Comments on Brian's Backpacking Blog: 10 Skills Every Backpacker Should Have

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2012-05-25T13:41:49.468-05:00

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Hi Brian, I came across your blog when doing...

2012-05-25T08:46:08.477-05:00

Hi Brian,

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work for a digital marketing company in Manchester, UK and wanted to discuss about
a possible opportunity for you. Please get in touch with me on my email address
to discuss this further.

Hey nobody is putting how to get along with campma...

2012-04-12T16:10:01.616-05:00

Hey nobody is putting how to get along with campmates on the list??

I like your number 7. Patience. (Most of the time)...

2012-02-03T15:46:23.804-05:00

I like your number 7. Patience. (Most of the time) it´s not about reaching your goal, it's about the journey getting there.

I cannot agree more about the common sense. I tau...

2012-02-03T13:28:05.966-05:00

I cannot agree more about the common sense. I taught my hubby to backpack and after the first night out car camping he thought he was Bear Grillis. Thankfully he is really athletic but we all need to know our own limitations and be keen of the limitations of those in their group.

In no particular order... 1) Packing for the expe...

2011-12-15T12:06:10.011-05:00

In no particular order...

1) Packing for the expected, and unexpected, weather. If you take the right combination of shelter, sleeping bag, and clothes you don't need any fire-starting skills. I'd really like to hike with the person who could make a fire when it was raining for 3 days straight.

2) Water intake. So many people carry 2-3 liters of water and hike by water source after water source. It's rare that I carry more than 16 oz. I do, however, rest and drink 32-48 oz if the distance between water sources is going to be 8 miles or more before setting out with my 16 oz. I also carry powdered Gatorade. No issues with dehydration, and man is my pack light.

3) Awareness. It's great to know how to use a map and compass, but if you left over-confidence get the better of you and don't check your bearings against a map you can get turned around in a hurry. Protect that map in a Ziploc so you can use it in inclement weather.

4) Stretching. If you're going to be doing 20+ mile days, knowing a few yoga poses and stretching in the morning, at the end of breaks, and at the end of the day can really help to keep the stiffness away.

5) Taking breaks. Taking breaks is indeed a skill. Way to many hikers just keep walking, when they should be applying Glide to problem areas, shedding a layer to keep from over-heating, stopping to tend to a hot spot, stopping to eat, or just taking a needed rest. Ignoring what your body is telling you can lead to problems. On a 22 mile day, I might take 2 90 minute breaks, and a few 30 minute breaks.

6) Double-checking that you packed everything. Geeze - you wouldn't believe how many hikers I had to bail out with fresh batteries, Imodium, moleskin, and the like. I hear, "Oh, I forgot that at home" way too often.

7) Patience! It's not a race - enjoy your hike. Don't be too fixated on the end-goal. If it happens, it happens, but remember that the worst day on the trail is better than the best day at work. Patience is especially important when hiking with a group of people, particularly if there are new faces in the group. Patience will minimize issues with conflicting personalities, stress, and frustration.

8) Experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things, particularly when it translates into carrying a lighter load. Use weekend overnight trips in familiar trails to experiment with things like tarps, sandals, combining summer-weight bags with clothes, and other ultralight techniques.

9) Taking the right amount of food. 25 years of backpacking, and I still take twice as much food as I consume on any given trip. This is the hardest skill to learn, IMO.

10) Keeping gear clean and dry. As an ultralight backpacker, I need to make sure whatever I'm taking for insulation stays in top condition. Choosing the proper shell materials, making sure a sleeping bag never leaves the pack unless a clean and dry ground sheet is ready, taking puffy layers off before I start to sweat, etc. is second-nature to me. I wash my gear between trips. As a result, all my gear looks, and performs, as new.

he is only suggesting carrying out the toilet pape...

2011-12-15T11:32:35.602-05:00

he is only suggesting carrying out the toilet paper. if people wonder why its because in dry climates it can surface and blow around largely intact for years

MACGYVERISM - that's awesome!

2011-12-09T20:49:54.047-05:00

MACGYVERISM - that's awesome!

I believe you are the first person to suggest that...

2011-12-09T20:46:04.100-05:00

I believe you are the first person to suggest that carrying out your poop AND your pee is a core skill. That's a little too extreme for me and I've had some experience with carrying out my own poop. I certainly do appreciate you going into detail, you've certainly thought about it.

You have two number 5s and the second one is actually the same as your number 2.

Dick Tracy and Brylcream? You're showing your ...

2011-12-09T20:32:19.991-05:00

Dick Tracy and Brylcream? You're showing your age...

Great list.

2011-12-09T14:54:39.071-05:00

Great list.

1 Dick Tracy jr detective decoder ring 2 A cop...

2011-12-08T23:18:09.520-05:00

1   Dick Tracy jr detective decoder ring
2   A copy of medical directives and signed Will
3   half a tube of Brylcream hair tonic
4 Odor eaters shoe inserts
5  Solar powered dvd player with built in screen
6 Copy of Grizzly Man dvd
7 Boy Scout code of honor and manual booklet
8  four cliff bars per day
9 Invisibility cloak
10 Bernzomatic propane torch

That was making for a great list, why did you stop...

2011-12-08T20:58:47.615-05:00

That was making for a great list, why did you stop short of the last two? Don't leave us hanging! Regardless, the skills you've listed are spot-on. Thanks for taking the time to share them.

This is the first official Dave Hahn reference :) ...

2011-12-08T20:51:16.526-05:00

This is the first official Dave Hahn reference :) I don't disagree with what you've said at all, but also consider the skills listed here in the context of most hikers and backpackers, many of whom have little or no experience being in the outdoors. Having a simple list to remind them is an essential tool to assist in their safety and enjoyment.

And remember I asked, what are 10 skills every backpacker should have? Not, what are ten survival skills... That would have been a very different list I'm sure. Thanks for you comments, everyone's opinion counts.

You're right that some of these have already b...

2011-12-08T20:40:35.636-05:00

You're right that some of these have already been mentioned, but that's fine. I wanted to get as many points of view as possible. For those that aren't sure, this serves as a great laundry list to choose from.

I see so many people who have not ever considered the importance of #7. It blows my mind that people will buy great gear and take the time to hike for miles and then pitch a tent in a really stupid location.

Your #3 is near and dear to my heart :-) Thanks for sharing!

Great list Jan, thanks for taking the time to shar...

2011-12-08T20:37:22.662-05:00

Great list Jan, thanks for taking the time to share it. I especially like your #10!

Excellent in-depth feedback! Thank you for taking ...

2011-12-08T20:29:32.186-05:00

Excellent in-depth feedback! Thank you for taking the time to write this up and share it here with all of us. With both SAR/NOLs experience combined, you know it has to be a worthwhile reading list.

If you do share this on your blog, and you should, please share a link with us so that we can point to your blog too. I don't know your name so I'll just say - thanks lorister!

John, that has to be a classic. Knowing your limit...

2011-12-08T20:24:20.420-05:00

John, that has to be a classic. Knowing your limitations. Thanks for pointing this one out.

All very sound advice for sure. It's important...

2011-12-08T20:21:53.752-05:00

All very sound advice for sure. It's important to pack for what you will need and know what is in your pack. Thanks for leaving your feedback :)

This is all good. We do a lot of off trail packing...

2011-12-08T18:50:56.258-05:00

This is all good. We do a lot of off trail packing, but I think there is some skills that apply to all. My basic skills are as follows:

1. pre-planning a trip and having at-least one backup plan. bring gear/cloths that can be used for multiple things and changing climates. Stay flexible and willing to consider others suggestions.

2. generally be in good condition and accept your skill level limits, not the limits others think you can do (learned that one from my wife). I have seen multiple times were people were put into bad situations thanks to their friends.

3. map and compass reading are a must. Finding trail junctions or the right canyon to follow or the right pass to go over, finding water, getting to a place to meet other people, finding a remote ranger station for help, finding a alternate way out, etc. Yes, this is a big one for me.

4. when thing do not go as planned, tell yourself to stop, calm down, rethink and consider multiple options before continuing (if the situation allows).

5. fire starting is important, but if you are backpacking you probably have the gear you need to survive outdoors. Eating cold freeze dried meals sucks, but you can do it.

6. water preparation is important and you should always have a back-up like a filter straw (pills are not that affective on Giardia). But in all reality, unless you are close to a trail head or high use area, the risk of getting Giardia is low in the mountains. dehydrate at altitude or any outdoor environment and you are putting your life at great risk.

7.I liked the comments about pacing yourself. fore the sake of safety, mental and physical state, this should be on the list.

8. learn to use the equipment you have well. then learn what else it could be used for in a pinch. versatility is the name of the game. I myself have tried out new things on the trail rather than at home first, bad idea. the thing that made it not so bad is I always have a backup plan.

well I am sure there is more stuff but this looks like a good start for now. Be safe out there and have fun.......

Dave Hahn of RMI said something along the lines of...

2011-12-08T18:09:10.856-05:00

Dave Hahn of RMI said something along the lines of "wanting to learn the Earth" as a reason why he has chosen the path he has taken and how he has become a living legend in the mountains. All of the "skills" listed above are great, but very few of them are dire necessary for the bulk of people who hike. When folks determine what trails or wacks they will take for their trip it is more important to look at the surrounding topo than the direct route. Stop and smell the roses...... be aware of your surroundings and be aware of who you are as a climber and outdoorsman and the rest will fall into place.

1. Proper Conditioning. You don't have to be ...

2011-12-08T16:27:30.811-05:00

1. Proper Conditioning.
You don't have to be an athlete to hike but you need some level of physical conditioning and the understanding of your abilities and limitations.
2. Navigation Skills.
This includes map and compass, spatial orientation, and ability to analyze natural signs, such as the sun and stars.
3. Foot Care.
I include this separately from first aid since this is a basic essential that is often not well covered in first aid courses and which will cover a high percentage of first aid related issues experienced by most hikers.
4. Thermalregulation.
This includes knowledge of what clothing to bring, what to wear at any given time, layering, protection from sun, rain, and cold, and improvisation skills.
5. Basic First Aid.
6. Gear knowledge.
So many folks don't know how to use the equipment they bring, including a tent, stove, fire-starting equipment.
7. Proper campsite selection.
8. How to throw a bear bag.
9. Water Treatment.
10. Ability to remain cool and collected in an emergency/high stress situation. This skill is often assumed but not always attained. It is partially determined by one's personality but can also be honed with lots of experience, particularly in high stress situations.

This list is not necessarily in order and mimics a lot of previous lists with a few different emphases.

There are some great lists on here! Here is my two...

2011-12-08T13:39:48.469-05:00

There are some great lists on here! Here is my two cents, in no particular order:

1. Water –
locating it, picking a good source, treating it

2. First
Aid - duh

3. Navigation
– know more than how to follow a blaze. Know more than how to read a map.
Know more than just how to use a compass. You may never need it, but that
one time you do, it will save your life.

4. Shelter
– how to pick a good camp, how to set up a camp with or without a tent

5. Fire – know how to start one, know
how to use it for warmth & cooking

6. Improvisation
– know how to compensate for weather, gear failure, getting lost,
creatures, etc. Make a good plan, but if the plan fails, MAKE A NEW ONE.

7. Food –
know how to select trail food, how to prepare that food, how to gather
food at need, how to store it (including in bear country), how to pack it.

8. Gear –
know how to pick good gear, how to use it, how to repair it. This includes
the ability to choose clothing to keep you warm, dry or cool as needed.

9. People
skills – maintain good relations within your group, make good group decisions, get along with other
hikers, respect landowners, have no trouble with law enforcement, cadge a
ride when needed, etc. Positive attitude is a must for this skill to work.

10. Leave
no trace – respect the land and the creatures. Make a small footprint.
Encourage others to do the same.

I'm probably going to make it a blog post on m...

2011-12-08T12:20:14.915-05:00

I'm probably going to make it a blog post on my own blog. But here is my list.
1. preplanning skills. Map reading, weather reports and research are folded in here, including water sources, any waterless stretches on the route, whether there are class 2 or more passes, snow levels... knowing all this ahead of time helps you know what to take. And whether it is beyond your current skill set. It will help you to avoid crossing a snow covered pass in Vibram Five Fingers.
2. Navigation skills - EVEN IF you are only on trails. Even if all you do is get to the unsigned junction in the trails, pull out a compass, look at the topo map and pick the RIGHT trail. Cannot underscore that signs are not always present and you cannot rely on them.
3. Know the symptoms of elevation sickness, dehydration, and hypothermia, and how to prevent them, plus how to deal with them when others have them. You cannot medicate elevation sickness - take pills for the headache, but if someone is breathing with a crackle in the lungs, get them the H3!! off the mountain.
4. How to build a fire.
5. The limitations of electronics. Do not expect things with batteries to work well in subzero temps. Do not expect your GPS to work magic if you do not know how to use a map and compass, how to calibrate the compass - understand that it is merely a tool and the more important part of navigation is what's in the brain. Corollary: understand how the SPOT is supposed to work beyond the OK and 911 buttons and the ramifications if you push 911 in a panic. LEARN TO USE THE THINGS BEFORE YOU NEED THEM. This includes the judgment guiding when to use them.
6. What to take. How to use everything you take in multiple ways. Trekking poles can be part of a stretcher, just add a jacket. Bandannas can be slings, tourniquets, towel, washcloth. Sleeping pads can be chairs, splints.
7. First aid is what you know, not what you take. Find a wilderness first aid course or read the NOLS book on the subject.
8. If inexperienced, take a few buddies, hopefully one or two of them having more experience than you. The ideal number is four - no one has to be alone, even if someone is hurt and two have to go for help.
9. Don't take risks in snow. Steep snow slopes require skills and gear many backpackers don't have. Snow bridges over running water are dangerous - water steals your warmth 200% faster than cold air, hypothermia is minutes away if you fall in. Ice axe misuse can be fatal. Take a mountaineering class before spending a lot of time navigating snow.
10. Gear failures are frequently failure to use the gear properly. Too much condensation in the tent? Did you pitch it on grass? Open vents, guy out the fly completely? Tents are not to keep you warm, that's what the sleeping bag and clothing you have are for. Ventilate your tent. If you think trekking poles are useless, you are using them wrong - I can list a dozen uses for them. It's ego-saving to imagine that a tarp is less functional than a tent, but people use tarps in all kinds of weather and stay dry. Site selection and knowing what gear is appropriate for where and when you are going is a skill. Learn how to use your gear.
11. Most important - leave a trip plan with pictures of you and your gear. Leave your reliable person instructions on how to call for help. Don't assume non-backpacking folk will figure it out. If you are missing they will panic. Panic helps no one. Information on your trailhead and your itinerary guide SAR in starting to find you. Do this NO MATTER WHAT, whether you are alone or in a group, and if your itinerary changes last minute, pop a postcard in the mail before you start to hike.
Brought to you by just another Search and Rescue volunteer.

Know when you are too tired to make a good decisio...

2011-12-08T10:45:47.802-05:00

Know when you are too tired to make a good decision. ("I've been fording streams all day, but I'm SURE I can rock-hop this one!")