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GETTING 

ORGANIZED 

THE ANCIENT CHINESE GENERAL SUN TZU said that every battle is won 

or lost before it is ever fought. Now, backpacking isn’t war, but sometimes 

packing for a trip certainly can feel like preparing for a military 

expedition or a jaunt down the Oregon Trail. How do you get all that 

stuff sorted out and into your pack How are you going to get up the 

mountain this weekend without a mule train to carry it all 

For the skilled general, or the intrepid backpacker, the key to success 

is always going to be organization before you begin. It is as 

much a mindset as anything else. Realize that the first stop on your 

trip, long before you ever hit the trail, is going to be your closet. 

Here’s how to make it a breeze. 

Finding the Time 

Julie Morgenstern, author of Organizing from the Inside Out: The 

Foolproof System for Organizing Your Home, Your Office, and Your Life, says, 

“If you can organize one thing, your job for example, you can organize anything.” 

The key “is to take as much thinking and remembering out of the 

packing process as possible.” 

Don’t think “storage,” think “retrieval.” The goal is to create easy, 

quick, hassle-free access to everything you need. Think carefully about each 

piece of gear’s function and how often you’ll need it, then store it accordingly, 

putting the oft-needed items readily at hand. For example, don’t pack 

your only tent beneath the telemark boots you use twice a year. Keep the 

tent at hand and those ski boots packed away. 

Store all your backpacking gear in one place. Don’t bury long 

underwear in a box with your winter sweaters; keep it with your pack and 

stove so it’ll be handy for midsummer trips to the mountains. Morgenstern 

recommends using clearly labeled, see-through plastic bins that keep items 

clean, dry, and accessible. 

Inventory your backpacking gear and post a master list on the 

door of your gear closet (see Organize Gear for Faster Packing). 

“When you don’t see your stuff all the time,” cautions Morgenstern, “you 

tend to forget what you have and where 

it is. That wastes time and money when 

it comes to packing.” 

Planning a Trip 

Without a clear, step-by-step plan 

that considers potential snags, an ambitious 

goal will never become a reality. 

Every successful backpacking trip has 

three steps: pretrip planning, the trip 

itself, and a post-trip wrap-up. 

PRETRIP PLANNING 

Do the research. After you call the 

land manager for information, log on to 

www.backpacker.com/trailtalk, and 

check the message boards for the latest 

scoop from hikers recently in the area. 

Identify and plan for possible 

barriers to success. Are you physically 

ready for the terrain and length of 

the trip Can the slowest person in your 

group maintain the pace Do you have 

the skills and gear to handle the worst 

weather you could encounter If you 

answer no to any question, modify 

your goals. 

Think one day at a time. Instead of 

picking a site as a goal and then calculating 

the miles you’ll have to hike per 

day, turn the process around. Estimate 

what you can accomplish each day 

under given conditions. By breaking 

your trip into daily chunks, you won’t 

be tempted to make sweeping generalizations 

that overlook important factors 

like elevation gain and trail conditions. 

The Trip 

Be flexible. Surprises will happen, 

but if you’ve done your homework, you 

can improvise the rest. And realizing 

Organize Gear 

for Faster 

Packing 

AOption: Closet 

■ Hook to hang backpack 

■ Bin labeled “clothing” 

■ Bin labeled “miscellaneous” 

for the little things you take 

on every trip, like a flashlight, 

toilet paper, toiletries, and a 

knife 

■ Bin containing only winter 

gear: wool mittens, balaclava, 

etc. 

■ Bin containing cookware, 

stove, and fuel 

■ Unrolled self-inflating sleeping 

pad, with valve open, 

across the side or top of the 

closet 

■ Sleeping bag hanging from 

ceiling in a big, breathable 

sack 

■ Air-tight tin containing nonperishable 

food 

■ Laminated gear list and 

erasable marker on the door 

BOption: Bins 

Don’t have a spare closet Buy 

three large plastic bins and 

label them “cooking/food/toiletries,” 

“sleeping,” and “clothing.” 

Store them somewhere 

that’s dry and safe from mice. 

Then, you’re three steps ahead 

when it’s time to pack. 

4 GET OUT MORE! 

WWW.BACKPACKER.COM 5

you can’t cover all the bases will keep you from getting frustrated when 

>>> 

things don’t go as planned. 

Keep a log to record weather and trail conditions, pace, time spent 

eating and setting up/breaking camp, enjoying the view, plus other information 

that’ll help you plan future trips. 

Mark the calendar, then divide and conquer 

■ Pick a date, mark it on the calendar, and plan around it just like you would a wedding. 

No matter how spontaneous you are, spur-of-the-moment trips rarely come 

together. 

■ Divvy up tasks among hiking partners. One can collect travel facts and maps, 

another the gear. 

■ Avoid the “last minute” trap. Create a false deadline a week or two in advance of 

the trip and take it seriously. Sticking to this due date will prompt the adrenaline 

rush of last-minute pressure, but then actually allow you a cushion of time in case 

you run into glitches. 

■ Don’t reinvent the wheel for every trip. Keep maps and other trail information in a 

file or on your computer. 

■ To make the job even simpler, use the meal planner on page 20, the Ultimate Gear 

List on page 41, and the gear lists at www.backpacker.com/gearlists. 

POST-TRIP WRAP-UP 

Planning for your next trip always starts on the ride home. 

Learn from your “accidents.” By keeping a record of your trip, you 

can pinpoint poor decisions and avoid them next time. 

Assess as you unpack. Did you use each piece of gear Leave unnecessary 

items home next time. Repair broken gear and make a list of food, 

first-aid, and camp supplies you need to replenish. Buy them on your next 

shopping trip. 

GETTING 

INTOGEAR 

GETTING OUT MORE MEANS CHOOSING THE RIGHT GEAR for your trip. What 

sort of stuff do you carry around with you on an average hike Is 

there gear sitting in your closet at home that has never seen the 

light of day 

Kristin Hostetter, former BACKPACKER Equipment Editor, outdoorequipment 

columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and former 

outdoors-store salesperson, says many people buy gear based on 

what they might do, not on what they actually do. “People can save 

themselves money and frustration by thinking twice before every 

purchase. They should also sell the gear they never use and buy 

well-made equipment that suits their current needs.” 

Some Basic Buying Advice 

Be realistic. Figure out what gear will work for 90 percent of your 

trips, regardless of what you might tackle in the future. Then wear it, crawl 

in it, set it up, or put it on, all while in the store, to ensure it’s right for 

you. Rent before you buy, if possible. 

Shop creatively. If you decide you like winter camping, buy a fleece 

bag liner ($90) to increase your bag’s temperature rating, rather than buying 

a new 0°F model ($400). 

Resist sales pitches. The salesperson won’t be using this gear, you will. 

If you don’t like something or don’t feel right about it, don’t buy it. Breakin 

time aside, a good rule of thumb is that if it hurts in the store, it isn’t 

going to get any better after you walk out the door. 

Never shop with a full wallet. You’re more likely to buy on impulse 

something you won’t use. 

Learn how to shop for bargains. Scan Web sites (www.altrec.com; 

www.sierratradingpost.com; www.rei.outlet.com; www.fogdog.com; 

www.campmor.com), catalogs (Sierra Trading Post, 800-713-4534; 

Campmor, 888-226-7667), and classifieds in hiking club newsletters. In 

mountain towns, an outdoor adventurer can snag sweet deals on slightly 



used gear and apparel by stopping at yard sales and thrift shops and checking 

bulletin boards. 

Know what you want before you step into the shop. Consider the 

following gear needs questions. Have your answers in hand when you enter 

the store. They’ll help you, and the salesperson, 

figure out what equipment is best. 

Packs 

Have you been to a big outdoors store lately 

If you have, you know that packs come in an 

array of shapes, sizes, and configurations, with 

designs suited for dayhiking, overnight backpacking, 

and expeditions. Some are made for 

backcountry skiers, while others boast features 

for fastidious climbers. Still others are tailored 

just for women, with specially designed shoulder 

straps and hipbelts, and some models appeal to 

ultralight fanatics. The good news is that somewhere 

out there, your ideal pack exists. 

PACK NEEDS 

■ What’s your price range 

■ Do you prefer an internal or external 

frame (For more on the advantages of 

each, see Pack Types, below.) 

■ What’s your torso length (See below, or check the Gear Guide, March 

2004, for tips on how to measure your torso.) 

■ Do you need a specialty shoulder harness and hip belt (such as one 

made specifically for women or a big or tiny waist) 

■ How many days is your typical trip 

■ Do you frequently participate in overnight winter travel 

BUYING A BETTER PACK 

1. Measure your torso. To get a proper fit, you must know your torso 

length. To find out, drape a soft tape measure from the seventh vertebra 

(the bony protrusion at the base of your neck) down along the contour of 

your spine to the low point between your hipbones. 

2. Check those hips. When trying on packs, make sure you get the hipbelt 

positioned properly—that is, directly on the crest of the hips, not 

around the waist. The majority of the load will be carried by the hipbelt, so 

make sure it’s comfortable 

and fits snugly, 

without slipping. 

3. Practice patience. 

Your backpack may be 

your most important 

piece of gear, so take 

your time with the selection 

process. Before you 

leave for the store, toss 

all your usual backpacking 

gear into a duffel 

bag. Once you narrow 

down the options, load 

the packs and walk 

around the store for 20 

minutes to make sure 

that the gear all fits 

inside and that the 

pack carries the load 

comfortably. 

4. Treat yourself. 

Buy the best pack you 

can afford as long as it 

fits. Durability and quality 

rank right behind 

fit as important 

considerations. 

5. Know your load. 

Determine what and 

how much you’ll be carrying. 

Are you planning 

to spend, at most, 1 or 

2 nights out at a time 

Will you be hiking in the 

winter For short outings 

in the summer, you can 

get by with a smaller 

pack, but snowy trips 

require more capacity, 

plus external gearlashing 

options. 

Pack Types 

External frame: For these, the packbag is mounted 

to the outside of a rigid frame, often made of aluminum 

tubes. Externals hold the pack’s weight higher 

than internals do, allowing you to walk in a more 

upright position. Externals are generally less expensive 

than internal frame packs. 

Internal frame: A frame mounted inside the packbag 

can be as simple as a pair of aluminum stays bent in 

the shape of your back or as complex as a molded 

sheet of rigid plastic supported by a carbon-fiber 

hoop. The advantages of internal frames include having 

a streamlined shape that resists getting hung up 

on brush when traveling off trail. They also ride closer 

to your torso and therefore resist twisting and turning 

when you’re scrambling over rough routes. 

Frameless rucksack: Take the frame out of an internal 

frame pack, and you have a rucksack. They are 

best suited for dayhiking, ski touring, ultralight backpacking, 

or climbing when you have little weight in the 

pack. 

Top-loading: One big opening at the top provides the 

only means of access to the main compartment of the 

bag, although many packs also have a zipper that 

accesses the sleeping bag compartment. Careful 

organization before you start loading the pack is 

essential so that you can stack your gear inside and 

keep the weight balanced properly. 

Panel-loading: If organization is important to you, 

you might like a panel loader. This type of pack features 

a large, horseshoe-shaped zipper that lets you 

peel back the front of the pack for fast, easy access 

to the entire main compartment. You can then meticulously 

organize your gear inside. The drawback: You 

won’t be able to cram as much stuff into it as you 

would a similar-size top loader. 

Hybrid-loading: Taking the best of both worlds and 

minimizing most of the drawbacks, hybrid loaders are 

increasingly common. You can cram in all your gear 

from the top, stuffing the pack completely full. Then, 

when you need to get something from the middle of the 

load, pull down an access zipper, reach in from the 

front (or side), and get what you need. 



6. Consider your trails. If you plan to hike mostly on well-maintained 

backcountry trails, you might find an external frame pack more comfortable. 

If your hiking will take you off-trail or into rough, rising terrain 

where balance is crucial, an internal frame will offer greater stability and 

comfort. 

7. Think versatility. If you like to go for an evening scramble after you 

set up camp, look for a pack with a daypack conversion option. 

8. Respect your idiosyncrasies. Packs are like spouses: You shouldn’t 

get one hoping it will change your bad habits. If your personal motto is “A 

place for everything and everything in its place,” look for an external frame 

style with lots of pockets. If you want to grab your water bottle on the go, 

don’t frustrate yourself by falling for that nifty new pack with pockets that 

are just out of reach. 

9. Plan with your partner. If you are hiking with a partner or group, 

figure out how much community gear (tents, stoves, food, etc.) you’ll be 

carrying. Then buy the smallest pack that’ll work so you don’t have room to 

carry all the excess junk that usually shows up at the trailhead. 

10. Think drink. If you favor a hydration tube for your fluid needs, find 

a pack ready-made to handle a bladder. If not, look for deep water-bottle 

pockets that can hold a quart-size bottle. 

Boots 

Boot Needs 

Five questions to ask yourself 

before shopping. 


■ What kind of terrain do you 

usually tackle (e.g., maintained 

trails, cross-country 

bushwhacking, scree scrambling, 

sharp rocks and roots) 

■ How big and heavy is your 

typical backpack load 

■ In what type of climate do 

you most frequently hike 

Like yin and yang, so are foot and boot, 

boot and trail. All must balance; in hiking, 

each is irrelevant without the others. Ergo, 

the best boots are those that most closely 

match the shape of your feet and have the 

support and flex to match your payload 

and the terrain you cross. 

BUYING BETTER BOOTS 

1. Ask for the ace. When you walk into an outdoors store, ask to see 

the best bootfitter in the shop. If that person is not around, make an 

appointment to come back. 

2. Measure your dogs. Don’t assume you’re a size 9 just because that’s 

the size you’ve always worn. Your feet grow with time and over the course of 

long, heavily laden trips. Get your feet measured for length and width using 

a Brannock device, with sliding brackets and size markings. All shoe stores 

and most outdoors shops have them, but they’re used too infrequently. 

3. Don’t get hung up on numbers. U.S. sizes vary considerably in 

their actual length and volume, and one company’s 10 is another’s 9. The 

key is to try a variety of sizes, then trust your feet to know what fits. 

4. Shop after dark. Try on boots at the end of the day, when your feet 

are slightly swollen, like they’ll be on the trail. 

5. Don’t rush! Take your time shopping for boots. Budget at least two 

consecutive afternoons for shopping and fitting. Try on as many different 

makes and models as you can. 

6. BYOS. Bring your own socks (or sock combination) to the store so 

your feet are wearing what they’ll wear on the trail. 

7. Wiggle your toes. Once boots are laced, you shouldn’t be able to 

kick your toes into contact with the very front of the boot. Boots may gain 

width or volume once they break in, but they won’t ever get any longer. 

Boots that are too short will bruise your toes and hammer your toenails on 

long downhills. 

8. Go for a walk. Spend some time hiking around the store in any boot 

you’re considering. The uppers have to warm up for impregnated leathers 

or stiff fabrics to mold to your foot, which means pressure points may not 

become obvious immediately. 

9. Don’t “overboot.” Choose footwear that matches the majority of 

your trips, not the expedition you might take just 1 week a year. If the 

boot’s heavier and stiffer than you need, you’ll needlessly suffer through the 

breaking-in and blistering problems of bigger boots. 

10. Listen to your feet. Pick the boot that’s most comfortable. Stress 

that one quality over all others. In the end, only one person will know 

when you have the perfect fit, and that’s you. 

■ Do you have any preexisting 

injuries or conditions, 

like a weak ankle 

or Achilles tendon 



Getting the Right Fit 

Seven out of 10 hikers wear poorly fitted boots and don’t even know it. That adds up to a 

lot of unnecessary blisters and sore feet—for some, even sore knees and ankles. That’s 

why the experts insist you invest a bit of time in the store to make sure you get your boots 

properly fitted for each foot. Here are five specific questions to ask your bootfitter. 

1Will you measure my feet (please!) 

Dana Davis, ace bootfitter from Summit Hut in Tucson, Arizona, says that the first step is 

always to get an accurate measurement using a Brannock device. “If a fitter doesn’t start 

by measuring and inspecting a customer’s foot, that may be a sign that they’re not well 

schooled in boot fitting.” 

2Can you customize the fit 

“Every size 9 foot is shaped differently,” says Davis. “If you have a bunion, we can make a 

pocket to accommodate it so there’s no additional chafing. If you have a narrow heel or a 

low volume foot, we can add different types of padding to secure the foot inside the 

boot.” The key is to stay in the proper size for your foot length, not bump up or down to 

the next size to solve a volume issue. 

3What type of socks should I be wearing 

“Never underestimate the importance of socks,” says Davis. “If your feet are perpetually 

cold and clammy, merino wool socks are probably best for you. If they’re always on the 

hot side, a synthetic blend will quickly wick sweat away from the foot and keep them 

cooler and drier.” Plus, varying the thickness of socks can also fine-tune the fit of a boot. 

4Do I need custom footbeds or insoles 

“Almost anyone can benefit from footbeds,” says Tom Purcell of Marmot Mountain Works 

in Berkeley, California. “Even someone with a very average, problem-free foot will see a 

boost in comfort with a quality footbed.” Custom-molded footbeds always offer the best 

match for your foot, but even a less expensive off-the-shelf model will help. “For instance, 

if your arch is high, a footbed can prevent it from elongating or collapsing with each step. 

Anything that cuts down on movement inside the boot means fewer blisters and a higher 

comfort level,” says Purcell. 

5Do I need waterproof boots 

Of course, if you’re a desert hiker, there’s no need to spend the extra money on a waterproof 

liner. But if you hike where there’s lots of rain, or you often find yourself sloshing 

across streams, a waterproof liner (like Gore-Tex) is a wise investment. 

“Dayhikers who can go home at the end of the day to a pair of dry socks and slippers 

don’t need to worry about liners. But on longer trips it becomes more important to keep 

your feet dry,” says Purcell. “Also, don’t neglect the leather just because you have a boot 

with a waterproof liner.” It still needs to be treated periodically to keep it from drying out 

and cracking. 

Davis has one last piece of advice: “Remember that you are the one wearing the boots. 

Bootfitters can guide you in the right direction and make sure that the fit is correct, but if 

you think a boot is too stiff for your comfort level, for instance, listen to your gut.” 

>>> 

Tents 

In backpacking tents, two 

qualities rule: less weight 

and more living space. But 

no two shelters strike the 

same balance, so a cavalier 

shopping decision can mean 

problems once you’re in the 

backcountry. To make an informed 

and correct choice, prioritize your needs, 

then factor in the features, discarding those 

that don’t suit your camping habits. 

TENT NEEDS 


■ How many people will be using the tent, and how big (tall and broad) 

are they 

■ What kind of weather do you typically encounter on your trips 

■ Which is more important, plenty of living space or light weight 

BUYING A BETTER TENT 

1. Pick your poison. Define your tent needs and know the features you 

want before shopping. If you expect to be doing high-mileage trips, weight 

savings is a prime factor. If you often encounter wet weather, look for a 



ainfly that reaches all the way to the ground. 

2. Bring Big Jim. Bring your gear and your hiking partner to the store 

to see if you all fit into your chosen tent. Borrowed gear and partners often 

have different dimensions. 

3. Practice pitching. Set up the tent. If the tent is already pitched when 

you walk into the store, take it down and pitch it again to see how easy the 

setup is. Now imagine doing it in driving rain and wind. 

4. Build your house. Lie down inside on sleeping pads. Figure out 

where your boots, pack, and wet gear would go. Is the weatherproofing, 

entry, ventilation, and living and gear-storage space acceptable Rehearse a 

midnight exit to answer nature’s call. Subtract points if your knee clobbers 

your partner’s jaw. 

5. Say no to sagging. With the tent pitched, check the rainfly’s fit. A 

quality rainfly fits snugly on the tent’s pole structure, producing taut panels 

of fabric that won’t flap noisily or act like sails in windy weather. 

6. Quality control. From inside the tent, look over the fabric and seams; 

the store’s ceiling lights provide good backlighting to find flaws. Check for 

loose threads, stitching glitches, fabric irregularities, and discoloration. 

7. Look for leaks. Inspect all the tent’s stitching. Look for bits of fabric, 

thread, or wrinkles under the taped seams that will cause leaks. Scratch any 

seam or tape that appears loose to see if it separates. 

8. Mimic the wind. Stress-test critical junctions that can cripple your 

hike if they fail in gusty conditions. Tug on guypoints, stake webbing, and 

pole-attachment points to see if seams begin to separate. Check that pole 

end grommets are secure. Inspect zippers for excess tension. 

9. Check the coating. You should be able to see the shiny, waterproof 

coating on the inside of the rainfly and floor. If you can’t see and feel it on 

the fabric, it may not be thick enough to stand up to heavy use. 

10. Pick the right color. Check how well the tent’s color transmits light 

to the interior. Some colors create a bright interior, while others make for a 

dreary, cavelike ambience. Light colors are cooler in the summer, while dark 

colors absorb solar energy, making them better for cold weather. 

Sleeping Bags 

The number of features in what used to be a 

simple rectangle of quilted fabric is forever 

increasing. You can choose from a 

staggering variety of insula- 

tions, shell materials, sizes, temperature ratings, and more. With so many 

options, you’re bound to find a sack that suits your very own physical and 

fiscal comfort zones. 

BAG NEEDS 


■ What’s the average temperature range during your typical trips 

■ Do you most often camp in a wet climate or dry 

■ How tall are you 

■ What are your priorities in choosing a bag (for example, light weight, 

freedom of movement) 

■ Are you a cold or a warm sleeper 

BUYING A BETTER BAG 

1. Shop around. If this is your first bag, bone up on them, then visit as 

many stores as you can to compare models in your price range. 

2. Demand expertise. Ask the salesperson questions about insulation, 

shell materials, women’s models, and anything else you’re interested in. If 

the answers are vague or seem biased without experience to back them up, 

find another salesperson or go to another store. 

3. Choose synthetic or down. Decide which fill is right for you. 

4. Hop in the sack. Get in, roll around, use the zipper, cinch down the 

hood, try to get out in a hurry. Check fit, comfort, and ease of use. Stuff every 

bag you’re considering into its stuff sack to compare packed size and weight. 

5. Put your feet first. Consider only models that provide extra room at 

the foot of at least 3 inches (so the insulation isn’t compressed) but no more 

than 6 inches (so there isn’t extra space to heat). 

6. Bring your pack. If you have an internal frame pack, take it to the 

store to make sure the bag fits. If it’s too big, try a compression stuff sack. 

7. Know your sleeping style. Are you always freezing when everyone 

else is warm Get a bag rated 10°F lower than the lowest temperature you 

might encounter. Claustrophobic Consider a roomier cut. 

8. Be realistic. Choose a bag based on the temperatures you’re most 

likely to encounter on the majority of your trips. Rent a deep-freeze bag to 

see if you actually like winter camping before shelling out the big bucks. 

9. Be realistic, part 2. Most backpackers don’t need a water-resistant/ 

breathable shell, which is most useful for sleeping under the stars, in snow 

caves, and in severe condensation conditions (some bivy sacks can create 

this environment). If you have extra dough to spend, you’ll get more satisfaction 

out of upgrading to a high-fill-power down or buying a bag liner to 



extend the life of your sack. 

10. Build a system. If you already own a perfectly good three-season 

bag but want a lighter, cooler bag for hot summer nights and a warmer sack 

Some hikers sleep so soundly that if a herd of buffalo ran through camp, they’d keep 

right on snoring. For the rest of us, a good night’s sleep requires a comfy mattress 

and a quiet campsite. Knowing how to find the right bag and use it to your best 

advantage also helps. Here are a few trail-tested bits of advice: 

At the Store: Size it up 

Just as ill-fitting boots will make you miserable on the trail, a sleeping bag that isn’t 

your size will cause you many restless nights. Even the most high-tech, expensive 

bag won’t work properly if it doesn’t fit. 

Slumber Secrets 

HOW TO FIND A SLEEPING BAG THAT FITS, PLUS OTHER TIPS FOR SOUND SNOOZING. 

When shopping for a sleeping bag, it’s essential that you try on your choices. Take 

off your shoes, spread the bag out on the retailer’s floor, and get in and roll around. 

Pay attention mainly to length and girth. There should be enough room to wiggle, but 

not so much that you can bring your knees up to your chest inside the bag. Excess 

space means more dead air for your body to expend calories heating. Here are other 

fitting tips: 

■ A snug-fitting mummy is easier to warm up than a roomy one, especially if 

you sleep cold or do a lot of winter camping. 

■ Don’t give up on mummies if you like to toss and turn, just shop around. 

Bag makers are coming up with innovative ways to allow you to have more 

freedom of movement in their mummy bags, including trapezoidal footboxes, 

stretch panels, and expanding draft tubes. 

■ Be sure to get the right size. A sack that’s too long won’t keep your feet 

warm because there’s too much air movement at the bottom of the bag. A 

bag that’s too short won’t keep your feet warm either, because your toes will 

press against the bottom and flatten the insulation. 

■ Go with the longer bag if you’re on the fence between two different lengths. 

A little extra room at the bottom of the bag allows you to store items that you 

want to keep from freezing, like full water bottles. 

Check construction quality 

When you crawl inside a bag to make sure it fits, you should tug on the drawcords 

and cinch the hood to evaluate its comfort. Also examine the bag for flaws and weak 

links using this five-point inspection: 

1. Check down bags for leaking feathers, a sign of poor construction or a shell that’s 

not densely woven. 

for late fall and mild winter outings, consider an overbag or liner. Both 

double as summer sleepers while stretching the comfort zone of your main 

bag for colder weather. 

2. Work the zipper vigorously, checking for any catches other than the usual 

fabric snags. 

3. Shake the bag from top to bottom, then from side to side. After each shaking, feel 

for loose or thin spots. Well-anchored synthetic fills won’t appear to shift, and adequately 

stuffed down baffles should feel fluffy all over. 

4. Test the recovery of loft by doing a press test: Push down on the bag with your 

hand, then let go. The bag should spring back to full height within a few seconds. 

If it doesn’t, the bag is doomed to lose its lofting and insulating capabilities. 

5. Grab the lining and shell materials of the sleeping bag and pull gently. Listen for 

tearing, and feel for too much give, which indicates that the baffles are loosely 

constructed and prone to rupturing. 

In Camp: Warm it up 

It’s 3 A.M. Your bag feels like an icebox, your teeth are chattering loudly enough to 

wake a hibernating bear, and your muscles are quivering in a last-ditch effort to generate 

heat. What can you do differently to get warm and stay warm through the night 

■ Cinch tight your bag’s draft collar and hood to minimize heat loss. 

■ A wet bag never feels warm, so avoid moisture at all costs. Put your sleeping 

bag in a waterproof stuff sack or garbage bag for carrying it in your 

backpack, and take off any wet clothes before you climb into the tent. 

■ Keep extra clothes and a hat handy so you can slip them on for some 

added warmth when you get cold. 

■ Fill a leak-proof bottle with hot water before you turn in, then place it in the 

foot of your bag or at your body’s core. 

■ Eat hearty, high-calorie meals to give your body calories to burn for heat, 

and keep a snack handy in case you need to refill your fuel tank in the middle 

of the night. 

■ Empty your bladder. Keeping that fluid warm inside your body wastes 

energy. 

■ Do 20 jumping jacks, or 5 minutes of your own favorite calisthenics just 

before bed and anytime during the night when your engine needs a jump 

start. Go to bed warm. 



EATING 

WELL 

EATING WELL ON THE TRAIL IS THE KEY to hiking with vigor and, after the 

day’s workout, being able to relax. It enhances every part of your 

day. This section dovetails with everything we have said about pretrip 

planning. When gorp is not enough, it is your pretrip efforts and 

creativity that will save your taste buds and boost your spirits. 

Simple One-Day 

Menu For One 

Person 

Breakfast: 1 ⁄2 cup of granola 

and a handful of dried fruit 

topped with 1 cup of reconstituted 

milk, plus 1 cup of hot 

chocolate 

Snack 1: Three handfuls of 

dried-fruit-and-nut trail mix 

(see www.backpacker.com and 

facing page for great gorp 

recipes!) 

Lunch: A bagel smeared with 

2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 

2 strips of jerky, a handful of 

dried fruit, and a 5-ounce 

chocolate bar 

Snack 2: A granola bar 

Dinner: 6 ounces of linguine 

mixed with half a can of 

chicken and topped with a 

sauce, 1 tortilla topped with 

grated cheese, 5 cookies, and 

1 cup of hot chocolate or tea 


Dorcas S. Miller, frequent BACKPACKER 

contributor and author of Backcountry 

Cooking: From Pack To Plate In 10 Minutes, 

explains, “Many hikers just eat to survive, 

but if you put in a little time before the 

trip, you can have at-home meals with little 

fuss in the backcountry.” While eating 

well requires more shopping, repackaging, 

and measuring at home, the rewards— 

stoking your engine to go the extra miles, 

and actually enjoying your food—more 

than pay off on the trail. 

Spend a little extra time and money 

on food you really enjoy—spicy dinners, 

trail mix, roasted almonds, dried cherries, 

your favorite chocolate, whatever will boost 

your spirits. 

Plan for variety. Raisins, nuts, and M&M’s might be a great snack for a 

weekend trip, but on longer outings, your taste buds need a break. “Include 

variety in texture as well as taste,” advises Miller. Pack crunchy foods— 

nuts, pretzels, crackers, sesame sticks, corn nuts, malt balls—and chewy 

things—dried fruit, licorice, fruit bars, cheese. She recommends chocolate 

bars, hard candies, hearts on Valentine’s Day, and candy corn on Halloween 

for something different. 

Think lightweight. Dehydrated or freeze-dried food is far more efficient. 

Some freeze-dried foods can be costly, so shop around for what fits 

your budget. Supermarkets offer a smorgasbord of inexpensive dehydrated 

foods like couscous, instant grits and rice, Chinese noodles, instant hash 

browns and refried beans, dehydrated chili, as well as good old noodles 

with sauce. 

Dry your own. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll be able to reproduce 

mouthwatering home-cooked meals on the trail. 

>>> 

North Michigan Blend 

Gorp: 3 Reader Recipes 

Great for chocoholics! 

Chef: Brett C. Claxton, Gaylord, MI 

2 ounces dried mangoes 

2 ounces dried blueberries 

2 ounces dried tart Michigan 

cherries 

2 ounces smoked almonds 

2 ounces beer nuts 

3 ounces white chocolate coins 

3 ounces dark chocolate coins 

Mix ingredients in a zipper-lock bag. 

Yield: 1 pound. 

Cinna-Gorp 

A great twist on classic gorp! 

Chef: Bevan Quinn, Guilford, VT 

1 1-pound, 14-ounce jar dryroasted 

peanuts 

1 or 2 14 1 ⁄2-ounce bags Crispy M&M’s 

1 or 2 9-ounce bags Dole 

CinnaRaisins 

Mix ingredients in a gallon-size zipperlock 

bag. 

Yield: 4 pounds. 

Hot Trail Mix from India 

Great for adding to other meals 

as a spice! 

Chef: Barbara Burke, Birmingham, AL 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal 

2 cups raisin bran cereal 

1 ⁄4 cup sliced, dried jalapeño 

peppers 

1 ⁄2 cup raisins 

1 cup cashew halves 

1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt 

2 tablespoons sugar 

1 tablespoon chili powder 

Preheat oven to 250°F. Warm the oil in a 

large skillet over low heat. Brown both 

cereals in the oil, stirring constantly. 

Remove from heat and spread onto a 

cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. 

Remove from oven, add remaining 

ingredients, and mix well. 

Yield: 6 cups. 


The 3-Day, Two-Person Meal Planner 

GROCERY LIST 


RECIPES 

Buy these ingredients at your local supermarket or health-food store. Check the 

recipes that follow for the exact quantities you’ll need, then check at home before 

you buy. Items are arranged in order by typical grocery aisle: 

lemon (1) 

bell pepper (1) 

raisins (large box) 

dried pear halves (small package) 

dried peach halves (small package) 

dried mushrooms (small package) 

dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes 

(1 ounce) 

kidney beans (2 large cans) 

chicken in water (5-ounce can) 

condensed mincemeat (small jar) 

butter (1 stick) 

Cheddar cheese (8-ounce package) 

pepperoni (1.5 ounces) 

jerky (2 medium strips) 

brown sugar 

vanilla extract 

flour 

baking soda 

salt 

rolled oats 

sweetened condensed milk 

(14 ounces) 

chopped dehydrated onion 

chocolate chips (small package) 

chopped walnuts 

raw cashews 

French bread 

flour tortillas (small package) 

instant brown rice 

Coconut Ginger soup mix 

(1 packet; A Taste of Thai is good) 

dehydrated vegetarian chili mix 

(the mix by Fantastic is good) 

instant hummus 

graham crackers (small box) 

fig bars (small package) 

corn chips (small bag; Fritos is good) 

Goldfish crackers 

pretzels (small bag) 

hard candy, such as cinnamon balls, 

coffee nips, caramels 

malted milk balls 

yogurt-covered raisins 

gorp 

hot sauce (small bottle) 

nut butter (cashew butter is superb) 

quart-size zipper-lock bags (1 box) 

permanent marker (for labeling bags 

with contents and cooking directions) 

oven roasting bags (small box) 

freeze-dried corn (small package; from 

Adventure Foods, 828-497-4113; 

www.adventurefoods.com; 

Backpacker’s Pantry, 800-641-0500; 

www.backpackerspantry.com; or 

Just Tomatoes, Etc., 800-537-1985; 

www.justtomatoes.com) 

FRIDAY, DINNER 

Cashew-Ginger Chicken and Rice 

1 5-ounce can chicken in water 

2 

⁄3 cup raw cashews 

1 cup + 2 tablespoons (2.6 

ounces) freeze-dried corn 

3 tablespoons chopped dehydrated 

onion 

1 1 ⁄2 cups instant brown rice 

6 dried mushrooms, sliced thinly 

1 1-ounce packet Coconut 

Ginger soup mix (or similar Thai 

flavoring or soup mix) 

1 5-ounce can chicken in water 

At home: Spread cashews on a cookie 

sheet and toast at 300°F for 10 minutes. 

Remove from the oven, let cool, then 

store in a zipper-lock plastic bag. 

Combine corn, onion, rice, and mushrooms, 

plus seasoning packet, in a second 

zipper-lock plastic bag. 

In camp: Place bagged corn mixture 

and chicken in a pot and cover with 

water; mix well. Bring to a boil; simmer 5 

minutes (adding more water as needed) 

or until done. Garnish with cashews. 

Serves 2. 

FRIDAY, DESSERT 

Mincemeat Pudding 

6 ounces condensed 

mincemeat 

1 

⁄2 cup chopped walnuts 

In camp: Crumble equal portions of 

mincemeat into 2 insulated cups or 

bowls. Add 1 ⁄3 cup boiling water to each. 

Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir 

equal portions of walnuts into each cup 

before eating. 

Serves 2. 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 

BREAKFAST 

Lemon-Raisin Breakfast Bars 

“Although I generally preach variety,” 

says Miller, “I make an exception here 

because one pan of the breakfast bars 

will serve two people for two breakfasts, 

with a few bars left for the freezer. You’ll 

likely breakfast on one bar at the beginning 

of the trip and two bars further into 

the trip.” 

2 cups raisins 

14 ounces sweetened 

condensed milk 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

1 tablespoon lemon rind 

1 cup butter 

1 1 ⁄3 cups brown sugar 

1 1 ⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1 cup flour 

1 

⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 

1 

⁄2 teaspoon salt 

1 1 ⁄2 cups rolled oats 

1 cup chopped walnuts 

At home: In a saucepan, combine 

raisins, milk, lemon juice, and lemon 

rind. Heat and stir until bubbling, then 

remove from heat to cool slightly. In a 

bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, 

and vanilla extract to make a batter. Stir 

in flour, baking soda, and salt, then add 

oats and walnuts. Press all but 2 cups 

of the batter into a greased 13 × 9-inch 

pan. Spread raisin mixture on top of 

batter to within 1 ⁄2 inch of the edges. 

Sprinkle with dollops of reserved batter; 

press lightly. 

Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, 

or until golden brown. Allow to cool, 

then slice into 12 bars and package 2 

bars per zipper-lock plastic bag. 

Yields 12 bars. 



A d v e r t o r i a l 


RECIPES 

SATURDAY, LUNCH 

Light and Lively 

Here’s a lunch that provides lots of variety, 

but it’s lighter in your stomach than 

Sunday’s lunch. If you’re a big person 

who gets hungry fast, you may want to 

increase these amounts. 

1.5 ounces pepperoni 

1 

⁄2 cup Goldfish crackers 

4 dried pear halves 

2 pieces hard candy 

4 malted milk balls 

3 slices French bread 

1 ounce Cheddar cheese 

1 

⁄2 bell pepper 

2 tablespoons nut butter 

Serves 1. 

SATURDAY, DINNER 

Dorcas’s Trail Chili 

22.5 ounces (1 1 ⁄2 15-ounce cans) 

kidney beans 

1 box dehydrated vegetarian 

chili mix 

1 ounce dry-packed sun-dried 

tomatoes, chopped 

Hot sauce to taste 

2 ounces Cheddar cheese 

30 corn chips 

At home: Drain and rinse kidney beans, 

then dry in dehydrator or oven. Package 

in a zipper-lock plastic bag with chili mix, 

tomatoes, and hot sauce. 

In camp: Pour contents of plastic bag 

in pot with 7 cups water. Stir well. Let 

stand 15 minutes to allow ingredients to 

rehydrate (add water if necessary; ingredients 

shouldn’t be above waterline). 

Bring to a boil and simmer about 5 minutes, 

until ingredients are completely 

hydrated, stirring continuously to prevent 

sticking. Mix 1 ounce cheese into each 

serving, and sprinkle with half of the 

corn chips. 

Serves 2. 

SATURDAY, DESSERT 

S’mores In A Bag 

1 

⁄2 cup crumbled graham 

crackers 

(about 1 1⁄2 crackers) 

1 

⁄4 cup chocolate chips 

1 

⁄4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted 

At home: Combine all ingredients and 

divide evenly into two small oven roasting 

bags. 

In camp: Squeeze as much air from the 

bags as possible. Make sure the bags 

are securely closed and submerge them 

in hot water until the chocolate has 

melted. Remove the bags from the 

water and spoon the contents into 

your mouth. 

Serves 2. 

SUNDAY, LUNCH 

Traditional Filling Fare 

Super-hungry people may want to 

increase the amounts. 

2 flour tortillas, any flavor 

1 

⁄2 cup instant hummus 

2 ounces Cheddar cheese 

4 ounces pretzels 

5 dried peach halves 

2 medium-size strips jerky 

4 fig bars 

1 

⁄4 cup gorp 

2 ounces yogurt-covered raisins 

Serves 1. 

HydroGear 

Hydration Tips 

Millions of Americans each day suffer 

from the effects of dehydration, which include 

frequent tiredness or grogginess when waking up 

or during the day, headaches or lapses in concentration. 

Whether you’re feeling fatigued, looking for ways to improve 

your performance during exercise or trying to maintain a healthy 

lifestyle, keeping hydrated is one of the best ways to accomplish 

these goals. Here are some easy hydration tips to implement in 

your daily life: 

Get on a hydro schedule. Start the day with a glass of 

water when you get up, have at least one more with each meal, 

and then one before going to sleep. 

Take hydro breaks. Mid-afternoon is prime time to break 

for a glass of water, as is before, during, and after any kind of 

exercise. 

Pair caffeinated beverages with a glass of water. 

Since caffeine actually causes dehydration, fight back 

by re-hydrating immediately with a glass of water. 

Keep water within reach. Place HydroGear bottles 

where you’ll have them handy to quench your thirst—in the gym 

bag, briefcase, purse, and car. Keep a bottle at work that can easily 

be refilled. 

Drink fluids before, during, and after exercise. 

Take a HydroGear bottle filled with a sports drink or water 

when working out. 

Drinking plenty of water is the best way to improve your performance 

while exercising. During strenuous exercise, many 

people don’t drink enough water to offset fluid loss. Even if you 

drink enough water to satisfy your thirst, you are only replacing 

about two-thirds of the fluid lost through perspiration. 

For more information, visit www.rubbermaidhydrogear.com. 



TRAIL 

FITNESS 

WISH YOU COULD LEAP TALL MOUNTAINS in a single bound Here’s an exercise 

program designed for backpackers who want to sing the praises 

of wide-open spaces while others are cursing each switchback. 

Imagine it is the first day of spring—winter’s last few flakes are 

melting, flower buds are bursting, and thoughts drift to summer 

backpacking adventures. Imagine hopping gracefully over boulders, 

scrambling up rough trails with ease, stopping to enjoy the view 

without wheezing or panting. Picture yourself springing out of the 

tent each morning, muscles rejuvenated and ready for action. 

The question is: After a winter of sloth, how do you make the transformation 

to surefooted, iron-lunged mountain goat By beginning a yearround 

program that builds strong muscles and aerobic endurance. 

“Getting in shape is important so you can better enjoy your trip, go farther, 

and not feel as if you’re working so hard,” says David Musnick, M.D., 

a sports medicine specialist in Boulder, Colorado, and coauthor of 

Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness (The Mountaineers, 800-553-4453; 

www.backpacker.com/bookstore; $21.95). “Plus, you’ll probably have 

fewer injuries.” 

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to shell out big bucks for a fancy gym 

membership. To stay in tip-top shape, you need only invest half an hour a 

day and employ a few household items. What follows is a get-fit regimen 

created specifically for backpackers by exercise experts who know what it 

takes to haul a pack. Our program is designed for weekend adventurers and 

long-trail crusaders alike. If you’ve been sick or injured and haven’t exercised 

recently, get your doctor’s approval before starting this routine. We 

also include modifications to the base program for those who are either less 

fit (be honest now!) or more advanced. 

Aerobic Conditioning 

Backpacking is all about breathing deeply and moving those legs. So 

make similar aerobic activities, such as walking, running, step aerobics, 

swimming, or cycling, the foundation of your training program. Keep your 

workouts to a low to moderate intensity, since hiking is about maintaining 

a steady pace, not sprinting. That means training at 60 to 70 percent of 

your maximum heart rate. Start and end each workout with a 5-minute 

warm-up and cooldown. 

This basic aerobic conditioning regimen focuses on walking, since that’s 

what you’ll be doing on the trail, and includes: 

■ a 40-minute brisk walk twice a week 

■ a 30-minute brisk walk twice a week 

Six weeks before your first trip, add one long, low-intensity hike on 

walking trails or in hilly areas (to reach 50 to 60 percent of your maximum 

heart rate). Walk no more than half the distance and gain no more than 

half the elevation that you expect to hike on each day of your trip. For 

instance, if you plan to hike 10 miles a day on steep terrain, your walk 

should be no longer than 5 miles on moderate hills. This conservative 

approach builds strength with little risk of injury. 

Rest on 3 nonconsecutive days each week until you add the long hike. 

Then rest on 2. 

For the less fit: Begin walking for 15 or 20 minutes three times a week, 

adding a minute to each walk or cross-training activity until you reach 30 

minutes. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks to reach 30 minutes, then use the basic 

program. 

For the super-fit: Up the 40-minute walk or other activity to 50 minutes. 

You can also add interval training once or twice a week. For instance, 

during your walk, insert four to six 30-second bursts of speedier walking or 

running. Slow down until your heart rate drops and your breathing slows 

to near normal. Repeat. You might also add an easy cross-training activity 

on a rest day. 

For an added challenge, use one of your rest days for an additional 

30-minute fast walk. Add more aggressive intervals of five to seven speedy 

bursts of 60 to 90 seconds each. Also, make your long hike longer each 

week and incorporate up to 75 percent of the elevation gain you’ll face on 

any given day of your trip. Carry trekking poles and a light pack to build 

endurance and upper-body strength. 

Muscle Strengthening 

In your backyard or local park, use household weights and a curb to 

strengthen your hill-climbing, pack-carrying muscles. Which muscles are 

those “The butt, the butt, and the butt,” says Mark Pierce, Dr. Musnick’s 

coauthor and a certified athletic trainer in Bellevue, Washington. Actually, 

he’s referring to all the buttocks-supporting muscles, including those in the 



hips, thighs, and calves, plus your hamstrings and abdominal muscles. 

You’ll also need to work your shoulder and chest muscles. 

These basic exercises will get those muscles in high gear, so add them to 

your regimen three times a week, beginning 6 to 8 weeks before your trip. 

Do two or three sets, performing the most repetitions and using the heaviest 

weights in the first set, then decreasing reps and weight for each following set. 

LUNGES WITH BICEPS CURLS 

A: Stand with your feet apart and in line with your hips while holding a 

weight in each hand with your arms hanging at your sides. B: Step forward 

with one foot, letting your knee bend when the foot lands. Make sure that 

when you land, your bent knee remains over your foot, not in front of it. 

At the same time, flex the opposite arm so that your palm lifts toward your 

shoulder. Push back to a standing position by straightening your knee and 

stepping back as you lower your hand. Repeat on the opposite side. 

SQUATS 

Stand with your feet apart and in line with your hips. Bend your knees 

and lower your buttocks, as if you are going to sit on a chair. Keep your 

back straight, your abs tight, and your knees behind your toes. Squat as low 

as you can while keeping your torso upright and your heels on the floor. 

Return to a standing position. Holding a ball behind your head with both 

hands will help you maintain a straight posture, or push it above your head, 

toward the ceiling, when you squat. 

ASSISTED DIPS 

A: Stand between two chairs with their backs toward you. Put your 

hands on the backs of the chairs and, moving your feet behind you and 

bending your knees, balance on your toes. B: Then lower your weight 

between the chairs by using your chest and arm muscles. If your arms feel 

stressed, put more weight on your toes. Keep your back upright. Push up 

with your chest and arms to return to a standing position. 

STEP-UPS 

Stand facing a curb or low platform. Step up onto it with your right 

foot, lifting your left foot off the ground as you straighten your right knee. 

Place your left foot on the step to finish. Return to the starting position by 

placing your left foot on the ground, then bringing the right foot down. 

You can complete the set’s repetitions with the right foot and then switch 

to the left, or you can alternate sides. 

For the less fit: Start with two strength-training sessions a week, and 

use lighter weights or eliminate them. Add a few more repetitions to compensate 

for less weight. For safety, do squats with a bench or chair in front 

of you, or use ski or trekking poles to support yourself. For step-ups, 

choose a very low curb. For assisted dips, let more of your body weight rest 

on your toes. 

For the super-fit: Lift more weight or add challenges such as stepping 

onto a curb with your front foot for lunges or speeding up the reps. Wear a 

weighted pack. Try unassisted dips by taking your feet off the ground as 

you lower yourself. 

Balance Training 

Imagine gliding along a narrow, ridgeline trail with 60-foot drop-offs, or 

springing from rock to rock in a river crossing, wearing a heavy pack all the 

while. Now imagine tumbling down the mountainside or splashing through 

the river. That’s why you need to work on balance. Here’s the secret: Keep 

your abdominal muscles tight. Complete a selection of these exercises two 

or three times a week in as little as 5 minutes total. 

MULTIDIRECTIONAL LUNGES 

Do lunges as described for muscle strengthening (see facing page), but 

without the handheld weights; keep your hands on your hips instead. This 

time, you’ll step not only forward to lunge, but also to each side (pointing 

your toes in the direction of the lunge) and backward (lowering your buttocks 

as if to squat). Try this on a soft surface like a mat, sand, or thick 

grass; the unstable footing will make your abs work harder. 

CLOCK LEG REACH 

Pretend there’s a clock face drawn on the ground and stand at the center 

of it. Lift one foot off the ground and, without changing the direction 

you’re facing, point with your toes to all of the hours on the clock. 

Alternate directions as you get better, pointing first, for example, at the 10, 

then the 5, then the 2, and finally the 12. Having a partner call numbers 

randomly to catch you off-guard will increase the difficulty. 

SINGLE-LEG STANCE WITH CHOP 

A: Stand on your left leg with your knee 

slightly bent. Clasp your hands and hold 

them above your right shoulder. B: Move 

your clasped hands quickly from right 

shoulder to left hip. Then change sides, 

standing on your right leg and moving your 

clasped hands from your left shoulder to 

your right hip. You can rotate your torso to 

the right and left as your balance improves. 

A 

B 



BALL TOSS 

Stand on one foot with your knee slightly bent and face a partner who also 

is standing on one foot. Toss a ball back and forth, catching it in both hands. 

For balance novices: Skip the ball toss and don’t add spinal rotation 

to the single-leg stance with chop. Keep both feet flat on the floor for the 

clock leg reach and single-leg stance with chop. Stop if you start to feel 

uncomfortable. 

For balance pros: Try lifting yourself onto your toes during the leg 

reach, single-leg stance, and ball toss exercises. Stand on a less firm surface, 

like foam or sand. Hold a child’s ball, medicine ball, or hand weights. Or, 

if you aren’t holding anything, flap your arms to try to unbalance yourself. 

Flexibility Training 

Whether they’re used to hoist your bear bag or pull you over a boulder, 

flexible muscles will do the job, without pulling or straining. All hikers, 

no matter what their level of experience, should stretch at least three times 

a week at home and daily on the trail. Save your flexibility training for the 

end of a workout, when your muscles are warm. Hold each stretch for 

15 to 30 seconds and repeat two to five times. 

ACHILLES TENDONS/ 

CALVES (RIGHT) 

A: Stand facing a wall, and 

press your hands against the wall 

so that your arms are straight and 

at shoulder height. Extend one 

foot behind you, with your heel 

on the ground and your toes facing 

forward. B: Bend your front 

leg while keeping your back leg 

straight. Hold. Then, with your 

front leg still bent, bend your 

back leg, keeping your heel on the 

ground (Tip: Move your back foot 

a little forward). Hold. Relax and 

repeat on the other side. 

BACK 

A 

B 

Get down on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders 

and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale slowly, then tuck in your 

chin, arch your back, and tuck your hips under slightly. Hold. If you’re 

stretching correctly, your back will be in an asymmetrical arch, like a 

Halloween cat. Then exhale and relax your back without relaxing your abs; 

at the same time, lift your chin to look ahead of you (not up) and lift your 

buttocks slightly. Repeat, moving slowly and carefully. 

HAMSTRINGS 

Stand in front of a knee-high, sturdy object. Place the heel of one foot 

on the object, standing tall and keeping both knees straight. If you feel any 

discomfort, look for a lower object. Lean your torso forward (not down!) 

and hold. Switch legs and repeat. 

QUADRICEPS 

Stand a foot or two away from and with your back to a chair back or 

desk. Using your right leg, bend your knee and lift your leg behind you so 

that you can place the top of your foot on the chair back or desk. Tighten 

your buttocks and extend your pelvis slightly forward. Hold, then do the 

same with your left leg. 

Troubleshooting 

Move slowly until you know the limits of your comfortable and pain-free 

range of motion. If something hurts, don’t do it, or modify the routine. Dr. 

Musnick also advises: 

If you have knee problems: Stick to flat surfaces and avoid stepping 

downhill when doing lunges or other stepping exercises. Don’t run downhill 

or descend stairs as a part of a workout. Both lunges and squats will 

strengthen the fronts of your thighs and your buttocks, which can help take 

pressure off your knees. 

If you have back problems: Avoid rotational movements unless your 

doctor has approved them. Take extra care not to twist your back if you use 

a cross-country ski machine. Lift your backpack safely by lowering yourself 

to one knee to swing the pack onto your back; better yet, have a hiking 

partner hoist the pack onto your back. Always keep your abdominal muscles 

tightened for support. Do plenty of balance training to develop strong 

abs, since they support your back muscles. 

If you have ankle problems: Strengthen them with one-leg balances, 

gradually moving to softer surfaces to add to the challenge. 

If you have shoulder problems: Add strengtheners such as assisted 

dips, assisted pull-ups (standing on a chair or having a friend support your 

lower body), and modified push-ups on your knees (supporting your 

weight on your hands and knees instead of on your hands and toes). 



HIKING FARTHER 

LONGER 

YOUR BODY RELAXES, REJUVENATES, AND FINDS a rhythm that frees your 

mind to wander, to escape the confines of everyday life. That’s why 

every hiker who’s ever put tread to trail dreams about staying out a 

few more days, or a week, or (dare we say it) a month. 

But what if you aren’t quite ready to jump to the next level Sure, 

the desire is there, but maybe you lack the skills or confidence. No worries. 

If you’re a beginner, this primer will identify the gear, techniques, and 

smarts needed to conquer overnight outings. If you’re anxious to stretch 

weekends into weeklong adventures, we’ll help you get there. The same 

goes for those thinking about a thru-hike. 

[Quick Tip] 

How to Poop in 

the Woods 

New campers have been 

known to “hold it” for an entire 

weekend, but that’s neither 

comfortable nor healthy. Here’s 

how to relieve the burden. 

Number 1: Urinate as far from 

trails, campsites, and fragile 

plant life as possible. 

Number 2: Use outhouses or 

designated pit toilets where 

they exist. Otherwise, use a 

trowel to dig a “cathole” 4 to 

6 inches across and 4 to 8 

inches deep at least 200 feet 

from water sources, trails, and 

campsites. Make a deposit, 

then cover it with soil. Doublebag 

and pack out TP and feminine-hygiene 

products. 

Granted, we can’t answer every question 

you’ll have. But some of the best lessons 

are learned by making mistakes. Get 

out there, have fun, and start racking up 

your personal experiences. 

Basics for the 

weekend 

Spending your first night camped deep 

in the woods can be a daunting proposition, 

what with all the gear to wrangle, 

the food, map, and hygiene questions, 

and the carnivorous beasts licking their 

chops at the edge of camp. But don’t fret. 

With the tips that follow, you’ll stay dry, 

well fed, and well rested, and you won’t 

get eaten. We hope. 

Overnight pack: An internal frame 

model with a capacity of 2,500 to 3,200 

cubic inches, or almost any external 

frame pack—$100 and up. 

Shelter and ground cloth: A basic, 

three-season tent with a waterproof rainfly; 

the weight is about 3 pounds per person. 

Use an old shower curtain liner or a 

scrap of Tyvek house wrap for a ground 

cloth—$125 and up. 

Sleeping bag: Down or synthetic fill, 

semi-rectangular or mummy with a 

hood, rated to at least 30°F and weighing 

less than 4 pounds—$90 and up. 

Stove: A lightweight backpacking 

stove to reduce your impact on the land 

and ensure quick, hassle-free meals—$25 

and up. 

Clothing: “Must haves” include waterproof 

rainwear (a jacket with a hood is 

best, but a poncho will do), synthetic 

long underwear, and synthetic or wool 

hat, gloves, and sweater. Avoid cotton! 

—$150 and up. 

WHERE TO CAMP 

Keep your tent, kitchen, and hygiene 

areas separated so strange smells don’t 

attract nocturnal visitors to your shelter. 

Camp well away from water and trails to 

reduce impact. 

THE MENTAL GAME 

Beginners can boost their confidence by remembering these two rules: 

1. Everybody gets worn out, so don’t feel like a failure if you can 

hardly lift a spoon by day’s end. Still, you can prepare your shoulders, back, 

and legs for the rigors ahead with some pre-trip exercises (see page 24). 

2. Everybody forgets something. Part of the fun of backpacking is 

improvising or learning to do without. 

Beginner’s Guide to GPS 

Its full, unglamorous name is the Global Positioning System. Launched 

by the U.S. military in 1990, GPS is a network of 24 Global Positioning 

Satellites that orbit the globe, beaming radio signals back to earth to 

receivers in cars, boats, planes, and hikers’ hands. 



HOW DOES IT WORK 

After acquiring radio signals from three or more satellites, a GPS receiver 

can triangulate your position and display it on-screen as a set of Latitude/ 

Longitude or UTM coordinates. (UTM is a reference grid that divides 

topographic maps into 1km squares for easy plotting; it’s fast replacing 

Lat/Long as the standard for modern land navigation.) Once it picks up 

four or more satellites, you get your position in three dimensions, including 

altitude. It’s the world’s most precise way to navigate. A hiker’s unit has a 

margin of error of between 30 and 3 meters, depending on the model; military 

and professional survey versions are accurate down to 3 feet or closer. 

WILL IT HELP ME 

GPS will tell you exactly where you are at all times, regardless of visibility, 

as long as your unit is turned on and has acquired satellite signals. Or 

you can use it like a sighting compass. Following an arrow on your screen 

that looks like the real thing. 

The coolest tool in GPS is the waypoint, a digital version of a trail sign. 

A waypoint is, well, a point on the earth’s surface—a trailhead, a waterfall, 

a restaurant, your home—whose coordinates your GPS will save at the 

touch of a button. Here’s what waypoints can do for you: 

Help you explore off-trail. What’s beyond that ridge Wander right 

over, storing waypoints as you go to create a virtual trail for the way back. 

Or draw a cross-country route on your computer for a 30-mile loop in 

Denali, download it to your GPS, and 

[Quick Tip] 

follow the blinking arrow from waypoint 

to waypoint. 

Stay Hydrated 

Water weighs 2 pounds per 

quart, so you’ll want to carry 

only enough to get you to the 

next source. Here’s how to 

manage your liquid assets. 

■ Check maps and guidebooks 

and consult rangers 

about water availability. 

■ Drink half a quart of water an 

hour, or twice that if you’re 

sweating profusely. Tank up 

as soon as you get into 

camp. 

Remember points of interest. Want 

to save the location of the secret fishing 

hole, campsite, or food cache Just hit the 

waypoint button; most units store at least 

500 of them. 

Follow routes. Download waypoint 

collections from a computer to share 

hikes with friends or explore a park 

you’ve never visited on a route you 

designed online. 

Get found. With fresh batteries and 

some practice, you can’t stay lost. Just 

clock to your unit’s Go To page, and 

select the “trailhead” waypoint (you saved 

it, right If not, you can move the GPS 

map cursor over the position 

where your track 

started to create it) for the 

route back to your car. 

But wait, there’s more. 

Many units come with 

altimeter, barometer, and 

clock. And all of them can 

crunch data on time and 

distance. 

■ Learn your average 

travel speed, estimated 

time to camp, vertical 

gain or loss, and exact 

3D trail mileage. 

■ Back home, plot your 

route on an aerial photograph, 

create an elevation 

profile, or plug 

your numbers into fitness-training 

software 

that analyzes each 

workout. 

WHAT GPS CAN DO 

■ Provide an exact geographic 

fix that can be 

plotted precisely on a 

map. 

■ Tell you the straightline 

distance and 

direction to your 

destination. 

■ Record the day’s travel 

as a “track,” creating a 

highly accurate breadcrumb 

trail you can 

reverse and follow 

home or transfer to 

a computer. 

1A 12-parallel channel WAAS-enabled 

receiver. This feature helps your unit locate your 

position faster and more accurately, even with 

difficult terrain or tree cover. 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

GPS Buyer’s Guide 

What you want in a handheld GPS: 

Waterproof housing. You need GPS most 

when the weather is nasty. 

Long battery life, plus power-saving options. 

A big, bright screen. Compact models are 

swell, but a readable display—and backlight—is 

a blessing in a blinding storm or dim light. 

The ability to download topo maps, and the 

memory (at least 20 MB) to hold them. 

Ample waypoint storage. Most models hold 

at least 500. 

7Multiple datum capability. (A datum is the 

geographical information used to create a map.) 

If you plan to use your GPS in combination with 

printed maps, the survey datums need to 

match. Survey datums are listed at the bottom 

left of most printed quads; two common ones 

are 1927 and 1984. 

8 

Bearing and distance to next waypoint. Also 

called a “GoTo,” this feature is a seeing-eye dog 

and a breadcrumb trail wrapped into one cool 

feature. 



■ Tell your altitude within 30 feet. 

■ Provide detailed trip information, such as mileage, speed, and elevation 

gain. 

■ Warn of topographical roadblocks like rivers and deep canyons, as 

long as you’ve loaded topo maps onto the unit. 

WHAT IT CAN’T DO 

■ Provide enough map detail to plan long-distance routes or navigate 

through tricky terrain. 

■ Warn of detours due to recently rerouted trails, fallen bridges, or 

natural disasters. 

■ Replace basic navigation skills. You still need to know how to use 

a magnetic compass, read a topo map, and plot your route through 

terrain. 

From Weekender to Weeklong Hiker 

You’ve mastered the quick, 3-day escape to the state park down the road, 

and now you’re drooling over a faraway 50-miler. Our advice: Start saving 

your frequent flier miles, and study the tips below to prepare mind, body, 

and gear for the challenges of a long, rugged hike. 

Pack: Capacity of 4,500 to 6,000 cubic inches—$140 and up. 

Clothing: Two pairs of wool or synthetic socks (plus two pairs of synthetic 

liners, if you use them), an extra set of synthetic long underwear, and 

a waterproof/ breathable rainjacket—$250 and up. 

First-aid kit: Should include prescription medications, blister treatment, 

bandages, a full-size SAM splint, one roll of 1-inch-by-10-yard cloth tape, 

ibuprofen—$25 and up. 

Boots: Supportive, all-leather uppers and minimal seams for maximum 

waterproofness—$125 and up. 

PICK YOUR DESTINATION 

To find your ideal 5-day trail, consult Web sites (www.backpacker.com to 

start with), local bookstores, and trail clubs. After you get some leads, call the 

land-management agency and ask the backcountry rangers for information. 

ROAM AT WILL 

Free yourself from well-trodden trails by learning how to use a map and 

compass. Here’s a start: 

1. From your local outdoors store, buy a compass and a 1:24,000 

scale (7.5-minute series) topographic map that covers your neighborhood 

or a nearby park. Or, get the map from the U.S. Geological Survey, 

>>> 

800-ASK-USGS; http://ask.usgs.gov. 

2. Take the map and compass to an outdoors spot you can identify 

on the map. The more hills, rivers, and other geographic features you can 

see around you, the better. 

Lighten Up 

Ideally, your pack should weigh 25 to 30 percent of your total body weight. 

With the exception of a first-aid kit, basic repair kit, compass, and spare clothes, 

leave behind gear you won’t use every day. For example: 

Use... 

Instead of bringing... 

Wool socks 

Pot gripper, mittens 

Single-blade knife 

Multitool 

“Spork” (fork/spoon combo) 

Fork and spoon 

Large bandanna 

Cooking-water strainer, prefilter for mucky 

water, washcloth, pot gripper, hat, bandage/sling 

Mug or bowl 

Mug and bowl 

3. Account for the difference between magnetic north (where your 

compass points) and true north (where your map is oriented to). Here’s 

one way: 

A. With the compass set to 0 degrees, lay one long side of the 

compass against the MN line. 

B. Rotate the whole map, with the compass still sitting along the 

MN line, so that the compass needle is pointing to north, or 0 degrees. 

Now your map is properly oriented with the landscape. You’ll need to do 

this every time you must accurately read the map, no matter where you are. 

4. Note how the contours of the map reflect the landscape around 

you: Tightly spaced contour lines mean steep drops; wide spaces mean 

meadows or other flat areas; closed loops in the contours indicate hills or 

peaks. 

5. Draw a route on your map, then walk it, comparing what you see 

on the map with the terrain as you pass through it. 



6. Practice this until you can look at the map, visualize the terrain, and 

reach a destination using your map and compass. 

BEFORE THE TRIP 

■ Check that all seams exposed to weather are taped. If they aren’t, use a 

commercial seam sealer to waterproof tents and rainwear. Revitalize 

water-repellency treatment on tired raingear and pack covers. 

■ Line your sleeping bag’s stuff sack or your entire pack with a 

garbage bag. 

■ Seal everything—first-aid kit, maps, extra clothes, food, sleeping 

pad—in doubled zipper-lock plastic bags. 

>>> 

High-Energy Eats 

Sports nutritionists and backcountry-food experts agree that for hikes of up to 1 week 

long, a diet of energy-rich carbohydrates with smaller percentages of protein and fat— 

about a 40:30:30 ratio—is best. Choose dried and lightweight foods like pasta over prepared, 

weighty foods like that super-size can of beef stew. Check the chart below for 

other suggestions. 

Carbs (40% of diet) Protein (30%) Fat (30%) 

bagels canned tuna or chicken cheese 

tortillas peanut butter nuts and nut butters 

dried fruits and vegetables cheese chocolate and other candies 

pasta beans olive and canola oils 

rice beef, chicken, or fish jerky beef, chicken, or fish jerky 

oatmeal salami, summer sausage salami, summer sausage 

granola as cereal or bars nonfat powdered milk cookies 

instant mashed potatoes lentils tofu 

DURING THE TRIP 

■ Look for sheltered camping spots away from drainages on the lee side 

of hills or bushes, or in a grove of trees. 

■ Get dressed and store wet gear in your tent’s vestibule. Use a bandanna 

to mop up any droplets that sneak inside that inner sanctum. 

■ Keep your sense of humor. Invent or play tent games, write in a journal, 

or make up songs about the rain. You’ll be back to the dry life 

soon enough. 

ATTITUDE CHECK 

Longer and more demanding trips tax body and spirit, so take extra care 

to keep both healthy. 

■ Plan for easy days at the beginning, then add more miles as you get 

stronger. 

■ Make sure someone at home knows your trip plan, then stick to it. 

Before the trip, identify an emergency bailout route midway along 

your route. 

■ Prevent group dissension by making certain before you go that all 

members of the group know their responsibilities. Assign tasks and 

write down who’s responsible for the tent, meals, maps and permits, 

and so on. 

■ If you start to feel angry with a hiking partner, walk by yourself for 

a while. 

■ Know when to modify your plans. Weather, fatigue, and mishaps add 

stress that can ruin a trip if you insist on meeting a difficult goal. 

From Weeklong to Long-Distance 

Stay out for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or longer, and you strip life down to its 

essence: food, water, warmth, great scenery. Here’s how to enjoy—and survive—the 

added blessings and rigors of a long hike. 

MAKE IT LAST 

Nothing tests the life span of backpacking equipment like a few months 

on the trail. Here what’s to expect in terms of wear and tear. 

Boots: Long-trail thru-hikers report that sturdy, all-leather boots last (on 

average) 1,000 to 1,500 miles before needing to be resoled. Lightweight, 

fabric-leather boots, trail shoes, and running shoes last 400 to 1,000 miles. 

Break in at least two pairs of footwear before your trip so one pair’s ready to 

ship to you if you need a replacement. Include waterproofing treatment for 

leather boots in resupply boxes. 

Pack: One study of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers found that roughly 40 

percent had to have their packs repaired or replaced along the way. 

Examine the pack you plan to take for likely wear spots—like straps rubbing 

on hard plastic edges and heavily stressed small-gauge zippers—and 

evaluate how easy on-trail replacement or repair of the parts would be. 

Inspect your pack for wear periodically along the trail, and consider carrying 

spare buckles or clevis pins (for external frame packs), as well as duct 

tape and upholstery thread with a heavy-duty needle. 



Stove: Field-repairable 

stoves, typically those that 

use white gas, are best for 

long-distance hikes. 

Practice cleaning and 

maintaining the stove, and 

carry the manufacturer’s 

repair kit with you. 

Water filter: If this is 

your chosen method of 

de-bugging, opt for a cartridge 

that can be cleaned 

or replaced in the field. It’s 

a good idea to carry a 

chemical solution or 

tablets as a backup. 

Clothing: Socks will 

need replacing; pack a 

new pair for every 300 

miles. Clothing will last 

longer and wick better if 

it’s rinsed every few days 

in a cook pot or large zipper-lock 

bag away from 

water sources. Take advantage 

of self-service laundries 

whenever possible. 

PLANNING FOR 

RESUPPLY 

Big hikes come in two 

flavors: those using trails 

that pass near towns (like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails) and 

those on paths that don’t (like many remote Western trails and any off-trail 

adventure). Here’s how to get supplies when you don’t have a mailbox. 

Town-based resupply 

■ At home, prepare boxes of goodies to ship to towns along your route. 

■ Plan to resupply every 7 to 10 days of hiking. Make two lists of each 

box’s contents, one for you to carry and another for inside the box. 

■ Consult guidebooks, Web sites, and other hikers for the best drop 

locations—towns, hostels, etc. When shipping to a post office, 

address the box to yourself at “General Delivery” in the town, making 

sure to include the correct zip code. Write “Hold for (your trail 

name) hiker” prominently on the box, whether it’s going to a post 

office or a private address. 

■ Give a trusted family member or friend a list of when each box needs 

to be mailed (8 to 10 days in advance of your anticipated arrival at 

the drop point). Leave later boxes unsealed so last-minute additions 

and subtractions can be made according to your requests from the 

trail. 

Backcountry resupply 

■ Scout locations ahead of time for likely food and, if necessary, water 

caches. 

■ Store nonperishable supplies in a wire mesh “Baxter Bag”, and stash 

the bag under rock piles at resupply points several days to a couple of 

weeks before your hike. 

■ If you’ll be deep in the bush (Alaska, for instance), hire a bush pilot to 

drop your resupply caches along your 

route, preferably close to your anticipated 

arrival time. 

■ After the hike, collect your containers 

from the cache points. 

AND ON THE 7TH DAY, REST 

No matter how fit you are, your body— 

and possibly your mind, depending on the 

obstacles you face along the way—needs 

occasional breaks to rejuvenate. Chris 

Townsend, author of The Advanced 

Backpacker and an international hiking veteran 

whose 20,000 backpacking miles 

include solo treks of the Continental 

Divide Trail and the Canadian Rockies, 

plans a rest day for every 7 to 10 days of 

hiking. Resupply points make good rest 

stops since they often have entertainment 

or hot showers. 

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE 

Making the transition from shortdistance 

to long-distance hiker can be 

difficult. Appalachian Trail thru-hikers 

Weight-Saving 

Tips 

Pack: For trips with frequent 

resupply points, using a nofrills 

4,000-cubic-inch pack 

saves up to 3 pounds. 

Water filter: Leave the filter at 

home and use iodine tablets to 

save a pound or more. 

Sleeping pad: Give up the 

puffy, full-length self-inflater for 

a 3 ⁄4-length closed-cell foam 

pad that will lighten your load 

by 2 pounds. 

Clothing: If you trade in your 

hiking pants and shorts for trail 

pants with zip-off legs, you’ll 

save up to 6 ounces. 

Tent: Instead of your twoperson 

tent, take a tarp or bivy 

to save from 2 to 5 pounds. 



offer the following practical and metaphysical suggestions: 

Cultivate a flexible, positive attitude. Yeah, this sounds as basic as 

wearing shoes, but anecdotal observations of failed thru-hikes point to a 

negative, complaining mindset as being the biggest culprit next to physical 

injury. 

Having a bad day or week Take off a day to loll by a stream, get 

a shower in town, or write in your journal. Stopping to examine what’s 

bothering you can be an opportunity to uncover important motivations 

you didn’t know existed. 

Lonely Finding the miles monotonous Team up with another thruhiker 

and pass the hours in conversation. Linger in huts and friendly towns 

to soak up some sociability, or immerse yourself in your surroundings and 

the simplicity and freedom of the experience. 

Just as hard is the transition from long-distance hiker to civilian after 

months on the trail: 

■ Accept that you will have changed, and don’t expect everything to be 

the same as when you left. 

■ If possible, take a month or more off before jumping back into fulltime 

work or school. 

■ “Relax and enjoy your adjustment problems,” advises AT thru-hiker 

Jim “Bald Eagle” Owen. “At least you’ll know you’re alive and growing.” 

MORE INFORMATION 

■ The Advanced Backpacker: A Handbook For Year-Round, Long-Distance 

Hiking, by Chris Townsend (McGraw-Hill, 800-352-3566; $18.95) 

■ Beyond Backpacking, by Ray Jardine (AdventureLore Press, 

800-247-6553; $19.95) 


Ultimate Gear List - what to take for what kind of trip 

Clothing Visit backpacker.com for terrain-specific gear lists. 

Three- High Snow/ Rain- Hot/ Swamp 

▫ = Gear You Need season mountain winter forest desert 

Outerwear 

waterproof/breathable jacket ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

waterproof/breathable pants ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

insulated parka ▫ ▫ 

fleece jacket or wool sweater ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

fleece pants ▫ ▫ 

waterproof gaiters ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

synthetic hiking pants ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

synthetic shorts ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

Base Layer 

expedition-weight long john top 

▫ 

expedition-weight long john bottoms 

▫ 

midweight long john top ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

midweight long john bottoms ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

long sleeve T-shirt ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

synthetic briefs ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

synthetic sports bra ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

synthetic T-shirt ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

cotton T-shirt ▫ ▫ 

Accessories 

wool or fleece hat ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

balaclava ▫ ▫ 

midweight wool or fleece gloves ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

heavyweight wool or fleece mittens 

▫ 

synthetic liner gloves ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

waterproof overmitts ▫ ▫ 

Footwear 

waterproof hiking boots ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

camp footwear ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

wool or synthetic socks (3) ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

liner socks (2) ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

insulated camp booties 

▫ 

Extras 

sun hat ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

rain hat ▫ ▫ 

bandanna ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 


Ultimate Gear List - what to take for what kind of trip 

Gear 

Three- High Snow/ Rain- Hot/ Swamp 

▫=Gear You Need season mountain winter forest desert 

internal or external frame backpack ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

screen tent or tarp ▫ ▫ 

three-season tent ▫ ▫ 

convertible or four-season tent ▫ ▫ 

synthetic sleeping bag 10° to 40°F 30°to 50°F 

down sleeping bag 15° to 30°F -30° to 20°F -30° to 0°F 20°to 50°F 

inflatable sleeping pad ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

closed-cell foam sleeping pad ▫ ▫ ▫ 

trekking poles ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

white gas stove and fuel bottles ▫ ▫ 

canister stove and fuel canisters ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

lighter and waterproof matches ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

cookset ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

cookset w/heat exchanger 

▫ 

eating utensils, bowl, ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

and insulated mug 

headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

32 oz. water bottles (2) ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

water bottle parkas (2) ▫ ▫ 

water treatment ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

(filter, tablets, or drops) 

pocket knife or multitool ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

compass ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

sunglasses ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

first-aid kit with personal medications ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

chemical heat packs ▫ ▫ 

stuff sacks ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

assorted zipper-lock bags ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

bear-bagging rope (or canister) ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

insect repellent ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

mesh head net or suit ▫ ▫ ▫ 

sunscreen (spf 15+) ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

lip balm (spf 15+) ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

toilet paper and trowel ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ 

pee bottle ▫ ▫ 


BUILDSKILLS 

& VOLUNTEER 

Education Programs 

The Colorado Outward Bound 

School 

www.cobs.org 

Colorado Youth Corps 

Association 

www.cyca.org 

First Lead 

www.firstlead.com 

Hurricane Island Outward 

Bound School 

www.hurricaneisland.org 

Leave No Trace 

www.lnt.org 

National Outdoor Leadership 

School 

www.nols.edu 

North Carolina Outward Bound 

School 

www.ncobs.org 

Northwest Youth Corps 

www.nwyouthcorps.org 

Outward Bound 

www.outwardbound.com 

Outward Bound West 

www.outwardboundwest.org 

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps 

www.youthcorps.org 

SOLO 

www.soloschools.com 

Vermont Youth Conservation 

Corps 

www.vycc.org 

Voyageur Outward Bound 

School 

www.vobs.org 

Wilderness Medical Associates 

www.wildmed.com 

Wilderness First Aid 

www.wfa.net 

Lend Your Support 

The Access Fund 

www.accessfund.org 

Amercian Wildlands 

www.wildlands.org 

Big City Mountaineers 

www.bigcitymountaineers.org 

Bluewater Network 

www.bluewaternetwork.org 

Boy Scouts of America 

www.scouting.org 

California Wilderness Coalition 

www.calwild.org 

Colorado Wild 

www.coloradowild.org 


The Conservation Alliance 

www.conservationalliance.com 

American Hiking Society 

www.americanhiking.org 

Green Mountain Club 

www.greenmountainclub.org 

Smoky Mountains Hiking Club 

www.esper.com/smhc 

The Donate A Pack Foundation 

adventure16.com/discover/dap 

Girl Scouts of the USA 

www.girlscouts.org 

Land Trust Alliance 

www.lta.org 

National Audubon Society 

www.audubon.org 

National Parks Conservation 

Association 

www.npca.org 

Predator Conservation Alliance 

www.predatorconservation.org 

Trails and Open Space Coalition 

of the Pikes Peak Region 

www.trailsandopenspaces.org 

The Trust for Public Land 

www.tpl.org 

Utah Open Lands 

www.utahopenlands.org 

The Wilderness Society 

www.wilderness.org 

Volunteer 

Alabama Hiking Trail Society 

www.alabamatrail.com 

Alabama Trails Association 

www.alabamatrailsasso.org 

The American Alpine Club 

www.americanalpineclub.org 

American Discovery Trail 

www.discoverytrail.org 

American Long Distance Hikers 

Association West (ALDHA 

WEST) 

www.aldhawest.org 

Appalachian Long Distance 

Hikers Association (ALDHA) 

www.aldha.org 

Appalachian Mountain Club 

www.outdoors.org 

Appalachian Trail Conference 

www.appalachiantrail.org 

Arizona Trail Association 

www.aztrail.org 

Buckeye Trail Association 

www.buckeyetrail.org 

Cohos Trail 

www.cohostrail.org 

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative 

www.coloradofourteeners.org 

The Colorado Mountain Club 

www.cmc.org 

The Colorado Trail Foundation 

www.coloradotrail.org 

Continental Divide Trail Alliance 

www.cdtrail.org 

Continental Divide Trail Society 

www.cdtsociety.org 

Florida Trail Association 

www.florida-trail.org 

Georgia Appalachian Trail Club 

www.georgia-atclub.org 

The High Sierra Volunteer 

Trail Crew 

www.trailcrew.org 

Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation 

www.iceagetrail.org 

International Appalachian Trail 

www.internationalat.org 

Maine Appalachian Trail Club 

www.matc.org 

Mountains to Sea Trail 

www.ncmst.org 

New Mexico Volunteers 

for the Outdoors 

www.nmvfo.org 

New York-New Jersey 

Trail Conference 

www.nynjtc.org 

North Country Trail Association 

www.northcountrytrail.org 

Pacific Crest Trail Association 

www.pcta.org 

Pacific Northwest Trail 

www.pnt.org 

The Potomac Appalachian 

Trail Club 

www.patc.net 

The San Diego Sea to Sea 

Trail Foundation 

www.seatoseatrail.org 

Sierra Club 

www.sierraclub.org 

Superior Hiking Trail Association 

www.shta.org 

Tahoe Rim Trail 

www.tahoerimtrail.org 

Tennessee Trails Association 

www.tennesseetrails.org 

Trans Canada Trail 

www.tctrail.ca 

Volunteers for Outdoor 

Colorado 

www.voc.org 

Washington Trails Association 

www.wta.org 

Wilderness Volunteers 

www.wildernessvolunteers.org 

Resources 

American Trails 

www.americantrails.org 

Rails to Trails Conservancy 

www.millenniumtrails.org 

Trail Finder 

www.backpacker.com/destinations 



PRINCIPLESOF 

LEAVE NOTRACE 

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE 

a. Know the regulations and special concerns for the 

area you’ll visit. 

b. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. 

c. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. 

d. Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4 to 6. 

e. Repackage food to minimize waste. 

f. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock 

cairns, or flagging. 

2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES 

a. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, 

dry grasses, or snow. 

b. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and 

streams. 

c. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. 

In popular areas: 

i. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. 

ii. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. 

iii. Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is 

absent. 

In pristine areas: 

iv. Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. 

v. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. 

3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY 

a. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or 

spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. 

b. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 

200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole 

when finished. 

c. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. 

d. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from 

streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter 

strained dishwater. 

4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND 

a. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures 

and artifacts. 

b. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them. 

c. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. 

d. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. 

5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS 

a. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight 

stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. 

b. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, 

or mound fires. 

c. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken 

by hand. 

d. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then 

scatter cool ashes. 

6. RESPECT WILDLIFE 

a. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. 

b. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural 

behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. 

c. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. 

d. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. 

e. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, 

or winter. 

7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS 

a. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. 

b. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. 

c. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. 

d. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. 

e. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

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