Backpacking basics

MORE THAN HIKING, BUT ANYONE CAN DO IT IF THEY’RE PREPARED

BY SHANNON PEDDELL

WHEN SOME PEOPLE hear the term “backpacking” they think of extreme nature enthusiasts or mountain climbers, and it’s no wonder. This recreation has been distorted by misunderstandings and myths, so here’s an effort to clear things up.

BACKPACKING OR HIKING

Hiking is a relatively unencumbered walk, in nature, away from housing, roads, stores and the like. It lasts up to a few hours. Backpacking is in the same setting, but lasts more than one day, and you carry camping gear, a lot heavier than a day pack. You’ll be far from society in the woods, so map and compass navigation is necessary and a GPS or cellphone are good ideas too. Beginners should stick to a well-marked trails.

FITNESS FOR THE TRAIL

Just because you are hiking multiple days, those days don’t have to be long. If your one-day limit is five kilometres, then hike the five and set up camp. That said, anytime you strap on a loaded backpack, the intensity goes up, so train before your first overnighter (you could find a tall office building and climb its stairs repeatedly). Then research your chosen trail. If you can’t find out enough about it, pick another that suits your level. New backpackers need short practice hikes with a backpack to learn about balance and adjustment and how the body reacts to extra weight.

COSTS

Ultra-lightweight backpacking gear can be expensive, so look for clearance items and don’t spend a fortune. But spend where it really counts. Don’t skimp on boots – they need to be durable and comfortable, waterproof and more stiff and supportive than light hiking boots or shoes. Before you go on long hike, wear new boots around the house and on short hikes to make sure they fit and are broken in.

Outdoor clothing can be pricey, but it generally lasts a long time and can be the difference between a cold body and a warm one, a ventilated body and one soaked with sweat. Look for breathability and wicking, that special fabric trick that gets moisture away from your skin. Backpacks are costly and come in many sizes and types, so get fitted by someone who knows what they are doing – if they don’t add weights and stuffing to your pack while trying it on, ask someone else.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife encounters are scarce, but animals warrant a cautious approach. Bears (a few in some backpacking areas), coyotes (lots of them, everywhere), wolves (rare) most often avoid people. They become a problem only if careless people teach them that humans are food suppliers. So …

• Keep food away from your tent (and scented toiletries too).

• Store food in a bear canister to keep it safe, but hanging food off the ground works too. But don’t hang a canister! The rope becomes a handle for a bear to carry it away.

• Make yourself heard. A bear will hear you long before you hear it. Bells work well, but even talking or whistling is good.

• Cook and clean up well before dark and away from your camp area.

NAVIGATION

Learn how to use a map and compass and/or a GPS. If you have never hiked the area, contact the trail association or park office for guidance and estimates of hiking times. Two to three kilometres per hour hiking time is standard, but if you’re new at it, make that two km/hr. This gives extra time to handle difficult terrain and enjoy the scenery. Set aside time for rest and food breaks. Set a morning departure time and stick to it, and get to your next campsite before dark – so you have to know sunset times. Know too that things get darker soon in the bush.

STAYING FIT

You may end up with a few blisters or hot spots even with properly fitted boots that you broke it ahead of time. Put moleskin on hotspots or blister points before they damage your feet. Same deal with a backpack: get one that fits properly and learn how to adjust it and weight-balance it.

POOPING IN THE WOODS

If you’re squeamish, get over it. Dig a “cat hole” and cover it up, and stay away from any water source. There are actually YouTube videos with tips for doing doo in the woods.