The first time we went backpacking we took on a daunting 60 mile trip over the course of 4 days. We had practiced every weekend for months and upped our mileage with full pack weight so we knew we could handle it. That still didn't prepare me for what was to come.
We practiced in Afton State Park in MN which is on the bluffs of a river. We thought that would be close enough terrain to the North Shore and the Superior Hiking Trail we would be trekking later that summer. I was so very wrong. The terrain of the North Shore was way more challenging and we found our pace slowed significantly through all the ups and downs of the ridge lines and never ending huge climbs. Gaining and dropping thousands of feet over a half mile definitely tested us.
We were as prepared as we could be and came back having learned many lessons and ways to better our bodies and packs.
After now hiking hundreds of miles, we have a good system down. And you will too!
All you have to do is get to the trail!
You Need To Practice
It's just walking right? You wish. We've seen a lot of what we're calling the "Wild" effect in the woods lately. People are inspired by the candid words of Cheryl Strayed and are flocking to the woods to try it too. We're so excited people are falling in love with the outdoors again but we caution that you need to be prepared. We have too many times come across injured hikers or over nighters who forgot vital items and have given away our own so they don't suffer later.
The best thing you can do for yourself and other fellow hikers is to train. Go some where with challenging terrain - a state park or the trail itself - and practice a few miles at a time with your equipment. You will learn quickly how fast you can go, how freaking heavy your pack is (and you'll start cutting items mentally before you get home), and how hungry/thirsty you are.
If you catalog these items you'll have a great feeling on how your first backpacking trip will go. It's not only physically preparing yourself and getting in shape but getting a feel for your equipment as well. We advise you to set up your tent in the day and nighttime, to use your water filter before hand, and test your rain gear. You'll also save yourself the blunder of being miles from the trail and having the realization you forgot toilet paper.
Do Your Research
All trails are not created equal. You may find terrain only cities apart to be completely different topographically. You could go from flat hot prairie to deep bug infested woods to open face cliffs and vertical drops. The temperature can change in an instant as can those far off rain clouds.
Beyond the terrain it's important to know how many miles apart campsites, parks, and (if you're doing long distance) cities are apart. This could greatly change the layout of your trip. Also, knowing where roads cross the trail is very important in case of an emergency.
Guide books are there for a reason so utilize them best you can. Copy or tear out the pages you need if you're worried about weight but hold onto the important parts that could save your life.
Know Your Limits
Even fit runners don't do marathons with 40 pound packs on; and if they do, they're Marines. You need to know how physically fit you are and how many miles you can sanely go with the weight of a second grade child strapped to you. At first saying 10 miles isn't bad, right? Sure anyone can walk 10 miles in 10 hours - that's a snail pace! That's not taking into account the elevation you'll be gaining and dropping, stopping to filter water, eat, pee, or take a picture break. Also, overall exhaustion. Carrying all that extra weight is hard on your body - your knees will hurt, your feet will ache, your shoulders will be screaming but if you know when far is far enough then you can take your pack off and enjoy the rest of the day at camp.
Don't Buy Everything At Once
If it's your first time hiking you don't need to buy everything off checklists you read online. The upfront cost would be thousands. That type of investment is tough to make especially for a hobby like hiking - which you might hate. Borrow anything you can from friends and pick up some low cost investment items that you can't borrow.
REI has an awesome section of used items that didn't work out for someone else. Maurina's pack, sleeping bag, and Blake's jacket are from the discounted section. They all work great and were half the cost.
There's also many programs where you can rent equipment - REI having one of the best. You can rent items for a week to test the quality or to see if you even like the sport and return when you're done. Low investment and no hassle in trying to find everything on the rack.
You Will Over Pack
Don't be hard on yourself. It doesn't matter how many trial runs you make - you will come up with a list of things you wish you didn't pack. We started to call these gremlins - things you don't want but can't throw away on the trail. Everyone will have different priorities so you will need to find out for yourself what you want to cut.
As Blake always says, "Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain."
For us, we couldn't believe we brought a book with. That light book felt like an entire library after 20+ miles. We never read when we got into camp because we were too busy setting up, cooking dinner, and falling face first into our sleeping bags.
There's plenty of other items we cut: see the list here.
Bigfoot Doesn't Care What You Look Like
Sure that tank top would make a super cute Instagram pic but when your chaffing from the cotton material 2 miles in you'll rethink your choice. The clothes you wear can make or break your trip. With a pack constantly pressed to your body you won't realize how hot you will get even if the temps are low.
Light weight moisture wicking materials are your best choice. We always opt for clothes you can wash in a river or lake that will dry within an hour or two. Check with any local retailer for what fits you best. Wool socks will make your feet the most happy - we like Smartwool and Fits socks.
You'll want to bring items that can cross over - sleep in one thing that can be worn as a warming layer. You also want to have solid rain gear - that can make all the difference when on the trail and in a maelstrom.
When You Gotta Go...
The outdoors is your bathroom. Some trails have wonderfully placed latrines along the trail that make it a little more "civilized" while backpacking but most trails don't offer this luxury. You need to be prepared that you'll be eating some weird stuff that your body might not be used to - freeze dried meals, buckets of trail mix, powdered coffee or drink mix, etc. Pair that with intense exercise and your body might need some relief when the moment is less than perfect. Think no trees in a prairie with your hiking partner too close for comfort. Be prepared to bury your own waste or pack it out if you're a faithful Leave No Trace follower. Also be aware of what leaving behind toilet paper will do to the environment so please pack that out as well.
Plastic bags, a trowel, and hand sanitizer is the way to master this art.
You'll Never Have Gone As Far As you Think You Have
You'll come over a ridge and look back thinking, "Wow. I was just standing over there." You'll then check your map and notice you haven't even gone a quarter mile. *Que eye roll and deep sigh* Don't fret! It's all apart of the experience. The miles on the map don't matter as long as your focus is on the trail. Take everything in (especially being away from your work email). The trail is meant to challenge you mentally and physically and the more you look at the nature around you the more you will feel apart of it.
Own Good Shoes
If you're going to make a hefty investment this one is it. Tennis shoes won't last 5 miles until blisters set in. You need a good pair of hiking boots or trail runners built for tough terrain. This is not a place you want to skimp on. Being deep in the woods or high up in a mountain is the last place you want the sole of your shoe to break or for you to step in mud and be soaked the rest of the trip (which also will add fire to those blisters I mentioned.)
There are tons of places that sell trail worthy shoes. You can check your local outfitter like REI or a local shop or even see what Dicks or Sport's Authority has to offer. Read reviews online before you purchase - this will be your best resource with any gear purchase.
Keep Positive - Even On The Uphills
This is fun, remember? Yes that last hill will be burned into your memory for all eternity but look at the view ahead of you! It's all about the give and take. The trail is organic and alive and you need to respect that fact. Deep breathe the smells of the wild as you take yourself back to nature.
See You on the Trail!
Go Breathe the Wild Air
- Creeks to Peaks
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