Lighter pack a great reason to day hike

Consider traveling light by opting to instead day hike.

Many day hikers – especially former backpackers – tend to believe they should pack more the farther away the trail is from civilization and the longer the distance they plan to traverse. There is some logic to this, primarily safety considerations if one gets lost on a trail.

Among the reasons to day hike, however, is to avoid a heavy backpack. If you’ve properly prepared for a hike by examining a trail map before setting out and then checking your location against that map and a compass as walking, the odds are low against getting lost on a day hike.

Indeed, day hiking with its lighter pack offer many benefits over backcountry hikes with the heavier load:
• Increased comfort – A day hike means there’s no need for camping and cooking gear and lower amounts of potentially heavy items, such as food and water. The lighter the backpack, the less digging into the shoulders. Less exertion is needed with every step.
• Better for the body – A lighter pack results in less wear and tear on joints and muscles and helps prevent aggravation of old injuries.
• Cover more ground – Lighter packs allow you to go farther per hour and across more difficult terrain with greater ease than if you were lugging about a heavy backpack with overnight gear.
• Helps the environment – The lighter your backpack, the less weight each footfall will have on the trail, preventing damage the boot might do to sensitive ground. This is particularly true when in the desert, when on muddy ground, and when crossing scree.

The upshot: If looking to loosen your load, consider going on a day hike.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Top 10 tips to ensure a successful day hike

Day hiking usually isn’t as simple as throwing on one’s tennis shoes and hitting the trail. While that may be fine at a small city park, doing so in a state or national park or a wilderness area invites disaster.

Though day hiking – defined as a walk you can complete within a day and often in only a few hours – hardly requires as much gear or planning as a backpacking, you still need to bring some equipment and to think ahead.

Following these 10 simple guidelines should ensure your day hike is problem-free:
• Know where you’re going – Look at a map of the trail before going out on it. Bring a paper map and compass with you on the trail and check both frequently as you walk.
• Get the right footwear – If your feet hurt, the hike is over. Good-fitting hiking boots almost always are a must on wilderness trails while cross-trainers probably are fine for paved surfaces; sandals almost always are a no-no.
• Bring water – You’ll need about two pints of water per person for every hour of hiking and even more if in hot or dry climates. Leave soda and sugary fruit drinks at home; they are no replacement for water.
• Layer your clothing – Doing so allows you to remove and put back on clothing as needed to suit the weather. Make sure the layer next to the body wicks moisture away from the skin while the outer layer protects against wind and rain.
• Carry a first-aid kit – A small kit that allows you to bandage cuts and that contains some emergency equipment such as matches and a whistle will suffice for short hikes.
• Don’t overpack – A lighter backpack always is better than one full of stuff you don’t need. At the same time, don’t skimp on the essentials so that you can safely complete the hike.
• Use a trekking pole – Unless the surface you’re on is absolutely level, you’ll find a walking stick helps reduce fatigue. This is especially true if you’re carrying a backpack.
• Follow the rules of the trail – Leave no trace by not littering (“Pack out what you pack in.”) and by staying on the trail. Don’t deface rocks or destroy signage.
• Don’t forget a snack – Trail mix as well as jerky can help you maintain energy on the trail. It’s also a good motivator for any children with you.
• Enjoy the journey – Reaching the destination is never as important as having a good time on the way there. If with children, play games, pause when something grabs their attention, and never turn the hike into a death march.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.