GROUND RULES How to build lasting trail partnerships 1. Discuss trip plans in detail before you get to the trailhead: Agree ahead of time on who has what responsibilities and avoid conflicts. 2. If you are sharing gear, distribute the weight fairly: Try to keep everyone's pack weight at around 20% of each person�s body weight. 3. Assign camp chores before you get to camp: Making decisions at the end of a long day will result in frustration. Pre-assigned jobs get done quicker and are less stressful. 4. Give yourselves some breathing room: Stick together at junctions and difficult places, but don't be afraid to hike solo for a while.

 

Fundamentals of Backpacking

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

PRE-TRIP CONDITIONING: Make sure that your hiking boots are broken in well before the trip! If you get new boots for the trip, two weeks (or more) before the trip wear them every day for five or six days. Make sure you have the socks most comfortable for your feet (Thorlo Trekking socks work best for me, but Woolrich wool hiking socks or SmartWool socks may work better for you). Boots and socks are just as important as the backpack that you wear! Comfort is VERY important. Walk a lot prior to your trip. Walk every day. Climb stairs. Climb hills. Walk with your "loaded" backpack. Make adjustments before the trip. Get gear that fits you. Always try it on before you buy it.

PERMITS AND REGULATIONS: If you are hiking on federal land, you will need to get a backcountry permit. Plan your trip well in advance, because national parks regulate the number of people who can be in the backcountry at any given time. Some state parks also require permits. Do your homework. Get a copy of the regulations for your destination and be familiar with them.

TRAIL LEADERSHIP: Determine who will be the leader of the backpack trip. The leader should know the trail and help orient the rest of the group with the maps and itinerary. The leader should assign a first guide and a second guide. The first guide sets the pace (no one hikes in front of the first guide) and the second guide brings up the rear (no one gets behind the second guide). If someone has to stop along the trail, the second guide will stop also.

EQUIPMENT PLANNING: The amount of equipment you take will be determined by the length and type of trip you are taking. If you are taking tents, divide the tent parts among members. If you are using two-man tents, one person carries the tent and stakes, while the other person carries the fly and tent poles. Divide other equipment up in the same manner. One person of a two-man team might carry the stove and fuel while the other carries the pots and cooking utensils. Always be aware of the weight of your equipment. LIGHTER IS BETTER! Don't carry it if you don't need it. Weigh your pack after you've packed it--carry no more than 20% of your body weight! For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, then you should not carry more than a 30-pound pack.