- 1). Study the map of the trip you want to hike and plan a realistic goal for how many miles you can hike per day, based on your fitness level. Examine the map to see what campsites and water sources might meet those abilities, and set an itinerary planning for what sites to hike to each day.
- 2). Pack everything you need to carry into your backpack and weigh it. The more gear you carry, the harder it will be to hike, so pare weight where you can. Carry a lighter, smaller tent, a lighter weight sleeping pad, etc. Try to keep the weight under 25 pounds, if possible.
- 3). Plan food drops for long backpacking trips, mailing the food ahead of you to a general delivery address at a post office. Pick it up there to reduce how much food you need to carry.
- 4). Break in your hiking boots thoroughly before embarking on your hike to avoid blisters and damaged feet.
- 5). Plan car shuttles if you are not doing a loop trip, so that you can get a ride back to your car.
- 6). Leave word with a trusted friend or family member of what your itinerary is in the back country, and when they should call authorities if you do not return in a timely fashion.
- 1). Monitor your health and fitness while traveling, and be sure to stay well-hydrated to avoid health problems like acute mountain sickness or heat stroke. Since water is heavy, filter water often instead of carrying several bottles, unless you are in the desert and water may be scarce.
- 2). Eat often while on the go to maintain your energy level. Trail mixes like GORP and energy gels like Gu are good ways to keep your energy up.
- 3). Keep an eye on the weather. If you are hiking above a treeline when a storm is approaching, get off the trail and below the treeline quickly.
- 4). Change socks once during a long day to rejuvenate your feet.
- 5). Pitch your campsite at least an hour, if not two hours, before the sun sets so you have adequate time to set up and cook dinner.
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