Beginner Guide - Level 3
(Knowledge is Power)
Congrats on reaching Level 3, fellow hiking enthusiast! At this point you've squared away your gear and put in some weekends to fine-tune it. What's next? Well, it's time to dive into your future trail destination - not yet with hiking poles or a pack, but information. Welcome to "Knowledge is Power."
Note: Clicking the product names or pictures on this blog will take you to Amazon product pages. Sponge receives a commission from purchases originating from these clicks.
Double Note: Sponge will NEVER link a product he does not stand behind. Also, Sponge has NEVER received free products or special treatment from companies.
Time to Train with the 'Brain'
E very named trail out there has a wealth of information to discover. Some of it, hikers and backpackers will learn the hard way - through the trail itself. Yet there is a LOT of useful information that can be gathered well in advance. Think of this as "Know Before You Go." Sponge suggests you start with website and social pages connected to the trail you plan to hike. Keep in mind that most big trails have non-profit organizations behind them that maintain the actual trail using volunteers and donations. Many of these also have strong web sites with hiker resources (like updated trail conditions, maps, shuttle driver directories or parking information). So Sponge always starts his research with those groups. He then moves onto state and national park sites and social feeds. Depending on trail size and section - your entire journey may be in just one. Visiting that park's site can let you know current restrictions (like if there is a fire ban) and if there are any permits required. Finally, seek out actual hiker/backpacker reviews of individual trails or trail sections. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this - apps like Far Out will have updated comments from hikers about trail conditions. Likewise the AllTrails app will have reviews of trails - be sure to sort these to give more weight to the most recent reviews.
Do some work prior to your trip and you'll "sweat" less on it...maybe.
What Do You Know?
S o, once armed with trail-specific information, it's time to take your learning to a more individual level. Sponge suggests this question as a starting point: What do I not currently know how to do (at all) or know how to do very well? Be 100% honest with yourself: because the trail sure as heck be up-front will be once you're out there. Never hung a bear bag? Look up how it's done (and maybe view a few YouTube videos). Not sure what knot is best to tie to secure your bear bag? Run a search and try it out. Shaky on how to start a fire? Or safely make sure one is extinguished? When in doubt, take the time to find out. Keep in mind that you'll have spotty cell phone service on long stretches of the trail - so the best time to learn these lessons is BEFORE setting out. The limit to what you can learn is limitLESS, but try to focus on the main things you'll need day-to-day to be successful. Just FYI, Sponge will teach SAFETY considerations in his Level 4 Beginner Guide, so it may be wise to check that page out if running research on those potential topics.
OK, man, go PLAN!
F irst off, Sponge covered this subject quite a bit in his Blog #2 (Planning & Logistics) If you click that, it will open in a new tab as a handy reference. The big thing to know here is that having a plan (or schedule) for your trail adventure is a wise move. Just be sure, as Sponge's blog explains, to be flexible. Making a day-by-day schedule with destinations is fine, but you also need wiggle room. A whole host of issues can change what you've plotted out. You have full control over a piece of paper, but zero control over the weather, trail re-routes, unexpected injuries or animal interference. For proof positive, read how his own plans changed while on the Appalachian Trail. On day 2.
That being said, having a plan is better than not planning at all. And a good plan involves research. Once you've set a schedule for your hike - preferably with daily mileage and camping spots, join a user group on Facebook or Reddit for enthusiasts of your trail. Paste your "schedule" and politely ask for feedback. Then take notes. You'll quickly learn what's unrealistic, what areas should be avoided and what experiences you may be missing out on.
Along with a day-by-day schedule, there will be other planning logistics to figure out in advance. Hotel room reservations for zero mile days. Shuttles to get you to starting spots or bring you back to civilization. Addresses (and business hours) for post offices or businesses that accept care boxes. The location of grocery stories for re-stocking food, or outfitters for cooking fuel. Like a schedule, it's best to be flexible with these too. Ensure hotel and shuttle reservations can be changed or modified without penalty. Know how long a post office or business will hold your care package - just in case you run late. Have back-ups ready for grocery stores and outfitters if you run low BEFORE making it where you intended...or have ones picked out for farther ahead if your supplies are a-ok.
As mentioned in the previous section, safety is one thing EVERY hiker should plan for. Move onto Level 4 to find out why...
A simple hostel bed Sponge slept on during his AT adventure. He never planned to stay there, but heavy rains forced his hand. Be flexible!