Longer Trips

[Lesley]

Well,
A few nice weekend trips have come and gone. Matt and I now face an entire week free of classes...the proverbial Spring Break! The question is not what to do, but where to do it and how. So far the only trips we've taken are about 3 days and in a fever of excitement we are planning a week long trip. Naturally mini debates are happening (7 days vs 10...sanity vs zealotry...the usual). My question is: how different is it to prepare for a long trip vs. a short one. Are there any tips or shortcuts that you can share with me? I love advice and stories...it's how I learn. Karma points to those who help me.

merlesray

[Rob]

     Much of your planning depends on what type of trip you are taking. If you are going to several different places for day hikes or one or two long extended trail hikes. Some of the things you may want to consider are: Number of days on the trail, this obviously affects the amount of food you need to pack. Check on water sources for the area. Insure that you carry a first aid kit adequite for the duration of the hike. Try to plan the trails you intend to visit in advance to make certain you have appropriate maps and trail guides. Try to be as informed as much as possible about weather conditions to insure you take proper clothing. You may also want to try to remember what equipment you used the most and the least so you can adjust for future trips. Most importantly go with an open mind and enjoy! Oh, don't forget to take larger quantities of coffee or as in your case, tea, please, no repeats of when Suz resorted to savoring the coffee grounds. LOL   Great adventures start with the imagination!  Happy Trails.  Rob

[Rob]

     BTW... Don't forget to check the RULES if any, concerning the park you are visiting. Some may require permits like the GSMNP for back country hiking. There are also pet restrictions in many parks. Also call ahead for closures, some parks close certain areas for the winter or off season. On packing: Remember to pack ample toiletries/personal hygiene items. And most definetly be prepared to pack out your trash. Tip: I remove all un-nessecery pakaging from all of my items before packing, especially food and even re-package it into small Zip locks to reduce weight, bulk and less trash to contend with (has anyone used that new zip lock vacuum pack thingy I've seen advertised on the telly?), I even remove the cardboard roll from the center of my toilet tissue, it squishes down better. I'm sure you are already aware of most of this. Just a friendly reminder. Happy trails!

[lawnmowwer]

 My time in the woods says. Rob is correct, but I find I don't carry that much more for a week than a weekend. Mainly just food and tp. Your water is the most important thing after you get in the woods. I usually carry more water on a weekend than a week. Because I can carry all I will need. On a longer trip I know I can't so I plan that way.

Also start test packing in advance. You may find you food gets lighter but over all more bulky. You may have to change some of the ways yo pack to make it all fit, or add an outside pocket for some items.
 
You will want a mesh bag to put thing like sock and clothes in to air out when you are not wearing them as you will probably only have two shirts, two pants, two pair of socks, and etc (you get the picture).

Another thing I learned is to take you dinner and put it in a bottle an hour or so before dinner so it can hydrate. This will save on fuel for the stove. Also check the low temps because iso mix stoves do not like temps below freezing. Cold breakfast is a really bad way to start hiking for the day (trust me on this one not my mistake but it was my punishment).

  I also like to get the higher mileage days out first so if something changes (small injury, rain storm, bad trail conditions) or I just really like a place. I have the option to stay put or finish at a more relaxed pace.  Never be afraid to modify your trip alittle to make it easier. On a long hike I sometimes plan in some optional short cuts just for a emergency or a whem. I mark the main route on a map in one color and the optionals in another. One  map is left at home with someone I am to contact so if needed I could be searched for more easily.

Remember you do this for fun not self torture, and no one dies doing what they love. They die trying to stay alive. So sometimes it is O.K. to chicken out and take the easier way. Just not allways.   

[Lostsheep]

I think Rob and Lawnmowwer pretty much covered it for you. They did a very good job in the descriptions of what changes. You'll definitely want to increase your provisions (food) and other necessary gear to make the trip. Your food will increase in bulk, so you may want to pack in advance to see how the pack will fit and ride. A remedy to the bulk is freeze dried foods or the use of http://www.freezerbagcooking.com/ . Everything on that site is designed to be cooked w/ approx. 2 cups boiling water. Seriously reduces waste, cleanup, bulk, and weight.

Check your maps, your registrations and permits, your food, necessary gear, clothing, weather, and then have fun. It's nothing more than a few more days out w/out a resupply, so you'll need to make the necessary changes. Either way have fun. Have lots of fun.

Always leave a plan with someone and give them locations, routes, landmarks, emergency phone numbers, etc. so that if something happens, finding you in the event of an emergency will be easier!