1. Introduction to Backpacking Jan Hackett Hackett.jan@gmail.com

4. Understanding Heat Loss Conduction – Transfer of heat by direct contact Convection – Heat loss caused by the movement of a fluid or gas Radiation – Loss of heat due to infrared emissions Evaporation – Heat loss when a liquid changes phase

5. Basic Definitions Layering – The practice of wearing multiple pieces of clothing for heat regulation Wicking – A fabrics ability to “pull” moisture away from your skin Breathable – A fabrics ability to allow moisture to “pass” through it away from the body

6. Rule to Staying Warm Maintaining a comfortable body temperature during a variety of activity levels while outside comes down to one fundamental idea or principal. This principal combines the use of different fabrics worn in layers that can be added or removed depending on the activity.

7. Layering Most important factor for cold/wet weather activities Never wear one layer when two or more will do the job Allows constant adjustment of body temperature Select items that are multi-functional Use “hi-tech” materials Wool & silk are acceptable DO NOT USE COTTON!

8. Components of Layering Inner Layer Middle Layer Outer or Insulating Layer Shell Layer

9. Sleeping Bags Considerations –Comfort rating –Insulation Down Synthetic Weight Size when compacted Shape Personal sleep tendencies

10. Sleeping Bag Construction Box WallSewn Through

11. Sleeping Bag Construction Double chamberTrapezoid

12. Sleeping Bag Construction Double Box

13. Insulation from the Ground Air mattress –Easily punctured –Poor insulator Foam pads –Open cell –Closed cell –Self Inflating

14. Insulation from the Ground Air mattress –Easily punctured –Poor insulator Foam pads –Open cell –Closed cell –Self Inflating

15. Insulation from the Elements Tents –3 Season –4 Season –Convertible Set up properly –Create “air space” Creates an additional 10 degrees of warmth Keeps moisture from “wicking” into tent

17. Tricks of the Trade Wear a hat Use a sleeping bag liner Do not breath inside your sleeping bag Avoid touching liquids Monitor your hands & feet Place a “hot” water bottle at your feet Turn water bottles upside down

18. Tricks of the Trade Warm clothing prior to putting it on Vent your tent to avoid condensation Change –Clothes before going to bed Eat –Before going to bed Hydrate –Before going to bed

20. Back Packs Back Packs 2,500 to 3,000 cubic inches –High volume day back ultra light overnight 3,000 to 4,500 cubic inches –Ideal for 3 season weekend trips 4,500 to 6,000 cubic inches –Preferred long weekends & weeklong trips 6,000 plus cubic inches –Expedition or winter weather

21. Sizing Your Backpack Determined by your torso not height Small –Less then 18” Medium –18” to 20” Large –Greater then 20”

22. Back Packs External Frame On trail use –Weight further from body Better ventilation –Space between frame & back Numerous compartments –Organization of “stuff” Items end up outside Internal Frame On & off trail use –Weight close to body Poor ventilation –Limited space between pack & back Limited compartments –Less organization of “stuff” Items on the inside

23. Back Pack Weight Distribution Back Pack Weight Distribution

24. The Bowl Nearby City: Salt Flat Length: 13 total miles Elevation Gain: 2,546 feet Trail Type: Loop Skill Level: Difficult Duration: 8 hours Trailhead Elevation: 5,900 feet Top Elevation: 8,400 feet Local Contacts: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Topo Map: Van Horn Quad Guide Book: Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks

25. Bush Mountain Nearby City: Salt Flat Length: 17.8 total miles Elevation Gain: 2,809 feet Trail Type: Loop Skill Level: Difficult Duration: At least two full days Trailhead Elevation: 5,900 feet Top Elevation: 8,500 feet Local Contacts: Guadalupe Mountains National Park USGS Topo: Van Horn Quad Guide Book: Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks

26. Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon Nearby City: Salt Flat Length:18.9 total miles Elevation Gain:1,978 feet Trail Type: Point-to-point Skill Level: Moderate, but long Duration: Best suited for a 3 day trip, could be done in 2 Trailhead Elevation: 5,800 feet Top Elevation: 7,650 feet Local Contacts: Guadalupe Mountains National Park USGS Topo: Van Horn Quad Guide Book: Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National

27. Four C Trail Nearby City: Longview Length: 40 total miles Elevation Gain: 190 feet Trail Type: Out-and-back Season: Fall through Spring. Top Elevation: 390 feet Local Contacts: Davy Crockett National Forest USGS Topo: Palestine Guide Book: Hiking Texas Guide Book

28. Lone Star Trail Nearby City: Houston Length:128 total miles Elevation Gain: Minimal Trail Type: Point-to-point Skill Level: Moderate Duration: 2 weeks Season: Best in Spring Trailhead Elevation:170 feet Top Elevation:450 feet Local Contacts: Sam Houston National Forest USGS Topo: Richards, Montgomery, Shepard Hill, Moore Grove, Huntsville, Phelps Guide Book: 100 Classic Hikes in Texas Guide Book

29. Turkey Creek Nearby City: Beaumont Length: 18.4 total miles Elevation Gain:65 feet Trail Type: Loop Season: Fall through Spring. Top Elevation:140 feet Local Contacts: Big Thicket National Preserve USGS Topo: Beaumont Guide Book: Hiking Texas Guide Book

30. Q&A Lone Star Trail 07

31. Inner Layer Worn next to skin –Transport moisture away from skin Choice of fabrics –Wool –Synthetics –Silk Choice of weights –Light –Medium –Heavy

32. Shell Layer Primary protection –Rain –Wind –Snow Minimize convective heat loss Fabric choices –Water proof & non- breathable –Water resistant & breathable –Water proof & breathable

33. Middle Layer Absorbs moisture from inner layer –Provides some insulation Choice of fabrics –Wool –Fleece Layer consists of –Pants/Shirts –Turtlenecks –Vests/Sweaters –Jackets

34. Outer or Insulating Layer Provides lots of insulation Choice of fabrics –Wool –Fleece –Synthetic or down “filled” jackets Worn mostly during low levels of activity

35. Shell Layer Waterproof & non-breathable –Positives Least expensive Completely waterproof –Negatives Traps moisture on the inside –Uses Moderate temperatures & conditions

36. Shell Layer Water resistant & breathable –Positives Repels wind & light rain Moderate cost Allows moisture to move –Negatives Not waterproof enough for extended periods of rain –Uses Short trips in good weather and warm conditions

37. Shell Layer Waterproof & breathable –Positives Performs in a wide range of conditions –Negatives Most expensive Will trap some moisture during strenuous activity –Uses Widest range of uses

38. Shell Layer Other features –F–Fit –A–Access –A–Adjustable openings –V–Vents –P–Pockets –H–Hoods –S–Storm flaps –S–Sealed seams