Day hiking 101: Getting Started

By Cheryl Christensen, Mountain Equipment Coop

SO THE VIEWS from the canal pathways aren't as inspiring as they used to be, and you're craving more fresh air than post-brunch strolls in the Byward Market can afford? You're not up for (at least not yet) multi-day unwashed excursions into the backcountry, but craving a few hours' respite from the confines of (sub)urban Ottawa. Welcome to the world of the Day Hike, where all this becomes a possibility.

The Right Stuff: What will I need?

Exploring the realm of Day hiking doesn’t necessitate accruing whopping personal debts. However, with the appropriate gear, clothing, and safety items, the experience will be more enjoyable. Putting your best foot forward: choosing the appropriate footwear to match your needs

I just want a pair of boots and a pack. I don’t have a lot of time to discuss the specifics; I’m a busy person in a hurry. Don’t complicate this by giving me information. . .

As someone working in the outdoors industry, it concerns me when folks are willing to plunk down their hard-earned cash without ensuring that their gear is a perfect match for them. Gear shopping is a slower and more involved process than a trip to the grocery store, as it should be! If your feet aren’t happy, nobody is going to be happy, including your hiking partners, who will get to listen to you bemoan your blisters every step of the way.

It can be daunting looking at seemingly undistinguishable rows of footwear, but the choice can be quickly narrowed down by asking yourself, What type of hiking do I want to do? Shorter jaunts on groomed trails with less arduous terrain, where ankle support and waterproofing aren’t of over-whelming concern, require different footwear choices than multi-hour trips over hills and creeks with kilometres between you and your cozy car at the trailhead. For day hikes, there are commonly two categories of footwear to consider: approach shoes / light-hikers versus dayhikers.

Approach shoes / light-hikers are reminiscent of runners or walking shoes on steroids. They tend to be somewhat stiffer, offering more support, with deeper lugs on their soles for better traction in sloppy situations. With a below the ankle cut, they are much lighter than traditional hiking footwear and are good for situations where you want to travel light and fast and ankle protection is not of big concern (either because of the terrain or because of the ankles o’ steel you are famous for amongst your peers).

Day hikers, as their name suggests, are well suited to excursions of a few hours’ duration (i.e. a day) on moderate to mildly difficult terrain while carrying a daypack. They are heavier, more rigid, with yet more support than approach

shoes, and feature an above the ankle or three-quarter cut. Not only does this help support and protect your ankles, but it also helps keep out more of the stuff you don’t want in your shoes, such as pebbles and mud. Some day hikers may even provide sufficient support to cross the cusp into light backpacking.

I want shoes that are light as a feather, breathe like a screen door, provide excellent support, are 100% waterproof, can be used for trail-running but would also be good for the Chilkoot Trail. Oh! They also need to look good for formal occasions, and definitely cannot be brown!

Life is made of compromises.

Shoes with lots of mesh are sure going to breathe well. They are also going to be quick drying; which is good news because it’s unlikely they’re going to be very water-resistant. Footwear made entirely of leather is going to be more waterproof and more durable, but also a little warmer and less breathable. Leather’s pores are much smaller than the comparatively gaping ones found in mesh uppers.

Footwear that uses Gore-Tex ® is an option that many folks swear by. A Gore-Tex liner is inserted between the

inner and outer layer of the boot, giving an extra line of defence against any intruding moisture. However it’s far from the only option: • It is likely to make the footwear a little toastier, which can be an undesirable trait in warmer conditions. • It doesn’t come cheap this feature is going to be reflected on the price tag. • A properly treated leather boot will often offer bombproof waterproofing without Gore-Tex. • The leather on your Gore-Tex footwear still requires proper care and cleaning to preserve the longevity of your investment.

It’s your choice, and only you can decide what is most important to you.

Make sure you give yourself enough time to make the right decision. Appropriate footwear is one of the most important hiking purchases to make. If possible, visit the stores at a time other than a manic week-end, when more one to one attention is possible, and at the end of the day, when your surly feet are going to be less liable to let you get away with making a selection based more on fashion than function.

Different makes of footwear have different fits. Take the time to find the one that best fits your foot, rather than insisting on a less-than-perfect match of the same brand that your peers have.

Test-drive your footwear. Most stores have a ramp for this purpose in the boots department, but should also tolerate you browsing around the store in the prospective pair. Many will also accept returns of footwear in new condition that has been worn in your home to continue the trial. Don’t be shy of discussing this with the store staff. Sock it to me, baby!

Remember those cotton socks you have dozens of at home? Forget about them for outdoor pursuits. Cotton, when it gets wet (from the inside or out) tends to stay wet and can contribute to cold, blister-addled feet. Many synthetic socks offer great comfort and moisturewicking abilities. If you prefer natural fibres, consider merino wool, a fine, soft wool that provides good wicking with minimal bulk. By and large, synthetics outperform cotton for outdoor clothing. Packs: Your pack has “got your back”!

If your hikes are going to be few and far between, and consist of shorter, lessdemanding ventures, you might even have an old pack kicking around your home that will suffice. Daypacks usually have about 20 to 30 litres capacity, which should house the essentials for your journey.

More technical models may feature a few extras such as: • Anatomically-curved shoulder straps, with stabilizer straps for a better fit; • Mesh on contact points with your body to better mitigate your perspiration; • Support appropriate to the load they’ll be carrying; • Options such as bottle holders or pockets for hydration bladders (which feed water through a tube, permitting hands-free operation).

Pockets are a matter of personal preference. While they break up the overall capacity of the bag, they can be a sanitysaver for the organizationally inclined. Even with the coated materials and zips found in newer models, packs are predominantly considered to be more water-resistant than waterproof as seams and zippers present a possible vulnerable point for water. If you are carrying anything that would be devastated by contact with water, give yourself the security of a dry bag (or even a plastic bag) as a backup.

The purchase of a pack may well be the second-most important gear purchase; give it the attention it deserves. Like shoes, different packs are going to have different fits. Obtain advice from store staff on features and proper pack fitting, and don’t be afraid to try them out.

You can’t really tell whether a pack is going to fit you well when it’s empty; it just doesn’t hang the same on your body as it will when it’s filled with precious cargo. Ask the staff to fill the pack with some weight so that you can best assess the fit. Accessorize, Accessorize… Some options you may wish to consider: • Guidebooks to highlight some of the bird / plant species you encounter; • Binoculars to see even more at the look-outs; • A camera to help immortalize the memories of the day (and to prove to your friends you are so much more than just a gear-weenie and poser); • Trekking poles, which have acquired tremendous popularity recently.

Definite luxury items, trekking poles build on the concept of using a stick in the woods as a walking stick by adding a few bells and whistles such as adjustability and anti-shock (in some models) in a lightweight package. They allow you to perambulate more efficiently by turning you from a feeble bipod into a more stable tripod.

But whatever will I wear?

My own bias leans towards the layering system, which gives you the ability to control your insulation, to put on or peel off as the situation (your level of activity, weather conditions) dictates. Wicking layer

This is the layer closest to your skin. Its job is to take the nasty sweat your body dishes out and pull it away from your skin. It’s lightweight and extremely quick-drying, and may often suffice on its own in warmer weather. Again, cotton is generally not the way to go. When it gets wet, it tends to stay wet. Not only is this going to feel heavy and, dare I say, gross, but you also stand to lose a lot of heat energy through the slow evaporative process.

These garments should fit snugly, without being restrictive and without sacrificing your comfort level Photo by Ray Pilon

(not everyone embraces the “painted on” look). For wicking to occur, however, they need to actually touch your skin. Warmth layer

This next layer provides any required insulation, and can range from a lightweight micro fleece to puffy down. Though it may seem entirely unnecessary at the start of your trip, you will welcome its comfort should you be out longer than expected and/or temperatures plummet. Also, after a day in the sun, you are going to feel chilled much sooner and more easily. Weather layer

The outer layer protects against wind and wet. These shell garments usually take one of three forms: windwear, rainwear, or waterproof breathable(s).

Windwear garments (or windbreakers) can be super-breathable and vary from those that take the bite out of the wind to those that provide a windproof barrier. Some have been treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) and will be water-resistant (notice I didn’t say waterproof). They will shed snow nicely, will help fight off lighter precipitation for shorter periods of time, and are well suited to higher-output activities.

Rainwear is generally waterproof, will certainly block out the wind, and is apt to go easier on your wallet. However, it isn’t inclined to breathe. This can create a sauna effect that may result in you getting almost as wet from the inside as you might have gotten from the outside. Potentially suffocating in warm weather, it also fairs poorly in cold weather because of the condensation that can result when the warm air, fighting desperately to leave your sweltering body, meets the cold air on the other side of the jacket.

Gore-Tex is probably the best-known version of waterproof-breathables; Gore-Tex is to waterproof-breathables what Kleenex is to facial tissue. However, many viable alternatives do exist at varying performance levels, and sometimes at a lower price. Yes, they are waterproof. Yes, they are windproof. A purchase of a waterproof breathable item is not a small purchase, but the versatility may be worth it for some. In warmer conditions, it’s breathable rainwear; in winter, layered over insulation, it’s your winter coat. As for your noggin

A couple of smaller items are worth mentioning:

Sunglasses not only make it easier to appreciate the view uninhibited by unattractive squinting, but they also protect your eyeballs from nasty UV rays. Besides, who doesn’t look good in sunglasses?

A hat can help protect your brains from being slowly cooked by the sun. In colder weather, a toque will help to prevent a lot of heat loss—your mother was right—you should wear a hat, and clean underwear.

Like your mom always told you: Better Safe than Sorry

Smart Planning & Safety

While it is not necessary to approach a short hike with the survivalist vigilance found in Soldier of Fortune-type publications, some planning and safety considerations will go a long way in not only enhancing the pleasure of your experience, but also in minimizing misery should unfortunate situations arise.

Maps and guidebooks are excellent tools for judging the length and difficulty level of trails in your region. Choose a route that is realistic to your time frame, level of fitness, and capabilities. Having a hiking partner gives you an instant buddy system should either of you experience difficulty during your excursion, but also gives you someone with whom to share the beauty of the backcountry.

This is not a race; it is recreation. The slowest walker sets the pace for the rest of the group. If this isn’t fast enough for your liking, your choices are either to relax and deal with it, or to choose different companions next time. Nagging the others in your group isn’t going to speed them up, and will only ruin your time together.

How much of your pack do you devote to just-in-case items? It is ultimately up to you to strike that balance between gratuitous over-packing and finding yourself stuck without something in an emergency. For example, you likely

Gear & Safety Checklist

Appropriate clothing/gear for the situation Map, compass Trip plan— Leave it with someone who isn’t going to be accompanying you on your hike. (Cell phones can often be temperamental in the backcountry.) A play-by-play projection isn’t necessary. A simple “Dave and I are going to do the Wolf Trail in the Gats tomorrow morning, we’ll be home mid-afternoon.” will suffice. In the event that your prolonged absence is noticed, the search party will know where to go. Sunscreen Insect repellent Knife Lighter/ matches (in a waterproof container), Flashlight / headlamp T.P. & trowel (Trowels are small shovels used for burying human waste. They come complete with measurements etched in them, not for measuring your accomplishments, but for gauging the appropriate burial depth.) Emergency blanket (A small metallic blanket that folds up into a small pouch, it is useful for impromptu bivies.) First-Aid kit (Duct-tape and WD-40 won’t get you through everything, despite what your dad told you.) Include tweezers, band-aids, antibiotic ointments / boo-boo cleansers, and tensor bandages for sprains. Many outdoor stores and pharmacies will gladly sell you a ready-made kit, but odds are you will have most of the makings at home already. This is not the time to try to manage without your asthma pump, insulin kit, etc. You are an adult and are responsible for your own health. If you think it’s relevant, let at least one member of your group in on your personal health concerns (for example an allergy to bee stings) and what to do to help. Food is essential for longer trips. You are burning more energy than you would on a stroll in the market, and convenience stores are scarce in the woods. If a trip is prolonged, treats may come in handy, but they are also nice accoutrement for savouring the vistas when you take a break. Energy bars pack a lot of punch, and some are definitely better tasting than others. Bananas, bagels, pb&j sandwiches, and trail mix (with or without the wretched raisins) are easy alternatives. Everything tastes better on a hike. Stuff you’d usually turn your nose up at becomes suddenly surprisingly palatable. On longer trips I’ve been convinced that some one could serve me up a paper bag and I would relish it and beg for seconds. Water is probably one of the heaviest additions to your pack, but also one of the most crucial. Staying hydrated is notoptional. Besides, you’ll want the water to help choke down those energy bars! On longer trips, you may also opt to include water purifiers/filters.

won’t need that down jacket for a day hike in balmy July, but a waterproof shell might be appreciated in a downpour. Use common sense when deciding what you’ll need. A stroll of less than an hour will probably require less accessorizing than one that takes you half a day away.

Always staying within your limits is strong prevention. Consider your personal fitness and navigational skills, the trail difficulty and your time frames (you are never as far down the trail as you think you are). Getting lost, even briefly, can be a frightening experience, and after dark the woods become a different (and often chillier) place. Injuries can also make the return to safety a challenge, particularly if you have not subscribed to the buddy system. The weather is always a factor to consider, as it can drastically alter conditions on some trails. A quick listen to the weather forecast may make you aware of an incoming storm that would render hiking unsafe.

Another important safety consideration is for your car parked at the trail-head. Thieves, who are secure in the knowledge that you won’t return to your vehicle for some time, see these parking lots as a great opportunity to make a quick grab of your loot.

Do yourself a favour and leave your valuables at home, or keep them on your person. Otherwise, keep them locked out of sight where they won’t tempt any ne’er-do-wells. Backcountry Etiquette

“Take only pictures, leave only foot-prints, kill only time…” (Debates rage on as to whether this adage applies to the mosquito buzzing around your ear.)

Pack out what you pack in. This goes for garbage, food scraps, and toilet paper—yes, toilet paper. Occasionally you may find yourself feeling the need when miles lie between you and the next toilet facility. As one of life’s imperatives, sometimes this need can’t be ignored. If you must, follow this protocol: • Find an appropriately discreet location off the beaten path. No one wants to see you do your business, let alone step in it by mistake. • For #2, dig a sufficiently deep hole and cover up the evidence afterwards. • If your situation demands t.p., do everyone a favour by packing it out afterwards. Usually there’s a garbage bin or an outhouse at the trailhead where you can lighten your load. Yes, it’s disgusting for you, but it’s more disgusting for others.

Etiquette also involves responsible use of our beautiful backcountry. Keep in mind that you are not the only one using the trail. Please be conscious that this is a shared space, and be respectful of other hikers.

It’s also necessary to respect the tenants of the wild. Try to stay on the trail. This avoids damaging delicate plant life just because you’d rather not get your shoes muddy, and helps prevent the added erosion of several braided trails. It “bears” noting that the backcountry is also home to many animals who will not necessarily be anticipating or appreciating your arrival on their turf. You are a guest. Strive to minimize disruption to both the inhabitants and the habitat, and educate yourself about personal safety issues with wildlife.