Planning a Backpacking Trip. What's Involved?

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December 15, 2007

Planning a Backpacking Trip. What's Involved?

At the JMT Trailhead.jpg
Jeff Brewer (L) and Jeffrey Hunter (R). Before arriving at the
John Muir Trail trailhead a lot of careful planning had to be done

So you want to go backpacking? It all starts with an idea. Wow, that place looks amazing! I have got to go hike there! What next? With the advent of the internet, planning a backpacking trip has become much easier. But there are still a number of steps that you must take that don't involve the 'net. In other words, the internet is not a panacea. And thank goodness for that!

Step One - Data Gathering

Once you determine where you want to hike, it's time to start gathering information. There are many sources for the data that you'll need, including the Land Management Agency responsible for the land that the trail crosses. This could include the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or any number of state agencies. You can also contact the local trail organization responsible for maintaining the trail that you want to hike. Additional information could be found from other sources such as publishers and map companies, and then there are first person trip reports. All of these sources are useful and play a role in the planning process. We'll revisit each of them below.

What sort of data are you looking for? Here's a shortlist;

Maps. Maps are essential! Don't leave home without them! Carry a compass too and know how to use it!
Guide Book. A guide book is not essential, but sometimes they are nice to have. They are often too heavy to carry on the trail, so they are almost exclusively used for pre-trip planning. They might provide information about the history or culture of the area surrounding the trail, as well as the history of the trail itself.
Databook. A databook usually contains information related to available campsites, water sources, resupply points, road crossings, availability of services (laundry, outfitters, pizza joints, and perhaps a place to get a cold beer). Not every trail has a data book, but some do. Examples of trails with databooks are the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail.
Is a permit required? The Land Management Agency responsible for managing the landscape surrounding the trail can answer this question. Some popular National Park Service trails require a permit. Examples are California's John Muir Trail, Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia, and backcountry areas of many of the most popular National Parks (Great Smoky, Shenandoah, and Grand Canyon are a few examples). Some Indian Nations may also require you to pay a fee or obtain permission before crossing tribal lands. If you plan to carry a fishing rod, as I sometimes do, be sure to purchase the appropriate fishing license. Many times short term licenses (3, 7 or 10 day periods) are available for non-residents. Be sure to understand the fishing regulations! They may vary from your home state.
First Person Reports. While a databook and trail guide can tell you what a trail is like in past years, current conditions can vary based on climatic events. Storms can cause trails to close and drought can impact the availability of water. To obtain a first person trip report, you can visit hiking discussion groups on the internet, or check with the trail maintaining organization or land management agency.

Helpful Hint: As you proceed with the planning process, please remember that the revenue from the sale of maps and trail guides are often important for the non-profit trail maintaining organizations. When it comes time to purchase your guide books, maps and your databook (if available), please see if the trail maintaining organization sells what you are looking for.

Step Two - Gear

I am going to assume that if you have reached this step, that you already know a bit about gear, and own most of the required equipment. Some decisions still need to be made if you are hiking a new trail in an unfamiliar area.

Climate. Checking the climate for the area you plan to hike will be important. This will help you determine what sort of sleeping system you'll be carrying. Insect populations may inform whether or not you'll take a tarp or a tent. The temperature will drive your decisions regarding sleeping bag and clothing. For instance, I plan to hike part of the Florida Trail in January. The clothing I carry and the sleeping bag I choose to bring will be different on this trail for a trip in January, than it will for a trip in April or May. Carrying the wrong gear can get you killed, so make sure that you plan thoroughly. Many times information about gear choices is available in the guide book for the trail you plan to hike.
Stove systems. How are you getting to the trail? If you're driving, you have the most choices. If you choose to take an airplane, most stove fuels will not be permitted on a plane, so you will have to source your fuel (denatured alcohol, canister, or white gas) locally once you arrive at your destination.
Water treatment. How will you be treating your water? Will you carry a filter, chemical treatment, or some other system. Do not forget to look into this important issue
First Aid. Be sure to bring along some first aid supplies. While you probably don't need a two pound first aid kit, here are some things that I usually carry;

Band aids of varying sizes
Ibuprofin. This serves as an anti-inflammatory and a painkiller.
Gauze pads. These can help stop bleeding in the event that you suffer a serious cut.
Ace bandage. Although I have never needed one (yet!), this is carried in the event of a knee or ankle injury.
Blister block. There are many different treatments available for blisters. Check with your local outfitter to see what products might work for you. Remember, if you feel a hot spot on your feet, stop immediately and treat the affected area. If you develop a blister, be sure to keep the area clean and as dry as practical.
Neosporin. I will apply some to any cuts or blisters to avoid infection.

Step Three - Itinerary

So now you know where and when you are going. Now it's time to plan your itinerary. This is an important step that will help inform the next step in planning.

Why build an itinerary? Isn't a backpacking trip all about freedom? Yes, backpacking is indeed about freedom, but we can't simply go wherever we want. Hopefully each of you will learn and practice Leave No Trace principles while you are out on the trail. This step speaks directly to the first two principle;

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

For my next trip along the Florida Trail, while I am traversing the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, I will need to camp only in designated areas. That is the regulation at play where I am choosing to hike. That will limit my daily mileage through this 56 mile section of the Florida Trail. In the next few weeks, I will pour over the maps and choose campsites that come as close to 15 or 16 miles apart, since that's about the pace that I want to hike. I'd be willing to push that number to perhaps 20 miles, but no lower than 12. I'd prefer to hike all day than sit in camp.

Once I have selected my campsites, I can figure out how many days it will take to cross the Refuge. Then I need to look at the maps for the Apalachicola National Forest. Camping is less restrictive in the forest, but Bradwell Bay is a 20 mile slog through a marsh - with water occasionally waist deep - and an island 9 miles into the hike. If Bradwell Bay is in flood, we have only one choice for camping on our last night and that is on the island. Calls to the Florida Trail Association and the US Forest Service have indicated that Bradwell Bay is currently dry due to drought conditions. If those conditions persist, we may be able to walk 20 miles across Bradwell Bay in one day.

Another important logistical consideration is when we will arrive at the St. Marks River, where we will need to find a boat to take us across to the other side. We may need to reach the river crossing at a particular time in order to meet our shuttle. Those details have not yet been fully fleshed out for my upcoming hike, but they will need to be, unless I'm OK with potentially arriving when no one is available to take my friends and me across the river. That could result in an unplanned stay in a motel!

Helpful hint: Be sure to provide a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member. Make sure they understand that the schedule is not set in stone, but let them know when you expect to return home. In the unlikely event that you become lost or injured, this could potentially aid in your rescue.

Step Four - Food

Ah, food! It is important to make sure that you bring along enough food to ensure that you have the strength to complete your hike. Here's a few pointers;

Meal count. Once you have built your itinerary, count the number of meals that you'll need to make it through your hike. My Florida Trail hike will require 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
Resupply. Is resupply available along the trail? If so, at what point during your trip will you arrive at a store? Do you know what the store sells? What the store hours are? Another option for resupply is to mail yourself a package containing food and other items (medicines?) to a post office. Bear in mind that Post Offices have set hours, and are closed on Sundays. If you choose to send yourself a package to a Post Office, be sure to arrive when it is open. Packages should be addressed as follows;

Hiker Name, c/o General Delivery, St. Marks, Florida 32355, * Please hold for Florida Trail hiker - eta 1/24/2008

Helpful hint: If you mail your package USPS Priority Mail, the post office will provide the box and packing tape, and will forward your package on for free should you miss the resupply point. Be sure to check Post Office regulations for shipping fuel!

Extra food. Be sure to bring at least an extra day's supply of food. This is very important. If you become injured out on the trail or delayed for some unexpected reason, this may become invaluable.

Cook or not? You'll need to determine how much stove fuel to carry on your trip. I usually calculate 2 oz. of denatured alcohol per meal. I don't cook at every meal however. Especially in the summer when the weather gets warm. I like to break camp early in the morning and get in some miles before it gets uncomfortably warm. A no cook breakfast helps me break camp early. You might prefer cooking every morning. That's the beauty of backpacking! You can do that if you like!

Protecting your food. Some trails, such as the John Muir Trail in California have regulations that require you to carry your food in a bear resistant food storage containers. On the JMT you can rent a canister from the National Park Service, but bear in mind (no pun intended), that these canisters can be heavy and bulky. Be sure too leave space in your pack to fit a canister!

Other food protection systems. Some trails install systems to help you safeguard your food. In the Great Smoky Mountains, a cable system allows you to store your food high off the ground at all shelters and campsites. On the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park, a bear pole system is located at each shelter. On the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey, a food storage box system is provided for hikers at shelters. In the absence of a system that is provided for you, you should know how to hang a bear bag, and do so at your campsite. This will protect your food and protect the bear population. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear!

Step Five - Getting to the Trailhead

For this hiker, backpacking is all about relaxing and enjoying myself. The very last thing I want to do is worry about my car while I'm hiking. For that reason, I always do a little checking before simply leaving my car at a trailhead.

Call the local land management agency and the local trail club and ask about safe parking. Have there been incidents of vandalism or theft at the trailhead you hope to park at. If the answer is no, bear in mind that you are not guaranteed that someone won't break into your vehicle. Many trailheads are in remote areas. There are some simple precautions you can take.

Valuables. Make sure that you leave no valuables in your vehicle while it is unattended. Do not leave anything in sight in your vehicle, including CDs, coins, wallets (doh!), or anything else! You do not want to give anyone incentive to break your car window!

Consider a shuttle. An alternative to leaving your vehicle at an unattended lot, you can sometimes arrange a shuttle from a local resident. These locals are usually affiliated with the local trail club, and will allow you to leave your vehicle at a safe location and take you to the trail. The downside of this is, your car may not be waiting for you when you finish the trail.

Step Six - Miscellaneous

Some people take planning to the extreme. They plan out each evenings meal plan, dehydrate their own food, and make their own equipment. For many, this is as much fun as actually hiking! Have fun with it! Here are some additional tips;

Cell phones. Don't count on cell service out on the trail! Many remote areas do not have cell reception. Also, be mindful of other hikers. In that regard, don't take out your cell phone and start yacking away in front of a group of hikers. Be discreet with your electronics. Many folks hike to get away from trappings of the modern world, and don't want to overhear your call to home.

Helpful Hint: Carrying your cell phone with the battery removed can help prolong battery life. Even with your phone turned off, the battery is draining if it is in your phone.

Waterproofing electronics. If you choose to carry a camera, be sure to have a way to protect your camera (or GPS) from the elements. Zip lock bags are lightweight, and can help keep your electronics dry and functional.

Journaling. Consider carrying a pen and paper with you and keep a journal out on the trail. Some websites provide electronic journaling. This can be a fun way to keep your friends and family informed about your adventures.

Leave No Trace. Be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles out on the trail. This will help protect natural areas for future generations to experience. This includes burying your waste in a properly dug cathole, at least 200 feet away from the trail and any water sources. Some areas, such as Mt. Whitney in Sequoia National Park require you to use a Wag Bag instead of digging a cat hole.

Toe nails. Keep 'em clipped! Failure to do so can result in blistered toes.

Hygiene. Backpacking requires you to defecate in the woods where there is no hot running water. Be sure to carry some hand sanitizer, and use it! Also, don't allow other hikers to reach into your food back to share your GORP. While you might practice good hygiene, you can't assume that your hiking partner is doing so. Allowing someone to touch your food is a recipe for getting sick. So don't do it! You can always spill some GORP out into your friend's hand without allowing them to touch your food.
Have fun! Hiking is a great way to experience the natural world. It's also a low cost way to stay in shape and a great family activity. Enjoy yourself! Take pictures! Savor the memories!

Poisonous plants. Be sure that you know what poison ivy, poison oak, and other poisonous plants look like. You can end up with a nasty allergic reaction if you are not careful.

Join American Hiking Society! As the national voice for America's Hikers, we are always at work protecting trails and the natural areas that surround them. But we can't do it without your help!

This document should not be viewed as a complete guide to planning. It was created to emphasize the importance of the planning process. I welcome feedback and suggestions for making this a better planning primer.

Happy Trails!

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