Backpacking 101

Backpackers joke about how much money one can spend on the hobby, and this can be a real barrier to participation. But it doesn't have to be this way. We don't have to use the most high-end gear to have fun. And where possible, we can share supplies. The most important thing is for each person to have enough food, water treatment options, and layers for warmth.

An efficiently-packed backpack shouldn't sway or shift while you walk. Here are some tips for getting everything in order. A general rule is to keep your pack right around 20 percent of your body weight to make for easier hiking.

There is information about food items below, but it's worth mentioning here that food can quickly add weight to your bag. Boxed versions of your favorite foods can cut down on weight (think mac & cheese or ramen). Small condiment packets are a good idea, as are vacuum-sealed foil pouches of protein like tuna or chicken.

We will hike about 3 to 5 miles per day. Plan for a pace of about 1 mile per hour (including breaks along the way).

At Mammoth Cave in April, we can expect daytime temperatures in the 60's and nighttime temperatures in the 40's. At this time of year, the bugs aren't out yet. Leaves haven't popped either, so we will be able to see all the beautiful ridge lines and the river below.

Sitting around at camp, it can get a little chilly. I recommend lots of layers (see tips below) to stay warm.

We will hike rain or shine (we'll adjust if the weather turns severe), so bring rain gear to keep your clothes dry in case of inclement weather. I will have a tarp to string up for extra shelter in case of rain.

We'll be drinking water from streams along the way, so you'll need water treatment tablets or a filtration system. Whichever method you use, bring at least two vessels for water. This way, you can always have some clean (already-filtered) water on-hand and some dirty (ready-to-be-filtered) water too.

FOOD:

Bring what you like to eat (don't try to convert your taste buds for two days!). Bring a little more than you might eat at home (the woods can wear you out!). You will need to pack:

• 3 lunches

• 2 dinners

• 2 breakfasts

• Snacks

• Duplicate one meal of your choosing (bringing extra is a safety thing)

Sample Menu:

BreakfastS:

• Instant oatmeal

• Instant coffee or tea

• Granola bars

LunchES & Snacks:

• Sliced cheese (any hard variety will last for two days in your pack)

• Sliced salami

• Tortilla with tuna packet and mayo or mustard packet

• Tortilla with peanut butter and jelly packets

• Trail mix

• Jerky

• Fresh fruit (if you don't mind extra weight) like an apple or orange

• Chips

Dinners:

• Ramen noodles

• Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals (but these can get pricey)

• Boxed mac & cheese with tuna or salmon packets

Desserts:

• Tortilla with Nutella

• Chocolate bar

Cooking Supplies:

Everyone should have:

• Vessels for water (see the "water" section above)

• Eating utensils

• A bowl or cup large enough to fit boiled water + your meal

As a group we'll need:

enough fuel and cookware to boil water for meals. This is something we can split among group members and discuss when attendees are finalized.

SHOES:

You'll need shoes that have good treads and are comfortable to hike a few miles in. Some people prefer boots that go over the ankles. My personal preference is a pair of trail running shoes.

CLOTHES:

My best advice for clothing at this time of year:

1. Bring layers

2. Reuse clothes to reduce how much you carry!

Need examples? Here's what I bring:

For daytime hiking:

I like to bring one set of clothes: a pair of pants, a t-shirt, and a mid-weight sweatshirt, jacket, or pull-over.

For sleeping:

I bring one set of pajamas. Pants (like leggings and long underwear) and a long-sleeve are great for the temps we'll have.

"Luxury Items:"

I treat myself to a fresh pair of underwear and socks for each day!

Must-haves for protecting against the elements:

• Rain gear (a rain jacket and pants OR poncho)

• A hat and gloves

So to sum up, for a two-day trip I will bring:

• 1 pair hiking pants

• 2 t-shirts

• 1 sweatshirt or mid-weight jacket (like a fleece)

• 1 pair leggings or long underwear

• 1 long-sleeve shirt

• Rain coat and pants

• Hat and gloves

• 3 pairs underwear

• 3 pairs socks

We'll stay on the trail, leave what we find, and camp in established campsites only. We'll pack our all of our trash (yep, even our toilet paper). Be sure to bring a gallon-size plastic bag to carry your trash!