Here are a few tips that I’ve gathered throughout hiking that should keep you safe and sturdy on the trails.

General Hints:

• Try to avoid hiking at night if possible. If we were meant to hike at night, we would have eyes like an owl. This will avert you getting turned around from your base camp.
• Allow yourself ample time to setup your base camp. Throwing things together at the last minute in darkness can be hazardous.
• If you’re going to build a fire (presuming it’s allowed) keep it small. No need for a bonfire. Try putting a little greenery on the fire to smolder it. The smoke will help keep the bugs away.
• Always remember to clear the ground before you put down your tent / bivy / bedroll. Sweep the area with a branch to clear it of ticks and the like.
• Do not forget your bug spray. If you do, they will find your bloodless shriveled remains weeks later. (Ok, maybe not THAT bad..)
• Take lots of breaks! It’s not a race, and you’re not in an 80′s montage. Relax, take it slow and enjoy yourself.

Packing Hints:

• When you are packing your backpack, spread everything out on the table first. Go through, remove 3 times that you “might” use, and leave them at home. Do this 2 to 3 more times until you have what you WILL need. This will save on weight immensely.
• Pack so that the heavier items are towards your back (forward) and up. This will make you step easier and keep the weight from pulling you backwards.
• You’re not hiking in a desert. Take enough water to get you to the next refill point. Water is HEAVY as hell.
• You can never have enough carabiners . They are the duct tape of the hiking world. Be sure to have plenty, just incase.
• Keep the items you use frequently (camera, mess kit, tarp, ect) near the top of your pack so that you can easily access them. Digging through your pack gets tedious once you’re out there.
• Make sure your pack is adjusted for your torso length. Most hiking pain is caused by improperly setup backpacks. There are several instructional videos on the web that will help, as well as the instruction manual of your pack itself.

Food Hints:

• We all like to be gourmet, but remember, food is quite heavy after 10 miles.
• Take something that will hold up in your pack for a quick snack. Mini bagels work very well, they take a lot of abuse.
• Design your meal plan so that you can prepare the food quickly. Fatigue and waiting for meals do not go well together.
• Take only the minimum dishes that you need. A bowl can serve just as well as a plate. So take the bowl, and leave the plate at home.
• Check out freezerbagcooking.com. Saves on dishes, and on weight.
• Ration your water. Too much water will cramp you up as well. Allow yourself X amount of water from point A to point B.
• Keep it simple.

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