Introduction to Hiking + the Ten Essentials

With Sarah McCroy and Kristina Ciari

Presentation Objectives Leave you with confidence to: Find a hike at your skill level Meet hiking partners Be a safe and responsible recreationist Understand the Ten Essentials Choose appropriate gear

Choosing a Hike I’m new to the PNW – how do I find good hikes near me and people to hike with? I’m new to hiking – what makes some trails better than others? How can I tell which are best for me? I’m new to the Ten Essentials – what gear do I need to travel safely? How can I be a responsible user of the trail systems?

Choosing a Hike Consider the season and current conditions Understand the difficulty of a hike vs. your current fitness level and experience -Choose a hike that is within your ability and then try something more difficult Defer to the rules and regulations of the land managers and park rangers -Check to see if you need permits for hiking or parking, like the Discover Pass

Choosing a Hike Select a hike near where you live Hundreds of hikes within an hour from Seattle Several guidebooks and websites available Start with easy to moderate hikes before tackling longer, steeper trips Pick a trail that fits your skill level and is safe in the current conditions Prepare yourself to be comfortable with turning around Remember, hiking to the top of a mountain or volcano is only half way.

Choosing a Hike: Guidebooks

Choosing a Hike: Mountaineers Compilation of Day Hikes on Mountaineers Website

Choosing a Hike: Mountaineers

Choosing a Hike: WTA

Choosing a Hike: Trip Reports

Search Recent Trip Reports Choosing a Hike: WTA Trip Reports

Choosing a Hike: Road & Trail Conditions

Consider the weather forecast at the trail: wunderground.com Check NWAC for avalanche forecast and snow levels Choosing a Hike: Weather Conditions

Find Hiking Partners Meetups, Facebook groups, Friends: -Easy and flexible -Tradeoffs in safety, frustration -Consider what you know about the trail, the group and the leader before joining Mountaineers: -Trained volunteers -Strong emphasis on skills, safety, and reliability -More structure, lead time commitment

Find Hiking Partners: Group Travel Sign up for hikes you are capable of doing at the group’s planned pace Give the leader plenty of notice if you need to cancel Carpool when you can and plan to reimburse your driver Arrive on time and with all the necessary gear Be aware: -Keep an eye on each other -Don’t take off on your own

Find Hiking Partners: Online Groups

Find Hiking Partners: Mountaineers Activities Group outings led by Mountaineers volunteers: Variety of activities Wide range of destinations and levels of difficulty Several hikes offered in a week Nearly all free with membership – Non-members can do two activities as a guest More technical and hazardous activities may require prerequisite courses and experience to join

Find Hiking Partners: Mountaineers Courses Expand your skills and try new activities: Led by trained volunteers Single night seminars to season-long courses with lectures and field trips Reasonably priced with membership Skill-base courses: navigation, first aid, outdoor leadership Activity-base courses: snowshoeing, backpacking, alpine climbing, nordic or backcountry skiing Progression of pre-requisite courses and experience are usually required for higher hazard activities Hobby-courses: Photography, nature

Traveling Safely Tell a trusted friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to return Get the emergency contact information for your hiking partners and share that with your emergency contact Set a turn around time and stick to it Stay warm, dry, and hydrated Fuel up often Plan how you will handle an injury or emergency Don’t approach or feed wild animals Avoid avalanche terrain in the winter (30 degree open snow slopes)

Traveling Responsibly Help keep trails a safe space for everyone Stay on the existing trails -Remember uphill hikers have right of way -Do not walk around puddle to keep trail integrety Keep pets on leash and pack out dog waste Respect the peace and quiet -Do not use music players without headphones -Be aware of shouting or other distracting actions Pooping in the woods: it can be enjoyable! -200 feet from trail, camps, AND water sources (70 human steps) -Bury waste in hole 6-8 inches deep in inconspicuous area -Pack out ALL toilet paper -Bring blue bags / wag bags Carry out all of your trash (including food waste) -Bring an empty plastic bag to collect trash -Make that two so you can double back when necessary

Choosing a Hike Review Find a trail that is right for you -Know your limits -Use guidebooks, WTA, Mountaineers websites -Review trip reports -Check the road and trail conditions Find hiking partners -Meetups, Facebook groups, Mountaineers -Be a good group member Travel safely and responsibly What gear do I need to travel safely?!

The Ten Essentials 1.Navigation 2.Sun protection 3.Insulation 4.Illumination 5.First-aid supplies 6.Fire starter 7.Repair kit and tools 8.Nutrition 9.Hydration 10.Emergency shelter

Intro to the Ten Essentials 1.Navigation 2.Sun protection 3.Insulation 4.Illumination 5.First-aid supplies 6.Fire starter 7.Repair kit and tools 8.Nutrition 9.Hydration 10.Emergency shelter Why Carry the Ten Essentials? Prepares you for unexpected events, such as changes in weather conditions or getting lost Allows you to travel safely during the hike and back to trailhead or spend a night out in extreme emergencies

Navigation: Map and Compass Stay found on the trail: Bring a topographic map of your trail -Green Trails, CalTopo, Gaia -Learn what the lines and symbols mean -Do not rely on GPS and other battery power devices Review map pre-trip Regularly consult map Learn how to use watch, compass The Mountaineers offer Staying Found, a basic navigation class for hikers and backpackers 29

Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun screen Insulation / What to Wear: Base layer: Synthetics & Wool; NO COTTON! -Wicks moisture from body, dries quickly, and insulates even if wet Insulation: Fleece, down/synthetic puffy -Warmest layer for periods of inactivity -Shed before you get sweaty Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof pants and jacket/poncho made of "breathable" material (eVent, Gore-Tex). -Always bring a rain jacket -Pit and leg zips allow heat and moisture out Illumination: Always bring a headlamp or flashlight Check batteries before you go or bring extras Sun Protection, Insulation & Illumination

First-Aid, Fire, & Repair Kit First Aid Kit: Important to carry supplies to handle trail injuries and medical needs Don't forget allergy medicines or EpiPens Fire Starter: Matches or a small bic lighter carried in a water proof bag Repair Kit or Tools: Tools needed to repair gear, such as duct tape or swiss army knife

Nutrition, Hydration, & Emergency Shelter Nutrition Bring plenty of snacks (trail mix, bars) Eat regularly to fuel body Hydration Carry at least a liter of water, even for short hikes Plan to drink 2-3 liters over a 6-8 hour hike Consider carrying a water filter for longer hikes Emergency Shelter Carry an ultralight tarp or bivy sack in case you are forced to camp

Eleventh Essentials Gear I like to bring in addition to the ten essentials: Bug Spray Trowel / Shovel Trekking Poles Communication Device Whistle Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Microspikes (Winter) Camera

Capacity: liter for summer liter in winter Pack considerations: Access to water Pockets for snacks, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses, camelback Comfort: -Shoulder straps, waist belt, adjustments Torso fit Pack Recommendations

Shoe Recommendations: Trail running shoes with good traction Sandals such as Keens or Chacos with thick sole Boots with stiff, thick sole -Break in shoes before heading out hiking to avoid blisters Mid-weight wool hiking socks wick away moisture and keep your feet dry, blister-free Shoes and Socks PNW trails can be very rocky, muddy, and wet.

Gear swaps, used gear stores/sites -Mountaineers Gear Grab -Facebook marketplaces: Mountaineers Market Place, Washington Hikers and Climbers, Turns All Year and Cascade Climbers Gear Garages Local outdoor shops like Second Ascent, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, & ProSki Mountaineers members get deals at certain stores and gear websites Online bargain gear sites Costco off-brands REI garage sales Where to Buy Gear

Now go hiking! QUESTIONS? chasingmydaydream.wordpress.com kristinatravels.blogspot.com