The Art of Backpacking

BE PREPARED the motto says. We think that's salient advice to pass along, especially where hiking is concerned. Whether or not you're booking a tour with us to Havasu Canyon (our MD2 tour) or you're signing up for any of our AT (Adventure Tours) tours, here is some useful, practical, and well tested information that we find to be essential when backpacking (or even day packing) in the Colorado Plateau's desert and canyon country. Even if you're not booking a tour with us (but we hope you will some day), this information is still for you just because we'd rather you come prepared for a great outdoors experience.

What is "The Art of Backpacking?" It's how the backpack works for you and not the other way around. Wearing a comfortable and well packed backpack makes all the difference in the world when it comes to both the safety and enjoyment factor. Here's how we define this art so that your next outdoors experience will be enjoyable to the max.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, when you backpack make sure the backpack you're using fits you correctly as far as your weight and height are concerned. For example, the pack needs to fit your torso, and in particular the hip pad/belting goes around your hips - not your stomach or below your waist. If you're borrowing someone's backpack, however, then make sure that 'someone' knows what they're talking about so that you are sure to get the right fit. If you're not sure just who to seek for such professional advice we advise going to a local outfitter in your neck of the woods and getting a second opinion. However, if you're so far back in the woods that they have to pipe sunlight to you, then contact the 'who to get in contact with' list following this information.

SECONDLY, if you're new to backpacking, and when you do find a decent pack that comfortably fits your size and frame, then load it up, say, with about 25 to 35 pounds of typical camping gear and food/water supplies (see below list) and do some local treks in your vicinity, just so you know something of what the experience is all about. Make sure the pack is correctly balanced (i.e., distribute the weight where usually the heavier items are closer to the bottom of the pack) taking treks in our canyon-desert country is a far cry from where you live. Which means there is no viable substitute, say, for preparing for the Grand Canyon. But a little experience and getting in the right physical shape (as well as watching your diet) will help.

FINALLY, I'm sharing common information about the typical equipment you need to have, including some optional items. Some of this information is also suggested by the GRAND CANYON FIELD INSTITUTE. We are sure other outfitters would advise a similar list, but by all means shop around, compare, and ask lots of questions from others as to what works for them. You'll find such knowledge useful as it will be helpful in honing your own backpacking skills through the experience of backpacking treks. Think of your backpack as your house and office away from home and this list will help you organize your equipment, gear, and the supplies that you need for your trek.

We, of ECOSOUTHWEST.COM, find these 12 general categories convenient to help get you organized:

1) HOUSE - the backpack itself (i.e., internal vs. external frame design);
2) SLEEPING (i.e., a decent sleeping bag that's rated for the weather you'll be in);
3) PROTECTION (i.e., tent, rain fly, poles and stake, or a tube tent with rope to secure same, back pad (Therm-a-Rest or similar), backpacker's hammock (optional), etc.);
4) MENU (i.e., for the number of days/nights you'll be trekking, including snacks and refreshments);
5) KITCHEN (i.e., stove, utensils, waterproof matches and/or lighter, etc.);
6) CLOTHING (i.e., minimal clothing that's rated for the terrain and season you'll be trekking in, including spare dry clothes and "sacred socks");
7) CONSUMABLES (i.e., fuel, water, food supplies, reserves);
8) OFFICE/TOOLS (i.e., flashlight, spare batteries/bulb, compass, mirror, maps, trowel, wallet with the usual essentials, writing materials (optional), camera/film (optional), glasses or spare glasses, etc.);
9) PERSONAL (i.e., toiletries, meds, OTC's, vitamins, herbs, tp/baby wipes, etc.);
10) EMERGENCY (i.e., full medical kit and 1st aid book, flares (optional), snake bite kit; spare matches, candles, whistle, mirror, space blanket, bungy cords, duct tape, spare boot laces, sewing kit, safety pins (large and small), bug protection, sun block, scissors, tweezers, etc.);
11) HAULAGE/CONTAINERS (i.e., sacks for garbage/storage (Zip Locks), large trash bag for keeping pack dry, spare water bottle, etc.) and
12) FINAL CHECK LIST (see below).

When you have those twelve essential things in order your next concern is to focus on these essentials and final check list "must do's":
1) map(s) of area you'll be trekking into;
2) essential backpacking permits (if the region calls for it);
3) the number of days/nights you'll be backpacking;
4) the number in your party (for sharing gear whenever possible);
5) the distance to travel both to the area you'll be exploring as well as the time and distance on the trail (or off the beaten path);
6) how much food and water you'll need for the trek;
7) the fuel needs and reserves for cooking purposes;
8) backups for emergencies (i.e., who to contact in case of same);
9) transportation matters (especially shuttles, if and when necessary);
10) costs of trek (especially where others are expected to pay their fair share);
11) the season (i.e., temperature and weather) you'll be trekking in;
12) the water availability;
14) protection from the elements and wildlife;
15) the weight you'll be carrying;
16) ensuring a LEAVE NO TRACE etiquette (please see our HOME PAGE for more information), which includes proper disposal of human waste and packing out your trash; and last but never least
17) if you're planning on a group excursion, designate one trip leader or captain, a second in command, someone who is medically qualified (can be the trip leader), and any other role you feel will help establish a reliable chain of command that will help better plan and organize the trek you're taking.

When you are organized and have worked out the essentials you'll need:
1) Have you informed others of the trek you'll be taking (i.e., family, friends, proper authorities, etc.)?
2) Are your permits in order if you need them for the place(s) you'll be trekking?
3) Are you absolutely sure you know how to get to the place(s) you'll be trekking?
4) Do you have the essential food, water, and clothing for the length of stay?
5) Do you have spare supplies just in case?
6) Do you have all the essential equipment for the season the trek is scheduled for (i.e., winter conditions means having crampons where snow and ice is concerned, or goggles, and special clothing to protect from the elements)?

Now that you have an idea about the intricacies involved in backpacking, and HECK YES we're probably anal about it, you will learn there is a logical order, perhaps a science, to backpacking. Why? So that your bases are covered which also helps your karma, grace, or luck when you're out backpacking with others or else on your own.

Here is a further breakdown to the above listed main items you need to be concerned with:

A) Main backpack equipment

• internal vs. external frame (i.e., internal backpacks are more popular these days, usually can pack more gear, and tend to add more weight than do external frames)
• tents and tent types (include tube tent and tarp options)
• foot gear (i.e., decent well-fitting boots that have already been broken in prior to the trek you'll be taking)
• sleeping bags and insert sheets (option)
• sleeping pads
• water containers/bags
• utensils (i.e., plate, cup and/or mug with lid; eating utensils, knife, can opener, spatula or similar, corkscrew)
• tp/wipes
• metal trowel for digging "cat holes" when no toilets are available
• Zip Lock bags with powered bleach (for to refuse when toilets are not available)
• flashlight (with spare batteries and bulb)
• Swiss Army knife (or similar)
• small space blanket
• toiletries/hygiene (i.e., soap, shampoo, tooth care, etc.)
• sun glasses and spare glasses/contacts, if worn
• compass (optional)
• matches and spares (waterproof and in waterproof container)
• backpack stove
• backpack kit (spare parts, if necessary), fuel/filter, + extra fuel
• water purifier kit and/or water tablets (the latter for emergencies only; otherwise, put your trust in a water purifier that filters down to the protozoa level)
• water containers (for number of days and type of terrain)

B) How to pack and balance a backpack

• putting things in right place and order for optimum balance/comfort
• placing same kind of gear in one reliable place (i.e., toiletries with toiletries)
• easy access to necessary items (i.e., rainwear, water bottles, flashlight, etc.)

C) Food/Water Supplies

• water for number of days/terrain and number in party
• use Zip Lock bags and seal-tight plastic bottles for all loose items (i.e., sugar, salt, spices, coffee, tea, honey (or other liquids), gorp, etc.)
• energy drinks (like ERG or similar), box juices (or similar)
• powered milk or can milk (if desired)
• plan for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and evening meal
• generic items: gorp, fruit/granola bars, oat meal or similar, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, small cans of tuna or similar, cheese (in tubes if possible), summer sausage or similar, jerky, bagels, cookies, crackers or similar munches, fruit and/or dehydrated fruit, vogues
• specific foods (for lunch or main meal): non-MSG food packets, or make similar meals at home and place in zip locks (i.e., chili, stew, lasagna or similar, Chinese style)
• optional gourmet-style food/meals (i.e., special types of desserts like cobbler, muffins, exotic foods)

D) Clothing (i.e., the longer the trip, the fewer articles if frequent layovers and cooperative weather to dry washed clothes)

• long pants
• belt (optional)
• shorts and/or swimming trunks
• towel (a tee shirt can suffice)
• underwear
• hiking socks (i.e., Thrill, Fox River, etc.)
• sock liners (polypropylene or silk)
• polypropylene underwear (tops and bottoms for cool or colder treks)
• handkerchief/bandanna
• shirts (long sleeve)
• wool shirt (cooler or cold weather only)
• tee shirts
• poncho/windbreaker
• light or heavy vest (can also serve as pillow)
• hiking boots (high top)
• sneakers (optional)
• Divas or sandals (optional)
• hat, gloves, scarf
• rain gear (with hood and separate pants, if possible)
• winter vs. summer gear (for type of terrain and season)

Note: use polypropylene socks, shirts, long Johns and gortex-style clothing for light weight, but warm/cool clothing. Also, apply the concept of "layering" especially in weather conditions that start off cool and end up turning warmer the more exercise you do.

E) Optional gear

• day pack (worn or back or around waist)
• tarp or heavier space blanket
• Weatherman (or similar) tool
• candles (in plastic containers)
• binoculars
• camera, film and spare camera batteries (keep in waterproof pouch)
• small tripod
• goggles (for snow, sand, dirt in heavy wind)
• walking stick or adjustable ski pole(s)
• climbing rope and appropriate climbing gear, if necessary
• playing cards, backpack-size chess/checker set, etc.
• fishing gear
• small ax (for cutting wood)
• head lamp (i.e., Petal) for hands free camping

F) Luxurious options

• Crazy Creek (or similar) backpacking chair
• shower water bag
• water bucket (flexible, folding kind)
• cellular phone (VERY UNRELIABLE in backcountry, especially in the canyon country)
• hand-held GPS
• signal flares

G) First Aid and Survival (i.e., altitude sickness, hypothermia, dysentery, heat prostration, snake and insect bites, desert psychology, etc.)

• first aid kit/booklet with general medicines and bandages/moleskin
• special medicines/prescriptions/herbs
• spare moleskin (but use duct tape before blisters are seen)
• periodic checking for "hot spots"
• mirror
• whistle
• small space blanket
• spare tools to fix equipment, especially duct tape/bailing wire; plus small jewelers screwdriver for tightening screws on glasses, etc.
• emergency phone number contacts
• bungy cords

Note: to avoid unnecessary illnesses, always clean hands before eating and after using latrine. Keep sleeping bags rolled until ready to use. Hang backpacks off ground whenever possible. Check shoes and socks before wearing. Keep your hands out of other people's food stores and vice versa. Do not drink from someone's water bottle or cup. ETC.

H) Maps and compass reading; also GPS if using this luxury

I) How to plan for number of days/nights and mileage

J) Physical shape requirements for the kind of terrain to be explored

K) Obtaining books/literature, maps, etc., on planned areas of exploration

L) Shock discoveries (i.e., getting lost, attack by wild critters, broken equipment, broken bones or other ailments)

M) Miscellaneous (i.e., using a trowel and burying feces; packing out all trash, including in to zip lock bags or similar; carrying extra large trash bags that can be used for emergency rain protection; small nylon rope for hanging packs, or for lowering down ledges; bunny cords)

We hope you have found some (or all) of this information useful and helpful. We do not want to alarm you about backpacking so much as tune you into what are the essentials to keep in mind when enjoying the outdoors given such backpacking means to do so. Remember that each person's skill and level of expertise is not a reliable yardstick factor. Simply put, each person handles the experience differently according to many variables, the most important probably being the physical fitness of the backpacker.
Therefore:

KNOW YOUR LIMITS! BE SAFE AND HEALTHY. AND LEAVE NO TRACE.

That way your backpacking experience will be the best possible trek and you won't spoil it for any others who want to share the outdoors with you.

One final reminder: cell phones generally do not work in the backcountry anywhere, so don't rely on them. Rely, instead, on your knowledge, your experience, and your instincts. And when you do hit the trail, pray to the angels your karma, grace, or luck follows you wherever you go. It helps.

P.S.: If you're planning on bringing your own equipment, then you know what you already have to rely on. But if you're coming to the Southwest for a backpacking experience and want to rent something decent when you get here, the following cities have very reliable outfitters who can supply, either to rent, or to sell, you with everything you need:

• ALBUQUERQUE
• DENVER
• FLAGSTAFF (Arizona)
• LAS VEGAS
• PHOENIX
• ATLT LAKE CITY

We even know of some great places in these cities (as well as other locations) if you want an endorsement. Please ask. Also, REI (www.rei.com) is one of the best outdoor and recreational supply companies we know. They're on line and have everything you'll ever need. Other companies can also be found by going to your favorite search engines.

Note: it is illegal to travel on airplanes or trains with combustible fuel containers. If you plan on flying to the Southwest and starting your backpacking excursion from here, then you will have to make other arrangements for fuel and stoves that require fuel canisters.

The ECOSOUTHWEST.COM staff