Pre Trip Gear Preparation
What To Do When Planning For What To Take
When it comes to a serious backpacking trip or even a small multi-day trek, you will want to test your gear. Going out with a new setup that is completed untested is poor choice for multiple reasons. There are several ways you can test your gear in small but revealing break in runs that you can learn from. The idea here is to make sure that the entire setup works prior to going out and discovering that something doesn’t. Having a piece of gear fail in your backyard is a much better scenario than 15 miles from the trailhead with no cell signal.
Your Pack
Let’s say you have a brand new pack that has never been used at all and you are excited to use it on your next trip. To know how it will handle your load and gear is something you want to do before relying on it. Break in periods will show you a lot about how durable it is and whether your gear is a good match for the pack design and/or it’s materials.
Taking multiple hikes with your load out will show you several things. Strap settings, weight distribution, clothing choices, etc. all are things that will be impacted by your pack. If it is a brand new pack it will need to be broken in and tested for durability. You will also be able to see if you have enough capacity in the pack for your intended future trips. Take note if the pack is not comfortable over a few hours times to determine how to change it for the long haul.
Footwear
Footwear is a big part of your gear. It is the connection most of us have with the ground on the trail. You are not constantly using other parts of the body in the same way you are with your feet. Whether you decide to wear boots, trial shoes or trail sandals you need to make an informed decision. This choice needs to be based on where you will go, what type of hiking you will be doing and for how long.
Choosing a pair of lightweight trail sandals may seem like a great idea, but not when the temperature is going to be low. Similarly, heavyweight steel toe boots are not a great fit for peak temperature summer months on the Western Slope of Colorado. There is a time and place for everything including footwear. You need to weigh your needs with your footwear capabilities and pick a good medium that covers what you need them to.
If you decide on a pair of boots there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Do not go out on a long trip the first time you wear new boots. They will need to be broke in first. Your feet will need to form wear inside to become comfortable with the boots. Also, you don’t want to wear certain types of socks with all boots. A good pair of wool socks is a godsend on a long trek, multiple other pairs for each day is also key. A good boot-sock combination will eliminate most of the risk of blistering and hot spot development. Always be prepared for blisters and carry band aids or moleskin just in case.
Clothing
Choosing the correct clothing is another vital aspect of personal comfort and capability. Taking stock of what your activity will demand and knowing what conditions you are likely to face should not be overlooked. This will help you to make an informed decision on what you will need to wear. When you go out and test your pack and footwear, don’t forget to wear the clothing you would on the trail as well. This will also be a test run for it as well.
Wearing weather appropriate clothing is important. Don’t bring that heavy weight wool sweater when it is 90 degrees F outside. You will only be weighed down and more uncomfortable if you don’t need that extra warmth. If you plan to wear shorts, wearing a longer sock may be a good idea to protect your lower legs from branches, other plants or insects. Check to see if your clothing is riding up, chafing or otherwise uncomfortable on the short hike to predict long distance performance.
Gear Testing
While you are testing the fit of your clothing, pack and footwear also take advantage of the opportunity to test your other gear. Knowing how to work your stove, water filter, GPS, compass, map, tent, hammock, sleeping bag, etc. is second to making sure you have everything you need. What good is a stove if you can’t make it work to use it? Why carry around anything you don’t know how or cannot use? There is no practical reason.
Packing Everything
After you have decided what you will need to bring, the next step is how to pack it all. Knowing how much space you have at your packing disposal and how much space your gear occupies is important. Weight distribution comes into play as well. Keeping the heavier gear low and close to the back provides more comfort. However, you want to be able to access your gear without a complete unpacking of everything if you can avoid it. Put items you won’t use much in the lower parts of the bag. Do not forget food and water when packing your gear. This seems like a crazy (and it is) thing to do but it has been done before on trial runs.
Your Gear As A System
When testing and planning your load, you should view it as a system of components which come together as a whole. Each component comes into play with other components. A change you may make in your clothing component may also influence how your pack feels or fits. Proper break in of your equipment will minimize discomfort and possibly injury. Knowing how to operate your gear is a non-negotiable must. Finally, being able to pack everything well will keep your physical pain to a minimum and thus allow you to enjoy your surroundings much more.
