Leave No Trace Ethics
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Leave No Trace from Mountain Hardwear on Vimeo. |
What drives me to nature is the seemingly untouched beauty when deep in the back-country. With more people venturing outdoors we all need to play our part in keeping these cherished places in nature beautiful. I remember very early on being reminded, "Take only pictures and leave only footprints."
Leave no trace is our responsibility. Its a very simple concept referring to a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors. It is built on seven principles: Plan ahead, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. When heading outdoors we all play an important roll in keeping nature as untouched as we found it. If you would like to learn more about the leave no trace principle you can visit the non-profit that helps to educate the public. |
Tips for Aspiring Thur-Hikers
1) Start planning early & make your hike a priority
Your first thru hike will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Planning is key for a successful finish. Start planning early and make your hike a priority. This will make your goal achievable. It’s very easy for life to get in the way. Things happen. But making your hike a priority will ensure a complete success.
I started my planning one-year prior. I made a calendar to make certain I stayed on schedule. I planned my meals, I planned my resupplies, I had created a hiking schedule so I could stay on track when on the trail. While this changed daily when on my actual hike, It kept me moving forward so I didn’t miss any key stops where friends were meeting me on the trail for resupply and hello’s.
If you would like to learn more from myself and two other experienced solo backpackers, have a listen to the G.O.Podcast episode that is all about solo backpacking.
2) Research everything, even researching the bad things will keep you aware
I believe being informed is knowledge. I researched everything; Bear encounters, lightning, you name it. And that knowledge kept me safe. I also spent as much time reading books about the trail. So I had a better idea of what to expect. River crossings in a heavy rainy season, Snow over passes, there is so much to be prepared for.
A week before I left, I took a look at the current water resupply situation. I wanted to know where I ‘may’ need to fill up to carry extra due to drought conditions. I also took a look at the forecast, so at the least I was ready for the first week on the trail.
This prep left me with the confidence I needed and a perfectly executed adventure.
3) Ladies, Don’t let anyone talk you out of it!
I was incredibly surprised how many women would tell me how unsafe it is to hike alone. Yes, there can be dangers This is what the research is about, to be prepared. But at no time did I ever feel threatened by anything other than my own imagination (that imaginary bear was far more scary then the real bears I encountered (Laughing))
Ladies, you can do this! You will be amazed at all the solo female hikers you will come across. They will become your extended family. We are strong! If you are like me and reading this blog, than you are ready to be out there on your adventure of a lifetime! So listen to you and no one else. Make your dream of thru-hiking a reality!
4) Conditioning is key, both Mind & Body
I can’t tell you how many hikers I met along the way that did no conditioning before hitting the trail. Everyone of them failed, some even on the first day.
Walk daily and walk everywhere. Hike weekly. Start with no pack; or a lighter pack and increase the weight over time. Start with shorter hikes and increase your miles. Hike high elevations. This will get you acclimated for your first day on the trail. I have a list of great hikes for those of you in the Southern California area. If this list does not apply to you, then look in your area at the local hiking trails.
Resistance training is also key to managing the physical stress of thru hiking. Things like lunges, squats and planks are great for core strength as well as your muscles and bones. Yoga is great too, for conditioning your mind! While the JMT is a very well kept trail, it was designed to move livestock. Those nice steps may at times be are a foot and a half tall. In some cases more. You’ll need that strength going up and over those big passes daily.
Yoga is great too, for conditioning your mind! There will be times on the trail where you will need a strong mind to push forward. A positive mental attitude is the key to success.
5) Lighted your load
The lighter your load the more pleasant your hike will be. You will be able to go longer miles more efficiently. You need very little on the trail. But what you do need is key. Look into ultralight gear as you see fit. But remember this is your hike. You know you best so never give up your comfort item, just look to see if there is a lighter option.
6) Pace yourself in the beginning
This is not a race. Yes, there are those rare record-breaking hikers, but all in all this is not the case. Take your time. Enjoy the views. Set a reasonable pace for yourself from the beginning. You will easily be able to increase your miles over time, but start off slowly.
Focus on a pace that is right for you. I’m short, so for every step I only clear about 7”. I might hike at a fast pace, but it will still take me longer to get where I am going than a very tall hiker.
After hiking my first through hike I met several people who wanted to do 25 mile days right out of the gate. They never finished their hike because of unrealistic expectation. Every thru hike is possible. But give yourself realistic goals.
7) Hike your own hike & Make friends on the trail
Remember this is your hike. Find a pace that is right for you. Trying to keep up with others will ultimately slow you down. The beauty of thru-hiking are the people you meet on the trail. You will also find that different people hike for different reasons. Listen and appreciate their stories and they will do the same for you. Making friends on the trail is part of the fun. At times you may even crave a conversation. Other times you may want your solitude. That is the beauty of the trail. What you seek you find.
8) Eat lots and lots of calories
Thru hiking requires a lot of energy. Eating a lot of calories is key. You will be burning an average of 3,500 to 6,000 calories per day. So plan your meal accordingly.
Pack 2-3 pounds of food per day. Rule of thumb 120 calories per ounce. The higher calorie food equals more energy and also the less weight you will have to carry.
I made all of my food and was amazed at my food weight per day in comparison to my calorie count. I did also take advantage of the in town meals and took that time to fatten up. Remember, no matter how much food you bring you will still lose weight.
9) Take care of your body, most importantly your feet
Listen to your body, it knows what is going on. Rest frequently when you feel tired. For every lunch break I took I always removed my shoes, let my toes breath and felt the wind cooling my warm feet. If there was water, I would always dunk my feet, to help reduce swelling. If you feel a “Hot spot” stop and tend to it before it turns into something more problematic.
The most common reason thur-hikers fail is foot problems. Research the right shoes for you. Replace your insoles with specialty insoles that provide more support and padding. Wear socks that will wick away moisture.
Your feet are your most important asset. Take care of them.
10) Don’t quit!
Thru hiking is hard. This is why planning and conditioning is so important. There are going to be times that take everything you have to continue forward. But all of the hard moments are what makes you a champion!
You will see things you never would have imagined. Feel things that are not explainable to a non-hiker. You will take in incredible views that will forever fill your heart and soul. You will cry, you will laugh, you will sing and your spirit will be free. This is all apart of the experience.
Remember; We can accomplish anything we commit and put our mind too. You can do it, even when you think you can’t!
***Ladies, embrace your feminine side! I always hike in a skirt, a friend always wear earrings and lip-gloss. Be you on the trial! Just because we are out in the back-county on a long haul doesn’t mean you can't be all girl! Have fun and be yourself. (smile)
Your first thru hike will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Planning is key for a successful finish. Start planning early and make your hike a priority. This will make your goal achievable. It’s very easy for life to get in the way. Things happen. But making your hike a priority will ensure a complete success.
I started my planning one-year prior. I made a calendar to make certain I stayed on schedule. I planned my meals, I planned my resupplies, I had created a hiking schedule so I could stay on track when on the trail. While this changed daily when on my actual hike, It kept me moving forward so I didn’t miss any key stops where friends were meeting me on the trail for resupply and hello’s.
If you would like to learn more from myself and two other experienced solo backpackers, have a listen to the G.O.Podcast episode that is all about solo backpacking.
2) Research everything, even researching the bad things will keep you aware
I believe being informed is knowledge. I researched everything; Bear encounters, lightning, you name it. And that knowledge kept me safe. I also spent as much time reading books about the trail. So I had a better idea of what to expect. River crossings in a heavy rainy season, Snow over passes, there is so much to be prepared for.
A week before I left, I took a look at the current water resupply situation. I wanted to know where I ‘may’ need to fill up to carry extra due to drought conditions. I also took a look at the forecast, so at the least I was ready for the first week on the trail.
This prep left me with the confidence I needed and a perfectly executed adventure.
3) Ladies, Don’t let anyone talk you out of it!
I was incredibly surprised how many women would tell me how unsafe it is to hike alone. Yes, there can be dangers This is what the research is about, to be prepared. But at no time did I ever feel threatened by anything other than my own imagination (that imaginary bear was far more scary then the real bears I encountered (Laughing))
Ladies, you can do this! You will be amazed at all the solo female hikers you will come across. They will become your extended family. We are strong! If you are like me and reading this blog, than you are ready to be out there on your adventure of a lifetime! So listen to you and no one else. Make your dream of thru-hiking a reality!
4) Conditioning is key, both Mind & Body
I can’t tell you how many hikers I met along the way that did no conditioning before hitting the trail. Everyone of them failed, some even on the first day.
Walk daily and walk everywhere. Hike weekly. Start with no pack; or a lighter pack and increase the weight over time. Start with shorter hikes and increase your miles. Hike high elevations. This will get you acclimated for your first day on the trail. I have a list of great hikes for those of you in the Southern California area. If this list does not apply to you, then look in your area at the local hiking trails.
Resistance training is also key to managing the physical stress of thru hiking. Things like lunges, squats and planks are great for core strength as well as your muscles and bones. Yoga is great too, for conditioning your mind! While the JMT is a very well kept trail, it was designed to move livestock. Those nice steps may at times be are a foot and a half tall. In some cases more. You’ll need that strength going up and over those big passes daily.
Yoga is great too, for conditioning your mind! There will be times on the trail where you will need a strong mind to push forward. A positive mental attitude is the key to success.
5) Lighted your load
The lighter your load the more pleasant your hike will be. You will be able to go longer miles more efficiently. You need very little on the trail. But what you do need is key. Look into ultralight gear as you see fit. But remember this is your hike. You know you best so never give up your comfort item, just look to see if there is a lighter option.
6) Pace yourself in the beginning
This is not a race. Yes, there are those rare record-breaking hikers, but all in all this is not the case. Take your time. Enjoy the views. Set a reasonable pace for yourself from the beginning. You will easily be able to increase your miles over time, but start off slowly.
Focus on a pace that is right for you. I’m short, so for every step I only clear about 7”. I might hike at a fast pace, but it will still take me longer to get where I am going than a very tall hiker.
After hiking my first through hike I met several people who wanted to do 25 mile days right out of the gate. They never finished their hike because of unrealistic expectation. Every thru hike is possible. But give yourself realistic goals.
7) Hike your own hike & Make friends on the trail
Remember this is your hike. Find a pace that is right for you. Trying to keep up with others will ultimately slow you down. The beauty of thru-hiking are the people you meet on the trail. You will also find that different people hike for different reasons. Listen and appreciate their stories and they will do the same for you. Making friends on the trail is part of the fun. At times you may even crave a conversation. Other times you may want your solitude. That is the beauty of the trail. What you seek you find.
8) Eat lots and lots of calories
Thru hiking requires a lot of energy. Eating a lot of calories is key. You will be burning an average of 3,500 to 6,000 calories per day. So plan your meal accordingly.
Pack 2-3 pounds of food per day. Rule of thumb 120 calories per ounce. The higher calorie food equals more energy and also the less weight you will have to carry.
I made all of my food and was amazed at my food weight per day in comparison to my calorie count. I did also take advantage of the in town meals and took that time to fatten up. Remember, no matter how much food you bring you will still lose weight.
9) Take care of your body, most importantly your feet
Listen to your body, it knows what is going on. Rest frequently when you feel tired. For every lunch break I took I always removed my shoes, let my toes breath and felt the wind cooling my warm feet. If there was water, I would always dunk my feet, to help reduce swelling. If you feel a “Hot spot” stop and tend to it before it turns into something more problematic.
The most common reason thur-hikers fail is foot problems. Research the right shoes for you. Replace your insoles with specialty insoles that provide more support and padding. Wear socks that will wick away moisture.
Your feet are your most important asset. Take care of them.
10) Don’t quit!
Thru hiking is hard. This is why planning and conditioning is so important. There are going to be times that take everything you have to continue forward. But all of the hard moments are what makes you a champion!
You will see things you never would have imagined. Feel things that are not explainable to a non-hiker. You will take in incredible views that will forever fill your heart and soul. You will cry, you will laugh, you will sing and your spirit will be free. This is all apart of the experience.
Remember; We can accomplish anything we commit and put our mind too. You can do it, even when you think you can’t!
***Ladies, embrace your feminine side! I always hike in a skirt, a friend always wear earrings and lip-gloss. Be you on the trial! Just because we are out in the back-county on a long haul doesn’t mean you can't be all girl! Have fun and be yourself. (smile)