on their uphill
When camping in winter, try to camp in a spot side show evidence of past avalanches), prior ava-
that gets the sun’s first light in the morning. Try lanche debris in snow, and the terrain around you.
not to camp behind a peak or a spot that will be in Worst-case scenario: Make a snow cave to stay
the shadows. It’s really nice to get hit by early sun warm. Dig into snow on a hillside. Shovel out an
when it is cold out. area to sleep in the snow, making it high enough so
Find shelter from the wind. Snowbanks, trees, you can sit up. Place a probe or something else tall
windrows formed by wind on snow—all serve as at the opening so you can get out in the morning
wind protection. You can also make a wall out of or mark your spot if it has snowed.
the snow to the windward side of your tent. It helps
It’s an example of piss-poor campsite selection when you
break the wind and prevents your tent from getting wake up with a puddle on top of your groundsheet.
buried if it is snowing or when snow is drifting in
the wind. If you’re using a tent or tarp, dig out a
spot that’s a few feet lower so your tent’s below the
rest of the snow. Pack down the snow where you
plan to set up your tent. It will make it more com-
fortable and less likely to melt.
If it is very windy, I will sometimes build a rock
wall at my campsite. Most of the time it is just a few
rocks piled up to stop the wind from blowing on

GETTING READYGETTING TRAIL >> CAMPSITE

FOR THESTARTED Minimizing
SELECTION
impact 137
Finding the route through fresh snow
during my first hike of the Great Divide
Trail in the Canadian Rockies

Always leave an itinerary and trip

details with a person or people you
trust—ideally make sure they’re
in touch with one another as
well. When on a long hike, I always give somebody
my planned itinerary and resupply spots. I call or
e-mail from each stop to let them know where I
am and roughly when they should hear from me
next. If they don’t hear from me and it’s more than
a day late, they can initiate the search-and-rescue
system, giving them an idea of where I should be.
Making sure we head up the right side canyon. In tight canyons
it can be very difficult to figure out exactly where you are.
 NAVIGATION
On most hikes and backcountry trips, people don’t need to navigate because they’re
just following trails. It’s usually enough to follow the trail. Check the map occa-
sionally to make sure you know where you are and know what’s coming up. For trips
in more wild places and off-trail, knowing how to navigate is imperative.

NAVIGATION BASICS with a good data book or trail log. Some people try
to use a data book on the PCT, but I highly recom-
Although you can hike popular trails like the Long mend carrying maps, whether they be those in the
Trail or the AT without knowing how to read a map standard guidebook or other map sets, especially
or compass, knowing how to use your map and com- in and north of Kennedy Meadows, where snow can
pass is an important hiking skill. Being able to read cover up the trail.
a map and compass can help you find your way back Hiking map options include US Geological
to the trail in case you get lost. You really should Survey (USGS) quad maps or commercial maps
learn and practice using them, even if you use a like National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated maps
GPS. After all, batteries fail. Maps and compasses and mapping software that allows you to custom-
are always reliable. make maps.

USGS QUAD MAPS

MAPS
USGS quad pros:
There are many different styles of maps. Some are ✓ Easy to find your place on the map. They line
good for backpacking; some aren’t. Many guide- up well, so there aren’t any “dead spots.”
books have decent topo (topographic) maps. Some
USGS quad cons:
maps just have a line drawn on a shaded gray map.
These are primarily for trip planning. Don’t expect x They don’t cover much terrain. If you are cov-
to navigate terrain with a bad map. It’s just asking ering a decent amount of distance, getting all
for trouble. Get appropriately scaled topographic the quads can get expensive—and heavy.
maps for the terrain you are planning to hike. x They aren’t updated often, so trail locations,
On some well-signed trails, like the AT or Long conditions, shorelines, bridges, rivers, and
Trail, you don’t really need maps. You can get away other things may have changed since the map
was printed.

GETTING STARTED > navigation139

COMMERCIAL HIKING MAPS ✓ You can buy an entire state or country. Once
you buy the software, you can plan tons of dif-
Commercial map pros:
ferent routes/trips from one purchase.
✓ These can be very well done and are easy to
read. Mapping software cons:
✓ Some have extra features like trail distances. x More expensive initially. Some software pack-
ages start at about $50.
✓ They can be printed on durable waterproof ma-
terial that is tear-resistant. x Getting used to using all the features can take
practice.
Commercial maps cons:
x Only cover high-use and popular areas.
TOPO MAPS: Topo maps are the best thing for
hikers since sliced bread—better actually, because
MAPPING SOFTWARE bread doesn’t make for the best trail food. They
Mapping software pros: help you better understand the terrain in an area
✓ You can customize maps, get distances, make so that you can choose the best routes. Two things
notations (including GPS waypoints and coordi- are important in determining which topo map you
nates), get multiple scales to meet your needs, need: the map’s scale and its content.
print them at home at your convenience and CONTOUR LINES: Topo maps use contour lines to
on waterproof paper. connect points of the same elevation. These lines
can give you a three-dimensional perspective on
the landscape. Tight bands of contour lines mean
steeper terrain; areas with wide spaces are gentler.
Depending on the map’s scale and purpose, contour
lines can demarcate elevation intervals between 10
feet and 200 feet. You can determine the contour
interval by finding the elevations marked on two
lines and subtracting the difference—giving you
the distance between the two heights—then divid-
ing that by the number of lines between the two
numbered lines.
SCALE: Scale is another very important aspect of
a map. The scale of a map is how much distance on
the map represents the actual distance of the ter-
rain. For example, if 1 inch on a map represents 1
mile of terrain, its scale would be written: “1 inch
to 1 mile” or “1":1 mile.”
A popular scale for USGS quad maps is 1:24,000,
which means that 1 inch on the map represents
24,000 inches—0.38 mile—on the ground.

140 TRAIL TESTED

 The larger the scale ratio, the less area the map
covers but the more detail it can provide. A smaller-
scale map like a 1:250,000 ratio map won’t show
as many details as a 1:50,000 ratio map. However,
the smaller-scale map will cover a larger area. With
smaller-scale maps, topo lines may run together on
steep cliffs and terrain.
You can also use topo software that allows you
to zoom in and out as needed and to print the scale
of the map you need.

Tip: If you can’t find a map with distances

between trail junctions or the key distances
you want to know, hold a string to the map’s
scale and mark it to match miles, half miles,
and more if you need to. You can then use
the string to measure distances on the trail,
which will give you a fairly accurate measure
of the trail’s distance.

COLORS AND SHADING: The colors on a map

Sometimes the line intervals are important when traveling cross-country. Dark
can’t do the terrain justice. For shades of gray or green mean denser vegetation.
example, if you have contour Lighter greens and grays are areas with less-dense
lines with 100-meter (300-foot) intervals, you could vegetation. White, beige, or no color usually mean
have a “hidden” 50-meter cliff that won’t show up alpine zones or other areas with little vegetation.
well on the map. White with blue lines usually signify glaciers or
permanent snowfields. For symbols and shades
you’re not familiar with, check the map’s legend for
an explanation.
MAP GRIDS: Numbers around the edge of the map
on the grid lines are used to determine your loca-
tion. They show your latitude, longitude, and UTM
coordinates. With the grid and a GPS, you can fig-
ure out your exact coordinates on a map.
EXTRA CONTENT: Some maps have other features
that show distances between trail junctions; dif-
ferent types of lines that represent good trails and
primitive trails (unmaintained trails); different
Navigating in Ethiopia near the huge escarpment of the Simien
Mountains

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > navigation
STARTED 141
types of blue lines for seasonal creeks, year-round Pepper feeling the altitude at over 17,000
streams, and springs; borders demarcating public feet near Jungben La, Dolpa, Nepal
lands and private lands; and boundaries for camp-
ing permits and regulations specific to the region.
Look for features on the maps that you think are
going to be helpful. With mapping software, you
can also add your own information, like waypoints
and notes.

Three blows on a whistle is a universal signal

for help.

COMPASS
Everyone should carry a compass. While there’s a
wide variety of compasses available, you generally
don’t need a fancy one with a sighting mirror. You
just need something to orient your map properly.
Depending on where you’re going, you can probably
get away with just a watch that has a compass or
a GPS with a compass option—especially if you are
mindful of the GPS’s batteries.
A compass has the four cardinal directions:
north, east, south, and west. When I was young
I remembered compass directions because they
spelled “WE”; with west on my left and east on my
right, I knew north was in front of me and south
behind.
The basic purpose of a compass is to tell you
where magnetic north is. Once you find that, you
can find the other directions. This helps you align
your map to the surroundings. Even if the weather
is bad and you can’t see anything, the compass and
the map will help keep you on course.
A compass also tells you your bearing. This is
the direction you’re facing or heading in relation
to magnetic north. It’s the single most important
tool for navigation available. Once you’ve oriented
your map to the surroundings, you can use it to

142 TRAIL TESTED

 plot a course. If you want to head over a saddle on
the map that is 45 degrees to the right of magnetic
north, with your compass calibrated to the map,
you can refer to the compass to keep on course
even if you can’t see the pass because of weather,
vegetation, or other geologic features in front of
you. If, however, you just headed off in a north-
easterly direction, you could easily miss the feature
you’re looking for. If you were 1 degree off in the
direction you were headed, in 1 mile you would be
100 feet away from where you wanted to be. If you
did that for 10 miles, you’d be 1,000 feet off, almost
0.2 mile. If you were looking for a water source or
trying to avoid a cliff, you might miss your entire
destination completely. You would have to look at
the map and try to find where you are located.
MAGNETIC DECLINATION: Most maps with a leg-
end have a little diagram with an acute angle. This
is an angle of magnetic declination, the difference
between the magnetic north pole (MN symbol) and
the true north pole (star symbol).
The reason for both is that a compass points
toward magnetic north but most maps are oriented
to true north. The angle of declination varies by
location and can be up to 20 degrees off. For navi-
gational purposes, you want to align the compass
to true north so that it matches with what the map
is reading.
As you navigate with a map, make sure your
compass is pointing toward true north, not mag-
netic north, and factor in the angle of declination
appropriately.

Declination changes over time based on the

magnetic properties of the Earth. Changes
aren’t too substantial. If you want to recheck
the declination where you’re going, you can
look up current declination angles on the
internet.

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > navigation
STARTED 143
TIMEKEEPING AND In the Northern Hemisphere the sun is due
NAVIGATION south at noon (it’s easier to tell before and after
summer, when the sun travels lower in the sky).
One of the biggest tenets of good navigation is In the Southern Hemisphere the sun is due
checking your location on the map at random in- north at noon (it’s easier to tell when the sun’s
tervals and matching your location with the time. lower in the sky).
It gives you an idea of both your pace and location. When using an analog watch in the Northern
Then, if you get off course you can refer back to Hemisphere to determine direction, point the hour
the last time you were still on course. You will have hand in the direction of the sun, keeping the watch
a better idea of where you are because you know face flat. Halfway between the hour hand and the
where and when you were last on course. You can 12 is south. So if it’s 5 p.m. in the Northern Hemi-
make plans to either double back or adjust your sphere, south would be between 8 and 9. North is
route to get on course. opposite of that. In the Southern Hemisphere, point
Wear a watch, and know when sunset will the 12 on the watch face towards the sun. Halfway
occur. If your watch fails for any reason, knowing between the 12 and the hour hand is north.
when sunset will happen can still help you figure Another method to determine direction is by
out what time it is. Cover the sun with your thumb, using a stick in the ground. You can place a 3-foot-
palm facing you. Each finger above the horizon rep- tall stick, your trekking pole, or something else up-
resents 10 to 15 minutes before sunset. right in the ground. Mark the location at the end of
You can use the sun to tell direction using the shadow. Wait about 20 minutes, and mark the
two methods. An analog watch hour hand can tip of the shadow again. Draw a line connecting the
help you determine direction, or you can use a two marks. This shows you an approximate east to
stick in the ground. west direction. You can calculate north and south
by drawing a perpendicular line.

I can’t emphasize this

enough: Regularly check
your position on the map.
Note the time you are checking. You’ll know your
pace, where you are on the map, and where you
should be. If they don’t match up, you’re off
track. Stop moving and reassess your position.
Check the time at known points, like bridges,
peaks, other obvious features, and road, river,
and trail crossings. That way, if you get lost,
you have an idea of how far you are from those
features and will have a better idea of where you
are on the map.
Navigating the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand

144 TRAIL TESTED

TRIANGULATION landmarks you passed or how long ago you made a
turn that changed your course. Can you triangulate
Triangulation is a great trick to figure out exactly from any obvious things (trails, roads, bodies of
where you are. All you need is your map, a compass, water, cliffs, changes in vegetation, etc.) that you
and two landmarks. A sheer cliff face, a body of recently passed? Think about how long you have
water, or a nearby mountain are easy to find on the until dark. If it’s going to get dark before you can
map. Here’s how: return to any known points, stay put and set up
• Pick two landmarks; it’s easier to triangulate if camp. It’s better to set up at a place when you know
they are more than 60 degrees apart. you’re lost than to continue hiking in the dark and
• Take a bearing of each one with your compass. get more confused.
• Find the landmarks on the map, then transfer If you’re hiking with a group of people, talk
the bearings you just took to the map. things over. Figure out a reasonable plan of action
• Make or visualize a line that each bearing for finding your location and how to get back on
formed in relation to you. You are exactly where track. Don’t act rashly! If you head out in one direc-
the lines cross! tion on a whim and have to backtrack, you’ll end
up wasting a lot of time and energy. Your fear will
probably increase.
DIRECTIONALLY Getting rescued when you’re lost can take hours
CHALLENGED MOMENTS or even days. Help rescuers find you by making a
(AKA LOST, OR “WHERE small smoke fire, or, if it’s not too much effort, find
THE HECK AM I?”) an open area and lay rocks out in an “X” forma-
It is fairly common to become a little lost, direc- tion. Lay out some brightly colored clothes or your
tionally challenged, or not quite sure where you pack. Use something that will reflect sunlight onto
are. Over time, it’s bound to happen, particularly if planes flying overhead. If you’re lost at night, don’t
you’re traveling cross-country. camp near running water. It will make it harder for
When it happens, remember: Don’t panic! Stay you to hear voices of people nearby.
calm, stop, and look at the map. Use your last If you’ve called for a heli rescue or used a PLB,
known point as a reference. People often consider be ready to give details about your condition, or a
just one possibility and attempt to make the ter- patient’s condition. Details should include urgency,
rain fit their assumption. They’re usually in a dif- name, age, and sex. If calling, give your best es-
ferent spot than they think they are. timate of location, whether you intend to move,
Consider all the possible places you could be on and, if so, where to. When a helicopter or plane flies
the map. Narrow it down to what fits using land- over, stand toward it with your arms in a “V” if you
marks to triangulate your location on the topo map. need help. If your arms are in a straight diagonal
You can always retrace your steps to get back line, like a slash, it means “All OK.” If for any rea-
on track. If you can determine your location with- son you’ve found your way before a rescue team
out a doubt, you may be able to figure out a differ- arrives, change your PLB signal or call them back
ent route to intersect your planned route. to cancel rescue. It costs a lot of money to organize
If you’re totally lost, stop, remain calm, and and deploy rescue services. You can be held liable
evaluate the situation. Try to remember any for them.

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > navigation
STARTED 145
Taking a break and cooking dinner in grizzly
country. When in bear country, never cook
where you camp. On the Rockwall Trail, part of
the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies.

When your dog is first

starting to wear his dog
pack, make sure the strap
behind the dog’s front legs doesn’t rub the
back of his legs. It’s a common issue that
occurs when people overtighten the chest
strap on the dog’s pack. It causes the dog
discomfort and can rub your pet’s skin raw.
 HIKING WITH
YOUR DOG
When you are hiking/backpacking in the wilderness with your dog, you have the
additional responsibility of caring for your pet. I’ve hiked thousands of wonderful
miles with my dog, Yoni. What has worked well for Yoni and me may not work as
well for you and your dog. Test things out and see how the two of you interact
before going on a big hike. It’s important to know your pet’s limits and to read the
signs of fatigue and pain, because your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong.

While it’s great to experience the outdoors with all the areas where you’re going allow pets. For
your dog, not everyone likes pets. Some areas al- instance, most US national parks don’t allow pets
ready restrict dogs because some unruly dog own- on their trail systems. There are exceptions, so
ers screwed it up for the rest of us. Be a responsible check the rules.
pet owner. Follow the rules and help keep dogs The main thing to remember when hiking with
from being banned in any more places. a dog is to maintain control of your dog at all times.
The size of the dog doesn’t matter as much as If your dog is not well behaved around people, other
its health and enthusiasm. The smaller a dog is, the dogs, horses, mountain bikes, or wildlife, please be
more steps it needs to take. It’s probably exerting respectful. Only bring your pet on trails in the off-
more calories per pound than a larger dog. Smaller season to avoid any problems with others.
dogs may need more help getting up larger ledges
and on river crossings. Larger dogs are heavier, and
if you’re going to do technical moves where you LEASHES
need to carry them or pick them up, it’s going to Even if your dog is good off-leash, keep him or her
put more strain on you. on a leash. This is a rule in most areas for good
reasons. It’s safer for your dog, safer for wildlife,
reduces the impact on wildlife and plant life, and is
PLANNING A TRIP WITH
more respectful to other visitors.
YOUR DOG
It also prevents the “dog syndrome,” where
Planning a trip well is even more important if the dog actually walks at least twice the distance
you are hiking with your dog. Make sure that you walk because he wanders around and checks

GETTING STARTED > Hiking with147

 everything out. If both of you are putting in dis- know exactly how many miles you and your dog
tance on a regular basis, you want to prevent your have done that day. This is very important, because
dog from getting burned out from the trek quickly. you want to break your pet in slowly with distance
This will slow you down considerably. and weight in his pack, just as you do with your-
A leash is also important so that your dog paces self. Depending on how much you have been walk-
himself. Dogs get excited when they go outside and ing or hiking with your dog, training will dictate
go hiking, but no matter how many times you tell reasonable mileages.
them, “We are hiking 2,175 miles from Georgia to For example, when I first started long-distance
Maine, and you’ll have plenty of time outside, so hiking with Yoni, she was 1 year old. I had been
better chill out now and take it easy,” they just day hiking with her previously, but nothing over 5
won’t listen when you first hit the trail. If you want or 6 miles and nothing with a pack. When we start-
them to last for the whole hike, you need to limit ed the AT, it was new to us. Three to 10 miles was a
the extra miles, and the only way to do this is by routine day for the first couple of weeks, with a rest
keeping them on a leash. This will also help you day sporadically mixed in. Over the next couple of

Common “wildlife” sighting in New Mexico along the

Continental Divide Trail.
TIP: I keep a 3-foot section of webbing in
Yoni’s pack. When we stop for the day or for
a break, I can tie her to a tree or something
else sturdy; this gives her some more dis-
tance to play with, but not too much. She
knows when I do this that it’s rest time and
she can relax or sleep, and I don’t have to
keep holding the leash.
This also works really well on the AT if
you’re staying in shelters. You can tie your
dog up in a corner of the shelter and he won’t
bother people who don’t like dogs.
Some people on the AT don’t think dogs
belong on the trail or in shelters—at all. Be
prepared for some antagonism from them.
The best remedy is being respectful so they
hardly even notice your dog in the shelter.
Yoni knows it’s bedtime when she’s tied up,
and she knows that’s her space. When you’re
moving all of the time, tying your dog up can
reassure him. And if something comes near
camp at night, I know she’s tied up and can’t
take off after it.

148 TRAIL TESTED

 Other reasons
to keep your
dog on a
leash: When he is wearing a dog
pack, the leash loop on the back
keeps the pack centered on his
back so it doesn’t slide down
toward or even over his head on
downhill walks, nor will it rub
the back of his front legs. Also,
if your dog runs through woods
unleashed, there’s a decent chance
he could lose his pack and all his
food. Then you have to hope you
can find the pack. If you can’t,
you’re up a creek for the remainder
of the section or have to cut the
trip short. One of my usual methods of keeping Yoni corralled during break time Photo by Russ Sackson

weeks, we slowly upped it to 15 miles as our largest room or less room. Remember, because of restric-
day, but still alternating between bigger and short- tions, leashes in most places can be no longer than
er days so we would have recovery days and not 6 feet.
be pushing it too much. Continuing the next year Another option: Some people rig their dog
on the PCT, we regressed from the 30 miles per day leash with a carabiner and attach it to their waist
we had built up to and started the hike averaging belt. That way they don’t have to hold the leash all
15–20 miles per day. It was easier to cover that dis- day and can use their trekking poles freely. Some
tance, since our bodies were already used to it. We leashes, usually designed for running but certainly
then increased on the PCT all the way up to 35-mile suitable for hiking, wrap around your waist, also
and 40-mile days until we could hike those distanc- keeping your hands free.
es day after day without feeling any strain. Each
year we would start a new hike, we would only have
to regress to 20–25 miles as our base distance, since CONDITIONING AND TRAIL-
our pack weights were lower and we were used to TRAINING YOUR DOG
the motions of hiking. I cannot stress enough the Is your dog ready to set out on a big trip? While
importance of breaking in before increasing mile- you have an idea of what you’re getting into and
age, for both you and your dog. training for, your dog doesn’t. So, get him ready.
Walking with a leash and trekking poles can Get him into the routine of hiking with you so he’s
be hard at first. With a little practice, though, used to your days and distance.
both you and your dog can get used to it. Play Get him used to the lifestyle and slowly in-
around with different leash lengths to give more crease the mileage, mixing in rest days and shorter

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL > HIKING

GETTING STARTEDWITH
> navigation
YOUR DOG 149
days. While hiking with you, dogs have to do a lot have to carry more weight). Have the same con-
of what they’d do in the wild anyway. They’ll adapt sideration for your dog.
quickly. I find they’re often better off because they
have four legs and have a lower center of gravity.
Yoni has learned the lifestyle. She knows that DOGS AND FOOD
if I stop to talk to anyone or stop to look at the map Many dogs need double their normal food intake on
for a bit, she should take the opportunity to get off strenuous or long-distance hikes. You’ll learn how
her feet and rest. much food your dog needs as he or she hikes with
Yoni and I began hiking together on the Appa- you. Yoni eats about 2 pounds of food per day on a
lachian Trail when she was 1 year old after several long-distance hike. She weighs about 65 pounds.
day hikes and gradually longer treks. I would rec- On a long-distance hike, keep in mind how you
ommend not overdoing it when your dog is young. binge eat when you get to town. These calories are
Wait until he is at least 1 year old to start racking crucial for you, and the same is true for your dog.
up the miles, because his muscles and bones are When we get to town, I feed Yoni as much as pos-
still developing. I was also told not to run down sible, but only dog food! I give her multiple cans of
hills because it is harder on the dog’s joints. Talk dog food on top of her dry food, which she chows
to your vet for advice tailored to your dog’s breed, down. I also feed her puppy food, because it has a
age, and condition. higher calorie content.
In Yoni’s top shape I would only allow her to
carry—at most—five days of food, her pack, a sec-
DOG PACKS (SADDLEBAGS)
tion of webbing, and her collapsible bowl. That
If your dog is going to carry a pack with food and probably maxed out at 20 pounds. If the stretch
other things, get him used to that. Start off by let- was any longer than five days, I carried the rest of
ting him wear the empty pack around the house, her food in my pack and used that food first.
then on short walks, and then on longer walks. Add When packing dog food, place it in trash-
weight slowly as he gets used to it. compactor bags or double-bagged in sturdy zipper
The most any dog should carry is one-third of bags so it doesn’t get wet. Divide the food evenly
his body weight—if he is in top shape. Don’t overdo between two bags, and place one on either side of
it. On long-distance hikes you may want to reduce the pack. Feed your dog out of both sides evenly
the weight so your dog will be happy and healthy to keep the weight evenly distributed between
for the long haul. One-quarter the dog’s weight or the saddlebags.
less is much more comfortable for the dog and a Whether you send your dog’s food along with
more sustainable weight ratio. any mail drops you do is entirely up to you. It can
You’re certainly trying to carry much less save time, but unless your dog is a picky eater,
than one-quarter your weight. For instance, you can almost always pick up dog food in a town
if you’re 160 pounds, one-third your weight is when you stop to resupply. Dog food is heavy, so it
53 pounds and one-quarter your weight is 40 can be pricey to ship. I only do it when absolutely
pounds. Yet you usually want to get your pack necessary and I know the resupply will not have
weight below one-quarter your weight when dog food.
possible (in winter and cold conditions, you may

150 TRAIL TESTED

 WATER If you’re worried your dog’s not getting enough
water, carry some extra water until both of you are
I hardly ever carry any water for Yoni. If I know used to what he will need.
we’re facing a waterless stretch that’s over 15 On a lot of trails like the AT or the Long Trail,
miles and it’s really hot out, I will then carry you probably won’t have to carry any water because
water. From being on the trail so much, Yoni there are plenty of water crossings. They’re gener-
has learned she needs to “camel up” at all water ally spaced out at least every 7 miles.
sources and now does so naturally. If you’re just I’ve heard that dogs can get giardia, but I have
starting hiking with your dog, don’t anticipate never seen or experienced it. I’ve never treated Yo-
that he will get that approach right away. Start ni’s water, and she’s had some pretty nasty water.
out by carrying a little extra water for him; as It’s up to you if you want to treat your dog’s water.
he no longer needs it, you can reduce and then It’s time-consuming, and when you get to a water
eliminate the extra water. crossing it’s hard to stop your dog from drinking
when he is thirsty.
Still, if Yoni tries to drink from a foul cattle
If you’re worried about reservoir, and I know there is a better water source
dehydration and want not far ahead, I’ll try to keep her from drinking
to carry extra stuff for that water—though she certainly didn’t stop me
your dog, they make a powdered electrolyte that one time.
mix for dogs that you can add to their water I’m more picky about not letting her drink
bowl. I’ve used this a couple of times while from puddles on roadways. She could be ingesting
traveling with Yoni through the desert, and oils, rubber, transmission fluid, glycol, and who
it seemed to work well. You can also add knows what else. She has drunk from such puddles,
some Pedialyte to their diet if you want to especially during long waterless stretches. I’m more
add electrolytes. Check with your vet for the concerned about that than a dirty cattle reservoir.
amounts to use, based on your dog’s weight.

DESERTS AND DOGS

The heat and desert are as tough on your dog as
they are on you, especially if your dog has a black
coat. I have heard that dogs are not as efficient as
people at cooling since they can’t really sweat; in-
stead they pant to cool down. Still, I’ll never shave
Yoni because her coat also serves as her sunscreen.
She even seemed to get cow-type spots on her belly
after hiking through the snow. I’m guessing it was
the sun reflection, and the spots went away after
a few months.
If you’re in an area where it’s hot and water-
Yoni needs an extra-large dog bowl because she has trouble
getting all the water in her mouth. On the CDT, be prepared to
less, I’d recommend hiking in the predawn dark-
share water sources with livestock. ness until it gets hot. Take a siesta in the shade

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL > HIKING

GETTING STARTEDWITH
> navigation
YOUR DOG 151
during the hottest part of the day, and resume
hiking when it cools in the afternoon. Yoni prefers
this, as do I, and it makes the slog through these
conditions a lot easier.

CROSSINGS
One issue you’ll face with a dog is crossings. This
can be over rivers, fences, and wildlife boundary
crossings.
River crossings can be the toughest. Dogs
aren’t very good at moving through swift water.
When crossing a river with Yoni, I’ll usually hold
her collar in my hand, keeping her downstream.
This way she can’t take me out if she loses control,
Yoni and I after crossing the headwaters of the Chilliwack River on
and I’ll help pull her across as she tries to swim. a cable car. North Cascades, Pacific Northwest Trail, Washington.
I do this for any big river crossing. I will let her
splash through smaller streams and calm rivers.
The backcountry is littered with fences. These
can present a minor challenge at times. The ladders SNOW
and A-frames over fences and electric fences on the
Yoni likes the snow and cold. Like many dogs,
AT are a hassle, but not a big deal. When steps are
she handles it well. Snowdrifts and snowfields
too small for Yoni to climb, I’ll sometimes pick her
shouldn’t be an issue for most dogs, since they can
up and carry her over.
trot through them. Dogs aren’t the best on ice. It’s
The CDT is full of barbed-wire fences without
like watching them try to run on a wood floor.
crossings or gates. In such situations I will raise
Be careful on slopes prone to avalanches. Don’t
the bottom of the fence as high as possible and she
let your dog loose in such areas; it could make the
crawls underneath. Then I climb over the top and
situation dangerous for your dog, you, and anyone
inevitably rip my shorts.
else around.

ROCK CLIMBING AND SLEEPING GEAR AND

TECHNICAL MOVES CLOTHES
If you’re going to be doing any technical sections
This depends on your dog and the conditions you’re
during the trip and your dog is with you, consider
hiking in. Some short-haired dogs can get chilly at
bringing a dog harness. You can use the harness to
night. If you have a short-haired dog, you might
either lift the dog up or to help him make techni-
need a little quilt or something to put on him. He
cal moves.
may want to make a nest to keep warm at night.
Some short-haired dogs could benefit from a jacket
to keep them warm either during the day or to use

152 TRAIL TESTED

 at night instead of a sleeping bag. Most long-haired
dogs are okay for three-season camping. Consider
a jacket or quilt for your dog for winter camping.
During winter camping, carry a foam pad to
insulate your dog from the ground. He will lose
a lot of body heat if lying on the ground. During
spring, summer, and fall, I don’t carry anything
extra for Yoni.
Yoni likes to sleep outside. She can also sleep in
the vestibule if it’s raining and she’s wet. If it’s going
to rain overnight—or if there are mosquitoes—and
she’s not wet, I’ll bring her inside the tent or tarp
to sleep.
I would recommend not letting your dog inside
your tent, unless he is absolutely miserable outside.
The dog will get used to being let in and expect it
even if he is dirty, muddy, and wet. A dog’s nails

On rainy or snowy days

your dog will get wet. It’s
no fun letting a wet dog
ABOVE: Ascending a ladder in Vermont on the AT. Yoni in your shelter, where you want everything to
loves these challenges. BELOW: Yoni taking a little break be dry. Let your dog sleep in the vestibule area
in North Carolina, showing off her booties during our AT
winter hike.
or under your tarp’s end, away from you. This
will prevent your sleeping bag and dry gear
from getting wet—and wet dog on it—all while
keeping your buddy out of the weather.

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL > HIKING

GETTING STARTEDWITH
> navigation
YOUR DOG 153
can easily rip the floor of your tent (been there, On the PCT she got foxtail weed in her paw.
done that!). Also keep space and weight consider- It manifested as a sore on her leg a couple weeks
ations in mind. If it is a horrible mosquito season later. I ended up pulling it out. It never really both-
and I think I’ll have to bring Yoni inside, I’ll need ered or slowed her down.
a 1.5-person tent at the minimum, which will add Certain human treatments will also work for
at least a few ounces to my pack weight. I can deal dogs. Neosporin is OK to put on your dog’s cuts.
with a few ounces here and there, but I can’t deal Make sure he doesn’t ingest it.
with a sprawling dog taking over the tent or mov- Dogs can also have aspirin. Before you leave on
ing around every couple of hours, resulting in a bad a trip, ask your vet how mush aspirin can be given.
night’s sleep for me. This is one of the reasons that It can help with his pain relief and injuries—same as
I prefer to use a tarp. Yoni can come and go, if she you—but be careful and limit your dog’s ambitions.
wants cover or not, into the foot area of the tarp If your dog thinks he is feeling better, he may be
without waking me up. There’s plenty of room and overzealous, which can cause further injury.
at the right weight savings. These are all things to Check your dog’s body for ticks regularly when
keep in mind when looking for a shelter if you are hiking in tick country. You may also consider using
going to be hiking with your dog. a Frontline-like chemical to help repel ticks.

DOGGIE DOO PAW CARE

This is an issue of contention with some hikers and Just like you, your dog’s feet are constantly in
nature-lovers. It’s a reason dogs aren’t allowed in touch with the ground. You’ll usually have shoes
some places, particularly ecologically sensitive plac- or boots on to help protect your feet. Some of the
es, and why some people don’t like dogs on trails. hardest hiking for dogs is on hot pavement. Luckily
If you’re bringing a dog with you, please be respon- some companies, like Granite Gear, have designed
sible and clean up after your pet in the same way booties that protect your dog’s pads from the sear-
you clean up after yourself. Keeping your dog on a ing heat of pavement in summer, gravel, sharp
leash makes it easier to know when he has done his rocks on mountains, and snow in the winter.
business. Bury all feces at least 200 feet from water Dog booties take some time for your dog to get
sources and away from campsites and trails. used to. When first wearing them, your dog will
walk funny. After you put them on for the first

FIRST AID FOR DOGS

Despite all the miles Yoni and I have traveled to-
gether, we haven’t had many first-aid issues.
I took her to the vet once during a hike for a
sore paw. It was from walking on too much gravel
on the CDT. We hitched ahead to the nearest vet.
He looked over her paw and kenneled her while I
hitched back to the trail and hiked the section. I
then hitched back to the vet’s. When I got back she
was healed, rested, and ready to go.

154 TRAIL TESTED

time, do something fun with them on. Your dog Baxter is also relatively easy for both north-
will soon forget he is wearing them. Booties are bounders and southbounders. Northbounders hit
great for salted roads in New England or the Mid- Abol Bridge on the Golden Road before entering
west, sharp rocky terrain, spring corn snow, walk- Baxter State Park. The Golden Road gets a fair
ing on pavement on a hot day, and to protect an amount of traffic in summer and goes straight into
injured foot pad. Find a pair of booties that fit your Millinocket, Maine. You can hitch into town with
dog well, doesn’t irritate his dewclaw, and don’t your dog or walk the distance.
come off too often in snow. After you summit Mount Katahdin, you’ll end
Companies also make foot-pad creams to pro- up on another road that goes to Millinocket. You
tect your dog’s pads from cracking or to prevent can hitch a ride back to town. It’s the reverse for
snow from accumulating on his feet. If both of you southbounders.
are hiking through the snow, and your dog’s not You can drop your dog at a kennel in town or
wearing booties, consider a protective cream, such find a hotel that allows dogs and book the room
as Musher’s Secret. for two nights. Only do this second option if you
know your dog is really, really well behaved. You
then have to cover the mileage from Abol Bridge to
THRU-HIKING WITH A DOG Katahdin and get back to Millinocket in one day.
I am often asked how to thru-hike long trails with Put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your room door
a dog, because each major trail has a section that and get a ride back to Abol Bridge in the morning.
doesn’t allow dogs. Summit Katahdin, and return to the hotel room.
I’ve been lucky. I’ve had friends in key places
who have watched Yoni when she can’t hike with
me. They’ve also been able to meet us, pick her up,
and drop her off. (Yoni and I thank you all!) There
TRAUMA PICK
are other options for your dog on those sections he I like a streamlined dog pack that contours well
can’t hike with you—on most trails. with the dog’s body. You don’t want the bottom
of the saddle bags rubbing on the ground. Make
APPALACHIAN TRAIL: There are only two places sure it is correctly fitted to the dog so it doesn’t
on the AT that don’t allow dogs: Great Smoky Moun- chafe the back of his front legs, front of his back
tains National Park in Tennessee and Baxter State legs, or his chest. Make sure you can adjust it
Park in Maine. Both are easy to deal with because properly so it fits well and it isn’t so big that you
have a tendency to overpack it and weigh the dog
the AT has enough hikers with dogs that there are
down. Dog packs also take a lot of abuse if they
services to help. are used a lot because dogs don’t know to be
Kennels in Tennessee will pick up your dog at careful with their gear. It can take a dog a little
Fontana Dam or the northern end of the park and while to realize that he just got wider and can’t
kennel your dog for however long you think it will fit between those trees, so make sure your dog’s
take you to hike through the park. They’ll bring gear is made of high-quality materials.
your dog to you at the other side of the park. It’s a RECOMMENDED DOG GEAR: Granite Gear
little pricey, but not too bad considering it is a long Long Howl or Alpha Dog Pack (discontinued),
drive. The names of kennels offering such services Granite Gear mush booties, Bison Designs Dur-A-
Bowl, 2 trash-compactor bags
are listed in some AT guidebooks.

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL > HIKING

GETTING STARTEDWITH
> navigation
YOUR DOG 155
Yoni peers into Mexico, scoping “coyotes” at the PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: Dogs are not allowed on
PCT’s southern terminus in Campo, California.
trails in California state parks and most national
parks on the PCT. Most California state parks on
the PCT are in Southern California close to Scissors
Crossing. You can bypass this by a road that paral-
lels the trail.
The longer, more difficult area is from Kennedy
Meadows north to Sonora Pass in California’s Sierra
Nevada range. This long stretch goes through three
national parks (Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosem-
ite). You can kennel your dog either in Mammoth,
California, at the north end of the section, or in
Reno, Nevada, even farther north, while you hike
this section.
If you’re northbound, you can hitch a ride from
Kennedy Meadows or hike to Olancha Pass and down
to Olancha, California. Get to US 395 and hitch to
Mammoth on the north end of the section or Reno on
the south end of the section. Kennel your dog, then
hop on the Inyo-Mono transit back to where you left
off on US 395. The Inyo-Mono transit also runs all
the way up to Reno, Nevada, and down through the
Lancaster-Palmdale area to the south.

Yoni and I at the famous buoy in Key West,

Florida, the southernmost point of the United
States, after hiking from Cap Gaspé, Quebec.

156 TRAIL TESTED

 Yoni and I at the New Mexico–Mexico border,
heading for tacos in Mexico after finishing
our 10,000-mile trek.
Photo by Shawn Forry

If you’re southbound, hitch to Mammoth or when you leave. You could also kennel your dog for
Reno with your dog from Bridgeport or South Lake a few days in Montana’s East Glacier, West Glacier,
Tahoe, California. St. Mary, or Kalispell. Kenneling your dog in one of
After completing the section, take the Inyo- these locations can be a little inconvenient.
Mono transit back to where you kenneled your dog For Yellowstone you can take the Continental
and hitch back to where you left off. It’s a bit of a Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) route and not the Mack’s
hassle, but hitching is usually pretty easy on US 395. Inn cutoff. You can hike into West Yellowstone. From
Roads parallel the PCT both through Lassen Na- there you can resupply and road-walk through the
tional Park in California and Crater Lake National park and camp at non-backcountry sites. This is all
Park in Oregon. You can legally walk through the completely legal. You can meet up with the rest after
parks with your dog on the roads. the south end of the park.
In Washington’s North Cascades National Park, The CDT follows a loop through Rocky Moun-
dogs are allowed only on the PCT. This is convenient. tain National Park. Most CDT hikers don’t do it.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL: Dogs aren’t allowed They road-walk into Grand Lake, Colorado, to resup-
on backcountry trails in national parks along the ply and bypass the loop. This is easy. Then you can
CDT. This includes Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky road-walk out of Grand Lake and meet up with the
Mountain (sort of). The CDT’s dog options are simple. trail at the southern border of the park.
Glacier is easy to deal with. It’s either at the JOHN MUIR TRAIL: Don’t even bother trying it.
start or end of your journey, and you have one of There’s no way around it. There are no dogs allowed,
two options. You can day-hike it. Three roads lead since this trail is pretty much all in national parks
into the park. You can use them to get in and out (except for a little bit around Mammoth Lakes, Cali-
and leave your dog at a hotel for the day—again, fornia). Leave your dog with a friend or take him to
only if you know your dog is well behaved. Make the doggie hotel for some playtime with friends for
sure you put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door a week or two while you hike the trail.

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL > HIKING

GETTING STARTEDWITH
> navigation
YOUR DOG 157
 Atop Mount Kenya (4,985m/16,355 ft.)
at dawn on a cold, icy morning

Ascending Mount Kenya

A Masai I met while hiking through Kenya. I played

in a great pickup soccer game with his village and
drank fresh, unhomogenized, unpasteurized cow
milk that evening. They even offered to let me stay
so I could help teach soccer to the villagers. Walking behind some Ethiopians headed to market
 HIKING ABROAD
Hiking internationally can be as daunting as it is awesome. It means stepping
out of your comfort zone and experiencing new languages, cultures, landscapes,
rules, and food.

PLANNING Stanfords in the U.K. is another good option for

international maps (stanfords.co.uk). Sometimes
You’ll need to do a lot of research to plan an in- you can find maps on the internet as free down-
ternational hike. You’ll be farther from your sup- loads, which makes it really easy to draw your
port structure. You simply can’t call up a buddy planned route right on the map.
and say, “Can you pick me up in Bangladesh? This As you review these detailed maps, look more
just isn’t working out.” closely and start devising a possible route. Look
When devising your plan, use guidebooks, for trails, water sources, nearby towns, and any-
the internet, Google Earth, topographic maps on- thing else that may be pertinent to the trip.
line, atlases—anything you can glean from the
library. The Lonely Planet country guidebooks
are very helpful, giving a general overview of
travel to the specific country. The US State De-
partment’s International Travel Information web When traveling abroad
channel is very useful. Talk to other people who and hiking in developing
have visited the area. countries, pay attention
Look at general maps to get an overview to what you wear. It’s helpful not to draw
of the regions you plan to hike. Research the too much attention to yourself. You don’t
towns and cities that will be your potential re- want to show signs of wealth. Doing so can
supply points. make you a target for being ripped off by
Sometimes it is hard to find detailed maps merchants or for theft. For instance, in a
of a region or country. Often you can track them lot of countries a camera, smartphone, GPS
down by contacting someone in that region, like device, or nice altimeter watch is a sign
a guide service or tourist agency. Omnimap.com of wealth. Be careful where you take your
(recently acquired by East View Companies) is an camera out. Do not show all your money
online map store in the United States that offers when making purchases.
a lot of international maps. They can be pricey.

GETTING STARTED > Hiking abroad159

 Measure distances on the maps be-
tween towns, resupplies, trails, and trail-
heads. Write all of this on your map or in
a data-book so you’ll have an idea of dis-
tances between resupplies, obvious daily
landmarks, and water sources.
When you’re organizing your trip,
make sure you learn about all required
permits, visas, and vaccinations. They
can take up to six months to acquire.
Some vaccinations must be taken over
time. If you’re at risk of malaria at your
destination, see a travel doctor.
All this is worthwhile because it
should leave you feeling prepared and
confident to set out on the trip.

TO GUIDE OR NOT TO
GUIDE
There is a major difference between
hiking in a developed nation and a de-
veloping nation. In a first-world coun-
try most people hike without guides
and porters and don’t need agents to
book the trip. Bureaucracies in devel-
Pepper walks toward a
gompa in Olangchung Gola oping nations can be a headache to
in the Nepalese Himalayas. work with. This is another reason more
preparation is needed.

Put dryer sheets in your

luggage, shoes, and pack
to help keep things from
smelling when you’re traveling to and from the
trail. You’ll definitely need this for used gear
that you are taking home with you!

Loading a huge duffel onto a typical

“mini car” in Kathmandu

160 TRAIL TESTED

 In third-world countries the majority of people waited. I ate dinner. He rolled up about an hour
go on guided treks. It can be overwhelming to do after I finished dinner. The shadow of the moun-
all the planning and hike alone in a foreign coun- tain was fading into the twilight landscape, and
try. Some places, like Nepal, mandate that trek- the stars were starting to show.
kers must have guides, or at least a partner. There He was flabbergasted by my speed. He said we
are pros and cons to either a guided or non-guided probably wouldn’t have to start at 2 a.m., like most
trek. It depends on what you like and the situation. people do on summit day. I figured he was tired and
Many guided treks also include the option needed some extra rest.
of cooked meals, camp setup, and portaging your I knew I wanted to summit, complete the five-
equipment. This can make your trip hassle-free. pass circuit, and get back down and out of the park
I’ve never had good luck with guides; then the next day. He was skeptical. I said we could
again, I am not the normal client. I often feel like leave at 4:30 a.m. and summit during sunrise.
they look at me and see dollar signs. I often end up We left at 4:35 a.m. and reached the summit
caring for guides and have to make sure they’re OK. just as the sun peeked over the horizon. He thought
Hiking with a guide slows me down and takes away we summited from the hut in a record time and
my freedom of exploration. was immensely proud of himself. I led down the
While hiking through Africa, by myself, I went south side of the peak to continue on the circuit I’d
to Mount Kenya National Park. The Kenyan govern- planned to hike. We encountered steep snow and
ment requires people to have a guide or hike or ice, so I kicked steps for him. He was nervous and
climb in a group of two or more. I had to hire a his legs were shaking in his boots. I helped him
guide to even enter the park. down the slope, and we continued on our way.
In the nearby village I conducted a survey of At about 10 a.m. he hit a wall and said he need-
the potential guides. It was like I was Regis Philbin ed a break. He had no food with him at all. He was
and they were contestants on Who Wants to Be a counting on the hut’s caretaker to feed him. We
Millionaire? Me: “How far can you walk in a day?” weren’t far from the hut, so I gave him a couple of
Them: “10 Miles.” Me: “Is that your final answer?” my Lärabars. We reached the hut by 11 a.m. and
They nod. Me: “Sorry; go home. Next contestant.” took lunch. We had one more pass to go over and
It went on. then a 15-mile downhill hike that dropped more
Finally I picked a young guy who seemed fit than 10,000 vertical feet. But he was done.
and up for a challenge. He said he had all the gear After he ate, he couldn’t stand up. He did the
he needed. He retrieved a school bag–size red thru-hiker shuffle: walking like he was more than
knapsack. It lacked a hip belt, was barely 1,500 100 years old. When I asked if he was OK. He re-
cubic inches, and already had one shoulder strap sponded that he couldn’t believe we hiked that
that was ripping at the seams. I thought, Uh-oh, much by 11 a.m.
this could be trouble. There was no turning back He told me I was the strongest person he’d ever
now. I was ready to get moving. I calculated that met—strength must be measured differently in
this stretch should last about two days. countries where they still walk for all their supplies
We headed up with only a few hours of day- as part of their daily routine. I told him that I can
light left and about 9 miles to go. We talked during walk really far but am not that strong. I held up my
the first hour, but he soon slowed and told me to T-Rex thru-hiker arms and flexed my nonexistent
go ahead. I reached a hut at about 14,000 feet and biceps, and we both started laughing hysterically.

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Hiking abroad
STARTED 161
 He told me to go on without him because he LANGUAGE
couldn’t hike anymore. I asked him if my permit
would get checked or if I would get in trouble. “No,” It’s helpful and respectful to learn at least a few
he said. “We will let the ranger at the other gate words of the local language where you plan to
know not to bother you. You know what you are travel. It shows locals that you’re making an ef-
doing. You will be safe.” I hiked on alone, as I had fort to try to communicate in their language. They
the rest of the trip. I made it out of the park that really appreciate it and will likely make you feel
night as planned. more welcome and hospitable. If the situation were
People tell me I should start a guiding business reversed, you’d probably be more likely to try to
and take people into the backcountry. I’m not so help someone who tried to speak your language
sure about that. than someone who assumed automatically that you
knew theirs.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Before you leave, Be careful when taking out your camera. Always
call your credit-card ask permission before taking someone’s photo. It’s
companies and banks often considered rude for strangers to snap pictures
so they’ll know you’re abroad and don’t without asking. If someone says no, please respect
freeze your accounts. Also make at least two that. It’s also customary in some places to leave
copies of your credit cards as well as your a small donation or gift in exchange for taking a
passport. Leave one copy of your passport photograph.
with someone you trust, and hide a copy in
a locked resupply duffel. With your credit
cards, jot down the contact numbers so you HANDOUTS
can call even if you lose your cards. It can
This is touchy because I don’t like giving handouts.
also be helpful to save copies in Dropbox
I hate going to places where people are accustomed
or in the cloud so you can access them
to getting handouts from foreigners. It really
overseas if necessary.
doesn’t encourage them to do positive things for
themselves. I have no problem buying things from
locals. In my opinion, giving things away to them
doesn’t encourage anything more than begging.
I know there are parts of the world where
there are no jobs. Rewarding begging encourages
more beggars, especially when local people see
foreigners.
Some people give out pens, candy, or other
trinkets. People have told me I should do it too.
I disagree. If you truly want to help locals, volun-
teer your time. Help people build a community, a
Scrambling to organize before setting out on a big school, a water source, or develop a small business.
international hike

162 TRAIL TESTED

 Hiking Abroad Tips
• Most countries have some general delivery system. public. If you are a woman hiking in a strict Muslim
It is called poste restante. This may be a good country and wear clothing that does not hide your
resupply option in developed countries. It is more body—even if you are obviously a foreigner—locals
dubious in developing countries. Hence, I do the may glare at you and make you feel very uncomfort-
duffel bag “bounce box.” able. Respect their culture. You’ll feel a lot more
• In town wash your clothes in the sink, tub, or show- comfortable in it,. and you’ll draw less attention to
er; wring out; and hang to dry (or save time and yourself.
combine while taking a shower). That way you don’t • Calibrate your GPS unit to the local datum as listed
have to worry about finding a washer and dryer. on the map. The unit will not work correctly if it is
• Aggressive dogs and rabies are concerns in develop- not calibrated properly. The datum is usually listed
ing countries. People in developing nations often in the map legend. This isn’t an issue in the United
use dogs to help guard their area. Such dogs often States but can be internationally.
get rocks thrown at them by people. You can proba-
bly keep them at bay by picking up a rock and pan-
tomiming the action of throwing it at them. That
will usually tell them to leave you alone. When you
encounter a dog that’s undeterred by the action or
one that’s foaming at the mouth, back away while
maintaining eye contact. Never turn and run.
• Bring appropriate medications with you as a pre-
cautionary measure. It’s helpful to have Diamox,
used to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness, in
the Himalayas. You also should consider bringing
vitamin I (ibuprofen), other painkillers, ciprofloxa-
cin (for urinary tract infections and diarrhea),
metronidazole (used to treat giardia and other
parasitic and bacterial issues), and petroleum jelly
for chafe. You might also consider bringing arnica
or turmeric to reduce inflammation, astragalus to
boost your immune system, or other common herbs
used to treat traveler’s diarrhea and cold and flu
symptoms or to increase your energy. I would rec-
ommend consulting an acupuncturist or herbal spe-
cialist before taking them to avoid ingesting herbs
that conflict with other medications.
• I separate my money before I get to town. I keep
my small bills accessible and my larger bills hid-
den. This allows the locals to only see the small
bills I am carrying when I pay for something. It
doesn’t draw any unnecessary attention.
• Dress appropriately for the culture and climate.
In certain Muslim countries, women are still held
to strict dress codes. They wear an outer garment
called a burka that covers their entire body while in

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Hiking abroad
STARTED 163
Cooking dinner in a rural Nepali village with the
usual audience. Three times as many people were
watching a few minutes later.

SAFETY AND HEALTH Generally, you’re safer in the wilderness than

in a big city, regardless of whether you’re in a de-
Often, people say they’re scared about their health veloped or developing nation. Wherever you are,
and safety in developing countries, so they avoid you should always stay alert.
traveling abroad. Many health issues are prevent- Always keep an eye and a hand on your pack
able. The list of potential setbacks includes malar- and your possessions. Don’t give people an oppor-
ia, cholera, dysentery, yellow fever, encephalitis, tunity to take easy advantage of you. That follows
robbery, mugging, and kidnapping. One of the big- the idea of not drawing unnecessary attention to
gest concerns is traveler’s trots (diarrhea). yourself. Don’t wear fancy jewelry or accessories
while traveling or hiking.

164 TRAIL TESTED

 It’s very important with international travel When hiking internationally, I recommend
to always leave trip details with someone at home. carrying a tent—or at least some sort of tarp that
ALWAYS! When traveling internationally, always drops close to the ground on all sides. It will give
make sure someone in your home country also has you some privacy. It also hides your gear from the
a copy of your passport. locals, and they won’t know how expensive it is. A
THE NASTY M&M’S: Although mosquitoes and tent is more versatile, and people are more accus-
malaria are not common at high altitudes, you tomed to them.
should still follow all recommended precautions.
Mosquitoes in the United States are primarily RESUPPLIES
an annoyance. There are cases of West Nile, en-
cephalitis, and Zika but they are relatively uncom- On long international hikes through developing
mon. In a lot of the world, especially around the countries, I usually rely on local towns for resup-
equator, there are serious issues. Get anti-malaria plies. When it comes to swapping out shoes or get-
pills before you leave, and test them out to make ting new gear, I usually plan my route and trips
sure the side effects aren’t too severe. There are to the trail accordingly, setting up resupply sta-
a few options. Make sure you get a prescription tions before actually starting the hike. I stop in
that will work for you. Take the same precautions my planned hubs in cities and towns. I pay a little
against bugs that you would for hiking on the AT extra for a one-night stay at a hotel that I feel safe
in August. Use DEET, cover up with bug netting, in. I have them store a duffel and use it as a local
spray your clothes with permethrin before you hub while in that area. Sometimes I have to hike
leave, and wear light-colored clothing. back through the city itself. Other times, when I
get close to it I’ll take a bus back and forth to the
trail. I’ll use the hotel as a resupply. It’s nice to
GEAR CONCERNS know I can get gear and some food I brought from
When going overseas to hike, bring equipment you home on at least a few intervals through the trip.
know is durable and will last. It’s often very hard
to find recreational or outdoors equipment in a de- COOKING
veloping nation, particularly in the backcountry.
Don’t pack too much. You want your pack to remain Two options are best for international cooking: al-
as small as possible. You should be able to bring it cohol stoves and multi-fuel stoves. Alcohol is found
on crowded buses and keep it on your lap or be- throughout most of the world and comes in numer-
tween your legs. ous forms and names. Multi-fuel stoves give you a
It’s almost inevitable that you’ll take some lot of options for fuel no matter where you are.
type of public transportation during your trip. It Denatured alcohol is often used for win-
might be to get to the trailhead, to resupply, or to dow cleaning. Names vary from rod spirit (brand
return from the end of your trip. If your gear’s with name T-Röd) in Iceland to methylated spirits in
you, don’t let go of it or take your eyes off it. If you New Zealand. It is often colored purple so people
have a big pack (larger than 4,200 cubic inches), don’t drink it. It can be found in supermarkets
you’ll most likely have to strap it to the roof of the and gas stations in many countries.
vehicle. This can add unneeded stress to the seams For more on cooking options, see the “Stoves”
and fabric. section.

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Hiking abroad
STARTED 165
 Resupply caches along the Hayduke Trail

Hiking through Colorado’s Gore Range on the

Continental Divide Trail in flower season

Yoni and I, soggy after a week of rain, at

the culmination of our northbound Pacific
Crest Trail thru-hike, 2004
 THRU-HIKING
TRICKS
Here’s some information on long-distance hiking and thru-hiking that’s immensely
helpful. It will help you plan a trip, make an itinerary, and schedule your resupplies.

One of the most important things about thru- Mail drop cons:
hiking on a long trip is to enjoy yourself. If you’re x You can’t cater resupplies to your cravings once
not having fun, don’t do it! If you want to complete you’ve packed them. You’re tied to the post of-
the trip, you’ve got to be having a good time. fice’s schedule.
Don’t focus on the long haul, the hundreds or x Postage can really add up, especially if you’re
even thousands of miles ahead of you. It can get traveling internationally.
overwhelming. Enjoy each segment as you hike x The postal system can be a hassle in the United
through it. Look at a trip as a bunch of segments States and even worse abroad. For example, if
(resupplies), with each town stop as its own goal. you reach your mail drop in a rural town on a
The larger plan becomes much smaller. This is the Friday after the post office has closed—and it
key to success. doesn’t have hours on the weekend—you end
up waiting an extra two days for a resupply.

RESUPPLYING BUY AS YOU GO

On an unsupported thru-hike, most people resupply Buy as you go pros:
by going to town and either buying food as they ✓ You can usually choose what you want to eat.
go or using mail drops to resupply at preplanned ✓ You don’t have to pay for postage or rely on the
locations. Both methods have their pros and cons. postal system.

MAIL DROPS Buy as you go cons:

x Some remote towns only have small conve-
Mail drop pros:
nience stores with limited food and other se-
✓ You can buy your food in bulk before you head
lections. They might not have food that meets
out. This saves money. You can pack your fa-
your dietary restrictions or needs.
vorite foods. You can also pack maps for differ-
x Rural stores can be more expensive.
ent sections and other clothing.
✓ You can prepackage everything so you can just
I prefer the buy-as-you-go method and try to
dump your box into your food bag and go.
do this as much as possible. It’s sometimes more

GETTING STARTED > Thru-hiking tricks167

convenient to do mail drops. Before I leave on a
trip, I try to research the size of each resupply town
and its amenities. If the town has a supermarket,
Postage Tricks
• Tyvek Priority Mail envelopes and post office flat-
I’ll buy as I go. Sometimes the supermarket is on rate boxes can be turned inside out and used for
the outskirts of town. The last thing you want to regular mail—when their insides aren’t printed
do when you get to town is walk more! On most on. You end up with a free envelope, and you
trips I combine these two methods. don’t have to pay Priority Mail prices to ship it.
• If you’re shipping a package that needs tape
and don’t have any with you, consider shipping
THE BOUNCE-BOX TRICK it Priority Mail. The post office has to let you
use their specialty printed Priority Mail tape to
Long-distance hikers use a bounce box in the secure it. That might be cheaper than buying a
United States. This trick is really handy. Basical- whole role of tape. Check out your options based
ly you pack maps for later sections, extra cloth- on package size and weight.
ing layers you’re likely to need, and maybe a few • Shipping camping fuel can be a touchy subject
other odds and ends like a camera charger. Then with US postal employees, but if you go in know-
you mail them to yourself addressed as: Your name, ing your rights, you should be fine. I have never
C/O General Delivery, Town Name, State, Zip Code. had them deny me domestic shipping. Do not try
to mail internationally, though, and make sure
Go to the post office, tell them you have a general
to label the package on the address side. All you
delivery package, and show them your ID. If you need to know is: Propane camp stove fuel, up
mailed the package to yourself using priority mail to three small canisters of isobutene fuel can-
but don’t open it, you can forward the package for isters, can be shipped if labeled: Surface Mail
free! This works really well for spare gear like extra Only Consumer Commodity ORM-D. Alcohol: Can
shoes, clothes, and maps—things you might need ship in a metal container, not to exceed 1 quart;
a nonmetal container must not exceed 1 pint.
soon but not quite yet. You can bounce this stuff
The primary receptacle must have a screw cap
the entire length of the trail without carrying the with a minimum of 1.5 turns, soldering clips, or
extra weight and have access to it every few stops. other means of secure closure (friction tops are
not acceptable). Only one primary receptacle per
mail piece, and there must be enough cushioning
THE SUPERMARKET to prevent breakage and absorb any potential
COMBO leakage. Must be marked with (if it is denatured
alcohol, the flashpoint is used below): Surface
When I know I’ll hit a town with a good supermar- Mail Only Consumer Commodity ORM-D Flashpoint
ket but the next couple of towns don’t have super- 13C/55F. Esbit: Esbit can ship less than 1 pound
markets, I’ll buy food for two or three stretches, di- of Esbit tablets surface mail (ground). You must
box the tablets in something larger than their
vide it up, and mail it ahead for the next few stops.
original packaging, and the package must be 25
It’s a combination of mail drops and buy as you go pounds or less. The label shall read: Surface Mail
that works nicely in some situations. If you think Only Consumer Commodity ORM-D. Matches: Only
you don’t need some of the gear you were carrying certain types of matches can be shipped. Those
with you, you can put it in your mail drop. This types must be shipped by ground transportation
also helps save on postage, since you’re mailing the only and be 25 pounds or less. Strike-anywhere
matches are not legal to ship via USPS. It must
package from a nearby location rather than from a
be labeled: Surface Mail Only Consumer Com-
home base far away. modity ORM-D Book of Matches (or other type of
matches inside).

168 TRAIL TESTED

 WEATHER
FORECASTING
Many small details can help you predict the weather. A barometer with your watch
or GPS unit can tell you when the weather is changing. The weather can change fast.
If you watch the Weather Channel, you know it’s impossible to predict exactly what
will happen. If you’re educated about weather indicators and prepared for weather
conditions you’re likely to encounter, you’ll be much better off. You should also
consider the wind’s direction as well as the shape and movements of the clouds.

CLOUDS: When high-level cirrus clouds—high, grounds of fierce thunderstorms and other violent
wispy clouds or streaks—are building, it means a bursts of weather.
storm can be heading your way within 48 to 72 Thunderstorms can build from friendly cumu-
hours. Lenticular cirrus clouds echoing a peak as lus clouds in minutes in the Rockies. On the AT, a
they raise into the sky—like the profile of a lens— warm humid day can quickly turn into a torrential
also mean a storm is headed in within about 48 to downpour and thunderstorm.
72 hours. A blanket of cloud cover and spindrift
can mean high wind on the peaks.
WIND: Wind direction also plays a major role in
The march of a storm has a specific pattern.
predicting the weather. If you understand weather
First, the cirrus clouds come in. They’re followed
patterns, you would know that in the Northern
by cirrocumulus clouds—small, puffy clouds that
Hemisphere, winds around a low-pressure move-
can be rows or ripples. Next is the cirrostratus
ment circle counterclockwise. If you’re hiking in
clouds that cover large areas. Those are followed
the Sierra Nevada and winds strengthen and start
by altostratus—smoky midlevel clouds—and nim-
coming from the south or southwest, a storm might
bostratus clouds that bring the precipitation.
be coming. If you’re hiking in New England and the
Keep an eye on cumulus clouds. These might
winds start coming from the north or northwest,
be the nice, puffy cottony clouds you see at the
temperatures are probably going to get colder.
beginning of The Simpsons TV show. These cumu-
lus clouds can accumulate and quickly turn into
nasty cumulonimbus clouds. They are the breeding TIP: Clear night skies can mean a cold night,
especially after a storm passes.
Photo by Shawn Forry

169
LIGHTNING: Lightning is the biggest concern on seconds. If you hear thunder 20 seconds after see-
most trails in the United States. While the cause of ing lightning, the storm is about 4 miles away.
lightning is somewhat debatable, its cohort, thun- Keep tabs on this. It’ll let you know whether
der, is caused by lightning. All thunderstorms have the storm is getting closer to you or farther away.
lightning. Thunder happens because lightning Storms may not be moving away as fast as you
forces air in a cloud to rapidly expand and contract. think. They can quickly re-form around high peaks.
That movement creates the sonic wave of thunder. If you’re comfortable where you are, then sit and
Lightning’s no joke. When you hear thunder wait it out. You can hike through it to get out of
or see lightning, it’s time to get off high ground. alpine regions quickly.
Seek cover in a forested area or low spot. Don’t hide
under the tallest tree around. Sit on your sleeping
TIP: Be extra careful if you see lightning in
pad because it helps insulate you from the ground.
the desert. It can mean heavy rains. Do not
The current from lightning can travel through the
camp or be caught in slot canyons, washes,
ground if it strikes close by.
or other potential water paths. It might not be
You can use a combination of sensing thun-
raining where you are, but rain accumulation
der and lightning to get an idea of how far away
from far away can rapidly build to a wall of
the danger is. When you see a flash of lightning
water coming through a canyon. It can hap-
in the distance, you should start counting the sec-
pen within minutes.
onds until you hear thunder. It depends on your
altitude. Sound generally travels at 1 mile every 5

If you’re in an area like

the Rockies, known for
afternoon lightning and
thunderstorms in summer,
and know you have to
travel on exposed ridges,
get going early in the
morning. Get through
alpine areas and exposed
ridges before storms hit.
An early start to the day is
called an alpine start, for
just these reasons!

170 TRAIL TESTED

 WINTER CAMPING
Winter camping is awesome. You’re facing colder temperatures, but there are no crowds
and no bugs. The chance of seeing other people is minuscule compared to summer
months. In winter the backcountry is yours.

Winter also offers exciting backcountry adven- Ascending Mount Moosilauke in fresh snow
tures beyond hiking. In winter you can camp and during our winter hike of the AT.
go alpine and cross-country skiing, Telemarking,
snowshoeing and snowboarding, splitboarding, or
do a combination.
Wherever you’re going, you should consider
some of the additional backcountry dangers. There
are avalanches and whiteouts. If you’re headed into
avalanche country, beacons, probes, and shovels are
mandatory, and you need to know how to use them.
Before you leave on a winter trip, you must
check the weather. Check it again at any resup-
plies so you’ll know what to expect and can plan or
modify your trip accordingly.
In the winter, always carry some extra food.
You may run into bad weather and have to wait
out a storm, or fresh snow can slow you down. Your
body burns more calories to keep warm during win-
ter trips, so you’ll probably also be a lot hungrier
than during summer trips.
Days are short and nights are long in the win-
ter. Make sure you have enough batteries for your
headlamp and for any nighttime activities. I tend
to carry a little heavier and stronger headlamp on
winter trips.
Shorter days, extra clothes, and snow are all
factors that can slow you down. The amount of dis-
tance you can travel in a day will be reduced. On
the other hand, if you’re using cross-country skis

171
 Taking shorter breaks
or eating while on the
move will help prevent
you from getting cold.
When you do take a break, put on another
layer before you get cold. Your body uses
more energy to heat back up than it does to
maintain the same temperature.

Above tree line on Mount Moosilauke (1,464m/4,802 ft.). After

days of snow and low-lying clouds, we finally got a stunning
view of New Hampshire and its snow-covered mountains.

or other means of human transportation, you may

travel father distances than you could hike some
days. When planning, account for the equipment
you’ll be using and carrying as well as your travel-
ing pace while using that gear. Somewhere near Lumbha Sambha La Pass (5,100m/16,732
ft.) during a complete whiteout
Ideally, you’ll want to bring a winter shelter or
make a shelter, have a warmer sleep system, carry
extra layers of clothes, and bring a couple pairs of
gloves or mittens. mouth—unless it’s really cold out. In extreme cold
It’s important to stay dry in the winter. Don’t keep your water bottle in an insulated pouch. You
wear so many layers while traveling that you end can also warm or boil your water before putting it in
up overheating or sweating. Balance it out so you’re the pouch. Or you can keep your water in a thermos.
neither too cold nor too hot. Wearing too many lay- Melting snow takes a lot of time and fuel. If
ers and getting hot and sweaty will only make you you know you’ll be melting snow, remember to
colder in the long run. carry more fuel to account for the addition. Adding
a little water to the pot when melting snow will
make it melt significantly faster and prevent the
WATER IN THE WINTER snow from scalding.
Frozen water in the winter can be a problem. With Water filters aren’t ideal for winter camping.
a few tricks you can keep water from freezing and Their cartridges will freeze and break. You can treat
still treat it. water with chemicals or a SteriPEN. Chemicals take
Keep your water bottle from freezing by plac- more time in winter to be effective. A SteriPEN
ing it upside down in your pack’s side pocket. works in the winter, if the batteries work. Make sure
This prevents water from freezing in the bottle’s the batteries are warm before you need the device.

172 TRAIL TESTED

DRYING AND PREVENTING TIP: If fresh batteries aren’t working in win-

GEAR FROM FREEZING ter, it’s most likely because they’re too cold.
Warm them up in an inside pocket or close to
Your winter gear is likely to get wet. Your boots your skin. You may also want to carry them
from hiking through snow all day and your gloves, in your pocket for a while before you stop for
socks, and layers of gear tend to get wet. the evening.
Winter temperatures usually don’t get above
freezing; the only way to dry gloves and clothes is
to wear them, hang them in your shelter at the top, THE WINTER SLEEP
or sleep with them in your sleeping bag. SYSTEM
When I have moist—not soaked—clothes and
In winter you want to keep warm at night. It
soft items at the end of the day, I prefer keeping
doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go out and
them with me in my sleeping bag. I’ll either wear
buy a -40°F bag. You can use your 20°F or 30°F
them to bed or put them in dead space within the
sleeping bag and, by adding some additional layers,
sleeping bag.
make it comfortable in subzero conditions.
Frozen footwear is painful to put on and wear
It’s nice to have a quiver of sleeping bags for
until it’s thawed. To keep your boots, shoes, or boot
different conditions. You can create a very versatile
liners from freezing overnight, sleep with them
winter sleep system without having to spend a lot
in your sleeping bag’s toe-box or underneath it. If
on an expensive winter sleeping bag.
your boots are wet, put them in your pack liner or
A warm-weather (40°F or 50°F) bag that fits
a stuff sack first—even if they’re not going in your
inside or around your normal sleeping bag will add
sleeping bag. Shake any dirt, mud, or excess snow
about 20 degrees of warmth. Most cost $100 or less.
off them before putting them in your sleeping bag
This is significantly less than -15°F bag, which can
or a stuff sack.
easily cost more than $200; some cost upwards of
Overboots can be a nice addition in cold weath-
$500. A bivvy sack or bag over that adds 10 de-
er. They can prevent your shoes from getting wet
grees of warmth. A sleeping bag liner can add up
and help add a lot of warmth to your feet.
to 10 degrees of warmth or more, depending on the

If you don’t have enough gear with you to keep you warm;
A frosty, high camp in the Nepalese Himalayas improvise. Zippered plastic bags and bread bags can be
Photo by Shawn Forry used as de facto vapor barrier liners and add significant
warmth to your hand and foot systems.

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Winter camping
STARTED 173
thickness. Sleeping in clothes can keep you even more insulation. If you use two pads, a closed-cell
warmer. A tent will add another 5 to 10 degrees of foam pad on the ground, covered with an inflatable
warmth. I like a layered system. It is more versatile pad, will give you the most insulation.
and can be directly tailored to the conditions. For
example, it can be very wet and stormy on the PCT
in winter but also cold at times. We layered a 20°F WINTER SHELTERS
down bag with a 35°F–40°F synthetic cover bag. This In the winter you can use an all-season tent, but
combination helped save on weight while creating a you have other options as well. You can make snow
versatile system that prevented condensation with- caves, igloos, trenches, or quinzhees. Each is a great
in the down bag. option for winter camping. Each is time-consuming
In the winter your sleeping bag will absorb to make, about 2 to 3 hours, if you’re doing it by
some moisture from your perspiration. The moisture yourself. A trench is the fastest system.
will collect in the bag’s insulating lofting materials, An igloo is the most time-consuming and not
compacting them and making them less effective. the best method for lightweight hiking and back-
Over multiple days, the effect is magnified. It’s im- packing because it can require a snow saw. It takes
portant to take some steps to keep your bag dry. a lot of packing.
If you’re on a long trip and stopping for resup- A quinzhee (or quinzee) is basically a snow
plies, thoroughly dry your sleeping bag whenever cave, except you pile snow into a dome to make the
you stop in a town. When I’m shopping during a cave because there isn’t enough snow to dig out a
short stop in town, I’ll even drape my bag over the cave. If you’re making a quinzhee, make sure snow
shopping cart to help it dry out, if need be. settles enough to bond together. This can take a
If you’re just out for a multiple-day trip, try to few hours. You’ll need to check it over time.
lay your bag out in the sun during a break. That Snow caves require a lot of snow and an area
will help it dry out—at least a little bit. that’s out of avalanche danger. Look for a snow-
While I’m not a fan, you might also consider bank or drift to build a snow cave in.
using a vapor-barrier liner. I don’t like them because
1. Start by digging a tunnel for the cave. The tun-
I get clammy in them. I prefer to air my bag out.
nel should be wider than your shoulders and should
You might want to consider using two sleeping
slope up toward the cave. Cold air will settle outside
pads to further insulate you from the ground in the
the cave.
winter. You can use your pack for the lower half of
2. Hollow out a cavity in the snow for the cave.
your sleeping pad. It should work fine, since it’s
Make it tall enough to sit upright in and big enough
thick, has foam, and the extra gear in it will add
for you and your companions to lie down.
3. Pack the roof of the cave and smooth the surface
so it doesn’t drip on you or your equipment.
Caffeine 4. If you have space in the cave, you can make
restricts blood benches out of the snow. This will keep you off the
flow and cools ground and above some of the cold air.
extremities. If
5. Poke a trekking pole, ski pole, or probe through
you get cold easily, you may want to
the ceiling of the cave for ventilation.
steer clear of caffeine during winter
camping trips.

174 TRAIL TESTED

6. Cover the floor or the benches with waterproof If you’re traversing steep terrain, a sled can be
material. a hassle to haul. Check the geography before you
7. Put your backpack or sled in the doorway to keep decide to drag one. Make sure your sled has a com-
the cave warmer. fortable harness system. It can become a pain to
Snow trenches are the easiest and fastest win- drag real fast.
ter shelters to make. They’re not as comfortable or
as warm as a snow cave. They’re not recommended
GOING TO THE BATHROOM
if you’re expecting a lot of snow, because they don’t
IN THE SNOW
provide a strong roof.
1. Diga trench at least 3 feet deep and 3 to 4 feet Pack out your waste and toilet paper. Go 200 feet
wide for each person. Make it about 6 feet long. away from trails and water to do so. Cleanwaste
Make an entrance at one end. makes specific bags that will trap your waste called
WAG BAG waste bags. These can be used in areas
2. Lay your poles, skis, or branches across the width
where toilets are required. If you can dig into the
of the trench.
ground, follow the same steps for a cat hole as you
3. Lay your tarp, rainfly, or emergency blanket over
would in the summer.
the trench. Anchor the sides by covering the edges
with snow, tree branches, or rocks.
TIP: You can use an alcohol stove in the win-
ter. It just needs a little starter. Light a dry
SLEDS piece of paper or toilet paper and hold the lit
end to the alcohol. it will warm the fuel up and
Instead of carrying a pack in the snow, you might
catch in a couple of seconds.
consider dragging a sled—especially if going on
longer trips. Sleds can work really well on hut trips
in Colorado and other types of winter base-camping
trips. It depends on the terrain and conditions.

Sonora Pass, California, on the PCT, with

ground and road at least 10 feet down

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Winter camping
STARTED 175
Identifying animal tracks can also help you under-
stand what threats there are and can tell you what
you’re likely to see on your hike. They can tell you
that a bear or a skunk recently passed where you’re
walking or that you might come upon a herd of deer
or caribou.
Many regional animal guidebooks are avail-
able. They’ll show you animal tracks, markings, and
scat. A field guide is likely more than you need, un-
less you’d like to read it during downtime. You may
instead want to purchase a pocket guide, guide-
card, or pamphlet, which are lighter and show you
similar information but with less text, less weight,
and less bulk in your pack. You can also find animal
track mobile apps for your phone, many of which
function without internet access. This section will
give you general information on tracks you might
find in parts of North America.
RODENTS: Rodent tracks (e.g., rat, mouse, mar-
mot) usually have four toes in the front and five
in the rear. They will usually show claw marks. If
it’s muddy, tracks may show up differently. Heavier
rodents, like porcupines and beavers, may leave
tracks with five toes on the front as well. The three
main toes will face forward and the outermost toes
will splay to the sides.
 ANIMAL TRACKS
You’re likely to see a lot of animal tracks when in the backcountry. I love trying to piece
together what was going on when I see animal tracks. With a little knowledge, it gets easier
to figure out the clues that tell what happened before you came upon the scene.

CANINES: The tale of canines (e.g., fox, coyote, their shape and size. In addition, ungulates leave
wolf, dog) in North America is told by a couple pellet-like scat. Deer leave the smallest pellets and
of markers. Both their front and back paws leave moose the largest.
tracks with four toes. Most wild canines leave BEAR: Bear tracks are distinct from other North
tracks in straight lines, with the rear foot land- American wildlife. Their feet leave tracks with five
ing in or near the front foot of the same side. Do- toes on the front and back. The back paw prints in-
mestic dogs usually leave a more wandering path clude a large pad. Their scat is found in large piles.
and have less of a tendency for their back feet to Bears also scratch tree bark and can leave deep
land in their front foot’s print. Canine toes have an scratch marks on trees. Pay attention to all these
oval shape and a less-present heel pad than felines. indicators, and don’t camp in an area with a lot of
You’ll likely see nail marks. freshly scratched trees or bear prints.
FELINES: Felines (e.g., bobcat, lynx, ocelot, moun-
RACCOONS: Raccoons leave tracks with five toes
tain lion) leave tracks with four toes on each foot. on the front and back. Their tracks look like a small
They have a more pronounced heel pad than ca- human hand.
nines. In North America, you won’t see claw marks.
SKUNKS: Similar to the weasel family of prints,
Mountain lion, bobcat, and lynx have retractable
skunk tracks have five toes on each foot, with large
claws they can’t extend as they walk or run. Fe-
claws in front of the toe imprints.
lines’ footprints are more rounded than canines’.
RABBITS: Rabbits leave tracks with four toes on
WEASELS: Weasels (e.g., mink, badger, wolverine,
all feet. The impressions from back feet are larger
pine marten, fisher, otter) leave tracks with five toes
than the front.
on each foot. Their footpad leaves an upside-down
“V” shape. Claw marks are visible but not as distinct
as those of canines. Back feet land close to the front
feet because these animals have a leaping gait.
UNGULATES: Ungulates (e.g., deer, moose, elk,
caribou) have cloven hooves and leave a two-toe
mark. The main difference between the tracks are

GETTING STARTED > animal tracks177

 KNOTS
SLIP KNOT: This is one of the easiest and most handy. It makes it easy to set up and
break down your shelter quickly, even when it’s raining or your hands are cold.

1 2 3 4

CLOVE HITCH: A clove hitch is helpful for tying cord to your shelter’s
stakes; you can tension the cord by pulling on the knot, making it really
tight. When you pull up the stake, you can pop the knot out easily.

Photos by Russ Sackson

1

2 3 4 5

178
You don’t need to know many knots for basic hiking and backpacking, but knowing a few
types of knots can really come in handy when setting up your shelter. If you’re on a trip where
you’ll be doing some ice climbing, rock climbing, or other technical moves, you’ll need to know
more knots than these, but here are a few of the basics.

TRAUMA’S SIMPLE TRUCKER’S HITCH: A trucker’s hitch is used to tension a rope to make the rope re-
ally tight. I use a slip knot as the leverage spot instead of the typical trucker’s hitch. This helps you break
down your shelter fast and keeps the rope or cord from developing kinks and knots that are hard to untie.

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

GETTING READY FOR THE TRAIL > knots 179

Rally car driving on our way to start our
Himalayan traverse in eastern Nepal

Getting ready for the sketchy prop

plane flight from rural Nepal to
Kathmandu at the end of the Nepal
section of our Himalayan traverse

One of the
riskiest things
you do on
a hike is leave your car at an
unattended trailhead. Some
trailheads are notorious for break-
ins. Ask rangers or park offices if
certain trailheads are safe places
to park. Never leave valuables in
your car—particularly not in open
sight—while you’re hiking, and
Counting down the miles. A bittersweet
moment—1 mile from the Mexico border, the end park in an open and visible area
of the CDT and our yearlong, 10,000-mile hike. of the lot. If you are in a bear
Photo by Shawn Forry area, don’t leave food or scented
items in your car.
 GETTING THERE
AND BACK
There are a lot of ways to get to a hike. Doing a loop is easy if you have a car. Drive
your car as close to the trailhead as possible, then park and go.

If you’re doing a point-to-point hike, it gets a little PCT: To get to the southern terminus of the PCT,
more complicated. If two or more people with cars you can fly to San Diego. Take public transporta-
are hiking, you can park a car at either end of the tion all the way to Campo, California. Some trail
hike. If you have one car, you can arrange a shuttle angels might be able to help you get from San Diego
with a friend or family member. You can either drop to the start. Find the latest information about PCT
your car at the end of the hike and get a ride back to trail angels on the internet. There is also a forum
the trailhead or park it at the start and have some- for the PCT called the PCT-L (mailman.backcountry
one shuttle you back to where you parked. .net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l). It is very useful and
On a long-distance hike, things get even more can help with rides and other information.
complicated. You can get to the start of a long- The northern terminus at Manning Provincial
distance hike by plane, bus, hitching, and trail an- Park in British Columbia, Canada, is accessible by
gels. If trail angels help you, be appreciative and Greyhound from Vancouver.
offer them a donation. Returning home can be done CDT: The northern terminus of the CDT is in Water-
in the same way. You can also store a vehicle near ton/Glacier International Peace Park at the Canada-
either end of the trail. I don’t recommend it, be- US border. Waterton Lakes in Canada or the Chief
cause you have to travel back to pick it up. Mountain Border Station (depending on which
AT: There are plenty of trail angels near the AT’s route you take) is accessible by bus from East Gla-
terminuses because it receives so much traffic. cier Montana. East Glacier is accessible by Amtrak.
At the southern end a lot of people fly or take a The southern terminus of the CDT at Antelope
bus to Atlanta and then the Greyhound to Gaines- Wells or Columbus, New Mexico, is not easily acces-
ville, Georgia. The trip to Georgia’s Amicalola State sible. Your best bet is to hitchhike to Lordsburg or
Park, where the trail starts, is still pretty far. Deming, New Mexico, then take Greyhound to Las
To get to the northern terminus in Maine, you Cruces, New Mexico, or El Paso, Texas.
can take a Greyhound on I-95 and hitch or take a The Continental Divide Trail Society (CDTS) has
shuttle to get to the trailhead. also been running shuttles to the southern terminus
Check current guidebooks and the internet for of the trail annually during the start of thru-hiking
information about shuttles and rides to the trail. season There is a forum for the CDT, called the CDT-L
Handy sites are the AT-L info page (backcountry (mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/cdt-l),
.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l) and whiteblaze.net. where you can get the most recent information on
logistics and other information about the trail.

GETTING STARTED > Getting there and back181

Descending to one of the few alpine lakes in Nepal.
This is after passing an amazing spring we named the
Fountain of Youth. The holy retreat is just beyond the
lake. Gosainkunda trek, Nepal. Photo by Shawn Forry
 GEAR LISTS
FOR DIFFERENT SEASONS
Always pay attention to the weight of your gear in every season you backpack.
Research the conditions you’re likely to encounter, and be prepared for them. Don’t
go crazy and overpack. The ultralighter’s pack is filled with necessary and versatile
gear. Cut out as much weight as you can. If you’re on a long hike and pack more
then you need, mail extra gear home or put it in a bounce box.

Here are sample gear lists. They change based on the and a small Gerber multi-tool, which has nail clip-
locations, conditions, places, and seasons. Basically, pers as one of its main features.
the sleeping bag, shelter, and layering system chang- TOILETRIES INCLUDE: A small tube of tooth-
es to minimize weight and adapt to conditions. paste, toothbrush, contact lens case, small saline
These are associated with the main long- solution, glasses, 2 Placker’s dental flossers (stron-
distance hiking trails in the United States. Some gest and longest-lasting ones I have found), and
gear is likely to change throughout the hike— small sunscreen.
particularly as it approaches shoulder seasons
COOK SET INCLUDES: A 0.9-liter Evernew tita-
(spring or fall). That’s when I’ll pick up or drop a
nium pot, Sidewinder Ti-Tri alcohol stove, Platypus
layer, a lighter or warmer sleeping bag, or beanie. I
0.5-liter or 1-liter fuel bottle filled with denatured
can call home for it, or I can have it ready to go in
alcohol or HEET from a yellow bottle (about 1 ounce
a bounce box.
per day), and a titanium spork.
Most of my pack weight and volume is food. My
gear usually fits in the bottom third of my pack.
The remaining two-thirds is food, maybe even more
on longer stretches with five or more days between
resupplying. As the food evaporates, my pack gets
lighter and emptier. I love hiking into town that
last day when my pack feels like it’s empty!
THE DITTY SACK INCLUDES: The book that I am
reading, important information, like resupply info
and rough itinerary written on a piece of paper Getting our packs and
(waterproofed and laminated by layering packag- duffels with extra gear
sorted at a hotel in
ing tape over it), a pen, Princeton Tec headlamp,
Nepal before starting
the hike

GETTINGSTARTED>Gearlists 183
183
gear lists for different seasons
NOTE: Weights of certain items reflect their size. They will vary slightly for smaller and larger people.

RAINFOREST, VALLEYS, AND HIGH ALTITUDES WEIGHT

SUMMER TO FALL (WASHINGTON STATE IN THE CASCADES)

Carrying Ounces Grams
Backpack: Granite Gear Crown, with Mountain Laurel Designs hip-belt pocket 32 907.2
Sleeping bag: Montbell U.L. S.S. Sleeping bag Down Hugger #37 24 481.95
Sleeping pad: Thermarest Prolite X-small 7 198.45
Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Patrol Shelter and 6 titanium stakes 8.3 235.305
Trash-compactor trash bag 2.2 62.37
Extra pair of socks 1.5 42.525
Montbell Versalite rain jacket 7 198.45
Montbell U.L. wind parka 3 85.05
Montbell Thermawrap 8 226.8
Montbell rain pants 4 113.4
Food bag: Granite Gear Air Zippsack stuff sack (medium) 1.7 48.195
Ditties (All fit in a medium-size Granite Gear Air Pocket.) 8 226.8
Toiletries (All fit in a Granite Gear #1 Air Bag.) 6.6 187.11
Granite Gear trail wallet with credit card, ID, and cash 3 85.05
Camera and Aloksak for waterproofing 6 170.1
Cook set 10 283.5
SteriPEN Ultra Journey 5 127.575
Water bottle: Vargo Titanium water bottle with lid (or 20 oz. Gatorade bottle with squirt top) 3.9 56.7
1.5-liter Platypus Evernew water carry 1.3 36.855
Mountain Laurel Designs U.L. ground cloth 1 28.35
Extra insoles (a pair of Crocs or Waldies [foam clogs] that I have cut and ground down into insoles to fit my shoes; done before I begin a hike) 3 85.05
Sunglasses with case 3 85.05
Total in ounces/grams 140.1 3971.835
Total in pounds/kilograms 8.75625 3.971835
Wearing
Highgear/Suunto watch 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool boxers 3.4 96.39
Wool Socks 1.4 39.69
Icebreaker merino wool half-zip long-sleeve shirt 9 255.15
Montbell shorts 8.9 141.75
Hat or visor 3 85.05
Leki carbon ultralite poles 12.6 357.21
Trail running shoes with Superfeet insoles 26 737.1
Total in ounces/grams 63.4 1797.39
Total in pounds/kilograms 3.9625 1.79739

184 TRAIL TESTED

gear lists for different seasons
NOTE: Weights of certain items reflect their size. They will vary slightly for smaller and larger people.

ALPINE WEIGHT

SUMMER TO FALL (ROCKIES OR SIERRAS)

Carrying Ounces Grams
Backpack: Granite Gear Crown, with Mountain Laurel Designs hip-belt pocket 32 907.2
Sleeping bag: Montbell U.L. sleeping bag S.S. Down Hugger #3 23 652.05
Sleeping pad: Thermarest Prolite X-small 7 198.45
Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Patrol Shelter and 6 titanium stakes 8.3 235.305
Trash-compactor trash bag 2.2 62.37
Extra pair of socks 1.5 42.525
Montbell Versalite rain jacket 7 198.45
Montbell U.L. wind parka 3 85.05
Montbell Ex Light down jacket 5.5 155.925
Montbell rain pants 4 113.4
Montbell U.L. wind pants 2 56.7
Icebreaker wool beanie 2 56.7
Icebreaker wool gloves 2.5 70.875
Food bag: Granite Gear Air Zippsack stuff sack (medium) 1.7 48.195
Ditties (All fit in a medium-size Granite Gear Air Pocket.) 8 226.8
Toiletries (All fit in a Granite Gear #1 Air Bag.) 6.6 187.11
Granite Gear trail wallet with credit card, ID, and cash 3 85.05
Camera and Aloksak for waterproofing 6 170.1
Cook set 10 283.5
SteriPEN Ultra Journey 5 127.575
Water bottle: Vargo Titanium water bottle with lid (or 20 oz. Gatorade bottle with squirt top) 3.9 56.7
2 1-liter Platypus Evernew water carry 1.3 36.855
Mountain Laurel Designs U.L. ground cloth 1 28.35
Extra insoles (a pair of Crocs or Waldies [foam clogs] that I have cut and ground down into insoles to fit my shoes; done before I begin a hike) 3 85.05
Sunglasses with case 3 85.05
Total in ounces/grams 150.1 4255.335
Total in pounds/kilograms 9.38125 4.255335
Wearing
Highgear/Suunto watch 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool boxers 3.4 96.39
Socks 1.4 39.69
Icebreaker merino wool half-zip long-sleeve shirt 9 255.15
Montbell shorts 5 141.75
Hat or visor 3 85.05
Leki carbon ultralite poles 12.6 357.21
Trail running shoes with Superfeet 26 737.1
Total in ounces/grams 63.4 1797.39
Total in pounds/kgs 3.9625 1.79739

GETTING
GETTINGSTARTED > for
READY FOR THE different
TRAIL > GEAR
seasons
LISTS 185
gear lists for different seasons
NOTE: Weights of certain items reflect their size. They will vary slightly for smaller and larger people.

DESERT WEIGHT

SPRING AND FALL (UTAH)

Carrying Ounces Grams
Backpack: Granite Gear Crown, with hip-belt pocket 32 907.2
Sleeping bag: Montbell U.L. Sleeping bag S.S. Down Hugger #3 23 652.05
Sleeping pad: Thermarest Prolite X-small 7 198.45
Mountain Laurel Cuben Designs Patrol Shelter and 6 titanium stakes 8.3 235.305
Trash-compactor trash bag 2.2 62.37
Extra pair of socks 1.5 42.525
Montbell Versalite rain jacket 7 198.45
Montbell U.L. wind parka 3 85.05
Montbell Ex Light down jacket 5.5 155.925
Montbell rain pants 4 113.4
Montbell U.L. wind pants 2 56.7
Food bag: Granite Gear Air Zippsack stuff sack (medium) 1.7 48.195
Ditties (All fit in a medium-size Granite Gear Air Pocket.) 8 226.8
Toiletries (All fit in a Granite Gear #1 Air Bag.) 6.6 187.11
Granite Gear trail wallet with credit card, ID, and cash 3 85.05
Camera and Aloksak for waterproofing 6 170.1
Cook set 10 283.5
SteriPEN Ultra Journey 5 127.575
Water bottle: Vargo Titanium water bottle with lid ;or 20 oz. Gatorade bottle with squirt top) 3.9 56.7
1 2 liter Platypus1.5-liter Evernew water carry 1.3 36.855
Mountain Laurel Designs U.L. ground cloth 1 28.35
Extra Insoles (a pair of Crocs or Waldies [foam clogs] that I have cut and ground down into insoles to fit my shoes; done before I begin a hike) 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool beanie 2 56.7
Icebreaker wool gloves 2.5 70.875
Sunglasses with case 3 85.05
Total in ounces/grams 150.1 4255.335
Total in pounds/kgs 9.38125 4.255335
Wearing
Highgear/Suunto watch 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool boxers 3.4 96.39
Socks 1.4 39.69
Icebreaker merino wool half-zip long-sleeve shirt 9 255.15
Montbell shorts 5 141.75
Hat or visor 3 85.05
Leki carbon ultralite poles 12.6 357.21
Trail running shoes with Superfeet 26 737.1
Total in ounces/grams 63.4 1797.39
Total in pounds/kilograms 3.9625 1.79739

186 TRAIL TESTED

gear lists for different seasons
NOTE: Weights of certain items reflect their size. They will vary slightly for smaller and larger people.

HOT AND HUMID SUMMER ENVIRONMENTS WEIGHT

(EAST COAST)
Carrying Ounces Grams
Backpack: Granite Gear Virga 2 or Virga 26L Meridian Vapor without lid or crown, with hip-belt pocket 19 1020.6
Sleeping bag: Montbell Down Sleeping Wrap #5 or U.L. down inner sheet 12.2 311.85
Sleeping pad: Thermarest Prolite X-small 7 198.45
Mountain Laurel Designs Cuben Patrol Shelter and 6 titanium stakes 8.3 235.305
Trash-compactor trash bag 2.2 62.37
Extra pair of socks 1.5 42.525
Montbell Versalite rain jacket 7 198.45
Montbell U.L. wind pants 3 85.05
Food bag: Granite Gear Air Zippsack stuff sack (medium) 1.7 48.195
Ditties (All fit in a medium-size Granite Gear Air Pocket.) 8 226.8
Toiletries (All fit in a Granite Gear #1 Air Bag) 6.6 187.11
Granite Gear trail wallet with credit card, ID, and cash 3 85.05
Camera and Aloksak for waterproofing 6 170.1
Cook set 10 283.5
SteriPEN Ultralight Journey 3 127.575
Water bottle: Vargo Titanium water bottle with lid (or 20 oz. Gatorade bottle with squirt top) 3.9 56.7
Mountain Laurel Designs U.L. ground cloth 1 28.35
DEET 2 56.7
Extra insoles (a pair of Crocs or Waldies [foam clogs] that I have cut and ground down into insoles to fit my shoes; done before I begin a hike) 3 85.05
Sunglasses with case 3 85.05
Total in ounces/grams 126.8 3594.78
Total in pounds/kgs 7.925 3.59478
Wearing
Highgear/Suunto watch 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool boxers 3.4 96.39
Socks 1.4 39.69
Icebreaker merino wool half-zip long-sleeve shirt 9 255.15
Montbell shorts 5 141.75
Hat or visor 3 85.05
Leki carbon ultralite poles 12.6 357.21
Trail running shoes with Superfeet 26 737.1
Total in ounces/grams 63.4 1797.39
Total in pounds/kilograms 3.9625 1.79739

GETTING
GETTINGSTARTED > for
READY FOR THE different
TRAIL > GEAR
seasons
LISTS 187
gear lists for different seasons
NOTE: Weights of certain items reflect their size. They will vary slightly for smaller and larger people.

WINTER OR COLD WEATHER WEIGHT

(WINTER AT HIKE)
Carrying Ounces Grams
Backpack: Granite Gear Crown with frame sheet taken out and some extensions on the cordage for snowshoes (34 ounces); Meridian Vapor without lid, crown; or Nimbus
Meridian if extra capacity is needed, with hip-belt pocket 56 1,587.6
at most
Sleeping bag: Montbell U.L. sleeping bag S.S. Down Hugger #0 or #2 (depending on location and time of year) 45 1,275.75
at most
Sleeping Pad: Thermarest Prolite X-small 7 198.45
Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL in DCF (19 oz.); Big Agnes Fly Creek tent and 6 titanium stakes 23 652.05
Trash-compactor trash bag 36 1020.6
Extra pair of heavier socks for sleeping 4.5 127.575
Montbell U.L. wind parka 3 85.05
Montbell U.L. down inner parka 9 255.15
Montbell U.L. wind pants 2 56.7
Food bag: Granite Gear Air Zippsack stuff sack (medium) 1.7 48.195
Ditties (All fit in a medium-size Granite Gear Air Pocket.) 8 226.8
Toiletries (All fit in a Granite Gear #1 Air Bag.) 6.6 187.11
Granite Gear trail wallet with credit card, ID, and cash 3 85.05
Camera and Aloksak for waterproofing 6 170.1
Cook set 10 283.5
SteriPEN Journey 4.5 127.575
Aqua Mira in Small dropper bottles 2 ounces
Water bottle: Vargo titanium water bottle with lid or 20 oz. Gatorade bottle with squirt top) 3.9 56.7
1.5 Liter Platypus Evernew water carry 1.3 36.855
Mountain Laurel Designs U.L. ground cloth 1 28.35
Granite Gear Uberlight Dry Sack to compress sleeping bag 0.6 17.01
Extra insoles (a pair of Crocs or Waldies [foam clogs] that I have cut and ground down into insoles to fit my shoes; done before I begin a hike.) 3 85.05
MLD eVent mittens 2 56.7
Fleece glove liners 3 85.05
Sunglasses with case 3 85.05
Total in ounces/grams 241.2 6838.02
at most
Total in pounds/kgs 15.075 6.83802
at most

188 TRAIL TESTED

gear lists for different seasons
NOTE: Weights of certain items reflect their size. They will vary slightly for smaller and larger people.

WINTER OR COLD WEATHER (CONTINUED) WEIGHT

(WINTER AT HIKE)
Wearing Ounces Grams
Highgear/Suunto watch 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool boxers 3.4 96.39
Icebreaker leggings 5.5 155.925
Socks 1.4 39.69
Icebreaker merino wool half-zip long sleeve shirt 9 255.15
Montbell Versalite rain jacket 7 198.45
Montbell rain pants 6 170.1
Hat or visor 3 85.05
Leki carbon ultralite poles 12.6 357.21
Trail running shoes with Superfeet or leather boots (47.6 oz.), depending on conditions. Trail runners preferred 26 737.1
Icebreaker wool beanie 3 85.05
Icebreaker wool gloves 2.5 70.875
Thermawrap parka 12.8 362.88
Total in ounces/grams 95.2 2698.92
Total in pounds/kgs 5.95 2.69892
Additional Equipment Ounces Grams
Iridium satellite phone, 9550 (Extreme model is lighter.) 9.4 266
Smartphone with navigation app or trail specific app (iPhone) 6.2 oz.
Total in ounces/kgs 12.7 3.6

“Pack explosion”:
What thru-hikers do
to try to dry their
gear. This occurs
when they get to a
hotel room or town
after a few soggy
days in the rain.

GETTING
GETTING READY >FORfor
STARTED THEdifferent
TRAIL > GEAR
seasons
LISTS 189
I only had as well. We talked and found that we had seen
each other’s names on trail registers throughout

450 miles left the trip but had never met.

He was an extreme ultralighter with a base
on my first PCT thru-hike. It was September. pack weight under 5 pounds. He was using mail
I had just entered Washington and was near drops to resupply. We had used different resup-
Mount Adams. I’d set up camp and was relaxing ply stops for supplies and inevitably were flip-
when another thru-hiker walked up. The site flopping past each other at many of these points
was big enough for two, so he camped there without ever meeting. We hit it off.

It started raining in the middle of the night.

The temperature plummeted and the rain
became mixed with snow. It rained through
the morning. We tried to wait it out, but the
rain was relentless.
My new friend broke down his poncho, which He’d taken off his poncho tarp and was
he was using as a shelter, and threw it on. By the struggling to tie the super-thin Spectra cord he
time he broke it down, he was sopping wet. I put was using as the shelter’s guylines. When you’re
on my rain gear then packed up my tarp for the cold you lose dexterity in your fingers, and sim-
day. We left at the same time and hiked together ple tasks like tying or untying your shoes can
throughout the rainy day. become difficult if not impossible.
We passed a group of unprepared Boy Scouts. I asked him to join me under my tarp and get
Their sleeping bags were sponging water on the warm. He could deal with setting up his shelter
outside of their packs, which weren’t water- after warming up. He refused. Thirty minutes
proofed. They were wearing cotton and were later I was warm, fed, and ready for sleep. He was
showing some signs of hypothermia. We talked going downhill. His skin was pale. He was still
to their troop leaders and helped them start a trying to set up his tarp and refusing my offer.
fire out of soaking-wet wood. It could have been Upon further insistence, he finally came
a disaster. under my tarp. He crawled in and sat in his wet
We left them safer than before and continued clothes. He wasn’t thinking rationally anymore
on to keep warm. By the evening my friend was and was scared to get his sleeping bag wet. I told
getting cold even while hiking. He was exhib- him he needed to strip down, get dry, and get
iting signs of hypothermia like the Boy Scouts. into his bag. I told him multiple times. He said he
He just had higher-tech gear than they did. We didn’t have any other layers of clothes to wear.
stopped to camp and get warm. I set up my tarp He only had his sleeping bag and a down jacket
in a couple of minutes, took my wet clothes off, and didn’t want to get them wet.
put on dry layers, got in my sleeping bag, and Some time had passed and he’d stopped
started to cook my dinner. shivering, but he still wasn’t making rational

190 TRAIL TESTED

 TRAUMA
TRAIL STORY
decisions. I also cooked up one of my extra “bad-weather” shelter because the weather had
ramen noodle packets for him, since he wasn’t been good. He was unprepared for Mother Na-
carrying a stove and had no opportunities for ture’s changing mood. We decided to stay togeth-
hot food. He finally stripped down and got in er until he could get a better shelter. He called
his sleeping bag, ate the hot noodles, and start- home from White Pass and had his other shel-
ed to improve. He ended up staying the night ter, a little bigger tarp that wasn’t also his rain
under my shelter. gear, mailed to Snoqualmie Pass. He also added
It was still raining when we got up in the an ultralight rain jacket to his kit. He only added
morning. We started to hike again in the rain. He about half a pound to his base-pack weight.
told me he had decided to wait to switch to his

But now he was better prepared,

and ready to finish his hike safely!

Yoni and I on the PCT near Trap Pass,

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Photo by Raina Ferran
GETTING STARTED > for different seasons 191
Heart-shaped cottonwood leaf on the Hayduke
Trail in Utah Photo by Shawn Forry
 KEEPING IN TOUCH
Keeping in touch with family and friends during a long hike is very important—for
both your safety and their peace of mind.

Checking in, reporting your progress on the inter- If you do carry a cell phone, be mindful of
net, and having a reliable emergency system in using it on the trail. It’s a pet peeve for many. Why
place—all are important. After all, you don’t want bother hiking in nature if you’re acting like you’re
to be the person who forgets to make a weekly call walking in the city?
home and whose family sends out Search and Res- Smartphones also are handy because you can
cue for absolutely no reason. Nowadays, there are text, e-mail, post pictures online, and update Face-
plenty of options to stay in touch. book pages and blogs while hiking.
In the “old days” a thru-hiker would have to I usually consider carrying my cell phone in
be in town, get a chunk of change, and search for my pack, or at least putting it in my bounce box
a pay phone. Pay-phone calls are antiquated and so I can make calls when I get into town. If you’re
probably not the best way to do things. After all, bringing a phone with you, you have to be able
pay phones are endangered species these days; to charge it. You can carry a charger or keep it
when they break down, they’re ripped out instead in your drop box. Solar might seem ideal, but I’m
of repaired. Then came calling cards. Calling cards not thrilled with today’s portable solar chargers. I
can be used with pay phones or other restricted wouldn’t count on them as a great option until the
landline telephones. They’re great for hotels be- technology improves and weight decreases. With
cause you can make a call without paying exorbi- today’s technology, I think solar isn’t worth the
tant hotel call rates. weight. It won’t charge well when on a backpack or
It’s nice to call everyone while lying in bed moving so, in my opinion, isn’t worth the weight
with the TV on, surrounded by food. This is defi- to carry. A backup battery may be a better option,
nitely better than standing in the cold rain on but it can get zapped if the temperatures are cold.
a pay phone. There’s an even easier option: cell Computers offer you a range of ways to com-
phones. As long as you have reception, cell phones municate, whether or not you carry a cell phone or
are probably the most convenient way to make calls calling cards. In addition to using tools like e-mail
when you get to town. Cell phones can also serve or Skype, you can also update blogs (like on Trail
as an emergency system when you are hiking in Journals or Post Holer), route maps, upload pictures
an area with good coverage (I think much of both or videos, do online banking, or trade stocks. Some-
the AT and PCT get cell coverage now). If you’re in times finding a computer to use isn’t easy. You can
a remote area with poor coverage, like on some of usually find computers at public libraries (usually
the CDT or other lesser-used or international trails, free of charge); hotels or motels, especially those
a cell phone is dead weight. with business centers; hostels; and coffee shops.

GETTING STARTED > Keeping in touch193

Independent coffee shops are more likely to have the best choice for an emergency situation.
public computers than Starbucks or other chains. The bonus of having a satellite phone is that
Some towns also have internet cafes or storefronts you can make a call or send a text message from
with blocks of computers for the internet. I find almost anywhere. It’s a great safety option. Iridium’s
this to be the case internationally. satellite phones are my favorite. Connection time is
Using Skype to call or IM is inexpensive and usually shorter than Globalstar’s phones, and the
easy. You can talk on a computer with a headset, network drops fewer calls. Iridium also covers the
microphone, and speaker or listen with your own entire globe, while Globalstar and SPOT have some
headphones. dead spots.
E-mail is another means of staying in touch. SPOT is not a phone. It can send distress sig-
Many thru-hikers set up an e-mailing list and send nals and previously planned “OK” messages. SPOT
out trip updates to interested friends and family. can also upload your location information to Google
It’s easy and efficient, and complements phone Maps, and you can invite people to track your trek
calls to immediate family. Today, social media is by e-mailing them a link or by putting a link on your
probably a lot easier way to keep hordes of people blog or website. It also can save you a lot of time
posted about your trip and post pretty pictures to plotting your actual route out after the trip is over.
make them all jealous. If you’re bringing any of these gadgets, remem-
For adventures in remote regions with less ac- ber that you need extra batteries and/or a means of
cess to cell phone coverage or computers, the SPOT charging them. It doesn’t mean you have to carry
or Garmin satellite messenger or a satellite phone is chargers with you. The battery on an infrequently
an option. It gives you some of the same abilities as used satellite phone will last a fairly long time. You
a cell phone. They’re more expensive but can trans- could keep the phone’s charger in a bounce box
mit from the trail—or almost anywhere—and are rather than carrying it.

. . . . all the crazy things

that happen on the trail

194 TRAIL TESTED

BLOGGING OR JOURNALING itouchmap.com/latlong.html and it logs them into
FROM THE TRAIL Google Maps. It automatically updates the embed-
ded map on your blog or website.
Hikers can post stories, blogs, and diary updates Some sites, like Wordpress, offer an e-mail
to the web during a trip. Trail Journals and Post posting tool. The site issues you an e-mail address;
Holer are two popular sites that cater to hikers whenever you send an e-mail or text to it, the site
and are easy to use in the field. These sites let you posts the e-mail on your blog. It’s pretty handy
write your story or journal entry. It’s formatted when you’re using a cell phone or a satellite phone
in their template. You can upload photos to both in the backcountry, because you can text message
Trail Journals and Post Holer, but you can’t embed to an e-mail address. The Garmin InReach, ZOLEO,
information from other sources like Google Photo and SPOT also provides opportunities to upload
galleries or Google Maps. Facebook, Instagram, and messages directly to social media and mapping.
other social media sites are also popular ways to This may seem a little complicated, but it
keep people posted and can be quicker and easier doesn’t have to be. Some people want to tell all
for posting photos and text from your smartphone. about the trip, while others want to leave it all be-
Just be sure your data plan is ready for that or else hind when they step on the trail. The lesson is that
you may get a surprisingly expensive cell phone there are lots of ways to keep in touch.
bill, if you’re not on wifi when you connect.
If you’re interested in stepping it up even more,
you’ll need to have your own website or blog. You
can also set up a blog on sites like Wordpress or
Blogger. They have a lot more options and flexibil-
ity. This is nice, but it takes more effort to design
and set such sites up.
There are different ways to post to your blog
when on the trail. When I hiked through Africa
and the Himalayas, I posted via a friend, who
would take the text messages I sent on my satel-
lite phone and post them to my blog. I also texted
my coordinates. My friend uploaded them to Google
Maps. You can also send coordinates to sites like

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Keeping in touch
STARTED 195
 Leaf skeletons and getting creative with photos while waiting for our boat
taxi to come pick us up from Ship Cove at the end of the New Zealand hike

Pepper going bull-istic on Checking out a waterfall near the

the Hayduke Trail in Utah base of Mount Meru in Tanzania
 PHOTOGRAPHY
On my first few hikes, I only brought a disposable camera. I’m still kicking myself
for missing so many great photo opportunities and for poorly documenting those
trips. Now a camera is an essential part of my hiking gear.
Photo by Russ Sackson

Hiking offers a great opportunity to take pictures. expensive than SLR cameras, but they allow far
I’ve taken some amazing photos on my trips, and fewer options.
I love looking at them. When you’re hiking in the Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras are more expen-
backcountry, you are seeing places and things that sive. The least expensive start around $300, and
most people never have the chance to see. No one higher-end versions can cost thousands. That’s just
will see things exactly as you’re seeing them— the camera body! Interchangeable SLR lenses can
including the weather, cloud cover, lighting chang- cost into the thousands as well. More-expensive
es, and sometimes the geology changes due to cameras have sensors that can record more details
natural events. Here are some tips for choosing a in pixels, with some recording more than 16 mega-
camera and taking good pictures: pixels in a picture.
While there are tons of photography resources The number of megapixels a camera can record
out there, these are geared to hikers and long- in a shot determines how much detail or resolu-
distance adventurers. I don’t cover film-based cam- tion the camera can capture. More pixels are better
eras because they’re antiquated, require special and mean the resulting photograph can be printed
care, and aren’t the right tool for long-distance larger or in higher resolution. Most modern digital
hiking, especially ultralight hiking. camera sensors record so many megapixels that the
Digital cameras, which save pictures on re- number is close to being irrelevant, unless you’re
placeable memory cards instead of film, are much planning on printing billboard-size photos.
better for hiking. The cards offer a more secure Digital cameras use a number of different
medium for saving pictures. You can delete some formats (RAW, JPEG, TIFF, etc.) to record images.
lesser photos if you want to save additional photos RAW format records the most data and has the
to the card. least amount of data compression. Most cameras
There are two main options for digital cameras: save pictures in JPEG—in file names, usually rep-
point-and-shoot and SLR (single-lens reflex). The resented by the .jpg extension—format because of
first is less advanced. It’s a camera that usually its balance between smaller file size and level of
doesn’t have many manual settings. They simplify image quality. JPEGs can be viewed quickly and
picture-taking. They’re smaller, lighter, and less easily on any computer with any operating system.

GETTING READY FORGETTING

THE TRAIL
STARTED > Photography197
> Photography
RAW allows you to do more tinkering with photos When I get to town and my SD card or cards are
in photo editors like Photoshop or GIMP, but RAW full, I’ll burn all the photos to a DVD or USB drive
files need to be processed into a JPEG or TIFF before and mail it home, or upload to the cloud.
you can share them.
Note that I’m partial to using a camera and HOW MANY MEMORY CARDS SHOULD I BRING?
not my cell phone for photos on hikes. Cell phone This depends on your camera’s settings, how big
cameras are making enormous strides, but I don’t your picture files are, whether you’re shooting in
think the photos are equivalent to a good point- RAW, and where you’re heading. Shooting in RAW
and-shoot yet. The variety and options aren’t there takes up a lot of memory. However, prices on mem-
yet, and I’m strongly against using the filters cell ory cards have fallen steeply, so I’d recommend get-
phones provide to tune up photos. In my opinion, ting the largest one that’s in your budget. You may
they just make things look unnatural. want to carry two in case you fill one up, or in case

PHOTOGRAPHY FAQS
What kind of camera and supplies do you take on a
long-distance hike? I really like the Canon S series
now. They have more manual functions than other
point-and-shoot cameras. They have a 10+ mega-
pixel sensor and can shoot in RAW and take HDR
(high dynamic range) photos. The zoom and bat-
tery life are reasonable. DSLRs are heavier and can
require extra equipment like lenses and lens filters.
There is no set system for accessories for your
camera. The accessories I carry depend on the hike,
how long between resupplies, services in towns,
and the ease of mailing myself things. I always
carry my camera in my hip-belt pocket and in an
OtterBox to help keep it dry and safe. I’ve broken
too many cameras over the years, and they’re too
expensive. This is an area where I will carry a little
extra weight to keep my camera protected.
If I were hiking the AT, PCT, or CDT, I’d have
my camera loaded with an 8 gigabyte (GB) or larger
SD card. I’d mail the battery charger and an extra
SD card ahead to myself. That way I wouldn’t need
to carry an extra battery pack. I would, however,
carry an extra battery through the Sierras on the
PCT so I won’t feel limited as to how many pictures
I can take on that stretch of the trail. View from Thorung La Pass
(5,416m/17,769 ft.) framed by prayer
flags on the Annapurna Trek in Nepal

198 TRAIL TESTED

one breaks or fails—though that’s rare since they
are so light.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to take as many pic-
tures as you want without stressing about running
out of space. If you do run out of memory, you can
go back and delete lower-quality photos. Try not to
erase pictures you think are just OK. They’ll look
different when you view them on a larger screen,
and some may be better than you think.

SHOULD I GET A CAMERA WITH A CERTAIN

TYPE OF BATTERY? HOW DO YOU CHARGE
BATTERIES? WHAT’S BEST? Cameras that use
AA batteries are convenient because AA batter-
ies are easy to get throughout the world. You
can share batteries among multiple devices like
cameras, headlamps, and SteriPENs. I previously
tried to use cameras that used AA batteries, which
helped keep the number of different types of bat-
teries I carried down. The variety of cameras with
One of the many flowers that sprang up during
this has decreased substantially over the last de- the India section of the Himalaya traverse
cade. Canon cameras I’m fond of use a recharge-
able lithium-ion battery. I’ve found that it isn’t
AAs don’t get any under 2300mAh (milliamp hours).
a big deal after all. These last a fairly long time
You can also buy 2500mAh rechargeable AAs. Each
in the right conditions and are lightweight. How-
level represents a roughly 12 percent increase in
ever, you have to recharge the battery with the
battery life. Get NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) in-
factory charger, which means you have to carry
stead of NiCad (nickel cadmium) rechargeable bat-
the charger or keep it in a bounce box. It also
teries. NiMH batteries are more flexible because
means taking time in town to recharge the bat-
they don’t have to be fully drained before being
tery. Sometimes I’ll carry an extra camera battery.
charged. If your battery charger is in your bounce
I’ve never had luck with solar chargers. They
box and you run out of battery power, you can pick
never seem to draw enough power to fully charge
up AAs anywhere.
a battery fast enough to warrant carrying one. I’m
A better option is using lithium AA batteries.
also moving most of the time and through various
Lithium batteries last longest and handle cold the
climates and directions, which affects the perfor-
best. They are more expensive but worthwhile. You
mance of solar chargers.
don’t have to carry hordes of heavy spare batteries
For backcountry electronics, rechargeable AA
just in case your batteries die.
batteries don’t seem to hold a charge or handle the
cold very well. If you choose to use rechargeable

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Photography
STARTED 199
TIP: The more you review your photos with Walmart also have systems that can transfer photo
the camera’s LCD screen, the quicker the files to discs.
battery will die—especially if you have the You could also keep an SD card–reading mass-
screen set to full brightness. I briefly review storage device, like a hard drive, in your bounce box
tricky pictures when I use the self-timer or and download pictures to it when you get to town. If
I’m dealing with tough lighting. I hardly look you’re using public computers, you can keep a card
back at old pictures unless I know I have reader and/or a few USB drives in your bounce box.
enough battery power and am headed into You can also upload photos to an online stor-
town to recharge my battery the next day. age service like Dropbox or Google Drive. Or you
can upload photos directly to your Facebook or
blog, which makes them easy to share. Uploading
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF ZOOM I to such a site usually takes more time, and often
SHOULD GET? If you’re using a point-and-shoot they automatically resize your photos, so you may
digital camera, it will have an optical zoom rating lose data due to file compression. The result is a
and a digital zoom rating. Completely disregard the small picture that you can’t do much work on. Some
digital zoom. It creates pixilated, grainy pictures.
If you’re using a DSLR, it’s all about the lens. I like
to take good pictures but am not willing to carry a
DSLR on a long hike because of its weight and bulk. Early-morning and evening
Optical zoom is the important feature on point- light is softer. This can
and-shoots. It makes it easier to take pictures of lead to great photos with
wildlife, far-off objects, or candid shots of people. shadows and depth. A lot of my best shots
The higher the optical zoom, the more you’re able are taken during these times.
to take close-up pictures of things that are far
away—like the marmot on a rock 200 yards away.
I use a camera with a 3.8x optical zoom. I have
never used anything more powerful than that, and
it works for me. Point-and-shoot cameras can have
optical zooms up to 10x or more. They are more
expensive, bigger, heavier, and the lens usually
protrudes from the camera body itself, making it
potentially easier to break. It’s a trade-off.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY PICTURES AS I
FILL UP A MEMORY CARD? It’s inevitable on a
long hike that you’ll fill up memory cards. Consider
carrying an extra memory card. You can also carry
a card reader in your bounce box. Then you can
burn pictures onto CDs, DVDs, or USB drives and
ship them home. Some people burn two CDs or DVDs
and mail them to two separate places just in case
the post office has a snafu. Walgreens, CVS, and Gelada monkeys in Ethiopia

200 TRAIL TESTED

 Pasqueflower seed head, also
called mouse-on-a-stick, on the
PCT in Washington

cameras connect directly to wifi to make uploading find a rock or signpost to place my camera on and
easier and prevent you from needing to connect to use that to take pictures with the self-timer. Watch
ao computer for that step. out for the wind, though.
SHOULD I BRING A TRIPOD? It’s a personal There are a lot of lightweight, small tripods
preference. If you’re taking long-exposure or HDR available, like the GorillaPod. It weighs just a
shots, maxing out the optical zoom, or shooting few ounces and is very versatile—you can wrap it
in low light and need to have the camera steady, a around things, like a tree branch. Another option
tripod can help. Most cameras have a threaded hole is a product like the StickPic. It goes on the pointy
in the bottom for attaching it to a tripod. end of a trekking pole and attaches to your camera
If you’re hiking with somebody else, you prob- like a tripod. You can hold your pole out and get
ably won’t need to carry a tripod since you can take pictures of yourself from a little farther off while
pictures of each other. When the opportunity pres- also capturing some background. When you hold
ents itself, you can take pictures together. the camera out and snap a picture of your face, it
On some solo hikes, I’ll bring a tripod. On oth- usually takes up most of the screen. Some trekking
ers I won’t and wish I had. However, I can usually poles are designed to double as monopods. All in

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Photography
STARTED 201
 A quick Taj Mahal stop after
finishing the Himalaya hike

Always keep your

camera easily accessible.
You never know what
you’ll see on the trail. That is why I love
using a hip-belt pocket to hold my camera.
When your camera is handy, it’s not a
chore to take pictures. A landscape photo
or a deer bounding across the trail a foot
in front of you can be easily photographed.

Pepper scopes out tomorrow’s route

in Nepal. Photo by Shawn Forry Bighorn sheep checking me out in Montana

202 TRAIL TESTED

all, I can usually find a rock or something to use, so shots of a hazy green Virginia valley on the AT get
I’ve stopped carrying a tripod. old. Taking pictures of crazy shelters and people,
IS MY CAMERA GOING TO BREAK? Maybe. Hik- trail life, and miserable, drenched hikers tells a
ing, particularly long-distance hiking, definitely more complete story that complements those pic-
isn’t easy on cameras. I have broken my fair share. tures of that verdant Virginia valley. Those are the
Common things that break cameras while hiking shots I wish I had more of.
include dirt, grit, water, and drops. I have broken TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES. With digital cameras
a few while using the self-timer. I placed a camera you can erase bad pictures and don’t have to worry
on a rock, walked into position, and watched an about running out of film.
unexpected breeze blow it over. Whoops! USE THE RULE OF THIRDS. Whenever possible
Grit has also broken one of my cameras. Grit place the subject of the photo about a third of
and dirt can be largely prevented by putting your the way in from the edge of the picture. It helps
camera in a zippered plastic bag before putting it make the resulting picture more interesting to
in your pocket or hip-belt pocket, or by using an the viewer.
OtterBox that fits your camera well. It also helps Framing the foreground before you take a pic-
protect the camera from moisture and rain. If I’m ture can give you the full depth of the situation.
expecting a long-lasting deluge, I’ll put my camera,
GEOTAGGING: Some new cameras have GPS
still inside the bag, inside my pack and pack liner
tracking (or geotagging) for photos. I haven’t use
for extra protection. I hardly have any pictures of
it yet, but it could be a pretty cool feature if
my being soaked and miserable, but I’d rather save
you don’t remember or didn’t record where you
my camera.
took the picture. This is also helpful when shar-
Condensation is another moisture issue that
ing your photos on a site like Flickr, which will
can break cameras or mess up pictures. It’s more
show your location on a map. Some cameras have
likely if you leave your camera exposed at night.
a wireless connection option, which can be very
Dew and temperature differences can allow mois-
helpful for sharing photos without needing an-
ture to build up inside your camera. You can
other cable or computer.
prevent this by leaving your camera inside your
hip-belt pocket or keeping it covered up at night.
This is more important when you’re camped near a TIP: Always shoot with the highest resolu-
creek or meadow and dew is commonplace. tion possible. You can always reduce photo
size later. You can’t increase resolution after
you shrink the photo. Higher resolution pho-
ON TAKING PHOTOS tos allow you to do more post-picture work

Get creative. Take a variety of shots of different and allow for larger pictures.

things to help document your journeys. A million

GETTING READY
GETTING
FOR THE TRAIL > Photography
STARTED 203
STEPPING IT UP

Putting sewing skills to the test

by sewing slippery silnylon
Photo by Russ Sackson
MAKING YOUR OWN GEAR
Making your own gear can be fun and rewarding. It can also be time-consuming
and frustrating.

If you’ve got a little creativity and don’t mind • Start small. Try making stuff sacks, bivvy
working with different materials, you can make sacks, and other simple pieces of gear. When
great custom products—like backpacks or even first starting to learn how to sew ultralight fab-
stoves—that are tailored to your needs and lighter rics, make sure you catch enough of the fabric
than what you can purchase. However, it requires in the seam or else it will pull out over time.
a lot of patience and tinkering. When you’re familiar with sewing techniques
Considering the time, effort, and the cost of and the fabrics you want to use, try sewing the
materials you put into making your own gear, new ultralight materials like silnylon or DCF
you’re not going to save much money. Making your and work up to bigger projects like backpacks
own gear is more about the satisfaction of doing and sleeping bags.
it for yourself and seeing your gear perform in the • A seam-ripper will be your best friend when
backcountry. That’s how Ray Jardine came up with you start sewing. You can always take a seam
the original Ray-Way Pack design. out and restitch something. Nothing is
permanent.
• Make prototypes with cheaper fabrics before
SEWING using expensive fabrics on the final product.
If you know how to sew and know what you like, • Fabric from Walmart or your local fabric shop
you can make some great lightweight products. isn’t likely the same quality of genuine fabrics
You can order materials, patterns, and even pre- like Polartec or Cordura. They could allow you
to make a cheap alternative.
cut materials online. All you have to do is sew
them together. • If you want to design a piece of clothing, try to
If you’re interested but don’t know how to find a similar but inexpensive item in a thrift
sew, visit online forums for tips. Consider taking store that fits well, like a windbreaker or a pair
of pants. De-seam the thrift store item, and use
a sewing class. Some websites with sewing tips for
it as a pattern. This makes it much easier for
hikers include thru-hiker.com, questoutfitters
you to get the pattern correct for the right fit.
.com, seattlefabrics.com, and owfinc.com.
I’m not going to go into sewing your own • You can salvage zippers and other hardware
gear; it would be an entirely separate book. This from other jackets and thrift store items.
should help get you on your way to making your • Straight-stitch sewing machines will cover 90
own gear. percent of the sewing you need to do.

GETTING STARTED > Photography205

• Learn how to oil, time, and do basic repairs to 4. If you really want to get fancy, you can solder
your sewing machine. Repairs will set you back a little baling wire onto the can for a handle that
$80 or more per visit. arches over the top. If you don’t want to solder,
you can punch small holes near the top of the can
and wire it through.
HOW TO MAKE AN EASY
ALCOHOL STOVE
MAKE YOUR OWN ALCOHOL STOVE
All you need to make an alcohol stove is a can of
tuna or beer and a good paper hole punch. There
are plenty of other designs with instructions and
descriptions on the internet. The tuna-can stove
is nice because you don’t need a separate pot
stand (although you can always use your Ti tent
stakes for the pot stand).
1. Open up your tuna can and eat the tuna—or
1
give it to the cat. Clean it until there’s no smell left
in the can.
2. Using the punch, make a ring of evenly spaced
holes a little bit below the can’s rim. Be sure not to
punch through the rim.
3. Below those holes, create another ring of holes,
offset slightly, so it’s like looking at a brick wall.
4. Pour a little denatured or methyl alcohol into 2
the bottom of the can, light it, and set your pot on
top. You’re set with a new stove—for less than $10.

HOW TO MAKE AN EASY

ULTRALIGHT POT

1. Buy a can of Heineken. Their cans are more like

3
a half liter than a normal beer can. The additional
volume helps.
2. You can either open it normally and drink the
beer or pour out the beer, then start by cutting the
top off, right below the lip. Cut it as smoothly as
possible.
3. Voilà, you have a new pot! It’s the cheapest and
lightest weight available. You can either use some 4
aluminum foil or the original top of the beer can as
the lid. Photos by Russ Sackson

206 TRAIL TESTED

 CHAPTER HEAD
FORDING
RIVERS
Fording a river is one of the most dangerous things you can en-
counter on a hike. You can’t always tell the depth or undertow of
the river by looking at its surface. Approach rivers with respect and
caution. Depending on the size of the crossing, you can sometimes
find downed trees to cross a river without getting wet.

Crossing a seasonal creek in

the High Sierras on the PCT

207
General river dynamics can be good to know. Here HOW TO FORD A
are a few helpful concepts. Rivers are deeper under DIFFICULT RIVER
a steep bank and outside of a turn. They are shal- CROSSING
lower on the inside of a turn. There can be eddies
behind rocks, which can help break the constant There are multiple ways to cross
push of the river. rivers. While there are other op-
Scout for a good place to cross the river before tions, these have worked well for
starting to cross. Make sure your exit and entry me in some tough situations.
points are safe and that you will be able to get out 1. Take off anything baggy, like
of the water without a problem. Try to pick a spot rain pants, that can catch current.
where there are no visible rapids downstream, Tie your shoelaces and other things
particularly with trees strewn across—known as that you could trip over well so
strainers. If you get swept into them by the cur- they can’t catch or hinder you.
rent, they could catch and keep you underwater. 2. Sidestep across, without crossing
Rivers usually get gentler in meadows and your feet. Use your trekking poles
when they spread out, although the water may be for extra balance if you need them.
a bit deeper in such areas. The current is usually You can also test the depth of the
gentler, and such meadows are often good places water with them. Walk at a down-
to cross. stream angle, which will make it
Fast-moving water above the knee can knock easier to cross.
someone over. It’s helpful to use trekking poles or 3. I leave my sternum and hip-belt
a stick for balance. Test the depth of the water. straps buckled. Some people say you
Glacial rivers are sometimes tough because they should unbuckle them so you can
are silty. You often can’t see the bottom. get out of your pack quickly if you
If the ford is tough, do not go barefoot! If the do fall. I have done both. I find that
river is really gentle, wear shoes when fording a I really don’t like unexpected load
river. They help with traction and protect your shifts when I am in a precarious
feet in case there are jagged rocks in the water. situation. This can happen when
If the river looks tough and is wide, look for you’re not strapped in. So I leave
a spot upstream to cross. That could mean miles the straps buckled. If I do go under,
upstream. There’s usually less volume if you I’m ready to unbuckle.
go upstream, making it easier to cross. As the
4. Ifyou have an extra person
river flows down, it picks up more water from its
in your group, he or she can wait
tributaries.
downstream. This person can be a
Always watch out for rocks with a green or
catcher in case someone falls. The
brown tinge or coating. These rocks are covered
catcher should be prepared with a
with algae and are usually super-slippery. The
branch, pole, or rope.
same is true if you’re hiking on the coast, such as
near the western terminus of the Pacific North-
west Trail. These rocks have moss on them that
makes them dangerously slippery.

208 TRAIL TESTED

 Pepper braves the icy-cold water of one of the
fords in the remote Dolpa region of Nepal.

Creeks, streams, and rivers

rise and fall throughout
the day. If the body
of water stems from
snowmelt or a glacier, the morning is the
time of lowest flow and easiest time to ford.
Sometimes the difference is substantial. I have
seen creeks rise more than 6 feet between the
morning and the afternoon—basically from
fordable to completely deadly.

GETTING
STEPPING IT UP > fording rivers
STARTED 209
Postholing just enough to wish
we had snowshoes
 HIKING
IN SNOW
Snow creates unique conditions for hikers. Snow can be different depending on
recent weather and the time of the year. You can bomb through a dusting of
fresh, powdery snow or slog through miles of deep powder. Spring conditions are
much different and change throughout the day.

Snowshoes generally aren’t worth carrying for Traveling in the morning will be faster since
spring snow conditions. In spring the snow often you’ll be on top of the snow rather than posthol-
has an icy crust in the mornings. The crust is ing and expending a lot of energy sinking in rot-
sometimes treacherous on steep slopes, particu- ten snow in the afternoon. Try to stay in shady
larly when you can’t kick steps in it. It also makes areas in the afternoon to avoid rotten snow.
travel fast and efficient. It is tempting to want to walk on rocks and
When you’re on snow you can kick steps in on get off the snow, but keep this in mind. Snow
steeper terrain and when going over passes. Create often melts from underneath. This means you can
a little platform by stamping your foot up and down sink farther or even poke through a pocket under
and moving it from side to side on tricky slopes. the snow that’s deeper than expected. Either take
This helps you get a good position and creates a big step on and off the rocks or walk around
something to push off of as you take the next step, them. Watch out for thin snowbridges with water
as well as a flat platform to land on. If the snow is running underneath.
getting softer, you can walk normally or dig in with Take big steps when walking on and off snow-
your heels. If you’re going downhill, you can slide. fields. Snow is often slushy or punchy near the
On winter hikes and in spring snow conditions, edges. Areas that are firm and solid in the morn-
plan where you camp and wake up early in the ing may soften up and require postholing in the
morning to take advantage of the best snow-hiking afternoon.
conditions. This will help you make good time on It’s tempting to follow somebody’s tracks
the long gentle ascents before the headwall of the through the snow. Make sure they go where you
pass. Then you will get to the pass when the snow want to go. For instance, Pinchot Pass on the PCT
is hard, but it will just be softening up in the early is a little confusing, and tracks there can lead to
morning. These are perfect conditions that won’t the wrong pass. Check your maps often, and don’t
zap your energy or kill too much time. When the follow blindly.
snow is soft, these can be long slogs.

GETTING STARTED > Hiking in snow211

 Spring snow is what most PCT thru-hikers hit. Even as you hike down the pass and into
The optimal plan for hiking through the Sierra basins, snow conditions shouldn’t be too soft or
Nevada in the spring is to camp in a basin below rotten. As you get lower into a basin in the Sier-
the next pass. Wake up early, and take about an ras, snow peters out. This is a good place to take a
hour or two to get up to the headwall of the pass. break or have lunch.
If you’re hiking northbound, the south side of the If you’re hitting another pass the next day,
pass should be in morning sun and will get soft hike through the afternoon until you hit snow
enough to get really good footing. By the time again. If you have the energy, posthole to get up
you get to the top of the pass, the north side will into the snow again. If not, camp near the snow
be softening up too. In the best snow conditions, line. Get up early the next morning and cruise up
you can glissade or boot-ski down the pass, ignor- to the next pass and onto the face of the pass as
ing the switchbacks of the trail, which are buried the snow is softening with the morning sun and
under feet of snow. This can save tons of time! you can start to kick steps easily.

Always consider avalanche danger when

hiking in snow. Travel in low-angle
areas, and try not to walk under steep
slopes. Slopes at a 30-degree angle or
greater are more prone to sliding. If hiking in a group
through a dangerous spot, move one at a time from
safe area to safe area; keep your eyes on the person
going through the treacherous spots.
Travel gently. Don’t stand on the edge of cornices
or try to break them off—unless you’re intentionally
trying to see if a slope will slide under the weight.
Take all necessary precautions if you are traveling
where avalanche danger is high. Travel with a
partner and carry a beacon, probe, and shovel. Make
sure you know how to use them all efficiently.
In the spring avalanche danger dramatically
increases when there’s fresh snow. These are usually
wet slides that occur when the sun comes back out;
they are slower and start as a point release and
spread from there. There can also be dry slides if
the freshly fallen snow is not binding well to the
old snow interface. Rainfall can add weight to the
snowpack. Snow is further destabilized from wider
changes in temperature during the day and strong
solar radiation. In spring, if you’re sinking in deeper
than your boot top, there’s a chance for wet slides, so
keep that in mind.

212 TRAIL TESTED

 Snow Hiking Tips
• When glissading, descending, or boot-skiing
a pass, make sure you first traverse to a spot
where there are no rocks or steep drop-offs
below. You don’t want any rocks in the way, just
in case you slip and go for an unexpected ride
or can’t self-arrest quickly.
• The last place snow refreezes overnight is under
trees. If the temps are not dropping below
freezing or are near freezing, open areas like
meadows and bowls can still refreeze due to
radiational cooling. Tree cover prevents long-
wave radiation from escaping, keeping such
areas warmer. Snowpack is more solid and frozen
in open areas and can still be punchy beneath
trees. Alternatively, in spring the snow may
stay a bit firmer under trees where there is a
bunch of tree litter and pine needles. Use these
tricks to help plot your route and keep you from
postholing.
• When hiking in snow, apply sunscreen early and
often. People get roasted on the PCT in the
spring. They get burnt from the reflection of sun
off the snow. Be sure to put sunscreen on the
bottom of your chin, your ears, under your nose,
the back of your legs if you’re wearing shorts,
under your forearms, and any other place where
sunlight can bounce off the snow and onto
your skin. I have even heard of people burning
the roof of their mouth from hiking with their
mouth open! Don’t forget sunglasses! People go
snow-blind in the Sierras in the spring!
• Make a cheap and ultralight case for your sun-
glasses or goggles out of plastic soda bottles.
Cut the top off two plastic soda bottles (2-liter
bottles for goggles; smaller bottles for sun-
glasses). Put your sunglasses or goggles inside
Digging a snow pit to study the snow and one end, slide one end over the other, and you
determine snow safety while backcountry have an ultralight case. Your sunglasses case
skiing in the Sierras, California can double as food bowls. Wash the case/food
bowl out after using; otherwise your sunglasses
or goggles will get really nasty.

GETTING STARTED > Hiking in snow

STEPPING IT UP > HIKING IN SNOW 213
 HIKING

Going cross-country through a sea of

talus. Sometimes getting on a snow
patch is the easiest way to travel.
G CROSS-COUNTRY
Hiking cross-country is hiking without a trail. This can be fun and rewarding and can
take you to seldom-seen places.

Hiking Cross Country Tips

When hiking cross-country you need to be expe-
• Most people hike at about 3 miles per hour on a
rienced and confident in your map reading and trail but move between 2 and 2.5 miles per hour
navigation skills. Reading a map and being able to while hiking cross-country over good terrain.
visualize terrain and landscape from the map are They cover even less ground in an hour on more
key to picking the path of least resistance. difficult terrain and while bushwhacking. You’ll
If your route selection is bad, hiking can be te- have to account for the slower pace when figur-
ing out your location.
dious and slow. If it’s good, it can be easy and fast
• Be open-minded when hiking cross-country,
and even provide a more direct route than a trail.
and try to consider all the options. The route
When planning your cross-country route, find you scouted and think will work might not. You
a landmark or bearing point on the map and plan never know until you see it in person. Some-
your route from there. A straight line isn’t always times even the best topo map doesn’t do the
the best route. Look for open terrain, like a forest terrain justice. Common questions might be:
without brush and low-lying vegetation or an al- Is that High Sierra granite ledge impassable?
Or is it slippery because it has little ball bear-
pine zone. This is often symbolized by a particular ing–size pebbles on it? Did recent rain make
color or shading on a map. Following a river, creek, what looked possible now seem impossible? Is
or other water source offers a clear direction and there still a snowfield that fills in a steep part
path. Depending on the vegetation, it can some- and makes it easily passable? Sometimes a map
times be annoying and choked up. Other times it’s can’t tell you that information. We ran into
some problems like this in New Zealand. The
the path of least resistance.
maps we had didn’t depict ledges. All it takes
When cross-country hiking, check your map is a 15-foot drop or cliff to make passing undo-
regularly. Match your location with the time so able without technical equipment. Still other
you can pinpoint your location and be aware of slopes looked ridiculously steep on the map
your progress. This will help in case you aren’t but were completely safe because they were
sure where you are later on. scree. We safely ran down scree slopes at about
50 degrees.
Try to stay away from shrubs, tamarisk,
• When walking across talus and boulder fields,
chaparral, and other plants low to the ground and
scope out your route. Look for flat areas on
rigid, unless absolutely necessary. They make hik- rocks to step on. Try not to step in between
ing hard and can tear your skin and gear. Some- rocks with narrow gaps. Stash or carry your
times you can find a faint animal trail through poles so you can use your hands and arms as
these obstacles that will help get you through additional points of balance. Using your poles
without as much bodily harm. in boulder and talus fields greatly increases the
chance of snapping your poles.

GETTING STARTED > Hiking

in snow 215
OTHER RATING
SYSTEMS
The National Climbing Classification
System (NCCS) in the United States;
British System; Austrian System;
French System, including the French
Adjectival System (IFAS); and Soviet,
West German, and European System
are just a few rating systems. Wherever
you plan to go, make sure you under-
stand the rating system beforehand.
 SCRAMBLING
Scrambling can turn a hike into a new adventure. It opens up opportunities to
reach new places, new passes, and new terrain—and it can be a lot of fun.

Guidebooks use a rating system to tell you how CLASS 4: Includes intermediate climbing. Most
difficult the terrain is and whether it requires people want a rope because of exposure. A fall
scrambling or climbing. Ratings are a little subjec- could be serious or fatal. Beginners and most av-
tive to the guidebook and author and depend on erage climbers will want and should have a belay.
your strengths, weaknesses, and comfort levels. Usually includes some natural protection.
They serve as good guidelines. CLASS 5: Rock climbing that requires rope and
The main system used in the United States natural or artificial protection by the leader to pro-
and Canada is the Yosemite Decimal System. It has tect against a serious fall. All rock climbing is con-
five classes of difficulty. The fifth class is the most sidered Class 5 or 6.
difficult. It has a decimal system and is primarily
5.0–5.4: A physically fit person can actually climb
for rock climbing. The rating system is used as a
at this level with little or no rock climbing skills,
guide but is sometimes slightly off.
using only natural ability.
Ratings are made based on the crux—hardest
move—on the route. If much of a hike is an easy 5.4–5.7: Requires climbing techniques.
Class 2 hike but has one Class 4 section the whole 5.7–5.9: Rock-climbing shoes, good climbing
route is rated Class 4. skills, and some strength are usually necessary at
this level.

HERE’S HOW THE 5.10–5.14+: Excellent rock-climbing skills and

YOSEMITE SYSTEM strength are needed. This level requires climbing
training and commitment. Each category also has a
GRADING WORKS
letter grade, like 5.14a or 5.13d, to subdivide each
CLASS 1: The easiest class, includes hiking, light grading. Under this system “a” is easier than “b,”
scrambling, and some rocky gradients. Generally and so on.
hands are not needed. CLASS 6: Climbing that involves placing the
CLASS 2: Involves some scrambling and likely use climber’s weight on the equipment itself, as op-
of hands. The most inexperienced may want a rope. posed to using it only for protection. This is also
known as aid climbing.
CLASS 3: Moderate exposure may be present. Sim-
ple climbing and/or scrambling with frequent use of
hands. Consider bringing a rope in case you need it.

GETTING STARTED > Hiking in snow217

Ascending Nengla La Pass
(5,400m/17,717 ft.) in Dolpa,
Nepal, through sun cups and
rotten snow on a crisp morning

Use dotted or dashed lines

(see map on the left)
to draw your route with
mapping software. That way
you won’t cover up the map’s topographic
lines or confuse your path with the lines.
 MAKING
HIKING ROUTES
Making your own hiking routes or adding variations to popular routes is a great way to ex-
plore a region. It’s exciting and challenging. You have to be ready to make changes on the
fly. Sometimes the landscape and route you planned doesn’t look the same when you’re ac-
tually there. The topo lines might not do a great job of portraying a landscape and showing
steep terrain.

When I’m planning routes in the United States I detailed maps I can find to cover the entirety of
use the CalTopo.com website. It allows you to zoom the route. These are the maps I will use during the
in and out, pan through the map, locate nearby trip—maps that are good enough for cross-country
towns and trails, draw on and annotate maps, and travel and navigation.
plan your route and alternate routes before you I research towns along the route, looking
print out topo maps. You can print maps of vary- for post offices (in the United States primarily),
ing scales for overview and more detailed maps grocery stores, or other shops to see where I can
for areas you think will be more technical. These resupply and where supplies are slim pickings.
maps are also smartphone compatible, so if you After that I draw my intended route, either
would rather go digital, you can. on the mapping software or on the maps. I mark
If I can’t use mapping software to research a key points, water sources, and towns on the map
trip, I’ll find road or recreation maps to help plan and measure the distances between them. If I’m
my routes through a region. I look for maps that concerned that I may face a cliff or terrain issue,
show protected and roadless areas, trails, high I may draw a couple alternate routes, in different
mountains, towns, and possible resupply locations colors, I think might work for the section.
and any other helpful information. I use multiple Finally, I add all the distances together and
maps to figure out how best to link everything develop an itinerary so I know how many days
with the least amount of road-walking and the of food to carry between resupplies. This is also
greatest amount of trail systems I can hike on. when I figure out the logistics of how to get to the
Once I figure out the general corridor I want start of the hike and home from the end. I also try
to hike, I research local trails and other nearby to determine when I’m likely to need replacement
attractions. Whether or not I’m using map- gear or to swap out gear along the way.
ping software or maps I found, I’ll get the most

GETTING STARTED > Hiking in snow219

 Scampering across talus
in the Canadian Rockies

Ascending the steep snow chute to the Using the fixed chain on
Banner Ritter Saddle, a Class 3 route in a steep, wet, slippery
the Minaret Range of the Sierra Nevada, descent in New Zealand
California Photo by Shawn Forry Photo by Shawn Forry
 ADDING TECHNICAL
ADVENTURES ON
LONG-DISTANCE HIKES
I define a technical route as anything where there is added risk, danger, or ex-
posure requiring extra hardware or equipment to help minimize the risk. Tech-
nical adventures can range from going solo with an ice ax to fully roping up on
a three-person glacier team.

When you get comfortable hiking trails, over the correct amount of food. Search guidebooks,
snowy passes, fording tough rivers, navigating, read posts on internet forums about the trip (like
scrambling, and the other technical aspects of SummitPost), browse the web, talk with local out-
hiking, consider incorporating other skills into fitters, call the national park backcountry office,
your trips. You need to have the skills for the and/or recon the route ahead of time. These are all
challenge, and the more experienced you are, the really helpful.
more flexible you can be with the gear you carry. While planning our Hayduke Trail hike, Pep-
After learning how to rock climb, cross glaciers, per and I decided to add some slot canyons into
mountaineer, and rappel, I started integrating some of the sections. It required climbing and rap-
those skills into my long-distance routes for more pelling gear. We researched the slot canyons and
challenges. figured out how we could line them up so we were
If you’re ready to incorporate such expeditions headed in the right direction for each. We found
into your long-distance escapades, research and out what equipment was recommended for each
planning become even more crucial to having a canyon depending on rappel lengths and protec-
fun but safe adventure. The more you know ahead tion needed. By the time we got there, we were
of time means fewer unexpected variables. prepared for everything.
Throwing a technical section into a long- When I first hiked the Great Divide Trail, I
distance hike takes a lot of homework, but that marveled at the Columbia Icefield and large gla-
is half the fun. Research what equipment you’ll ciers in the Canadian Rockies. I returned a few
need for each type of activity, and tailor your years later and devised a way to incorporate the
gear to the situations. You’ll also know how long ice fields and glaciers into a long-distance hike on
each section should be and then be prepared with the GDT.

221
Taking in the view and catching my breath on the ascent
to Lumbha Sambha La Pass (5,100m/16,732 ft.) in Nepal.
It was an amazing bluebird morning after getting about
8 inches of fresh snow overnight, until the clouds rolled
back an hour later and the whiteout began again. Photo
by Shawn Forry

BELOW: A local Nepali kid testing out my helmet, still

not sure what it does or if he likes it. Five minutes later
he realized he really liked it and started running around
showing everybody.

You don’t want to carry your

technical kit any longer than
you have to—it’s heavy
and cumbersome. When
researching and planning the trip and any
technical routes, consider the following: Do
I need to carry the technical gear the entire
trip or just for the technical section? How
can I get it to and from the area so I don’t
have to carry it the whole trip? Can I ship it
to a town before the technical section and
ship it back afterward?
 TECHNICAL GEAR
Technical gear can quickly turn your pack into a heavy burden. You can incorpo-
rate ultralight methods to lighten the load. Figure out creative and safe ways you
can use your gear for multiple purposes. If you have a partner or rope team, you
will be able to split the weight of some of the communal gear.

GEAR CONSIDERATIONS incorporate ultralight methods without sacrific-

ing performance. In the end our technical glacier
Consider comfort, convenience, and consequences equipment weighed just 4 pounds per person!
as you select the minimum and lightest-weight The list of ultralight methods to take on tech-
equipment for the task at hand. Use anchors, tag nical adventures is long. It’s highly customized to
lines, and everything necessary, but still do what the trip you’re planning and your skills. This isn’t
you can to save weight. Carabiners can weigh as a how-to. It’s meant to spur the thought process
little as 23 grams. You can find full-strength ultra- and advise you where to start—again, research!
light harnesses that weigh 3 ounces.
Know all of your equipment well, and con-
sider potential multiple uses. If you’re carrying TECHNICAL GEAR
an ice ax and pickets, also use them for tent
There’s a wide range of options for your technical
stakes. Why not use your climbing rope as a pil-
adventures. Depending on your skills and what
low and sleep in all your clothes so you can carry
you plan to encounter, you can tailor your gear to
a lighter sleeping bag?
the trip.
Make sure your gear will work for all the
conditions you will face. Are your ’biners too HELMETS: Climbing helmets also range in size,
small if you’re using mittens or gloves in cold weight, and function. You can get the classic bowl-
weather? Will your adze and ice ax have enough ing ball–shaped rock climbing helmets or super-
swing weight to chop a step in ice? Do your light helmets like CAMP’s Speed.
crampons have too much flex to front-point ef- Helmet considerations:
ficiently? Weight is important, but your equip- • What are the hazards on the trip: falling, debris
ment better work. from above, crashing into the wall, etc.?
When I decided I was ready to incorporate
• How likely are such hazards?
the Columbia Icefield into an adventure, I talked
• Should I carry a helmet?
with some friends. Pepper and I looked at normal
• Is it worth the space and weight?
glacier traversing gear and figured out how to

GETTING STARTED > technical gear223

HARNESSES: You can go ultralight with a harness Ice ax considerations:
like CAMP’s Alp 95 (I call it the G-string harness) • What is the likelihood of a fall?
or CAMP’s Alp Racing. You may also choose a more • Am I only using it as a self-arrest tool?
comfortable or secure harness, up to a full-body
• What snow and/or ice conditions will I face?
harness.
• Do I need to chop steps or climb a pitch of ice?
Harness considerations: • Do I need swing weight?
• What’s the likelihood of taking a fall?
• How long will I be hanging in the harness?
• Do I want or need the padding that’s only avail-
able from a heavier harness?
Technical Gear Tips
• How necessary and convenient are gear loops • Most of the time you won’t remember what
going to be? you read by the time you get there. It helps to
have the info with you. For technical or tricky
• How many gear loops do I need? sections, I often make a small guide to carry
with me. I’ll copy text and pictures from inter-
Each feature adds weight to a harness. I have net research into a Word document. I shrink
used the Alp 95 on all of my technical hikes. It’s a pictures and fonts—to a still-usable size—and
fantastic, lightweight, packable harness. get rid of extra space on the document. I print
it all out double-sided to keep with me. When
ICE AXES: Ice axes vary in size and weight. You I’m doing recon in the field or thinking about a
can get a 7-ounce, 50-centimeter aluminum ice ax place I’d like to come back to, I’ll take pictures
like the CAMP Corsa 50 centimeter to a much heavi- of the pass or tricky spots with my camera
er, all-steel ax. The lighter the ax the lighter the while pointing out the route you’re supposed
to go, or what looks like the best route. I’ll
swing weight. A heavier ax will bite into ice much take pictures of guidebook photos of the route.
easier than a lightweight one. Then I put those in my guide sheet to refer
back to when I get to the area—without carry-
ing anything extra. Another option is taking a
picture of a guidebook page and keeping it on
the memory card in your camera. Make sure you
can read it or see the route when you play back
the photos, and navigate from that.
• Slings can be very useful on a technical trip.
They can double as prusiks, alpine draws, and
ice-ax leashes.
• Depending on the technical aspects, you might
be able to use a Munter hitch instead of carry-
ing a belay device.
• Use a thinner-diameter tag line to pull your
climbing rope to reduce the amount of heavier
rope. This can save a lot of weight and makes
your technical equipment more packable.
It also helps to split the weight of the gear
between you and your partner(s).
• You can also add a gear loop on the Alp 95
or Alp Racing by putting a ’biner through the
small webbing loop on the side

224 TRAIL TESTED

• Do I need an adze or a hammer to put in gear Rope considerations:
like snow pickets (also known as snow bars in • How long a rope will I need?
some countries)? • What will I use it for?
CRAMPONS: Crampons range from the simple, • Do I need static or dynamic rope?
like Yaktrax or Kahtoola-style spikes, to 6-point in- • Do I need to rappel?
step, 10-point aluminum, 12-point steel, or a rigid
• Am I likely to fall on it? Can I use a tag line?
ice-climbing crampon.
• How thin a rope do I feel safe with?
Crampon considerations:
• What are the consequences of a fall? PROTECTION: Protection ranges from the pas-
• What shoe will the crampons need to be com- sive, like nuts and chocks, to active, like spring-
patible with? loaded camming devices.
• What snow and/or ice conditions will I face?
Protection considerations:
• Will it be mixed with ice and rock?
• What type of natural protection will I have?
• How steep are the ascents and descents?
• How far do I feel safe “running it out” between
• Will I need to front-point at all? protection?
• What are the consequences of a fall?
ROPES: Climbing ropes range from static to dy- • What is my comfort level?
namic (basically dynamic ropes have stretch; static
• What type of ice or rock will I climb?
ropes don’t) and from 8mm to 11mm or more. There
• How wide a range of conditions can each piece
are also twin, single, and double ropes. Some ropes
of protection cover?
are coated to repel water, like Sterling’s DryCore
• How likely am I to need each piece?
ropes. This is nice because they don’t absorb water
and get heavy. • Can I get away without it?

HERE’S A SAMPLE GEAR LIST FOR TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT.

THIS INCLUDES SOME GLACIER TRAVEL AND MANDATORY RAPPELS.
Technical Gear Weight Details
Sterling Ice Thong 7.7mm 49.3 oz. Half rope, cut to 35m
Sterling Power Cord TBD 6mm, tag line, 45m, extra for anchors
CAMP XLC 490 Crampons 13.8 oz. Works well with trail runners
CAMP Corsa Ice Ax 8.8 oz. 60cm; use 2nds for pitched routes
CAMP Nano 23 Biners (6) 4.8 oz.
CAMP HMS Nitro Lockers (2) 3.8 oz.
8mm x 60cm Dyneema Runner (3) 2.1 oz.
8mm x 100cm Dyneema Runner 1.1 oz.
12mm x 240cm Dyneema Runner 4.8 oz.
CAMP Stream Ice Screw 22cm (2) 6.2 oz. V-Threads
CAMP Stream Ice Screw 12cm (2) 8.8 oz.
CAMP Speed Helmet 7.4 oz.
CAMP Alp 95 Harness or newer Alp Racing 3.4 oz. Size medium

GETTING
STEPPING IT UP > technical gear
STARTED 225
Getting ready to defrost, take a
break, and warm up while swimming
around Lake Tahoe unsupported
 MULTISPORT
ADVENTURES
Another way to mix things up is to plan a multisport trip. This can be as simple
as scrambling or any of the other technical adventures you mix in.

You can build upon hiking and backpacking and If you’re going to encounter snow, skis make
add in adventures like packrafting, skiing, snow- for a multisport adventure with an obvious bene-
shoeing, kiting, standup paddleboarding, BASE fit. They prevent you from postholing in snow and
jumping, paragliding—anything you can think of. provide mechanical advantage on downhills. Boots
These are all nice ways to spice things up if you’re and skis can be heavy to carry. They can also be
starting to feel that the hiking is getting monoto- tough in tight, twisting terrain with lots of trees.
nous but you still want to enjoy the backcountry Snowshoes are better in tight terrain, though you
and see new things. The bulk of the gear is fairly lose the mechanical advantage of skis and the fun
similar; you may need just a few new pieces of of the downhills.
equipment before you’re ready to see things from a Kites are sometimes used with skis in open
different perspective. areas like Antarctica or on water or frozen lakes.
Packrafting is one of the most popular forms They can greatly increase the distance you’re
of multisport adventure. A packraft is a great tool
Raina overlooks Donner Lake on
to cross big rivers or float them instead of walk- a winter overnighter on the PCT
ing. It can be a lot easier to paddle down a river
for 30 miles or so than to walk along the river for
the same distance. They are easy to portage if you
see some rapids that are too big to float. Packrafts
start at about 4 pounds and get heavier depend-
ing on size and features. The main downfall with
smaller, lighter-weight rafts is that they travel
slowly on flat water.
If you’re packrafting, you’ll also need a pad-
dle, PFD (personal floatation device), and possibly
a spray skirt. You can fashion an ultralight PFD
out of blown-up water bladders that you put in a
custom-made jacket or vest. You can use 1-liter
bladders, which you can also use as water reser-
voirs for camp if needed. It will likely be much
lighter and more packable than a traditional PFD.

227
able to cover. They are a great tool in vast spaces section is complete so you can switch back. If you’re
with consistent wind and when you have minimal adding weight to your system, you’ll want to keep
chances for resupply. the gear drops as tight as possible to the section
you’ll need the gear for. It happens sometimes, but
I think multisport adventures are where things are it’s definitely not ideal to be carrying skis and ski
heading. It could be because of people’s decreas- boots through the desert after you’ve descended
ing attention span or time constraints, like picking from the snow-covered mountains.
up a bike when there’s a long section of dirt roads Keep in mind as we move through this section
or doubletracks on a trail. I think that may be a with the multisport items, that the base case is
small factor. The bigger factor is that it’s just plain typically hiking and backpacking. The core of the
fun to mix in a bunch of different skills, learn new gear needed does not change from the typical Big 3.
things, challenge yourself, and mix it up a bit when It might pack up a little differently or swap out an
you’re out on a long adventure. More and more item or two from the core components, but gener-
people are hiking and finishing the Triple Crown ally, once you have the bulk of the gear, you’ll just
of long trails. There’s other trails for bikepacking, be adding more specialized equipment for the other
rivers for packrafting, mountains to ski, glaciers to sport or sports you’re looping in.
kite across. Think about the unlimited options you
could have by tying any of those together and the
amazing terrain you can see and cover, even if you MOUNTAINEERING/
only have a couple of weeks. CANYONEERING/
GLACIER TRAVEL/
RAPPELLING
PLANNING
Mountaineering, canyoneering, glacier travel, and
Planning a multisport adventure is just like plan- rappelling are all exciting and fun to add into a
ning any other trip, but you have to layer in another long-distance route. Some of my favorite trips have
component. Depending on what the other “leg” will added these components into the mix for a stretch
be, you need to look specifically at that area and de- or multiple stretches. First and foremost, you have
termine when and where that mode of travel will be to be practiced and prepared in the techniques to
best. Is it a section of skiing because you’ll be cross- be safe. Knowing how to self-rescue is imperative
ing a snow-covered mountain range? What miles for all these activities. Practice with your gear and
will you need the ski equipment for, and what other equipment beforehand, and, most important, run
equipment might you want to change out for this through scenarios with your rope partner so you’ll
section because of the different conditions you’ll be on the same page once you get out on the ad-
encounter? For example, if you’ll be on snow for the venture in the middle of nowhere. There are plenty
entire segment, you can probably use your skis for of books out there on how to do these skills, so
tent stakes. You might want to switch shelters, use I’m not going to dive into those items specifically.
a sleeping pad with a higher R value, and add other I think it is more important to go through some
layers to your clothing system. Then it’s important areas where these skills can be used in the mix of a
to determine where you can mail this gear swap and long-distance route and what gear you may need to
where you can bounce the other stuff to when the bring along to add this to your repertoire.

228 TRAIL TESTED

 the crest from the standard route. In the Himalayas
With ten days of food and technical gear, there are a few high passes that can be added into
ultralight packs can easily get maxed out and
the Great Himalaya Trail that use rappelling for a
pushed to their carrying capacities. Here with
rope, pickets, helmet, crampons, etc. descent and some low-grade ice climbing/scram-
bling on the ascent. In southern Utah along the
Hayduke Trail, you can add a canyoneering alter-
native that connects a bunch of canyoneering clas-
sics. Technical components can be added in to the
Sierras, Wind River Range, Cascades, and Glacier
National Park, along with countless other locales if
you get creative.
When you’re ready to up your game, do research
online about the routes and how to connect things.
It’s very important to look at the direction of trav-
el. Some routes need certain pieces of gear in one
direction and not the other. You may need more
rope or less rope. In a technical canyoneering situ-
ation, you will generally only want to go down the
slot canyon, so it’s important to note the details
and direction of travel. This will also tie into what
gear you will need to accomplish that traverse.
Your pack will gain significant weight with
the technical equipment, so it’s important to know
what you need, get creative with how you can use
things in multiple ways, and make sure you have
a plan so you know when you’ll have to carry the
technical gear. You don’t want to be carrying every-
thing for the entire length of the trip if you won’t
PLANNING need it. Follow the same plan as bouncing things
It is always fun to look at the map and explore ahead when conditions get warmer during a thru-
what’s around. Often I’ve found that when hiking hike. It can be uncomfortable to add the techni-
a long-distance route, I see places the route by- cal gear since it’s fairly heavy and can double your
passes for one reason or another. Most of the time pack weight, plus make it harder to pack up each
it’s because it’s too rugged or technical, too hard to morning, and you’ll likely need to pack more food.
build a trail, or the snow sticks around too long— You’ll need to revise your expected mileage for the
all reasons that make me want to explore there. technical sections down accordingly. Sometimes
That’s what entices me to check out the area and your travel might be down to less than 0.5 mile
figure out how to incorporate it into the route. My per hour. That being said, it’s rewarding and fun
second time on the Great Divide Trail, we devised a and adds a whole other dimension to thru-hiking,
route that paralleled and crossed over the Columbia which should probably be called multisport hiking,
Icefield to mix it up a bit and stay higher toward multisport adventuring, or thru-adventuring.

STEPPING IT UP > MULTISPORT ADVENTURES 229

GEAR CONSIDERATIONS FOR EACH and not worrying about a 30-mile waterless stretch
When researching your route and the details of because it only took 2 or 3 hours to get to that next
the equipment and what’s needed, you’ll often see water source?
the suggested gear. Whether it’s a helmet, rope, Keep in mind that rules and regulations have
tag line, rappel device, anchors, slings, harness, to allow for bikes. Bikes are not allowed on most
ice screws, crampons, ice ax (ice climbing versus national scenic trails or within wilderness areas.
mountaineering), etc., you’ll need to keep an open The Arizona Trail, for example, has a separate bike
mind and be comfortable with all that equipment. route that circumvents the wilderness area sec-
Just as important for these components is comfort tions. If you like biking and don’t have the time for
and familiarity with climbing knots. Know your a long thru-hike, it can be a great compromise to
figure-eight follow through, Munter, prusik, alpine bikepack the trail, or mix in bikepacking sections
butterfly, etc. These will allow you to be safe but to compress the time of a thru-hike, and mix up the
also creative with how you use your equipment so activities for a change of pace. Sticking with the
you can save weight. For example, using prusiks Arizona Trail example, the approximately 850-mile
means you won’t have to carry ascenders. Arizona Trail will usually take people four to six
weeks to hike. On a bike, it could take two to three
weeks. Mixing biking into sections of the New Mex-
Tip: If you’re not climbing anything super
ico section of the CDT and interspersing the road or
technical but are traversing or rappelling,
dirt road sections with the Great Divide Mountain
you can use webbing or even the ultralight
Bike Trail will have a similar effect on timing. That
CAMP Alp Racing harness to save weight, at
being said, bikepacking isn’t all about timing and
just over 3 ounces.
speeding up. It’s just fun to mix it up and challenge
yourself with another type of activity. Bushwhack-
BIKEPACKING ing with a bike takes things to a whole other level
of fun!
Bikepacking is a fun multisport, or single-sport,
alternative to thru-hiking. Thru-hiking slows you GEAR CONSIDERATIONS
down, relaxed and decompressed at a different Figure out where you’re headed and what the
level, but you also need to have another level of pa- trails will be like. Is it a gravel grinder you need?
tience. When the trip doesn’t entail cross-country A mountain bike? A touring bike? You may just be
travel, and is on good singletrack, doubletrack, dirt able to switch out tires to make your bike work
roads, or even paved roads, bikepacking is a fan- for various conditions and trips. Make sure you
tastic alternative. I often think back about when size your bike and your seat height correctly to
I hiked the Continental Divide Trail the first time prevent injuries. Twenty-nine-inch tires are the
in 2005. The trail wasn’t nearly as complete then as top choice for anything off-road. Bike before the
it is now. There were numerous sections for fairly trip to get your legs, legs, butt, and arms used
long distances on USDA Forest Service roads, and to the riding, seat, and vibrations. The choices
even some sections on paved roads. It would have with bikes are similar to other gear: The lighter,
been great to bike those sections and cut down the more expensive. In the case of bikes, it’s the
some road-walking. Imagine doing the roughly 125- type of metal, with steel being the lowest price,
mile Great Divide Basin in Wyoming in a day or two then aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Prices

230 TRAIL TESTED

 snacks 2–5 lbs.
camera sleeping pad
sleeping bag
2–5 lbs. groundsheet
sleeping bag shelter
clothes

5–10 lbs.
shelter
repair kit
first-aid kit
cook kit
food

can range all the way to tens of thousands of dol- a heavier weight than most backpacking gear and
lars, so research and invest wisely for how you’ll feel a bit overbuilt, but they also take a fair amount
be using the bike. You probably don’t need dual of bumps and bruises. A few Voile straps can also go
suspension. Hard-tails are more efficient, weigh a long way toward saving some weight on how you
less, and have less to go wrong. I’ve used some strap things onto your bike versus needing to pur-
Salsa bikes and have liked them a lot. I don’t add chase or use a designated bag. Depending on how
bar ends, but that’s just my personal preference. much you’re packing, you may not need a handle-
You can use most of your backpacking gear bar bag. Food considerations should take into ac-
with your bike: tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc. You count that you’ll be moving faster and may only
may just want to pack it differently. You will like- need a day or two between resupplies.
ly want to streamline your backpack so you just Some companies, like Big Agnes, are making
have a few odds and ends in there, like snacks and bikepacking-specific tents now. They’re essential-
maybe a little water or an extra layer. You’ll add in ly the same model and design as the backpacking
a frame back, seat post bag, and maybe a handle- version but have shorter pole sections. This can
bar bag and some other trinkets. The old way of a be handy for packing up and stashing your tent
trailer or panniers has gone the way of the dodo poles on your bike, but they’re not a necessity. It’s
for ultralight use and bikepacking. They’re way too another good reason to use a tarp, since it’s the
heavy and not nimble. most packable and versatile no matter the mode of
travel. Just keep in mind that if your tarp needs
A lot of the bags are made by cottage manufacturers trekking poles to set up, you might have to get cre-
and use DCF (Dyneema composite fabric). They’re ative on the setup.

STEPPING IT UP > MULTISPORT ADVENTURES 231

 A lot of cyclists like to use
clip-in pedals on bikepacking
trips. If I’m just mixing in a
If you don’t have trekking poles, you can bikepacking section, I prefer to
use your bike to set up a tarp for a shelter.
keep the same trail runners and
just use flat pedals. Then I have
less gear to switch out and am
more comfortable when walking
around town for resupplies.
I’ve considered a unicycling
multisport. Yes, I love unicy-
cling and thought it would be
a blast and also be very conve-
nient for throwing the unicy-
cle on my pack if intermittent
bushwhacking was needed. It’s
definitely a bit slower and not as
comfortable for long distances,
but there might be a time and
a place!

PACKRAFTING
Packrafting is another way to
multisport. Alternatively, you
could just go on a packraft-
ing trip down a river instead of
using a raft, canoe, or kayak.
The beauty of packrafting ver-
sus canoeing, kayaking, prone paddleboarding, or
Tip: Don’t forget repair kits and a repair tool.
standup paddleboarding as a multisport is that
You don’t need much when you’re backpack-
you can easily inflate and deflate the tool and fit
ing, but as soon as you add some mechanical
it into your pack. Collapse your paddle and strap
equipment, you’ll need Allen wrenches, tire
it onto your pack and you’re ready to start hiking
levers, and all that other good stuff to be able
or bushwhacking through the wilderness. Based on
to repair your bike on the fly. Take a class,
that ease and accessibility, packrafting is the clear
watch videos, or play around and get com-
winner in the water sports category for multi-use
fortable with doing the repairs so you don’t
adventuring, so I’m not going to go into the others.
get stuck in the middle of nowhere wishing
Also, in my humble opinion, I don’t consider canoe-
you knew how to fix a flat tire.
ing and portaging a true multisport. It’s fun and

232 TRAIL TESTED

no doubt an awesome trip through the Boundary water. There’s no point, since you won’t need them
Waters or Quetico Provincial Park, but to me it’s a to cross a long flat-water stretch unless it’s icy cold
canoe trip with a little walking. You’re not adjust- (based on the accompanying tip). If you’re going
ing your gear and equipment accordingly, so I’m not to add packrafting to your hike, get a good pack-
going to dive into that. raft, like an Alpacka Raft or a Kokopelli. Get a good
lightweight carbon-fiber paddle that breaks down
PLANNING
into multiple pieces, usually four sections, so it can
In the planning category, it’s very important to
stash on your pack relatively well without snagging
think about the purpose of the river or water travel.
on everything under the sun. You’ll pay up for the
Is it to cross flat water? Go down Class III or IV rap-
carbon-fiber paddle and a good raft, but it’s worth
ids? Float down a generally flat river? Cross a large
it for the performance, design, weight reduction,
river multiple times? The answer to these questions
and durability.
will generally help steer you into the right shape,
length, and type of packraft and paddle, and if
you’ll need a PFD. Do your homework online about Tip: If you are just trying to cross flat water or
the water features, rapids, canyons, portage spots, a big slow-moving river, I’ve often found that
etc., you might hit so you’re ready and prepared. It packrafting is overkill. If your backpack is
sometimes can be worthwhile and easy to portage waterproofed inside with a trash-compactor
around some larger rapid sections. bag and then closed up, it will often float for a
while. You can then easily swim behind it and
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS push it along in front of you while you swim
A few companies make cheesy floats that don’t across the water crossing.
work very well and aren’t worth their weight. They
won’t work in rapids and don’t paddle well in flat

Getting ready to swim. Still or slow-moving

water can be crossed with your pack
pushed along, since it will float for a while.

STEPPING IT UP > MULTISPORT ADVENTURES 233

 The only other things you might want to con-
sider with packrafting, depending on where you’re
going and what the water temperatures may be,
is a dry suit, gloves—neoprene or other—and a
spray skirt.

Tip: It’s your call, but you may be able to get

away with a silnylon or mesh vest that you
can secure your empty but inflated Platypus
water carry system in to give you just enough
float to call it an ultralight PFD.

WINTER MULTISPORT—
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING/
SNOWSHOEING
Winter multisporting takes your skills to another
level. It’s not just new modes of travel but also new
camping, gear, and techniques to keep you warm
and efficient. Even finding and getting water can
be challenging. We’ve discussed winter camping
earlier, so here we’ll jump right into the planning
and gear.

PLANNING
Again, proper prior planning prevents piss-poor
performance.
Know the high and low temperatures you’ll
likely encounter as well as the weather, winds,
snow conditions, and avalanche conditions, and be
prepared for what you’ll encounter. This is all part
of being safe.

GEAR CONSIDERATIONS
Know what equipment you need and how to use
it. For example, an avalanche beacon, probe, and We underestimated an incoming storm and cold
shovel don’t do any good if you don’t know how snap earlier in the winter and didn’t have the
to use them or haven’t kept up practicing. It’s not right footwear system or snowshoes for the 0°F
temperature with 30-mile-per-hour winds. If skiing in
quite like riding a bike. plastic boots, make sure they fit well and you’ve skied
on them many times before heading out on a long-
distance trip. There’s nothing as bruising and painful
as pressure points and continually banging your feet
or shins into solid plastic all day for days on end.

234 TRAIL TESTED

 Tip: Storm and snow conditions and terrain like on skis. That being said, they are very good
will greatly affect your speed of travel. So for terrain where you may go in and out of snow
make sure to be informed and plan your food line or between dirt and snow at times, since they
requirements accordingly. It can be impor- are much more packable and lighter than skis and
tant to carry at least an extra half or full day ski boots. Your footwear system can be planned de-
of food in the winter in case you need to hun- pending on how much bare ground you think you’ll
ker down to wait out a storm or heightened hit so you can just strip off layers and have your
avalanche conditions. trail runners to wear at that point.

I’m not going into fat biking here as a mode of

TIP: If you are going to sidehill or go up and
travel for this purpose, because people riding fat
down steep terrain, metal-framed snow-
bikes are typically on pre-groomed or compacted
shoes with cleats around the metal frames,
trails, not purely in the backcountry. Same with
like the MSR Lightning Snowshoes, are rec-
skate skis, even though I’ve done a bit of skate-
ommended. I often wear the women’s ver-
skiing off piste and in the backcountry on good
sion and cut off the ascension bar to save a
spring crust days.
little weight.
Snowshoes don’t take much additional skills
to travel on. They are fairly inefficient and slow,
Skis are a tough category, since there’s so
but a lot better than postholing. The issue is that
much variety and so many subcategories. I’m going
you still need to walk down hills rather than glide,
to focus on touring and distance travel, so don’t
think I’m going into any resort skis or anything
Underneath these NEOS like that. Even though I Telemark, I’m skipping
waterproof overboots, we were that too, since the backcountry side of it has not
either wearing lightweight
kept up with alpine touring in weight and per-
waterproof synthetic boots or
trail runners, depending on formance. Alpine touring boots are light and can
conditions. This was a very
versatile combination.

Alpine touring boots have

thinner plastic to save
weight, as you can see
from the damage to this
divot from repeatedly
hitting the front of the
binding during touring.

STEPPING IT UP > MULTISPORT ADVENTURES 235

 The Voile skis we used have fish scales,
so we didn’t need to put skins on if the
terrain was rolling and conditions were
good. Saved a lot of time on transitions.

perform well on the downhills. The lighter you get, Depending on the snow conditions where you’re
the less performance on the downhills. I’m OK with headed, the width will help you have a little more
that. I tend to stick to the rando racing or ski-mo floatation. Typically in the backcountry, I want
(ski mountaineering) styles for the lighter weight, at least 70-millimeters underfoot, usually at least
despite sacrificing warmth, performance, and often 80 millimeters to be a little more versatile in case
waterproof capabilities. I’d rather figure out a way there’s fresh snow. Only a few brands make metal-
to make up for some of that stuff and be in a light- edged skis with fish scales. The Voile backcountry
er-weight and more comfortable boot. No boots are skis with fish scales are cutting-edge and some of
specifically made for long-distance lightweight the lightest on the market.
overnight travel at this point, so it’s all a trade-off. You’ll also likely want to add an avalanche
Over the years of trial and error, I’ve found skis beacon, probe, shovel, poles, and climbing skins to
with “fish scales” to be the holy grail. The catch is, your kit for the winter. You also may need a few re-
I also want metal edges and some width underfoot. pair items for broken skins, ski bindings, skin glue

236 TRAIL TESTED

 KITE-SKIING OR
KITEBOARDING
To be perfectly honest, I have
yet to do either of these beyond
a beginner level, but they’re up
there on my list because of the
potential for interesting multi-
sport trips. I have been flying a
trainer kite to practice and get
used to the motions of flying
a kite—launching and getting
in and out of the power zone.
I can’t wait to get on skis or a
board and see how I can mix
this in. I view this more as a
single-sport adventure at this
point, though, because the
kites are fairly heavy and not
super compressible in a pack,
but the opportunity to travel
fast and far makes it worth
the weight. Plus, many kites
are made out of DCF already, so
we’re probably close to as light
as they can get. There’s oppor-
tunities to cut some weight by
using a smaller kite, but it will
There’s nothing worse or more frustrating than pick up less wind. It’s a trade-
carrying extra weight and not getting any glide.
off. I think a 3- or 5-meter kite
is pretty versatile and prob-
ably the size used most often.
not working, or carrying your skis. A Voile strap There’s a number of brands out
is always handy for strapping on skins that aren’t there, but no one is focusing on the weight of the
sticking any more. You may want to carry a small kite or how the harness system and other compo-
piece of hard skin wax and rub-on ski wax in case nents pack up and compress. The opportunity to
the snow starts sticking and clumping up. There’s kite across Greenland and cover 100 miles per day
nothing more frustrating! is definitely on my list!

STEPPING IT UP > MULTISPORT ADVENTURES 237

Bone dry
 FINDING WATER
ON A MAP
OR IN A DESERT
Finding water is a life-saving skill. Even when you’re not in trouble, you still need
to know how to find water. While the best option is to fill up whenever you stop
for a significant break, sometimes it doesn’t work, and you may come close to
running out when you need it.

Always read the legend or key on your map. Most In a desert or sandy terrain and in hot weather,
hiking maps show seasonal creeks with dashed or water can quickly evaporate and disappear. I have
dotted lines. On colored maps they’re usually blue. seen a creek disappear into the sand in a matter
On black-and-white maps they might be differ- of minutes. In these circumstances, water may be
ent than other dash patterns. However, you can’t available in the morning but not later in the day.
rely on these as likely water sources. Permanent If you’re faced with such a situation, consider car-
creeks, streams, springs, and rivers are usually rying extra water.
marked by a solid line or a blue line on colored Look for certain types of vegetation or a long
maps. Some maps have different symbols for sea- line of vegetation, like willows, when looking for
sonal springs, seeps, and hot springs. Everything water. Sycamores and willows love water and usu-
is explained in the map legend. ally are near streams. They also are an indication
Don’t assume that deeper ravines, canyons, that water may be close to the surface if no water
or dried-out watercourses are most likely to have is visible. If you dig into the ground, water may
water. Look for where they originate from (lake, seep and pool in the cavity.
spring, or a big cirque with permanent snowfields) Water is often seasonal in the desert. Most
and what direction they are facing. In the North- deserts get precipitation in the winter. While
ern Hemisphere, north-facing watercourses are the they’re mostly dry in summer, others get mon-
most likely to hold water because they stay cooler soonal rain in the middle of the summer. You may
and shadier. The opposite is true in the Southern find potholes or holes in sandstone that keep
Hemisphere. water in them. It’s probably not the best-tasting
The time of day can play a huge role in a body water, but it’s water nonetheless. Don’t bathe in
of water’s flow. A water source fed by snowmelt such holes—wildlife and microorganisms need
can swell throughout the day. In other situations these holes to survive, so don’t clean your dirty
it can also shrink to the point of disappearing. self off in them.

GETTING STARTED > technical gear239

 Sometimes all you can find is silty water, to sleep. That way, any remaining sediment will
especially in desert conditions. In these settle to the bottom overnight and you can drink
conditions—if you’re using a SteriPEN or filter— or pour the water without getting sediment.
use your shirt or a bandana to help filter out In desert canyons a dry pour-off or dry water-
sediment when you fill your water bottle. If you’re fall can lead to a pool of water below. These can
filling up when you stop for the evening, stand last long after the rest of the canyon has dried up.
your reservoirs or bottle upright before you go

Sometimes you’ll find

seeps in the desert.
They’re basically springs
of water coming out of
the rock. They might have very little
flow or be hard to corral into your
water bottle or reservoir. If you’re
using them for water, you can use your
rain gear, rainfly, or shelter to funnel
the water into your container. You can
also use your pot to help catch the
water, since it has a larger opening
than a water bottle.

240 TRAIL TESTED

GETTING STARTED > technical gear 241
 SPONSOR­
SHIPS
If you’re a serious outdoor athlete looking for money from
a company or gear manufacturer, here’s some information
that can help. Sponsorships are partnerships with a com-
pany or group. They help you out, and you help them out.
It has to be a two-way street. Companies want to support
cool projects, but they really want sponsorships that help Decked out and trying to act gangster
Photo by Raina Ferran
them sell more or develop better equipment.

It’s mainly the former. They want to sell more gear. have our stars, but there are no Diego Maradonas
That’s the reason they are in business. If they don’t in the sport. Work your way up to larger sponsor-
sell gear, they won’t be around much longer. I un- ships. Build a relationship with the company or
derstand this relationship through years of working organization. Show the company how you can help
closely with various outdoor manufacturers. I’ve also them as an influencer, gear tester, public face for
seen the industry evolve, and I’m the type of person the company, or gear promoter. Do that, and the
who is less and less likely to get future sponsors. I’m relationship might naturally progress.
not a self-promoter. I don’t want to be in the press.
I just want to enjoy the outdoors, see cool places,
and challenge myself. In the past I have worked hard GETTING SPONSORED
behind the scenes to help the companies design and Put together a sponsorship proposal. The proposal
create longer-lasting products and gear I would like details why you want their sponsorship, what you’re
to use. I’d send them photos from trips they could
use in promotional material but not regularly post
from my remote locations. This is no longer seen
by many companies as the “value” they want. They
Sponsorship Tips
want hashtags and social media influencers. I’m old- • Treat all your sponsors well. Do everything
you can to keep them happy and maintain
school. You can do less-intense trips and get spon-
a good working relationship.
sored if you’re providing the “value” and messaging.
• The first sponsor is the hardest to get. If
Some manufacturers cap the monetary amount
you keep a good relationship with them,
of gear you can order. they can help you get other sponsors. Don’t
Don’t expect to walk into a full-salary spon- burn any bridges. The outdoor industry is
sorship, particularly in the outdoor industry. We small, and word gets around. That’s also
true if you do a good job with a company.

242 TRAIL TESTED

doing, your background, why they should sponsor you get a sponsorship. Only consider going for
you, and what the company will get in return. such a sponsorship if you really support the cause
Most companies get thousands of requests and think you can have an impact. If you’re not
per year. Don’t expect a response right away. In sincere, companies will see right through your at-
fact, some companies use an automated system for tempt to get money or free gear.
sponsorships to help them streamline the process. When putting a proposal together, clearly ex-
The best way to get started in the process is plain how sponsoring you will benefit them—how
to e-mail or call customer service and get contact many followers you have; what types of social
information for the correct person for sponsorships. media you’re active on; some photos you’ve taken.
Get in touch with them to learn more about their They may also want feedback on products to help
process, and submit your sponsorship proposal ac- them develop better products; testimonials of how
cordingly. Follow up after you send the proposal in. well the equipment worked; high-quality pictures
Give them time (three weeks or so) to look at it. of their products in use; mentions of their gear
The people who handle sponsorships and marketing and contributions in articles, interviews, blogs,
programs at companies are often very busy. When and YouTube videos; placing their logo on your
you follow up with them, be polite and respectful. website, blog, or social media sites; links to their
Some companies like to sponsor causes, like site; how you’ll be a good brand ambassador; con-
marathons benefiting cancer research or fundrais- tent for their websites and blogs; and other means
ers for developing nations. Don’t attempt to sup- of promoting their brand. The more engaged you
port a cause just because you think it will help are to help them out, the better.

Don’t seek sponsors just to get freebies. Seek sponsors whose gear you support and
want to use. It makes for a natural fit. You can fully support them and be happy about
the relationship without sacrificing performance, fit, or comfort just for free gear.

Part of me and my
Granite Gear family
at the Outdoor
Retailer show in
Salt Lake City,
celebrating Granite
Gear’s twenty-fifth
anniversary (hence
the tie-dyed shirts).

STEPPING IT UP > SPONSORSHIPS 243

SOME RANDOM CRUCIAL 
• When you buy shoes at Dick’s Sporting Goods afternoon when I’m starting to get tired. This
you can also buy their ‘No Sweat Protection helps keep your feet fresh.
Plan’. You know you’re going to blow through • Keep your toenails clipped. It will help prevent
shoes fast on a thru-hike. You can mail them pain and potential ingrown toenails
home and return them and basically get your • There is nothing worse than getting sick while
shoes for the price of the insurance. in the backcountry. You are most likely to get
• Learn about store return policies. Sometimes sick from being around other people. You often
you can buy electronics like cameras at Walmart pick up illnesses in towns when you are around
or some other big box stores, and as long as you others. It’s a good idea to take extra precau-
keep the receipt and box, you can return the tions: wiping down TV remotes at hotels (or
items within thirty days if they don’t meet your putting them in a plastic bag or the shower cap
needs. Note that some companies charge a “re- that the hotel may offer for free) and wiping
stocking fee” for electronics returns. shopping carts and baskets at the supermarket
• Always ask hotels and motels for their AAA dis- with sanitizer when it’s available.
counts, thru-hiker discount if on a popular long • When shopping for a backpack, remember that
trail, or best rates. Sometimes they don’t even the weight of the backpack isn’t as important as
ask for your AAA card. the weight of the items that go inside the pack.
• When you’re new to the world of outdoor ad- The most important thing is the pack’s ability to
venture and get outfitted with a bunch of stuff carry the load you’re carrying comfortably.
at a store, you are spending a good chunk of • When the weather is bad, always remember to
change. Ask if they’ll give you a break with eat. You should stop for a short time, even in a
a discount or throw in a free pair of socks or torrential downpour. If you do not eat, you will
something. It never hurts to ask. feel colder. It helps to always have about a day’s
• I have never carried bear spray, but if it makes worth of food that is easy to eat while walk-
you feel more comfortable, go ahead and do so. ing and easy to access without digging through
I would only carry the smallest-size can, since your pack.
you are not likely to use it. If you are going to • If you’re in a group of two or more and think
carry it, I think you will need it only in grizzly a ford is dangerous, make your partner(s) go
country. Black bears usually are more docile. first! Just joking. Cross one at a time. That way,
If you have it with you make sure it is handy. you won’t all get into trouble at the same time.
Otherwise it is worthless. Also keep in mind • When you fill up your water bottle in cold
that you will not be able to travel on an air- weather, fill it only about three-quarters of the
plane or into another country with bear spray, way. The water movement can prevent freezing.
pepper spray, or mace.
• Don’t overpack or overdress for a cold-weather
• I often carry two different types of insoles, trip. When you’re hiking or doing something
Superfeet and orthotics or homemade insoles else active, you won’t need too many layers—
from foam clogs, like Crocs or Waldies. I switch unless you’re in extreme cold. You’ll generate
at some point, usually about two-thirds into a lot of body heat, and you don’t want to soak
the day, always starting with the Superfeet your layers with sweat.
and switching to the softer cushy insole in the
HIKING AND
LIFESTYLE TIPS
• In winter, or if you may encounter freezing your pants or shorts. If you’re at a break and
temperatures overnight, carry an extra garbage wearing shorts, pull your pants on over them,
bag or stuff sack to put your shoes in. You can allowing the pants to hang over your feet. Set
put the sack under the foot of your sleeping up the body of your tent or bug netting really
bag. This way your shoes won’t freeze or get fast, and get in there for some peace of mind.
everything wet. • If your shoes untie a lot, try double-knotting
• To preserve your rain jacket’s performance for them and then tucking the loops into your
as long as possible, only hike with it on when it lower shoelaces. That should help keep them
is raining, rain is imminent, or you really need tied little longer. If you are still having trouble,
it as a cold-weather layer. make the double knot by going the reverse di-
• If you need to touch up the water sealant on rection than you had been doing it.
equipment while on the trail, look into UV seal- • Turmeric, pineapple, omega-3s, and arnica are
ing products. They dry quickly when exposed to natural inflammation reducers. Arnica comes
UV light, so you won’t have to sit and wait for in tablets. It also is available as a cream so you
hours while the sealer dries. can localize it to your sore spots. Turmeric also
• I don’t usually carry a bandana, but a lot of comes in pill form, so you don’t have to eat a
people do. There are a ton of uses for it. Under ton of it. You can add this spice to your foods.
the hat to keep the sun off, wetting it down to Health food stores often have anti-inflammation
cool you off in the desert, keeping mosquitoes pills with a mixture of all of the active ingredi-
off the back of your neck or lower face, and as ents extracted from these plants.
an ice pack with snow or for compression at • Always pay attention to the color of your urine.
night for injuries are just some of the ways to It tells you how well or poorly hydrated you are.
use a bandana. The yellower it is, the more dehydrated you are.
• When shopping for your hiking food, you can • Homeopathic treatments: Use garlic for a tooth
add a pack of ramen noodles to double the size abscess. For an abscessed tooth, place thinly
of your meal. It will be less than half the price sliced garlic directly on the abscess. Leave it
than if you bought two Lipton Sides or other there for about 15 minutes and repeat. It’ll
ready-made meals. likely sting. If it gets to be too much, try a
• Use Fritos to start a fire if you need some easy garlic-water rinse.
kindling. The corn chips contain so much oil • If your stomach is ailing, add more garlic and/
that they burn evenly and slowly—like a match. or ginger to your food. Additionally, eating
• Take your shoes and socks off at breaks to help pumpkin seeds can prevent intestinal bugs. If
your feet dry and air out. This prevents a lot of you’re hiking in South America, you can chew
foot problems. coca leaves, which supposedly help prevent alti-
• If you’re dealing with a lot of mosquitoes, mini- tude sickness.
mize your skin exposure. Put on your rain jack- • These tips are not substitutes for proper medical
et and keep your hood up. Tuck your shirt into attention if you’re ill. They can help prevent par-
asites or illnesses and can help you heal faster.

APPENDIX 245
 Before (inset) and after—forty-seven
days of hiking through Nepal, hundreds of
thousands of feet of elevation changes, and
major calorie deficits Photos by Shawn Forry
MAJOR TRAILS IN THE US
The United States is blessed with some great long trails, three of which—the Appalachian
Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail—make up the Triple Crown of
hiking. There are shorter trails and regional trails in the United States. The Hayduke and
Colorado Trails are in these categories. These trails are a great place to see a part of the
country that you might otherwise never see.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York,

Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New
The AT was the first National Scenic Trail and is Hampshire, and Maine.
the most popular long-distance hiking trail in the
United State. AT O&A
Don’t expect to be alone on the AT or in a very Q: Do I need to carry maps?
remote wilderness setting. Most AT hikers love A: No, you probably don’t need detailed topo-
the trail because they enjoy the lifestyle, meeting graphic maps for the AT, unless you’re hiking in
people, and making new friends along the way. the winter. The best thing for an AT thru-hike is
Many Triple Crowners consider the AT the most a good data book, or an app with data tables, that
difficult of the three trails because it is steeper has distances between shelters, towns, and water
than the others. Here are some facts and FAQs sources. You will need information on the services
about the trail: available in each town. The trail is well trodden,
AT FACTS well established, packed down, and well-marked
with white blazes that are highly visible—except
• Distance: 2,174 miles. (The International AT adds
in a snowstorm. You should be fine without maps.
1,900 miles of hiking in Maine and Canada).
• High point: Clingmans Dome, Tennessee, 6,643 Q: How is the weather?
feet above sea level. A: Weather on the AT can range from cold and
• Low point: Hudson River, Hudson, New York, snowy to hot and humid. Plan accordingly. If
124 feet above sea level. you hike during thru-hiker season (spring to
• National Parks: Great Smoky Mountains Nation- fall), start the trip prepared for cold conditions.
al Park and Shenandoah National Park. If you’re going north on the trail, switch out to
warmer-weather equipment after passing the
• First official thru-hike: Earl Shaffer, 1948.
Grayson Highlands in Virginia and switch back
• States the trail goes through: Georgia, North
to cooler-weather equipment in Glencliff, New
Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia,
Hampshire.

APPENDIX 247
Q: When should I change to summer gear? Q: Are bears and venomous snakes a concern on
A: It depends on when you leave, but generally the AT?
after Trail Days, around the end of May. Most A: On the AT I worry more about ticks and Lyme
people wait until they clear the Grayson Highlands disease in the summer. Yes, there are bears. Take
to switch out to a summer sleeping bag. precautions with your food and other items that
Q: How much water do I need to carry? have an odor. Hang them up at night, particularly
A: Not much. You can usually find water on the AT where there are poles or other hanging systems for
at least every 7 miles, usually much more often. Al- bear protection set up. There’s no reason not to.
most all the shelters have some sort of water source. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are found
mainly south of Massachussets in summer. You
Q: What type of shelter should I use? can avoid them. Be mindful when you come out on
A: This is up to you. Three-sided shelters are sunny open rock ledges, like there frequently are
spaced out along the length of the trail. If you in Pennsylvania.
plan on staying in the shelters, you can save some More of a nuisance than all of these are mice.
weight on your own shelter and get by with a tarp Some shelters on the AT have a healthy mouse
or bivvy—if you need it. Sometimes the shelters population. They will try to get into your food bag
are full, so you should have your own. The answer at night, so, again, use the shelter’s food hanging
also depends on your mosquito and blackfly aver- system.
sion; you may want to camp instead of staying in
the shelters if the bugs are bad. Q: What degree sleeping bag do I need?
A: This depends on how you sleep. I sleep pretty
Q: How often are there shelters? warm. I use a 20- or 30-degree bag to start the
A: Throughout the AT, shelters are available about trip and switch to a 50-degree bag during the
every 7 miles. In southern Vermont the AT and LT height of summer.
(Long Trail) overlap, and there are shelters roughly
every 3–4 miles. Q: What are some helpful websites?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC): appalachi-
Q: What are trail angels and hostels? antrail.org
A: A lot of people along the AT help out the hikers— The AT-L archives at National Scenic Trails Mailing
be grateful for this. Some trail angels will let you Lists: backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l
stay at their house for free or for a donation. Other WhiteBlaze.net: whiteblaze.net
trail angels put soda or cold drinks on the trail;
others have big barbecues. When you come across
such people or things, enjoy them—don’t take them PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
for granted.
The PCT is an amazing trail. It’s well graded and
Hostels are accommodations that are generally
incredibly scenic. A few hundred people hike the
cheaper than hotels. You’ll find them along the AT,
trail in the summer and leave from the PCT Kick-
along other trails, and in some cities (more likely
off, which usually occurs at the end of April. If
in other countries). Those along the AT are pri-
you’re looking for a hiking community like on the
marily for hikers. Some offer a shuttle service so
AT, start your hike from the event. If you want a
you can slackpack. Some offer services for hikers
quieter hike, leave before or after PCT Kickoff; the
as well. Laundry is a nice bonus.
crowd will be more spaced out.

248 APPENDIX
PCT FACTS ax or crampons. The second time, I arrived even
• Distance: 2,650 miles. earlier and used both. I recommend an ice ax. I
• High point: Forester Pass, California, 13,153 feet think you can get away without crampons. With an
above sea level. ice ax you can self-arrest if you slip. Alternatively,
I think just having something like Vargo Pocket
• Low point: Bridge of the Gods, Cascade Locks,
Cleats and not carrying an ice ax, would work just
on the Oregon-Washington border, 180 feet, 140
as well for even less weight and volume.
feet above sea level.
Try to plan your hikes over passes to coincide
• National Parks: Sequoia National Park, Kings
with the best time of the day for the snowpack.
Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park,
South-facing sides soften up early and north-
Lassen National Park, Crater Lake National Park,
facing sides a little later. North-facing passes can
and North Cascades National Park.
be scary, steep, and icy if you hit them too early.
• First official thru-hike: Eric Ryback in 1970.
Hence, it’s nice to have the safety of an ice ax to
• States the trail goes through: California, Or- self-arrest, or the Pocket Cleats. You can also use
egon, and Washington.
the ax to cut steps if you need and as a tent stake.
PCT Q&A
Q: Do I need to carry maps? SUNGLASSES TIP: If you break your sun-

A: Yes. I highly recommend carrying maps for this glasses and can´t get them to work on the
trail, not just a data book. Some junctions aren’t PCT or in snowy or other extremely bright
marked as well as the AT. The biggest issue is that places, try to cover your eyes with duct
you’re likely to hike on snow, which can obscure tape. Make thin slits in the tape so you can
the trail. It’s very helpful to have a map in hand see through. You can also wrap a piece of a
to navigate—especially from Idyllwild, Califor- T-shirt or other clothing around your head
nia, north over Fuller Ridge, and from Kennedy to cover your eyes. This will block enough
Meadows north. Without a map through these sun so you won´t go snow-blind. Pick up
often snow-covered regions, it’s easy to head up some new sunglasses when you get to the
the wrong pass or into the wrong drainage. Also, next town.
sometimes water sources are just off the trail and
may not be marked. Q: How much water do I need to carry?
Q: Do I really need an ice ax, crampons, and A: The longest (natural) waterless stretch in
sunglasses? Southern California is about 30 miles. Those
A: Sunglasses are mandatory! I have heard that lengthy stretches are often shortened by trail
a few hikers have gone snow-blind from UV rays angels, who leave gallons of water out for hikers.
bouncing off the snow. This can take time to re- Most of the time you’re only dealing with a 15-
cover from and can end your trip prematurely. mile stretch without water.
Regarding the other equipment: It depends If you don’t really need the water caches, try
on how early you get to the High Sierras and how not to use them. Somebody else with more need
much snow fell over the winter. I enjoy getting to may be passing through the area after you. Trail
the Sierras early and the challenge of snowy passes. angels at the Third Gate in the San Felipe Hills
The first time I hiked through, I didn’t use an ice have to pack in the water.

APPENDIX 249
Q: How hard is hiking through the Southern information about towns, hostels, and trail angels
California desert? on the PCT.
A: The Southern California desert on the PCT can Q: What degree sleeping bag do I need?
get very hot—especially if you leave later in the A: Be prepared for cold weather in Southern Cali-
thru-hiking season. Plan accordingly. Wake up fornia and through the High Sierras, especially
early and get some early miles in. Get to a water at the start of thru-hiking season in early May.
source before it gets hot. Then take a siesta until I used a 20- to 30-degree bag, but I sleep warm.
it cools down a bit in the evening. After a couple of months on the trail, around late
In other parts of Southern California on the June or July, you may get away with a lighter bag,
PCT, you’re at an elevation that can also be cold something in the 35- to 45-degree range depend-
and snowy. You may encounter snow and snow- ing on your comfort range. Then be prepared to
covered ground in Southern California. Be pre- switch back to your heavier bag as fall approaches
pared for 20°F nights in some areas. and you get into Washington.
Q: How much snow will there be? Q: Can I really hike more miles on the PCT than
A: It depends on the year and time when you head
the AT?
out. The earlier you head out in spring or summer,
A: Yes! Most people’s daily mileage increases on
the more snow you’ll encounter. You will walk on
the PCT because the trail is well graded. Then
some snow. Monitor the snowpack before you head
again, most people on a PCT thru-hike have more
out, and plan accordingly. When you’re in snowy
experience than on the AT and are carrying less
areas, wake up early and try to hit the snow while
weight. Don’t plan on increased mileage through
it is firm.
the High Sierra section though.
Q: Are there tough river crossings? If so, what
Q: Do I need permits for the national parks?
should I do? A: You can get what I refer to as “The Golden
A: Yes, some river crossings can be tough. Crossings Ticket” on the PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association)
in Kerrick Canyon, some fords in the High Sierras, website. You can register for free, or pay the recom-
and Yosemite are some examples of difficult cross- mended donation as a thru-hiker and get an all-
ings. The best thing to do is try to reach them early inclusive PCT permit. There is also an add-on option
in the day and scout out a good place to cross. to summit Mount Whitney if you would like to tag
Water levels in these locations rise dramatically that peak as you pass by. This covers almost all the
in the afternoon. If you don’t think you can cross permits you need for the entire trail! Access will be
where the trail does, go upstream until you find a determined by your start date, since they are cap-
place where you can ford. Follow the creek back to ping the number of people starting the trail each
the trail and go on. You can also camp by the cross- day. Make sure to get your permit and start on your
ing and wait until the next morning. For more info, assigned date. Once you start on that date, you can
refer back to the section on fording techniques. go as fast or slow as you’d like,
Q: Are there hostels and trail angels on the PCT? Q: What are some helpful websites or books?
A: Yes, there are some hostels and trail angels.
• Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA): pcta.org
There are not nearly as many as on the AT.
• The PCT-L archives at National Scenic Trails
Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook has a lot of
Mailing Lists: mailman.backcountry.net/
mailman/listinfo/pct-l

250 APPENDIX
• Post Holer: postholer.com CDT Q&A
• Yogi’s Guides: yogisbooks.com/pacific-crest- Q: How long is the trail?
trail/pct-yogis-pacific-crest-trail-handbook
A: The CDT has historically been a “choose your
• USDA Forest Service Active Fire Mapping Pro- own adventure” type of trail. It can range from
gram: data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/maps/active- 2,500 miles to 3,100 miles. Most people’s CDT
fire.php routes are between 2,600 and 2,800 miles. The
• Pacific Crest Trail Water Reports Southern Cali- route is now getting more defined and the trail
fornia: pcta.org getting more complete each year.
• NOAA National Snow Analyses: www.nohrsc.
Q: Do I need to carry maps? Which are the best?
noaa.gov/nsa
A: Yes, maps are crucial for this trail. You need
• USDA National Water and Climate Center—Snow
both the maps and the skills to use them. Con-
Telemetry (SNOTEL): www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/
sistently check your location at random intervals
snow/
so you can more easily figure out where you are if
• Latest snow information: postholer.com
you get lost or come to unmarked junctions.
I recommend Jonathan Ley’s map set for the
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL CDT. It’s a great system and includes a lot of fun
options and alternate routes. Yogi’s Continental
The CDT is some people’s favorite of the three US Divide Trail Handbook will give you more in-
long-distance trails. It can be a really fun ad- formation on places to resupply and what town
venture and take your hiking skills to the next amenities to expect. Many people are also using
level. It’s also the least traveled and isn’t officially Guthook’s app.
complete. It’s a bit more wild than the well-blazed
Q: Are there multiple routes for this trail?
trails of the AT and PCT, but its use and signage
A: Yes, there are multiple routes, especially if you
increase each year. Be prepared to use your navi-
use the Jonathan Ley maps or CDTS (Continental
gation, map, and compass skills.
Divide Trail Society) guides. It’s a younger, more
CDT FACTS open trail than either the AT or PCT. A formalized
• Distance: Between 2,500 and 3,100 miles, de- route has not yet been established, so you can
pending on the route you choose. choose your own route in some places. This can
• Highest possible point: Grays Peak, Colorado, lead to your own adventure. The few who try to
14,270 feet. thru-hike the CDT each year do not hike the exact
• Lowest possible point: Columbus, New Mexico, same route between Mexico and Canada.
3,900 feet. Q: How much navigation is necessary?
• National Parks: Glacier National Park, Yellow- A: Some navigation and cross-country travel is
stone National Park, and Rocky Mountain Na- likely. It depends on the route you choose to take.
tional Park. More often than navigation, you’ll run into tricky
• First thru-hike: Not available. unmarked junctions and intersections. Again,
• States the trail goes through: Montana, Idaho, it’s helpful to pay close attention to where you
Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. are so when you reach an unmarked intersection
of trails, you will know your location. However,

APPENDIX 251
every year the route is getting better marked and • USDA Forest Service Active Fire Mapping Pro-
more defined. gram: data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/maps/active-
fire.php
Q: Is it hard to resupply on the CDT?
A: Some resupplies are harder on the CDT. It’s def- • NOAA National Snow Analyses: www.nohrsc
initely harder than on the AT. A lot of the towns .noaa.gov/nsa
along the trail are smaller, and you might have to • USDA National Water and Climate Center Snow Te-
resupply at a general store or convenience store. lemetry (SNOTEL): www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/
There are also fewer hiker-specific amenities. • Latest snow information: postholer.com
There are fewer outfitters and hostels. Hitchhiking
to resupply on the CDT can take a while. It gener-
HAYDUKE TRAIL
ally takes longer than on the AT.
Q: Do I need permits for the CDT? The Hayduke Trail is an awesome backcountry
A: Yes, you will need backcountry permits to camp route. It uses trails, dirt roads, cross-country
in national parks (Glacier and Yellowstone, and travel, and a little road-walking. You see many of
possibly Rocky Mountain—if you do one of the the spectacular highlights of southern Utah and
routes that goes through it). Arizona. It’s more wild than the AT and PCT.

Q: What direction should I go and when should Q: Do I need maps? What do I need for
I go? navigation?
A: More people travel the CDT southbound from A: Yes, you definitely need maps for the Hayduke
the Canada-Montana border and leave around mid- Trail. This trail requires even more navigation
June. Those going northbound from New Mexico skills than the CDT. You can use a GPS unit. With
usually leave in April. Southern Colorado’s San solid map and compass skills you’ll be fine without
Juan Mountains can be difficult for northbound a GPS.
travelers if they hit them before mid-June. Some Q: How technical is the Hayduke? Am I going to
people flip-flop and hike north through New Mex- be scared?
ico in April before it gets too hot and travel up to A: It’s as technical as you make it. There are a few
Canada before hiking back to New Mexico. areas that the guidebook considers Class 3, but I
Q: What degree sleeping bag do I need? didn’t find them sketchy at all. Like the CDT, you
A: It partly depends on your shelter. I recom- can choose your own adventures with the Hay-
mend a 20- to 30-degree bag to start. You can duke Trail. There are many ways into and out of
probably switch out to a warmer bag in the the canyons, and you can make those side adven-
middle of summer. tures as challenging as you want.

Q: What are some helpful websites? Q: What’s the water situation?

A: The trail has decent and consistent water
• Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC): con-
sources. There were only a few situations when I
tinentaldividetrail.org
carried more than 3 or 4 liters of water.
• The CDT-L archives at National Scenic Trails
Mailing Lists: mailman.backcountry.net/mail- Q: What should I do about permits?
man/listinfo/cdt A: You really need to plan your permits for the
Hayduke Trail. Grand Canyon permits can be very

252 APPENDIX
 hard to get. If the dates you plan to be in the can- INFORMATIVE WEBSITES
yon change, you can change your permit, which • Backpacking Light: Latest ultralight gear re-
is easier than getting a new one. When Pepper views and hiker forums: backpackinglight.com
and I got to the national park boundary, we were • Fastest Known Time: Speed record information:
actually a week ahead of schedule. Our permit was fastestknowntime.proboards.com
worthless. We hiked to the Grand Canyon Village • Maps and planning: Caltopo.com
backcountry office. They were much more helpful • Planning: Google Earth
in person than on the phone. They changed our
SITES FOR INTERNATIONAL MAPS
permit on the spot, and on we went.
Other national parks you will go through on • OmniMap (recently acquired by East View Com-
the Hayduke, like Bryce and Arches, can be hiked panies): omnimap.com
in one day. If you can hike through the park in • Stanfords: stanfords.co.uk
one day, you won’t need permits. • The Map Shop: themapshop.co.uk
• Maplink: evmaplink.com

A ford near Kakwa Lake Provincial Park,

British Columbia, Canada Photo by Shawn Forry

APPENDIX 253
 Acknowledgments
Thanks to everyone who’s helped me along the way: pushed me to follow my own path. Thanks to
trail angels, friends, mentors, and fellow ultralight- Raina, who puts up with me even though I leave
ers and hikers. I too started out with a 50-plus- for months on end to seek out adventures to satisfy
pound backpack when I set off on the AT. The my wanderlust. You have done all I could ask for;
friendships with other hikers and amazing support including watching Yoni, updating my website, and
of the trail angels have been a blessing; and the stocking the freezer with countless pints of Ben &
journey has been unbelievably rewarding. Without Jerry’s upon my return.
the valleys and low times, there wouldn’t be the Thanks to Yoni for being by my side and stick-
amazing moments. ing with me for tens of thousands of miles. You will
My eternal gratitude goes to my mom and dad, be with us forever.
who are OK with anything I want to do—well, al-
most. They weren’t too happy about my setting off
to hike through Africa by myself. They’ve always justin lichter

Ascending a steep snowfield in

the High Sierras on the PCT

254
 Glossary [ TE R M S TO KN OW FO R H I KI N G ]
A-frame: Shelter, tarp, or tent setup that resembles AT Trail Fest: Mid-March annual hiker gathering in
an “A.” Dahlonega, Georgia.
Ablation valley (lateroglacial valley): A valley on the Ax mark: Trails were once blazed with ax marks
side of a glacial moraine. in tree bark. Often shaped like an upside-down
exclamation point.
Active protection: Protective climbing device with
moving parts, like a cam (used to be called a friend AZT: Arizona Trail.
and was originally invented by Ray Jardine).
Backpackers: Refers to hostels in New Zealand.
ADT: American Discovery Trail.
Basalt: Fine-grained, dark igneous rock. The most
Alcohol stove: A stove that uses alcohol as its fuel. common form of volcanic rock.
ALDHA: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Basin: Natural depression in land, especially in
Association; aldha.org. mountainous land. Often with a lake at its low point or
points. As in the Rae Lakes Basin in the High Sierras.
ALDHA West: Western sister of ALDHA, many Triple
Crowners register with ALDHA West. Hosts a West Coast Belay: 1. Securing a climber to mountain, rock, or ice-
gathering in early fall/late summer. face with a rope via a rock, tree, piton, other person, etc.;
safeguarding them in the event of a fall. 2. The act of
Alluvial fan: Fan-shaped accumulation of silt,
using rope to aid another climber in the act of climbing.
sand, gravel, and boulders deposited by fast-flowing
mountain rivers on flatter land. Bench: Flat area, similar to a plateau but smaller.
Often found above rivers. Can be nice to find during
Alluvium: Sediment deposited by flowing water,
cross-country travel.
including riverbeds, floodplains, and deltas.
Bergshrund (’Schrund): Crevasse dividing moving
Alpine: Above tree line in a mountainous area.
glacial ice from stagnant ice. May extend to bedrock
Alpine start: Getting up and heading out early— below.
usually prior to sunrise.
’Biner: Short for carabiner. Oblong metal ring with
Alpine-style hiking: Hiking with no outside support a spring clip. Used in mountaineering and rock or
or help. Also referred to as Alpine style. Some say it ice climbing to attach running rope to a piece of
only refers to solo trips. protection.
AMC: Appalachian Mountain Club. Some AT hikers call Bivvy spot: Small spot to camp. Usually has some
it the Appalachian Money Club because they charge for shelter or protection. Possibly under a large, stable
hut use. boulder or rock ledge.
Animal trail: Trail created by the frequent travel of Blaze: Mark indicating where a trail is. The AT is
animals. Sometimes helpful on cross-country treks. blazed with white paint marks roughly the size and
Anti-bott (Anti-balling) plates: Hydrophobic plates, shape of a dollar.
usually of flexible plastic or rubber, that attach to Blue blazer: Someone who takes blue-blazed trails on
crampons, preventing snow and ice buildup in conditions the AT. Blue-blazed trails often bypass sections of the
close to freezing. Balled snow adds weight and reduces main white-blazed trail for scenic views or shortcuts.
the usable penetration distance of a crampon.
Bonk: Crashing or getting tired from not eating and/or
Arroyo: Canyon with a dry riverbed. low-blood sugar.
AT: Appalachian Trail. Bounce box: A package that you mail to yourself and
ATC: Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Governing body “bounce” up the trail as you go. The package often
of the AT with offices in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, contains maps, batteries, extra or spare gear and
about 1,000 miles up the AT; appalachiantrail.org. clothing layers, or food.

255
Braided river: River with a number of channels. Cirrus clouds: High, level clouds. Often referred to as
Channels and braid bars are usually highly mobile. “mare’s tails.” Usually wispy, but many can connect to
River layout can change significantly during floods. cover large areas. Cirrus clouds often signify an upper-
River braids are a good place to cross a tough river. air disturbance or approaching frontal system, which
can bring storms. They also are often the remnants of
Burn: Means a stream in some locations, like New
a thunderstorm.
Zealand. Also referred to as a branch, brook, beck,
creek, crick, gill (occasionally ghyll), kill, lick, rill, river, Col: Mountain pass or a low point on a ridgeline.
sike, bayou, rivulet, streamage, wash, run, or runnel.
Contour: Hiking from one spot to another along a
Bushwhacking: Going off-trail where the terrain hillside or slope without losing elevation. Same as
is thick with brush. Occurs on lesser used or ill- contouring.
maintained trails. Bushwhacking is somewhat
Cornice: Overhanging ledge of snow formed by wind on
interchangeable with cross-country travel.
the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie. Cornices
Butte: Conspicuous isolated hill with steep—often are usually leeward of prevailing winds.
vertical—sides and a small, relatively flat top. Term
Corrie: A round hollow in a hillside. Also a steep-
is used often in the Desert Southwest. A butte’s top is
walled semicircular basin in a mountain. May contain a
not as wide as its height. Similar to mesas, which are
lake. Also known as a cirque or cwm.
wider than they are tall.
Corrie loch (Tarn): Mountain lake or pond formed in
Cable car: Cart attached to a cable used for crossing
a cirque. A moraine may form a natural dam below a
a river.
corrie loch.
Cairn: Rock pile used to mark a trail or a route. Also
Cowboy camping: Camping under the stars without
called a duck or stoneman.
setting up a shelter.
Carabiner (’biner): Oblong metal ring with a spring
Crampons: Outdoor footwear attachments with metal
clip. Used in mountaineering and rock or ice climbing
parts to provide traction on snow and ice.
to attach running rope to a piece of protection.
Crevasse: Crack in a glacier that may or may not be
Cathole: Hole for human feces.
covered.
CCT: California Coastal Trail.
Crevice: Crack in a rock.
CDT: Continental Divide Trail.
Cross-country: Traveling off-trail.
CDTC: Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Governing
Crux: Crucial point or hardest part of a route.
body of the CDT.
CT: Colorado Trail.
CDTS: Continental Divide Trail Society. Mission: “To help
in the planning, development, and maintenance of the Cumulus clouds: Clouds with noticeable vertical
CDT as a silent trail and to assist users plan and enjoy development and clearly defined edges. “Cumulus” is
their experiences along the route”; cdtsociety.org. Latin for “heap” or “pile.” Cumulus humilis clouds,
small or medium-size puffy clouds, often occur
Chaparral: A type of shrubland found in California,
during fair weather. Cumulus clouds can grow into
northern Baja California, and Mediterranean climates;
cumulonimbus clouds. They can produce heavy rain,
often has impenetrable dense thickets of stiff, thorny
lightning, severe and strong winds, hail, and even
plants. The plants are often highly flammable, and
tornadoes. Cumulus congestus clouds, which appear as
these areas have a history of wildfires.
towers, often grow into cumulonimbus storm clouds.
Chute: Break in the rock or cliff band where you can
Cwm (pronounced COOM): Welsh word for “valley.” A
get through. Sometimes snow-filled.
bowl-shaped valley, also known as a cirque.
Cirque: Amphitheater-like valley head formed by the
Datum: Point, line, or surface used as a reference for
erosion of a glacier. Also known as a corrie or cwm.
surveying, mapping, or geology. GPS units use datum
points to orient the unit to maps.

256 GLOSSARY
Denatured alcohol: Fuel for hikers using an alcohol Flip-flop: Hiking a complete trail, but not from
stove. It burns slowly. Also a solvent for lacquers, terminus to terminus. Usually flip-floppers start at one
polishes, and for industrial purposes. Found in paint terminus, stop at a certain point, travel to the other
sections of hardware stores. terminus and hike back to previous stopping point.
Denier: Unit of weight by which the fineness of silk, Floodplain: Flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a
rayon, or nylon yarn is measured. Equal to the weight stream or river. Stretches from the body of water’s
in grams of 9,000 meters of the yarn. banks to the base of the enclosing valley. Can
experience flooding during periods of high discharge.
Ditties: Small, random items or accessories like a
notepad, card with contact information, etc. Foot: Lower end of a valley, lake, base of mountain, or
glacier. Also toe or snout (for a glacier).
DNT: Den Norske Turistforening: Norwegian Trekking
Association. DNT has offices throughout Norway. You Footprint: Material placed under a tent to protect the
can buy a key to access the Norwegian hut system. floor of the tent.
They paint red Ts on cairns and rock walls to mark
Ford: Cross a river by wading.
trails. In forested areas (e.g., around Oslo) and along
the coast, huts are marked with blue strips painted on Fork: Branch or tributary of stream or river. Also trail
trees or poles; turistforeningen.no/english/ split.
Duck: 1. A variety of waterfowl. 2. Rock pile used Front-pointing: Technique for ascending steep or
to mark a trail or a route of travel; also cairn or overhanging ice or snow with crampons. In this
stoneman. technique, the front teeth of crampons are used to dig
into the ice by kicking into it. The dug-in crampon is
Dynamic rope: Rope that stretches. Used for trad
used as a step.
(traditional) climbing and sport climbing. Helps absorb
shock of a falling climber. FT: Florida Trail.
ECT: Eastern Continental Trail. Connects numerous GA–ME: Georgia to Maine. A northbound thru-hike on
trails from Key West, Florida, to Cap Gaspé, Quebec. the AT.
Connected trails include the IAT, AT, Benton MacKaye Gathering: Annual October hiker event with
Trail (BMT), Georgia Pinhoti Trail, Alabama Pinhoti presentations and awards. Draws many hikers.
Trail, road-walking, and the Florida Trail.
GDT: Great Divide Trail route through the Canadian
Erratic: Rock that differs in composition, shape, etc., Rockies using existing trails, cross-country travel,
from nearby rock that was transported from its origin. dirt, and paved roads.
Usually transported by glacial action.
GET: Grand Enchantment Trail through New Mexico.
Exposure/Exposed: Potential for injury on technical
or tough terrain (as in “exposed rock face”). Also, lack GHT: Great Himalaya Trail.
of shelter from weather elements. Gill (Ghyll): Stream. Depending on its location and
Fastpacking: Term coined by Jim Knight during a characteristics, may also be referred to as a branch,
1988 traverse of the Wind River Range in Wyoming. brook, beck, burn, creek, crick, kill, lick, rill, river,
In a 1988 article in UltraRunning Magazine, Knight sike, bayou, rivulet, streamage, wash, run, or runnel.
wrote, “We were wilderness running. Power hiking. Glacial river/stream: Waterway with glacial origins.
Kind of backpacking, but much faster. More fluid. Neat. Different from other water sources because they are
Almost surgical. Get in. Get out. I call it fastpacking.” often cloudy or milky. Hard to see the bottom of the
Now used for backpackers that take backpacking to a water sources. Glacial rivers fluctuate in flow volume
physical and mental extreme. depending on the time of day.
Filler: Trail connecting scenic places but not in itself Glacier: Slow-moving mass of ice originating from an
interesting or scenic. accumulation of snow. Spreads either from a central
Flash flood: Sudden localized flood of great volume mass (continental glacier) or descends from a high
and short duration. valley (alpine glacier).

GLOSSARY 257
Glissade: Controlled slide used to descend a steep icy Spread it out.” Refers to how hikers dry wet gear and
or snowy incline in either standing or sitting position. prepare for future sections.
Goat track: Faint trail. Hut: Shelter for hikers. Ranges from a fully staffed
hut with meal service—like in New Hampshire’s
GPS: Global Positioning System. Computerized
White Mountains—to a shepherd’s cabin in rural New
navigational system that determines location,
Zealand. Many regions known for hiking have hut
longitude, and latitude by gathering data from
systems. These include Europe, parts of the AT and New
multiple satellites.
Zealand, and others.
Granite: Light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock.
IAT: International Appalachian Trail. Picks up at
One of the most common rocks in the continental
northern terminus of the AT and extends into Canada’s
crust. Formed by the slow, underground cooling of
Belle Isle. Current efforts are being made to extend
magma.
it into Europe to follow the historic range of the
Grommet: Fastener consisting of a metal or plastic Appalachian Mountains.
ring lining a small hole. Allows for attachment of cords
Ice ax: Mountaineering, ice-climbing tool used for
or lines to a piece of equipment like a backpack.
climbing and cutting steps in snow and ice. Also used
Ground cloth/groundsheet: Material put on the to self-arrest.
ground with a tarp or shelter to prevent wet ground
Icefall: Steep part of a glacier with deep crevasses.
from saturating campers’ sleep systems.
Resembles a frozen waterfall.
Guy out: Setting up guylines. Makes a shelter sturdier.
ICT: Idaho Centennial Trail.
Guyline (aka guy): Cord used to keep a structure
In the alpine: Above tree line.
upright in various weather conditions, like wind
or snow. Isobutane: Pressurized fuel used for fuel canister
stoves.
Hanging glacier: Glacier on a shelf or wall above a
valley or another glacier. May be joined to the lower Kicking steps: Refers to kicking shoes or crampons
glacier by an icefall or be separate from it. into snow when ascending or descending to get
purchase.
Hanging valley: Tributary valley entering the main
valley at a much higher elevation. Deepening of main Kickoff: ADZPCTKO or Annual Day-Zero Pacific Crest
valley most likely because of glacial erosion. Trail Kickoff. Hiker gathering in mid- to late April on
the PCT in Southern California.
Hayduke Trail: Inspired by the works of Ed Abbey. A
route from Arches National Park to Zion National Park Kill: Stream. Depending on its location and
in Utah. Connects many national parks in Utah and the characteristics, may also be referred to as a branch,
Grand Canyon using preexisting trails, cross-country brook, beck, burn, creek, crick, gill (occasionally
travel, and dirt and paved roads. ghyll), lick, rill, river, sike, bayou, rivulet, streamage,
wash, run, or runnel.
Head: Upper end of valley, lake, or glacier.
Kit: Gear with you.
HEET: Brand-named alcohol-based gas line antifreeze
and water remover suitable for alcohol stoves. Found Lateral moraine: Ridges of debris deposited along the
in gas stations throughout United States and Canada— sides of a glacier.
particularly in cold climates. HEET comes in two
Lean-to: AT shelters in Vermont, New Hampshire, and
varieties, yellow and red. The yellow bottle is methyl
Maine are sometimes referred to as lean-tos. Also a
alcohol, a cleaner burning alcohol than the isopropyl
type of shelter or means of setting up a tarp where the
alcohol in the red HEET bottle. Knockoffs exist that
roof is angled to the ground on a flat plane, creating
use the same color scheme as HEET.
shelter underneath.
Hiker trash: Nickname for hikers in towns. Refers to
Ledge: Exposed rock, rock layer, or flat area on a
their dirty, smelly nature and their tendency to loiter.
rock face.
Pepper’s hiker trash slogan: “Scope it out. Lay it out.

258 GLOSSARY
Leeward: Direction downwind from point of reference. Pack explosion: When you get to a motel room, take
Side sheltered from the wind. The term “lee” derives everything wet out of your pack and hang everything
from the Old English hleo, meaning “shelter.” around the room to dry.
Lenticular clouds: Lens-shaped cirrus clouds can mean Pass: Point on a ridge where you can cross—usually
the approach of a storm in the next 24 to 48 hours. from one watershed to another. Similar to a saddle but
usually at a higher elevation.
Lick: Stream. Depending on its location and
characteristics, may also be referred to as a bayou, Passive protection: Climbing protection without
branch, brook, beck, burn, creek, crick, kill, rill, river, moving parts. Includes chocks, stoppers, nuts, or any
sike, rivulet, streamage, wash, run, or runnel. other wedge-shaped pieces that fit into cracks. Also
Hexentrics and tricams rotated in to fit tightly into
Lightweight hiker: No standard for the term.
cracks and holes.
Generally someone whose base pack weight is less than
20 pounds (9.1 kilograms). PCT: Pacific Crest Trail.
LNT: Leave No Trace. The practice of outdoor rules and PCTA: Pacific Crest Trail Association. Governing body
ethics to help alleviate human impact. of the PCT; pcta.org.
Loch: Lake. Partially landlocked sea inlet. Permanent snowfield: Snowfield that doesn’t
completely melt in summer. Not a glacier because it is
Lollipop loop: Loop hike shaped like a lollipop. It is
not glacial ice.
not a true loop, since you have to hike part of the trail
in both directions. Pink blazer: Male hiker looking for trail tail.
Long-distance hiking: There is no set definition as Plateau: High plain or tableland with relatively flat
to the amount of distance you must travel before it’s terrain. Similar to a mesa.
considered long distance.
PNT: Pacific Northwest Trail. Trail through
LT: Long Trail. Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Meadow: Area where environmental factors restrict Postholing: When your legs punch through snow while
the growth of woody plants indefinitely. walking.
ME–GA: Maine to Georgia. A southbound thru-hike on Pour-off: Seasonal desert waterfall. When the
the AT. waterfall is dry, it is called a pour-off. It can be a tough
obstacle for a hiker or canyoneer.
Mesa: Elevated landmass with a flat top. Sides are
usually steep cliffs. The top is typically wider than the Privy: Outhouse.
height of its sides. “Mesa” means “table” in Spanish. In
Puds: Pointless ups and downs on a hike.
Spain such a landmass is called a meseta.
Purist: Hiker or thru-hiker who has to walk every step
Moraine: Mass of debris, carried by glaciers, forming
of the trail. Specifically, an AT thru-hiker who chooses
ridges and mounds when deposited.
to walk past every white blaze without taking any
Muds: Mindless ups and downs on a hike. blue-blazed routes.
NCT: North Country Trail. A trail that travels through Quiver: Hiker’s stock of gear for trips. For example, I
North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, have three sleeping bags in my quiver—a 20-degree
Pennsylvania, and New York. bag, a 0-degree bag, and a 30-degree bag.
Nero: Near-zero day. A day you hike a few miles or Rainfly: Waterproof material covering the outside of
have a short day. a tent.
Nobo: Northbound hiker. Ramp: Ascending or descending area that will help you
move on the trail.
OR (Outdoor Retailer Show): Biannual outdoor
industry event showcasing new products to prospective Ray Jardine: Considered a pioneer of ultralight hiking.
retailers. Open only to retailers, manufacturers, and Likely the first to write about the phenomenon. Taking
media. Not open to the public. the ultralight revolution to a new level within the

GLOSSARY 259
long-distance hiking community. Published Pacific Section hiker: Person hiking complete trail by
Crest Trail Hikers Handbook in 1996. The book advocated hiking each individual section; not in continuity or,
hiking the PCT in a much shorter period than necessarily, in sequence.
traditionally expected by using homemade, lightweight
Seep: Small spring or place where water has oozed
gear and techniques that included earlier start times,
through the ground. May or may not be flowing enough
longer days, and more mileage at a slower pace. The
to use as a water source.
book was revised and retitled Beyond Backpacking in
1999, and again in 2009 as Trail Life. Self-arrest: Maneuver in which a climber is sliding
down a snow or ice slope and arrests (stops) the slide
Rill: Stream. Depending on its location and
without using a rope or other belay system. Usually
characteristics, may also be referred to as a bayou,
done with an ice ax or hands, feet, knees, or elbows.
branch, brook, beck, burn, creek, crick, kill, lick, river,
sike, rivulet, wash, streamage, run, or runnel. Self-supported: Most commonly used
interchangeably with “unsupported.” Taken on new
Rime: Frost formed by freezing supercooled water
meaning by people who believe that “unsupported”
droplets in fog onto solid objects.
means that you carry all your equipment and food
Riparian areas: Plant habitats along river margins with you from the start. They take “self-supported”
and banks. to mean that you don’t carry everything you need
from the start. You set up all your own mail drops or
Rivulet: Stream. Depending on its location and
shop from stores along the way.
characteristics, may also be referred to as a bayou,
branch, brook, beck, burn, creek, crick, kill, lick, rill, Serac: Block or column of ice formed by intersecting
river, sike, streamage, wash, run, or runnel. crevasses on a glacier. Often house-size or larger.
Dangerous since they are prone to fall without
Rotten snow: Snow you punch through when hiking
warning. Seracs are found within an icefall or on ice
in, requiring postholing. Often happens on spring
faces on the lower edge of a hanging glacier.
afternoons as things warm up throughout the day. Also
occurs in cold, continental climates in winter. Shelter: Three-sided building on AT for hikers. Some
are fully enclosed buildings.
Run or Runnel: Stream. Depending on its location and
characteristics, may also be referred to as a bayou, Shoulder: Part of ridgeline where the ridge lowers on
branch, brook, beck, burn, creek, crick, kill, lick, rill, one end.
river, rivulet, sike, streamage, or wash.
Sidehill (Contouring): Maintaining elevation while
Saddle: Low point between two peaks or along a hiking from one spot to another along a hillside or
ridgeline. slope.
Sandstone: Medium-grained sedimentary rock Slackpacking: Hiking without your backpack.
consisting of fine to coarse sand-size grains compacted
Slot canyon: Narrow canyon formed by the wear
or cemented together. Varies in color from yellow or
of water rushing through rock. Slot canyons are
red to gray or brown.
significantly deeper than wide.
Saw marks: Sawn logs are a sign of trail maintenance.
Snout: End of a glacier. Also foot or toe.
Good indication that you are on a trail or old trail.
Snowfield: Accumulation of snow and ice. Differs from
Scree: Mass of small loose rocks that cover a slope on a
a glacier. Also a wide swath of snow cover.
mountain.
Sobo: Southbound hiker.
Scree running: Scree often moves when you step on
it. When traveling downhill, you can often run or slide Spring: Natural outflow of groundwater.
down it as if on snow. Static rope: Rope without built-in stretch. Ideal for
Sea-to-Sea Route (C2C): Amalgamation of trails rappelling and top-rope climbing.
including IAT, AT, NCT, road-walking, and the PNT. Stealth camping: Effort to camp but not be seen. On
Connecting Cap Gaspé, Quebec, to Cape Alava, the AT, camping away from a shelter.
Washington.

260 GLOSSARY
Stoneman: Rock pile used to mark a trail or a route of miles or immediately after a break when their muscles
travel. Also called duck or cairn. are tight.
Stratus clouds: Cloud belonging to a class Ti: Short for titanium.
characterized by horizontal layering and a uniform
Toe: Lower end of valley, lake, base of mountain or
base, as opposed to convective clouds that are as tall
glacier. Same as foot or snout (for a glacier).
or taller than wide—cumulus clouds. Stratus describes
flat, hazy, featureless clouds of low altitude, varying Town day: (Usually said as a happy exclamation) Day
in color from dark gray to nearly white. Stratus clouds a hiker heads into a town for resupplying and carbing
may produce a light drizzle or snow. out on food.
Subalpine: Upper forest zone. Trail angels: People who perform trail magic and acts
of random kindness.
Super-ultralight hiker: Base weight of less than
5 pounds. Also called überlight. Trail Days (Daze): Annual hiker gathering in
Damascus, Virginia, on the AT in mid-May.
Supported: Hike supported by a team, supplying items
as you need them. Hikers and trail runners attempting Trail magic: Generosity toward hikers. Offering a
speed records often use this method so they won’t have hiker a place to stay overnight, leaving candy or soda,
to carry all of their supplies. or having a hiker BBQ.
Switchback: Zigzagging trail through a steep incline Trail name: Hiker’s nickname.
to lessen the grade for hikers and erosion for the slope. Trail tail: Getting action; hooking up during a hike.
Talus: Sloping mass of loose rocks at the base of a cliff. Traverse: Travel or pass across, over, or through.
Tamarisk: Originally from Eurasia, it is an invasive Cross and recross. Go up, down, or across (a slope)
plant in the Desert Southwest and desert areas diagonally.
of California. They consume larger amounts of Tree line: Zone at high altitudes or high latitudes
groundwater than native species and make the soil beyond which trees can’t grow.
more saline. The native willows and cottonwoods have
trouble competing against them. They are stiff and Triple Crown (of long-distance hiking): AT, PCT,
thick and not very pleasant to bushwhack through, and CDT.
compared to the gentle and pliable willows. They are Trowel (potty trowel): Small shovel with a pointed,
also known as salt cedar. scoop-shaped blade used for digging things like
Tarn: Mountain lake or pond formed in a cirque catholes.
excavated by a glacier. A moraine may form a natural TRT: Tahoe Rim Trail. Trail that passes through
dam below a tarn. Also called a corrie loch. California and Nevada, surrounding Lake Tahoe.
Tea house: House in Nepalese Himalayas where you True right/left: Direction of travel while facing
can eat and/or stay the night. downriver.
Terminal moraine: A moraine that forms at the end Tundra: Cold, treeless, usually lowland area of far
(snout) of the glacier. Terminal moraines mark the northern regions. Lower strata of tundra soil are
maximum advance of the glacier. permanently frozen. In the summer the top layer of
Terminus: End point of a trail. soil thaws, supporting low-growing mosses, lichens,
grasses, and small shrubs.
Three-wire bridge: Bridge made out of three cables in
an upside-down triangle or “V” shape. Tussock: Clump of grass, common in New Zealand.
Often slippery when wet.
Thru-hiker: Person hiking a long-distance trail from
end to end. TV time: Downtime in town for relaxing, watching TV,
lying in bed in a motel room surrounded by food.
Thru-hiker shuffle: Gimpy, stiff-legged walk that
many long-distance hikers exhibit, usually at the Überlight hiker: Super-ultralight hiker with a base
beginning of a hike as their body gets used to the pack weight of less than 5 pounds.

GLOSSARY 261
Ultralight hiker: Generally someone whose base pack Windmill: Wind turbine that extracts usable energy
weight is below 12 pounds (4.5 kilograms). Commonly from wind. Used on parts of the CDT to pump water out
used to refer to someone who watched his or her pack of the ground for cattle. They may be your only water
weight and carries a lightweight pack—regardless of source in some areas.
the actual pack weight.
Windward: Direction upwind from the point of
Unsupported: Most commonly a hike with no outside reference. Side facing into the wind, opposite of
support or help. Also referred to as alpine style. Some leeward.
people refer to unsupported as an unaccompanied trip.
Yellow blazer: Hiker who accepts car rides to skip
Wash: Canyon bottom where water flows seasonally; sections of the trail.
usually a sandy area.
Yogi: A vocalized suggestion for helpful trail magic.
Weekender/Weekend warrior: Person who works (“The weather is pretty bad. It would be great to find a
Monday through Friday and heads out camping, hiking, good place to camp or stay tonight.”)
backpacking, or skiing for the weekend.
Yo-yo: Hiking a trail from one terminus to the other
White gas: Fuel used in many stoves. A distilled and then turning around to hike back.
gasoline that burns clean so it doesn’t often clog a
Zero, or Zero Day: Day off from hiking; rest day.
stove or get a pot dirty.

262 GLOSSARY
Index
alpine, gear list, 185 outer layer, 97–98 electronics
alternative-fuel stoves, 80 rain gear, 101–4 batteries for, 92, 108–9, 112, 173,
altimeters, 108 recommended, 99 194, 199
altitude sickness (AMS), 131 clove hitch, 178 computers, 193–94
animal avoidance, 131 cold weather. See three-season digital cameras/accessories,
animal tracks, 176–77 camping; winter camping. 197–203
Appalachian Trail (AT), 247–48. See communicating, while hiking, 193–95 GPS units, 107–9
also seasonal gear lists. compass, using, 142–43 personal locator beacons (PLBs),
computers, 193–94 109
Backpacker magazine, 7, 9 Continental Divide Trail (CDT), 251– phones, 108–9, 193–94
backpacks, 14–25 252. See also seasonal gear lists. elk tracks, 176–77
bear canisters and, 21 cookware and cook set, 83–85. See e-mail, 194
covers for, 21 also stoves.
dog packs/saddlebags, 150 crampons, 225 fabrics and materials, 10–13. See also
extending life of, 25 cross-contamination, 92–93 clothing.
loading and wearing, 20–21 cross-country hiking, 215. See also fall camping. See three-season
types, fit, and features, 15–19 thru-hiking. camping.
waterproof, 21 crossings, 207–9 feline tracks, 176–77
batteries, 92, 108–9, 112, 173, 194, first aid,
199 deer tracks, 176–77 aches and pains, 127
bear canisters, 21 desert altitude sickness (AMS), 131
bear spray, 244 dogs in, 151–52 chafing, 126–27
bear tracks, 176–77 finding water in, 239–40 for dogs, 154
bites, 128–31 gear list, 186 foot care, 128
bug, repellents and, snake, 128–31 ditty sacks, 183 hantavirus, 131
blogging, 195 dog (canine) tracks, 176–77 insect bites/stings/repellents,
booties, for dogs, 154–55 dogs, hiking with, 128–30
boots, 63–68 cleaning up doggie doo, 154 poison ivy/oak/sumac and stinging
bounce box, 168 conditioning and trail-training nettle, 128
budgeting, 5 dogs, 149–50 RICE procedure, 125
crossings, 152 snakebites, 130–31
caffeine, 83 deserts and, 151–52 sunburn, 125–26
campfires, 123 first aid for dogs, 154 supplies, 125
camping, year-round, 135–37 food for dogs, 150 ticks, 130
campsite selection, 123, 135–37 leashes, 147–49 fitness, getting in shape, 119–20
canine tracks, 176–77 packs/saddlebags for dogs, 150 food, 115–17. See also resupplying.
canister stoves, 76–77 paw care and booties, 154–55 food, for dogs, 150
cat (feline) tracks, 176–77 planning trip, 147 foot care, 128
CDT. See Continental Divide Trail (CDT). recommended gear, 155 foot care, for dogs, 154–55
chafing, 126–27 rock/technical climbing, 152 footwear, 63–69
clothing sleeping gear and clothes, 152–54 fording rivers, 207–9
base layer, 94–96 snow and, 152 foreign travel. See hiking abroad.
for dogs, 152–54 thru-hiking tips, 155–57
gaiters, 98–99 water for dogs, 151
making, 205–6 durable water repellent (DWR), 27, 30,
mid layer (insulating), 96–97 37, 104

263
gaiters, 98–99 trails for, 247–253. See also specific Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), 248–51. See
gear trails. also seasonal gear lists.
choosing/buying, 7–9 trauma trail stories, 73, 124, packrafting, 232–34
fabrics and materials, 10–13 190–91 PCT. See Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
lighter loads, 8 hitch knots, 178–79 personal locator beacons (PLBs), 109
making, 205–6 hot/humid environment, gear list, 187 phones, 108–9, 193–94
seasonal lists, 183–89 photography, 197–203
technical, 223–25 ice axes, 224–25 digital cameras/accessories,
zippers, 12–13 ice-ax loops, 23 197–203
See also specific gear. impact, minimizing, 123 FAQs, 198–201
glossary, 255–62 insects and repellents, 128–30. See image format options, 197–98
GPS units, 107–9. See also navigation. also mosquitoes. sharing photos, 200–201
international hiking. See hiking storing/uploading photos, 200–201
hantavirus, 131 abroad. taking photos, 203
harnesses, 224 ISS (integrated stove system), 77–78 poison ivy/oak/sumac and stinging
Hayduke Trail, 252–53 nettle, 128
headlamps, 111–13 journaling, 195 poles, tent, 44
helmets, 223 poles, trekking, 55–60
hiking abroad, 159–65 knots, 178–79 poling technique, 58
cooking, 165 single sticking, 58
gear and supply considerations, layering clothes, 94–98 V1, 58
165 leashes, dogs, 147–49 V2, 58
guide or no guide, 160–62 lifestyle/hiking tips, 244–45 V2 alternative, 58
language issues, 162 lightning, 170 ponchos, 102
photography and, 162 lights and headlamps, 111–13 pots and pans, 83–85
planning trip, 159–60 losing way, 145. See also navigation. preparation, 3–5
safety and health, 164–65 financial/budgeting, 5
tips, 163 magazine reviews, 9 mental, 3
hiking and backpacking mail drops, 167–68 physical, 3–5
campsite selection, 135–37 malaria, 165 protection, climbing, 225
cross country, 215 mapping routes, 219
with dogs. See dogs, hiking with. maps, sites for, 219, 253 questions, on photography, 198–201
fording rivers, 207–9 maps, using, 139–42 questions, on trails, 247–53
gear needed, 1. See also gear; materials and fabrics, 10–13
specific gear. moose tracks, 176–77 rabbit tracks, 176–77
getting in shape, 119–20 mosquitoes, 128–30, 165 raccoon tracks, 176–77
getting to/from start/end points, multi-fuel stoves, 77–80 rainforest, gear list, 184
181 multisport adventures, 227–37 rain gear, 101–4
keeping in touch while, 193–95 rainy hike, trail story, 190–91
lifestyle and, tips, 244–45 navigation, rating systems, scrambling, 216–17
minimizing impact, 123 basics, 139 resupplying, 167–68. See also specific
multisport adventures, 227–37 compass use, 142–43 trails.
routes, making, 219 getting lost, 145 rivers, fording, 207–9
scrambling, 217 GPS for, 107–9 rodent tracks, 176–77
in snow, 211–13 map use, 139–42 ropes, 225
sponsorships for, 242–43 software, 140, 219 routes, making, 219
technical adventures/gear, 221–25 timekeeping and, 144
thru-hiking, 155–57, 167–68 triangulation, 145

264 INDEX
satellite phones, 109 cook set, 85 trails, 247–253. See also specific trails.
scrambling, 217 cooking abroad, 165 transportation, to/from hike, 181
seams and seam sealer, 49 ISS (integrated stove system), trekking poles, 55–60
seasonal gear lists, 183–89 77–78 triangulation, 145
sewing, 205–6 making, 206 trucker’s hitch, 179
shelters. See tents and shelters. multi-fuel, 77–80
shoes, 63–69 summer camping. See three-season umbrellas, 102
skis and skiing, 234–37 camping. ungulate tracks, 176–77
skunk tracks, 176–77 sunburn, 125–26
sleds, 175 sunglasses, 213, 249 valleys, gear list, 184
sleeping bags, 26–35
care and maintenance, 33–35 technical adventures/gear, 221–25 waste, dog, 154
fill materials, 27–28 tents and shelters, 40–53 waste, human, 123
liners for, 33 care and storage, 50–52 water
sleeping well, 53 choosing, 41–43 for dogs, 151
temperature ratings/staying warm, dogs and, 152–54 finding on map/in desert, 239–40
28 features, 43–47 treating, 90–93
types, shapes, features, 27–32 poles (extras and packing), 49–50 in winter, 172
winter sleep system, 173–74 quality vs. discount, 49 waterproof(ing)
sleeping gear, for dogs, 152–54 seams and seam sealer, 49 backpacks, 23
sleeping pads, 37–38 setup and use tips, 40–53 rain gear, 101–4
slip knot, 178 size and dimensions, 42–43 seams and seam sealer, 49
snakebites, 130–31 sleeping well, 53. See also sleeping shoes, 66
snow, dogs and, 152 bags. technologies, 13
snow, hiking in, 211–13 trauma trail story, 190–91 weasel tracks, 176–77
socks, 70–72 ultralight/minimalist, 47–49 websites, 195
sponsorships, 242–43 winter, 174–75 winter camping, 171–75
SPOT, 109 three-season camping, 135–37. See wristwatches/altimeters, 109
spring camping. See three-season also winter camping.
camping. thru-hiking, 155–57, 167–68 Yosemite Decimal System, 217
stinging nettle, 128 ticks, 130
stoves, 74–81 timekeeping, navigation and, 144 zippers, 12–13
alcohol, 75–76 toiletries, 183
alternative-fuel, 80–81 tracks, animal, 176–77
canister, 76–77

INDEX 265
 Q&A
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR TRAIL NAME? never happened. Nonetheless, my friends couldn’t
I got the trail name “Trauma” on my first hike in stop laughing at my affinity for traumatic situa-
Utah. I was resisting a trail name, but, as they tions. The trail name “Trauma” was coined, and
say, “Resistance is futile.” I was dubbed Trauma it stuck. Since then I’ve been putting myself and
following a few traumatic experiences near the my gear to the test.
beginning of the trip.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO
A few days into the trip, while I was hiking
HIKE?
up a side canyon, four or five ravens started dive-
Everybody has their sanctuaries. In my case they
bombing me. As I tried running forward, they
include hiking in the High Sierras, Wind River
came at me more fiercely, nearly attacking me. I
Range, Canadian Rockies, New England in the
tried running back, and they did the same thing.
fall, the Laugavegur trek in Iceland, Southern
I hid behind a boulder, hoping they’d forget
Alps of New Zealand, southern Utah, Norway,
about me or let me make a run for it. My friends
Pacific Northwest, and North Cascades. Southern
came up the canyon about 5 minutes later. When
Utah and the High Sierras definitely are excep-
they found me they asked, “What the heck are
tionally special places for me.
you doing there?”
Toward the end of the same section, I was WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LONG TRAIL IN
running short on food. We found old MREs (meals THE US?
ready to eat) in cans in the wash. MREs haven’t My favorite of the three main trails is the PCT. As
been packed in cans for quite a while—not since far as shorter trails go, I also really enjoyed the
the 1970s. They were a bit beat up, corroded, and Hayduke Trail.
pretty much rusted through. So I popped open
a can of fortified crackers and fortified cheese WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL
spread. It tasted like Cheese Whiz and I ate the HIKE?
whole can. I was still hungry, so I popped open a There are a lot of pretty places around the world,
can of fortified cheese spread with jalapeños. The but I really enjoyed hiking across Iceland. It’s a
“cheese” in that one was lime green, so I stayed scenic and diverse country. If you’re looking for
away from it. Still hungry, I opened up a third 200 to 300 miles of scenic terrain with hardly
can, which was filled with fortified chocolate and any filler, this is a great place to hike. If you
ate that. It tasted like Nestlé Crunch! have only a few days, there’s an amazing 60-mile
My friends were aghast. They thought that hike across from Landmannalaugar to Skogar
I was going to get violently sick and that they along the Laugavegur in the southern half of the
would have to carry me out. Fortunately, that country.

267
WHAT WAS YOUR WORST WATER SOURCE? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU DISLIKE ABOUT
The stock reservoir I came across on the CDT was HIKING?
the worst. It contained dead cows that had ex- Dealing with permits in national parks and in-
ploded in the sun. Their intestines were floating ternationally is sometimes a real hassle. There is
in the water along with dead mice. I also drank nothing I hate more than mosquitoes on a hot,
some really nasty water in Africa. It seemed a lit- humid day when DEET won’t keep the buggers off.
tle better than the water in that stock reservoir. You have to put on extra clothes to protect your-
self. You’re hot and sweaty, and there’s simply no
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WATER SOURCE?
escape or peace of mind.
Lava Spring in Washington on the PCT is an un-
believable water source. It has an endless flow of
great-tasting, crisp, cold water.

268 Q&A
 About Trauma
Justin Lichter grew up in Briarcliff, New York, Florida, incorporating the AT), the Pacific Crest
about an hour north of New York City. After col- Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail in under a
lege he quickly shunned the traditional career year, a total of more than 10,000 miles in 356 days.
path and lived in southern Vermont; Dillon, Colo- The following year Justin and frequent hiking
rado; and Truckee, California, as he followed snow partner Pepper developed a precursor to the Te Ara-
and his passion for skiing. When not hiking, Jus- roa Trail in New Zealand and traversed the South-
tin works as a ski patroller. Recreationally he en- ern Alps and the South Island of New Zealand from
joys backcountry skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoe- south to north.
ing, mountain biking, surfing, and anything else The list continues. In 2007 he swam unsup-
active and outdoors. ported around Lake Tahoe without a wet suit and
Since 2002, Justin has hiked more than 40,000 developed and hiked a route from Durango, Colo-
miles, equal to nearly one and a half times around rado, to Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2008 Justin hiked
the Earth. His passion started in 2002 when he took the Hayduke Trail through Utah and Arizona, tra-
an outdoor education class through the Universi- versed Iceland on foot, and hiked through Norway
ty of California at Santa Cruz. In this class they and Sweden. The next summer Justin ambitiously
mostly traveled cross-country through the canyon hiked 1,800 miles, solo and unsupported, through
country of southern Utah. On this trip Justin start- Africa, including crossing through Ethiopia and
ed developing the idea of setting off on the Ap- Kenya, before ending his trip after being stalked
palachian Trail. The following year, 2003, he hiked by lions. In 2011 Justin completed a traverse of
from Georgia to Cap Gaspé, Quebec, following the the Great Himalaya Trail through the Himalaya
Appalachian and International Appalachian Trails. Mountains from the eastern Nepal border to the
The next year he undertook the Pacific Crest India-Pakistan border. In 2012 Justin swam across
Trail from Mexico to Canada and then continued Mono Lake. In 2013, Justin skied about 400 miles
on the Pacific Northwest Trail to the Washington through the High Sierra, hiked the John Muir Trail,
coast. Justin finished his first Triple Crown of and thru-hiked the Copper Canyon in Mexico later
long-distance hiking in 2005 upon completing the that fall. In the winter of 2014/2015, Justin and his
Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada. hiking partner, Shawn Forry, became the first peo-
He didn’t stop there—he continued to hike north ple to successfully traverse the Pacific Crest Trail in
from the Canadian border on the Great Divide Trail the winter. In 2015 he hiked the Na Pali Coast Trail
to Kakwa Lake, British Columbia. Upon completing and Lowest to Highest Route in California. In 2017,
the Triple Crown, Justin looked for an opportunity he skied the Tahoe Rim Trail in the winter and in
to challenge himself and push the limits of human 2019 skied the High Sierra Ski Route.
endurance—and find a good excuse to be outside Justin continues to work as a ski patroller
and hike for a year straight. From November 1, in the winter and is constantly dreaming up new
2005, to October 23, 2006, he completed the Eastern adventures.
Continental Trail (Cap Gaspé, Quebec, to Key West,