10 Backpacking Skills
Have you ever had a backpacking trip
that was a disaster - even though you brought everything you
needed? Maybe you had matches, but couldn't get that fire
going. You need more than good gear to assure a safe and
enjoyable wilderness experience. You need to know how to do a
few things, and the following list will get you
started.
- Learn firemaking. Practice in your yard if you
have to, but try to start that fire with one match. Try it
the next time it's raining too.
- Learn to pitch a tent. Do it wrong and the rain
will come in, or the the wind will tear the seams. Tents
should be pitched tight, and you should be able to set your
tent up in a few minutes.
- Learn how to stay warm. Practice camping in the
yard, to see how blocking the wind, wearing a hat, and
eating fatty foods before sleeping can keep you
warmer.
- Learn to cook over a fire. It's not as easy as
it seems. Block the wind, cover the pan, keep the fire
small and concentrated. Practice, and time yourself. Faster
is better in a jam, and it's always possible your stove
will break.
- Learn about edible plants. Knowing how to
identify cattails and three or four wild edible berries can
make a trip more enjoyable, especially if you ever lose
your food to a bear.
- Learn how to walk. Learning how to pace yourself
and how to move comfortably over rocky terrain means you'll
be less tired, and less likely to twist an ankle.
- Learn about animals. Can you tell if a bear is
"bluff charging" or stalking you? If it's the latter,
playing dead will make you a bear's supper. Hint: lots of
noise usually means he just wants to frighten you, but you
need to read up on this one.
- Learn to watch the sky. Is that a lightning
storm coming or not? It might be useful to know when you're
on that ridge. Learn the basics of predicting weather, and
you'll be a lot safer.
- Learn basic first aid. Can you recognize the
symptoms of hypothermia? Do you know how to properly treat
blisters? Good things to know.
- Learn navigation. Maps don't help if you don't
know how to use them. The same is true for compasses
You don't need to be an expert in wilderness survival to
enjoy a safe hiking trip. It can help to know a little more
though. Use the backpacking skills list above, and learn
something new.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of
ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at
http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com
Learn to Backpack |
Deals on Backpacking Gear |
Hiking &
Trekking Vacations
|