7 Steps to Planning your Hike
These seven steps can make your next hike or backpack trip a lot more enjoyable.
Make the Decision
Before you leave, decide what your goals are and what kind of trip you want to take. Will you go simple or will you go big? If you want to keep it simple, take a day hike, a short loop, or maybe a one nighter. Want to go big, try a large loop that spans a few nights or go all in and do a thru hike on the Appalachian trail. The planning will be similar no matter what you choose.
Where to Go
Deciding where to go can be daunting. Take a look at how much time you have for the trip. Include your travel time to and from the location and how much time you want to spend on the trail. Based on this, you will be able to choose a location. The easiest way is to search websites that have trail locations and lengths available. Books and magazines are always a good resource too. One last thing to consider is the time of year, don't forget the higher elevations may still have snow through July.
Find the Right Trail
Now that you have your location, you’ll need to find a trail. Consider your physical condition and what you will actually be able to handle. Look at websites that have trip reports available, check online or physical maps and look for elevation profiles. A lot of changes in elevation mean for a lot of up and down, while finding a ridge line would mean a less strenuous hike. You'll also want to consider seasonal obstacles, such as water crossings, animals, and hunting seasons (for public access lands). On longer hikes, identify campsites, places to resupply (if needed), and always look for bailout points. Emergencies can happen at anytime, and bailout points are essential to know. Make sure to add these locations to your GPS and Map as waypoints.
Permits Required?
In many locations backcountry permits are required and you are required to leave a list of the trails and campsites you will be on. Some of these permits require a fee as do some of the campsites along certain trails. This is a good thing to know before you get there and you do not have the cash to pay for it. Then again some of these permits do not require a fee and are for your safety and to track trail use.
How to get There and Back
Depending on the type of trail you are going to use you may need a shuttle. If you are going to do a loop trail or an in and out trail, you won't need to worry about transportation. However, if you are doing a multiple day trip one way or a thru hike, you are going to need some way of getting back to your car. Here are a couple of ways to do this. Ask a friend to drop you off at the trailhead and arrange a time and date for them to pick you up at the end of the trail. You can always go commercial and hire a shuttle to either drop you off and pick you up or to just pick you up at the end and shuttle you back to your car at the trailhead. If you have two cars available, you can also take a car to the trailhead at the end of the trip and drive back to the starting trailhead.
Gear
It goes without saying that you are going to need a backpack, sleeping bag, tent, and a good pair or shoes or boots. Beyond this here is a list of essentials that you should have in your pack: Map, compass, GPS, headlamp/flashlight, first aid kit, insect repellant, waterproof matches, emergency fire
starter, emergency blanket, blister care, small shovel, toilet paper, biodegradable soap, water purification filter, water bottles, stove, cookware, dishes, utensils, and duct tape. Make sure that you have a full set of clothes depending on the season you are hiking. Remember as you climb in altitude the temperature can drop especially at night.
What's on the Menu?
Plan your meals out early and make a list of what you are going to need to bring. If you are planning on eating perishable items, get them just before you hit the trail and eat them early. There’s nothing worse than having food poisoning in the backcountry. Non perishable foods are best to take. They are usually dehydrated and only require water and to be heated up. There are a lot of companies that offer these meals. Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry are a couple of them.
When you are planning your trip, make lists and check them off. Talk to people, either in person or on a web forum, who have been where you are going. Know what to expect with the weather, and animals. If you plan the trip right, the execution will go a lot smoother and be that much more enjoyable. Hike On!!
