Backpacking Checklist
A backpacking checklist is usually about the "stuff."
Good equipment is nice to have, but even with the best gear you
can get into trouble in the wilderness. You might have matches
and the latest fire starters, but still not be able to get that
fire going. It takes more than good gear to assure a safe and
enjoyable trip. Towards that end, then, this is a list of
skills you should have or learn.
1. Navigation. Contrary to what many
novices think, a compass doesn't tell you where you are. For
that matter, a map doesn't either, if you don't know how to use
it. Practice close to home if you can't yet use both of these
easily. Do the same with your GPS unit.
2. Staying warm. There are tricks to
staying warm. Shed layers as you get warm, for example, so you
don't have sweat to chill you later. Use wind-blocking shell
clothing, and wear a hat. Eating fatty foods before sleeping
can keep you warmer.
3. Pitching a tent. Pitch your tent or tarp
wrong and the rain will come in, or the wind will tear the
seams. They need to be pitched tight, and you should be able to
do it in a few minutes. Practice in the yard.
4. Cooking over a fire. Making soup over a
small fire is not as easy as it seems. Cover the pan, block the
wind, and keep the fire small and concentrated. Time yourself
when you practice. You don't have to rush normally, but speed
can be important in some situations, and it's always possible
your stove will break.
5. Identifying edible plants. Learning to
identify three or four wild edible berries can make a trip more
enjoyable. Learning to identify cattails and one or two other
good survival food plants can be very helpful, especially if
you ever lose your food to a bear.
6. Walking. If you pace yourself and learn
how to move comfortably over rocky terrain, you'll be less
tired, and less likely to twist an ankle. Tighten those laces,
too.
7. Understanding animals. Is the bear
"bluff charging" or stalking you? The latter means you'll be
the bear's supper if you play dead. A clue: making a lot of
noise usually means he just wants to frighten you (a "bluff
charge"), but you need to read up on this one.
8. Sky reading. Are those just clouds, or a
lightning storm coming? It would be good to know when you're on
a high ridge. In the rockies, afternoon thunderstorms are the
norm in summer. Learn about the weather patterns of an area,
and the basics of predicting weather, and you'll be a lot
safer.
9. Basic first aid. What are the symptoms
of hypothermia? Stumbling and slurred speech are a couple of
them. How do you properly treat blisters? You can use duct tape
if you don't have moleskin. These and other basics are good
things to know.
10. Firemaking. Start practicing in your
yard. Try to start that fire with one match. Also try it the
next time it's raining. Get in the habit of collecting dry
tinder before the rain comes. Learn what things burn even when
wet, like birch bark and pine sap.
This last one can be one of the more important skills in an
emergency. Experts can start a fire in almost any
circumstances, but you don't need to be an expert in wilderness
survival to enjoy a safe hiking trip. For a safer, more
enjoyable trip, just do the best you can, and start checking
off the skills on this backpacking checklist.
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight
backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free
book can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com
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